JP4191102B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

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JP4191102B2
JP4191102B2 JP2004185310A JP2004185310A JP4191102B2 JP 4191102 B2 JP4191102 B2 JP 4191102B2 JP 2004185310 A JP2004185310 A JP 2004185310A JP 2004185310 A JP2004185310 A JP 2004185310A JP 4191102 B2 JP4191102 B2 JP 4191102B2
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storage area
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game balls
game ball
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JP2006006475A (en
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雅裕 水野
康博 上高
巧 竹森
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マルホン工業株式会社
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Description

本発明は、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンに関する。   The present invention relates to a slot machine using game balls for pachinko machines as game media.

パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンが提案されている。かかるスロットマシンでは、通常、遊技媒体として使用されるメダルの替わりに、遊技球を遊技機に投入することにより回転ドラムが回転可能となり、回転ドラムの停止時に所定の当り態様となると、所定個数の遊技球が遊技者に払い出される。こうしたスロットマシンは、パチンコ機に用いる遊技球を使用して遊技できるため、パチンコ機と併存させて遊技場に備え付けることにより、遊技者は一種類の遊技媒体でパチンコ機とスロットマシンの両方を楽しむことが可能であり、遊技者の利便性を向上させることができる。   Slot machines that use game balls for pachinko machines as game media have been proposed. In such a slot machine, instead of a medal used as a game medium, a rotating drum can be rotated by inserting a game ball into the gaming machine. A game ball is paid out to a player. Since these slot machines can be played using the game balls used for pachinko machines, by installing them together with the pachinko machines in the game hall, players can enjoy both pachinko machines and slot machines with one type of game medium. It is possible to improve the convenience of the player.

また、このスロットマシンは、遊技場のパチンコ機用の遊技島に装着し、パチンコ機用の球供給排出機構を利用させるようにすれば、遊技場にとっても設備を簡略化でき、遊技媒体の管理費も抑制できる。このため、既に提案されている構成は、遊技場のパチンコ機用の遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技島から遊技球を好適に受け入れ、使用済みの遊技球を遊技島に排出し得るようになっている（例えば特許文献１、特許文献２）。また、これらのスロットマシンには、既存のパチンコ機同様に、遊技機本体の前面に上下の皿部材が設けられており、払出装置から上皿部材の上部貯留領域に遊技球を払い出すと共に、上部貯留領域が遊技球で満杯の場合には、下皿部材の下部貯留領域に遊技球を払い出して貯留するようにしている。ここで、パチンコ機は、上部貯留領域に遊技球を貯留しておき、貯留した遊技球を、遊技球の発射作動に伴い、発射装置へ順次供給するのに対し、上記スロットマシンは、遊技球を取り込む球取込装置を備え、回転ドラムを用いた遊技を開始する度に、上皿部材の上部貯留領域に貯留した遊技球を、遊技開始に必要な数だけ球取込装置に取り込むようにしている。   In addition, if this slot machine is mounted on a game island for a pachinko machine in the game hall and uses a ball supply / discharge mechanism for the pachinko machine, the facilities for the game hall can be simplified and the management of the game media can be made. Costs can be reduced. For this reason, the configuration already proposed is composed of an outer frame arranged upright on a game island for a pachinko machine in a game hall, and a gaming machine main body that covers the front opening of the outer frame. A game ball is suitably received from a game island for use, and a used game ball can be discharged to the game island (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Also, in these slot machines, like the existing pachinko machines, the upper and lower dish members are provided on the front surface of the gaming machine body, and the game balls are paid out from the dispensing device to the upper storage area of the upper dish member, When the upper storage area is full of game balls, the game balls are paid out and stored in the lower storage area of the lower plate member. Here, the pachinko machine stores the game balls in the upper storage area, and sequentially supplies the stored game balls to the launching device along with the launch operation of the game balls, whereas the slot machine Each time a game using a rotating drum is started, the number of game balls stored in the upper storage area of the upper plate member is acquired into the ball acquisition device. ing.

特公平７−４７０５６号公報Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-47056 特開２００１−２９９９９５号公報JP 2001-299995 A

ところが、かかる上皿部材と下皿部材の構成は、パチンコ機に適合するように種々の工夫がなされたものであるが、上記スロットマシンに流用すると不具合が生じる。すなわち、かかる構成では、下部貯留領域に貯留された遊技球を、上部貯留領域の遊技球が不足した時に、遊技者が手ずから上部貯留領域に移し替えて、遊技球を補充するようになっているが、パチンコ機では、遊技操作のほとんどがハンドルの回動操作により行われ、遊技操作が極めて簡単であるのに対し、スロットマシンは遊技操作が比較的複雑であり、かかる遊技球の補充作業と遊技操作を同時には行い難く、遊技球を上部貯留領域に補充する度に遊技を中断しなくてはならない。   However, the configuration of the upper plate member and the lower plate member has been devised in various ways so as to be suitable for a pachinko machine, but a problem arises when the slot machine is used. That is, in such a configuration, when the game balls stored in the lower storage area run short of the game balls in the upper storage area, the player transfers the game balls to the upper storage area by hand to replenish the game balls. However, in a pachinko machine, most of the game operations are performed by turning the handle and the game operation is extremely simple, whereas in the slot machine, the game operation is relatively complicated, It is difficult to perform game operations at the same time, and the game must be interrupted each time a game ball is replenished to the upper storage area.

本発明は、かかる現状に鑑みてなされたものであり、遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにあって、遊技球の補充作業を好適に省力化し得る構成の提供を目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can suitably save labor for a game ball replenishment operation in a slot machine using a game ball as a game medium.

本発明は、遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにおいて、遊技機本体の前面に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する上部貯留領域を有する上皿部材と、該上皿部材の下方に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域を有する下皿部材と、遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、下皿部材に形成されて、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置とを備えたことを特徴とするスロットマシンである。 The present invention relates to a slot machine that includes an outer frame arranged upright on a game island and a gaming machine main body that covers a front opening of the outer frame, and uses gaming balls for pachinko machines as gaming media. An upper plate member having an upper storage area for storing game balls provided on the front surface of the machine main body, a lower plate member having a lower storage area for storing game balls provided below the upper plate member, and a game ball A payout device for discharging the game balls in the upper storage area, a communication passage for causing the game balls in the upper storage area to flow down to the lower storage area, an intake port through which the game balls in the lower storage area flow out. A slot machine comprising a ball take-in device that communicates with the take-in port and takes in a required number of game balls from the lower storage area .

かかる構成にあっては、従来構成とは異なり、上皿部材ではなく、下皿部材に取込口を設け、該取込口から流出した下部貯留領域の遊技球を球取込装置より取り込むようにする。そしてこれと共に、払出装置により、上皿部材の上部貯留領域に遊技球を払い出し、さらに、連絡通路を介して、上部貯留領域の遊技球を、下部貯留領域に流下させるようにしている。すなわち、遊技球は、上部貯留領域と下部貯留領域に貯留されるが、遊技球を下部貯留領域から取り込むようにしているため、球取込装置に取り込まれて、下部貯留領域の遊技球が不足した場合に、下皿部材から上皿部材ではなく、上皿部材から下皿部材に遊技球を補充する。従って、本構成にあっては、遊技球を手で移し替えたり、動力を用いて遊技球を移し替えることなく、連絡通路を介して、上部貯留領域から下部貯留領域に遊技球を流下させるだけで、下部貯留領域に遊技球を補充できる。   In such a configuration, unlike the conventional configuration, an intake port is provided in the lower plate member, not the upper plate member, so that the game balls in the lower storage area flowing out from the intake port are taken in from the ball take-in device. To. At the same time, the payout device pays out the game balls to the upper storage area of the upper plate member, and further causes the game balls in the upper storage area to flow down to the lower storage area via the communication passage. That is, the game balls are stored in the upper storage area and the lower storage area, but since the game balls are taken from the lower storage area, the game balls are taken in by the ball take-in device, and there are not enough game balls in the lower storage area. In this case, the game balls are replenished from the upper plate member to the lower plate member, not from the lower plate member to the upper plate member. Therefore, in this configuration, the game ball is simply allowed to flow from the upper storage area to the lower storage area via the communication passage without transferring the game ball by hand or using power to transfer the game ball. Thus, a game ball can be replenished to the lower storage area.

ここで、連絡通路を常に開放し、上部貯留領域から下部貯留領域へ遊技球を無制限に流下可能にすると、上部貯留領域の遊技球は常に下部貯留領域へ流れ込もうとするため、下部貯留領域に流入しようとする遊技球の圧力（球圧）により、下部貯留領域において遊技球が溢れたり、球詰りが生じたりする懸念がある。このため、連絡通路を、遊技球が流下可能となる開放位置と流下不可能となる閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持される開閉部材を設け、下部貯留領域の貯留量が所定量以上となると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換し、上部貯留領域からの遊技球の流下を制限することで、下部貯留領域の貯留量を適正範囲に維持することが望ましい。この開閉部材は、遊技者が必要に応じて手動で移動させて、連絡通路を開閉させる構成でも構わないが、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて、開閉部材を自動的に開放位置と閉鎖位置に変位させることも可能である。例えば、下部貯留領域の遊技球の貯留量が、所定量以上となると作動する貯留量検出部材と、連絡通路を遊技球が流下可能とする開放位置と流下不可能とする閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持される開閉部材と、貯留量検出部材の作動時には、開閉部材を閉鎖位置とし、貯留量検出部材の非作動時には、開閉部材を開放位置とする連係制御手段とを備えた構成としている。ここで開閉部材を変位させ、両位置に選択的に保持する機構は、電気的な駆動装置や、機械的な連係機構、弾性部材等によって好適に実現可能である。このように、貯留量検出部材と連係制御手段により、下部貯留領域の貯留状態に応じて開閉部材を変位させれば、連絡通路を流下する遊技球を自動的かつ適切に制限することができ、また、遊技者が開閉部材を操作する手間も省くことができる。 Here, when the communication passage is always opened and the game balls can flow from the upper storage area to the lower storage area without limitation, the game balls in the upper storage area always try to flow into the lower storage area. There is a concern that the game ball overflows in the lower storage area or the ball is clogged due to the pressure (ball pressure) of the game ball about to flow into the ball. For this reason, when the open / close member that is selectively held at the open position where the game ball can flow down and the closed position where the game ball cannot flow down is provided in the communication passage, and the storage amount of the lower storage region is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, It is desirable to maintain the amount of storage in the lower storage area within an appropriate range by converting the opening / closing member to the closed position and restricting the flow of game balls from the upper storage area. The opening / closing member may be configured so that the player manually moves it as necessary to open / close the communication passage. However, the opening / closing member is automatically opened and closed according to the storage amount of the lower storage area. It is also possible to displace it. For example, the storage amount detection member that operates when the storage amount of the game ball in the lower storage region exceeds a predetermined amount, and an open position that allows the game ball to flow down the connection path and a closed position that prevents the flow of the game ball from flowing The opening / closing member held by the control unit and a linkage control means for setting the opening / closing member to the closed position when the storage amount detection member is in operation and setting the opening / closing member to the open position when the storage amount detection member is not operating . Here, the mechanism for displacing the opening / closing member and selectively holding it in both positions can be suitably realized by an electric drive device, a mechanical linkage mechanism, an elastic member, or the like. Thus, if the open / close member is displaced according to the storage state of the lower storage region by the storage amount detection member and the linkage control means, the game balls flowing down the communication passage can be automatically and appropriately limited, Further, it is possible to save the player from operating the opening / closing member.

ここで、貯留量検出部材は、下部貯留領域が満杯となる前に作動させて、上部貯留領域からの遊技球の流入を制限するようにしても、下部貯留領域の遊技球を溢れさせることなく安定して貯留できるが、一方で、下部貯留領域に遊技球を受け入れるスペースが残っている状態で、上部貯留領域からの遊技球の流入を制限すると、かかるスペースは遊技球が貯留されずに無駄になってしまう。従って、貯留量検出部材は、下部貯留領域が遊技球で満杯である時に作動する満杯作動部材としている。かかる構成によれば、連絡通路は、下部貯留領域が満杯となるまで遊技球が流下可能であり、下部貯留領域が満杯となって始めて遊技球が連絡通路を流下不可能となる。このため、下部貯留領域が満杯となるまで、上部貯留領域から遊技球を自動的に補充することができ、下部貯留領域への遊技球の流下を制限しつつも、下部貯留領域に遊技球を最大限に貯留することができる。 Here, even if the storage amount detection member is operated before the lower storage area becomes full and restricts the inflow of game balls from the upper storage area, it does not overflow the game balls in the lower storage area. However, if the inflow of game balls from the upper storage area is restricted in a state where a space for receiving game balls remains in the lower storage area, such space is wasted without storing the game balls. Become. Therefore, the storage amount detection member is a full operation member that operates when the lower storage region is full of game balls . According to such a configuration, the game ball can flow down the communication path until the lower storage area is full, and the game ball cannot flow down the communication path until the lower storage area is full. For this reason, it is possible to automatically replenish game balls from the upper storage area until the lower storage area is full, while restricting the flow of game balls to the lower storage area, It can be stored to the maximum.

ここで、上記満杯検知部材や連係制御手段は、電装品を用いず、機械的な構成によって実現可能である。すなわち、満杯作動部材は、連絡通路に臨んで軸支され、通常は定常位置に付勢されており、下部貯留領域の満杯時には、連絡通路に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて定常位置から作動位置へと傾動するものであり、開閉部材は、満杯作動部材の上方に設けられ、連絡通路の、満杯作動部材の上方位置において、連絡通路を遊技球が流下可能とする開放位置と流下不可能とする閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持されるものであると共に、連係制御手段を、満杯作動部材と開閉部材を機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材の定常位置では開閉部材を開放位置として、満杯作動部材が作動位置となると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換する連係制御機構により構成するようにしている。ここで、満杯作動部材は、定常位置を非作動状態、作動位置を作動状態とするものであり、下部貯留領域が遊技球で満杯となると、満杯作動部材が連絡通路に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて定常位置から作動位置へ傾動して作動する。そして、この満杯作動部材の傾動は、連絡制御手段により、機械的に開閉部材へとへと伝達されて、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に従動し、連絡通路が閉鎖される。一方、かかる満杯状態から下部貯留領域に空きが生じると、連絡通路に滞留していた遊技球が下部貯留領域に流入し、満杯作動部材が定常位置に復帰する。そして、この復帰に合わせて、開閉部材が開放位置に傾動して、再び遊技球が連絡通路を流下可能な状態となる。このように、機械的な構成によって、連絡通路の遊技球の流下を制御すれば、電装品を設けるよりも、部品点数やコストが少なくて済むと共に、電力供給のためのケーブル等も要しないため、構成が単純となる。 Here, the full detection member and the linkage control means can be realized by a mechanical configuration without using electrical components. That is, the full operation member is pivotally supported facing the communication passage, and is normally biased to a steady position. When the lower storage area is full, it is pressed by the game ball staying in the communication passage to operate from the steady position. The opening / closing member is provided above the full operation member, and at the position of the communication passage above the full operation member, an open position that allows the game ball to flow down the communication passage and a flow incapability In addition to being selectively held in the closed position, the linkage control means mechanically links the full operation member and the opening / closing member, and the full operation is performed with the opening / closing member in the open position in the steady position of the full operation member. When the member is in the operating position, the linkage control mechanism converts the opening / closing member into the closed position . Here, the full operation member is a non-operation state at the steady position and an operation state at the operation position. When the lower storage area is filled with game balls, the full operation member is pressed against the game balls staying in the communication passage. Then, it tilts from the steady position to the operating position and operates. Then, the tilting of the full operation member is mechanically transmitted to the opening / closing member by the connection control means, and the opening / closing member is moved to the closed position, and the communication passage is closed. On the other hand, when a space is generated in the lower storage area from such a full state, the game balls staying in the communication passage flow into the lower storage area, and the full operation member returns to the steady position. In accordance with this return, the opening / closing member tilts to the open position, and the game ball can again flow down the communication passage. In this way, if the flow of the game ball in the communication path is controlled by a mechanical configuration, the number of parts and cost can be reduced as compared with the provision of electrical components, and a cable for supplying power is not required. The configuration is simple.

より具体的には、連絡通路の側部に、下部貯留領域の満杯時に遊技球が侵入する待機領域を連成し、満杯作動部材は、下部貯留領域の満杯時に、待機領域に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて、該待機領域から退避する作動位置へ傾動するものであり、開閉部材は、傾動可能に軸支されて、閉止位置で連絡通路を遊技球が流下不可能とするものであり、連係制御機構は、満杯作動部材が定常位置から作動位置に変換すると、開閉部材を開放位置から閉鎖位置へ傾動変換するものである構成としている。ここで待機領域は、遊技球が連絡通路を円滑流下可能な場合には、遊技球が侵入し得ないようになっており、下部貯留領域が満杯となり、遊技球が連絡通路から流出不可能となった場合にのみ、滞留した遊技球がこの待機領域に侵入するようになっている。そして、待機領域を臨むように満杯作動部材を設け、該満杯作動部材を侵入した遊技球によって傾動させることにより、機械的な満杯作動部材を、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて確実に作動させることができる。また、満杯作動部材と開閉部材の双方が、傾動変位するものであるため、歯車機構等の簡易な連係制御機構により、両部材を好適に連動可能である。 More specifically, a waiting area where game balls enter when the lower storage area is full is formed on the side of the communication passage, and the full operation member is a game ball that stays in the standby area when the lower storage area is full The opening and closing member is pivotally supported so as to be tiltable, and the game ball cannot flow down the communication passage at the closed position. The linkage control mechanism is configured to tilt and convert the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position when the full operating member is converted from the steady position to the operating position . Here, the waiting area is such that if the game ball can flow smoothly down the communication passage, the game ball cannot enter, the lower storage area becomes full, and the game ball cannot flow out of the communication passage. Only when this happens, the staying game ball enters the standby area. Then, a full operation member is provided so as to face the standby region, and the full operation member is tilted by the game ball that has entered, so that the mechanical full operation member is reliably operated according to the storage amount of the lower storage region. be able to. Further, since both the full operation member and the opening / closing member are tilted and displaced, both members can be suitably interlocked by a simple linkage control mechanism such as a gear mechanism.

一方で、貯留量検出部材や連係制御手段に、電装品を用いることも可能である。すなわち、貯留量検出部材は、連絡通路に臨んで設けられ、下部貯留領域の満杯時に、連絡通路に滞留した遊技球に反応して作動する満杯作動スイッチにより構成されるものであり、開閉部材は、満杯作動スイッチの上方に設けられ、連絡通路の、満杯作動スイッチの上方位置において、遊技球の流下を妨げる閉鎖位置と、遊技球の流下を妨げない開放位置とに選択的に保持されるものであり、連係制御手段は、満杯作動スイッチと開閉部材を電気的に連係し、満杯作動スイッチの非作動時には開閉部材を開放位置として、満杯作動スイッチが作動すると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換するものである構成が提案される。ここで、満杯作動スイッチは、連絡通路の中途位置に遊技球が長時間滞留したことに起因して作動するものでもよいし、連絡通路の側部の待機領域に設けられ、待機領域に侵入した遊技球に反応して作動させるものでもよい。また、連係制御手段は、開閉部材を変換するモータやソレノイド等の電気的駆動装置と、該電気的駆動装置を満杯作動スイッチの作動状態に応じて作動させるための電気回路とにより好適に構成できる。この電気回路は、遊技を制御する制御回路に組み込むことも可能であるが、独立した電気回路によっても実現可能である。 On the other hand, it is also possible to use electrical components for the storage amount detection member and the linkage control means. That is, the storage amount detection member is provided facing the communication passage, and is configured by a full operation switch that operates in response to a game ball staying in the communication passage when the lower storage area is full. , Provided above the full operation switch, and selectively held in a closed position that prevents the flow of the game ball and an open position that does not prevent the flow of the game ball at the position above the full operation switch of the communication passage The linkage control means electrically links the full operation switch and the open / close member, and when the full operation switch is not operated, the open / close member is set to the open position, and when the full operation switch is operated, the open / close member is converted to the closed position. A configuration is proposed. Here, the full operation switch may be operated due to the game ball staying in the middle of the communication path for a long time, or provided in the standby area on the side of the communication path, and has entered the standby area. It may be activated in response to a game ball. The linkage control means can be preferably configured by an electric drive device such as a motor or a solenoid for converting the opening / closing member, and an electric circuit for operating the electric drive device in accordance with the operating state of the full operation switch. . This electric circuit can be incorporated in a control circuit for controlling the game, but can also be realized by an independent electric circuit.

以上に述べたように、本発明は、上部貯留領域を有する上皿部材と、下部貯留領域を有する下皿部材と、遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置とを備えたスロットマシンであるから、遊技球が球取込装置に取り込まれ、下部貯留領域の遊技球が不足した際に、上部貯留領域に貯留する遊技球を、連絡通路を介して下部貯留領域に流下させるだけで補充することができる。すなわち、本発明では、遊技者の手により遊技球を移し替えることなく、遊技球を容易に補充可能であるため、遊技者は、スロットマシンの遊技操作を行いながらでも、遊技球を下部貯留領域に補充することができる。また、本発明では、遊技球を補充するのに駆動力を要しないため、簡易な構成により実現できる。さらに、遊技球を上方の遊技盤に発射するパチンコ機とは異なり、遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンは、遊技球を球取込装置に取り込んで、遊技島側へ排出するだけの比較的単純な構成であり、遊技球を上方へ導くための通路等を要しないため、遊技球を下部貯留領域から取り込むようにしても、他の機構と抵触して弊害を生じることがない。 As described above, the present invention provides an upper plate member having an upper storage region, a lower plate member having a lower storage region, a payout device for paying out game balls to the upper storage region, and a game ball in the upper storage region. A communication passage for allowing the game balls to flow down to the lower storage area, an intake port through which the game balls in the lower storage area flow out, and a ball that communicates with the intake port and takes in as many game balls as necessary from the lower storage area Since the slot machine is equipped with a take-in device , when game balls are taken into the ball take-in device and there is a shortage of game balls in the lower storage area, the game balls stored in the upper storage area are connected via the communication path. It can be replenished by simply flowing down to the lower storage area. That is, in the present invention, the game ball can be easily replenished without transferring the game ball by the player's hand, so that the player can store the game ball in the lower storage area while performing the game operation of the slot machine. Can be replenished. In the present invention, since a driving force is not required to replenish game balls, it can be realized with a simple configuration. Furthermore, unlike a pachinko machine that launches a game ball to the upper game board, a slot machine that uses a game ball as a game medium is relatively easy to take a game ball into a ball take-in device and discharge it to the game island side. Since it has a simple configuration and does not require a passage or the like for guiding the game ball upward, even if the game ball is taken in from the lower storage area, it does not conflict with other mechanisms and cause any harmful effects.

ここで、下部貯留領域の遊技球の貯留量が、所定量以上となると作動する貯留量検出部材と、連絡通路を遊技球が流下可能とする開放位置と流下不可能とする閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持される開閉部材と、貯留量検出部材の作動時には、開閉部材を閉鎖位置とし、貯留量検出部材の非作動時には、開閉部材を開放位置とする連係制御手段とを備えたから、下部貯留領域の貯留量が予め定められた量を超えると、開閉部材が閉止位置に変換保持されて、遊技球が連絡通路を流下不可能な状態となる。このため、上部貯留領域に多量の遊技球が貯留されたとしても、かかる遊技球の球圧は、連絡通路を介して下部貯留領域に加わることがなく、上部貯留領域からの球圧により、溢れさせたり、詰まらせたりすることなく、下部貯留領域に遊技球を適正範囲で安定して貯留することができ、球取込装置を安定した状態で作動させることができる。また、下部貯留領域の貯留状態に応じて、開閉部材は自動的に作動するため、上部貯留領域と下部貯留領域の両方に貯留された遊技球を遊技者が開閉部材を移動操作する手間を要せずに取り込みに供することができ、また、開閉部材を状況に応じて、正確に作動させることができる。特に、球取込装置は、パチンコ機の発射装置と異なり、遊技球を所定個数単位で取り込むものであるため、取込前に必要数の遊技球が存在していることを確認させることが望ましく、下部貯留領域に取込口へ至る整流通路を設け、該整流通路に整列した遊技球数を計数することが提案されているが、本発明のように下部貯留領域の遊技球量を、常に適正範囲に制限すれば、整流通路の遊技球の整列状態を安定させることができ、かかる遊技球の確認を確実に行うことができる。 Here, the storage amount detection member that operates when the storage amount of the game ball in the lower storage region exceeds a predetermined amount, and the open position that allows the game ball to flow down and the closed position that allows the game ball to flow down the connection passage are selected. to the opening and closing member held, during operation of the storage amount detecting member, the closing member and a closed position, during non-operation of the storage amount detecting member, since with a linkage control means for opening and closing member and an open position, the lower reservoir When the storage amount of the region exceeds a predetermined amount, the opening / closing member is converted and held in the closed position, and the game ball cannot flow down the communication passage. For this reason, even if a large amount of game balls are stored in the upper storage area, the ball pressure of the game balls is not applied to the lower storage area via the communication passage and overflows due to the ball pressure from the upper storage area. The game balls can be stably stored in an appropriate range in the lower storage area without causing or clogging, and the ball take-in device can be operated in a stable state. In addition, since the opening / closing member automatically operates according to the storage state of the lower storage area, it takes time for the player to move the opening / closing member of the game balls stored in both the upper storage area and the lower storage area. The opening / closing member can be accurately operated according to the situation. In particular, unlike the launching device of a pachinko machine, the ball capture device captures game balls in units of a predetermined number, so it is desirable to make sure that the required number of game balls are present before capture. It has been proposed to provide a rectifying passage leading to the intake port in the lower storage area and to count the number of game balls aligned in the rectification passage, but the amount of game balls in the lower storage area is always set as in the present invention. If the range is limited to an appropriate range, the alignment state of the game balls in the rectifying passage can be stabilized, and confirmation of the game balls can be performed reliably.

そして、貯留量検出部材を、下部貯留領域が遊技球で満杯である時に作動する満杯作動部材により構成したから、下部貯留領域への遊技球の流下を制限して、下部貯留領域の遊技球の貯留態様を安定化させつつも、下部貯留領域が満杯となるまで、遊技球を貯留することができる。 And since the storage amount detection member is configured by a full operation member that operates when the lower storage area is full of game balls, the flow of the game balls to the lower storage area is limited, and the game balls in the lower storage area While stabilizing the storage mode, the game ball can be stored until the lower storage area is full.

また、満杯作動部材は、連絡通路に臨んで軸支され、通常は定常位置に付勢されており、下部貯留領域の満杯時には、連絡通路に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて定常位置から作動位置へと傾動するものであり、開閉部材は、満杯作動部材の上方に設けられ、連絡通路の、満杯作動部材の上方位置において、連絡通路を遊技球が流下可能とする開放位置と流下不可能とする閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持されるものであると共に、連係制御手段を、満杯作動部材と開閉部材を機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材の定常位置では開閉部材を開放位置として、満杯作動部材が作動位置となると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換する連係制御機構により構成したから、連絡通路の遊技球の流れが機械的機構により制御されるため、部品点数が少なく、満杯作動部材や連係制御手段を容易かつ低廉に製造できる。また、電力を要せず、自己完結的な構成であるため、遊技制御手段等の構成に関わりなく多様な機種に採用することができる。 In addition, the full operation member is pivotally supported facing the communication passage, and is normally biased to a steady position. When the lower storage area is full, it is pressed by the game ball staying in the communication passage and is activated from the steady position. The opening / closing member is provided above the full operation member, and at the position of the communication passage above the full operation member, an open position that allows the game ball to flow down the communication passage and a flow incapability In addition to being selectively held in the closed position, the linkage control means mechanically links the full operation member and the opening / closing member, and the full operation is performed with the opening / closing member in the open position in the steady position of the full operation member. If member is actuated position, because constructed by linkage control mechanism for converting the opening and closing member in the closed position, the flow of the game ball of the communication passage is controlled by a mechanical mechanism, a small number of parts, full actuating member Ya The engagement control means can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. In addition, since it does not require power and has a self-contained configuration, it can be employed in various models regardless of the configuration of the game control means and the like.

さらに、連絡通路の側部に、下部貯留領域の満杯時に遊技球が侵入する待機領域を連成し、満杯作動部材は、下部貯留領域の満杯時に、待機領域に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて、該待機領域から退避する作動位置へ傾動するものであり、開閉部材は、傾動可能に軸支されて、閉止位置で連絡通路を遊技球が流下不可能とするものであり、連係制御機構は、満杯作動部材が定常位置から作動位置に変換すると、開閉部材を開放位置から閉鎖位置へ傾動変換するものであるから、機械的な満杯作動部材を、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて確実に作動させることができる。また、歯車機構等の簡易な連係制御機構により、満杯作動部材と開閉部材を好適に連係し得る。 Further, a standby area where game balls enter when the lower storage area is full is formed on the side of the communication passage, and the full operation member is pressed by the game balls staying in the standby area when the lower storage area is full. The opening / closing member is pivotally supported so as to be tiltable, and the game ball cannot flow down the communication passage at the closed position. When the full operation member is converted from the steady position to the operation position, the opening / closing member is tilted and converted from the open position to the closed position , so that the mechanical full operation member can be reliably attached according to the storage amount in the lower storage region. Can be operated. Further, the full operation member and the opening / closing member can be suitably linked by a simple linkage control mechanism such as a gear mechanism.

一方、貯留量検出部材は、連絡通路に臨んで設けられ、下部貯留領域の満杯時に、連絡通路に滞留した遊技球に反応して作動する満杯作動スイッチにより構成されるものであり、開閉部材は、満杯作動スイッチの上方に設けられ、連絡通路の、満杯作動スイッチの上方位置において、遊技球の流下を妨げる閉鎖位置と、遊技球の流下を妨げない開放位置とに選択的に保持されるものであり、連係制御手段は、満杯作動スイッチと開閉部材を電気的に連係し、満杯作動スイッチの非作動時には開閉部材を開放位置として、満杯作動スイッチが作動すると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換するものである場合には、開閉部材の位置変換を電気的に制御するため、多様な制御態様を実現できる。また、満杯作動スイッチと開閉部材とはリード線を介して連係するため、二つを離間させたとしても、無理なく連係することが可能であり、設計配置の自由度が高い。 On the other hand, the storage amount detection member is provided facing the communication passage, and is configured by a full operation switch that operates in response to a game ball staying in the communication passage when the lower storage area is full. , Provided above the full operation switch, and selectively held in a closed position that prevents the flow of the game ball and an open position that does not prevent the flow of the game ball at the position above the full operation switch of the communication passage The linkage control means electrically links the full operation switch and the open / close member, and when the full operation switch is not operated, the open / close member is set to the open position, and when the full operation switch is operated, the open / close member is converted to the closed position. If those are for electrically controlling the position conversion of the opening and closing member, it can be realized a variety of control modes. Further, since the full operation switch and the opening / closing member are linked via a lead wire, even if they are separated from each other, they can be linked together without difficulty and the degree of freedom in design and arrangement is high.

本発明の実施形態を、以下の実施例に従って説明する。
本実施例のスロットマシン１は、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体として用いるものであり、一般のパチンコ機用の遊技島に対してパチンコ機同様に取り付け可能となっている。すなわち、このスロットマシン１は、図１〜３に示すように、遊技島に起立状に配設されるパチンコ機と同形状の外枠２と、該外枠２にヒンジ部材９を介して枢着されて、該外枠２の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体３とからなる。また、スロットマシン１の左側には、スロットマシン１と接続されて、貸球数を記憶したプリペイドカードの読込みや書込みを行うカードユニット１１が付属装置として装着される。 Embodiments of the present invention are described according to the following examples.
The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment uses a game ball for a pachinko machine as a game medium, and can be attached to a game island for a general pachinko machine in the same manner as the pachinko machine. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 having the same shape as a pachinko machine arranged upright on a game island, and a hinge member 9 connected to the outer frame 2 via a hinge member 9. A gaming machine main body 3 that is worn and covers the front opening of the outer frame 2. Also, on the left side of the slot machine 1, a card unit 11 connected to the slot machine 1 and reading and writing a prepaid card storing the number of rented balls is mounted as an accessory device.

遊技機本体３は、図１〜３に示すように、ヒンジ部材９を介して外枠２に直接枢着する板状の前枠４や、該前枠４の背面側に着脱可能に取り付けられて、遊技球の流路を形成する裏機構板５等により構成される。そして、この遊技機本体３の前面側を覆うように前扉６が枢着され、さらに遊技機本体３の前面下部には、取付パネル３３に固定された下皿部材１９が着脱可能に取り付けられる。   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gaming machine main body 3 is detachably attached to a plate-like front frame 4 that pivots directly to the outer frame 2 via a hinge member 9, and the rear side of the front frame 4. The back mechanism plate 5 or the like that forms the flow path of the game ball. And the front door 6 is pivoted so that the front side of this game machine main body 3 may be covered, and the lower plate member 19 fixed to the attachment panel 33 is attached to the lower front part of the game machine main body 3 so that attachment or detachment is possible. .

前枠４は、外枠２に内嵌し得る形状に成形された板状樹脂材よりなり、図１，３に示すように、その上部中央に、外周面に多種類の図柄Ｐが配された３つの回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを備える。これらの回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃは、これらを個別に駆動するドラムモータ及び該モータを支持する支持部材に組み付けられて、一体のドラムユニット１０（図３参照）を構成しており、このドラムユニット１０が、前枠４の背面側に取り付けられる。なお、このドラムユニット１０は、既存のスロットマシンのものを好適に用いることができる。そして、前枠４の、ドラムユニット１０の装着部位には、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを前方から視認可能とする表示窓２３が形成され、この表示窓２３に回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃ正面の図柄Ｐが表出される。また、表示窓２３の下方には、レギュラーボーナス中の入賞回数等を表示するゲーム回数表示器１４や、一回の入賞により獲得した賞球数が表示される払出数表示器１５、払出動作が完了していない遊技球数を表示する未払出数表示器１６が横並びに配設される。さらに、表示窓２３の左側には、有効な入賞ラインを遊技者に報知する入賞ラインランプ２４が設けられる。また、表示窓２３の上方には、遊技状態に合わせて多様な演出パターンを表出する液晶表示装置２９も配設される。   The front frame 4 is made of a plate-like resin material molded into a shape that can be fitted into the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIGS. Three rotating drums 12a to 12c. These rotary drums 12a to 12c are assembled into a drum motor that individually drives them and a support member that supports the motor, and constitutes an integral drum unit 10 (see FIG. 3). It is attached to the back side of the front frame 4. As the drum unit 10, an existing slot machine can be preferably used. A display window 23 is formed in the front frame 4 where the drum unit 10 is mounted. The display window 23 allows the rotary drums 12a to 12c to be visually recognized from the front, and a symbol P on the front of the rotary drums 12a to 12c is formed on the display window 23. Expressed. Also, below the display window 23, there are a game number display 14 for displaying the number of winnings in a regular bonus, a payout number display 15 for displaying the number of winning balls acquired by one win, and a payout operation. An unpaid-out number display 16 that displays the number of game balls that have not been completed is arranged side by side. Further, on the left side of the display window 23, a winning line lamp 24 for notifying the player of an effective winning line is provided. Further, above the display window 23, a liquid crystal display device 29 for displaying various effect patterns according to the gaming state is also provided.

前扉６は、図１，２に示すように、前枠４の前面を、上縁から下部にかけて覆う矩形板状をなし、その左縁に設けられたヒンジ部材（図示省略）を介して開閉可能に取り付けられる。この前扉６の上部には、略矩形のガラス板３２が嵌め込まれており、前枠４に設けられた表示窓２３や液晶表示装置２９を透過視可能としている。そして、前扉６の、ガラス板３２の下方位置には操作部３９が形成される。この操作部３９には、正面視左側よりスタートランプ４０、スタートレバー４１、三つのＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃが横並びに設けられており、これらのボタンやレバーの操作により遊技が実行される。スタートランプ４０は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始可能であることを遊技者に報知するためのものであり、このスタートランプ４０の点灯時にスタートレバー４１を押し下げると、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始する。ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃは、賭数単位で遊技球を投入するための投入スイッチを構成するものであり、後述するように、これらのボタン操作により下皿部材１９内の遊技球が自動的に遊技機内へ取り込まれる。また、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃは回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止操作に用いるものであり、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転中にこれらのボタンを押圧操作すると、この操作タイミングに基づいて制御装置が各ボタンに対応する回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを停止させる。また、上記の各ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ，４３ａ〜４３ｃは、スイッチとランプを備え、ボタン操作は各スイッチのＯＮ作動により後述の主制御基板１００へ伝えられると共に、夫々のランプの点灯によりボタン操作が有効であることを遊技者に報知するようになっている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 6 has a rectangular plate shape that covers the front surface of the front frame 4 from the upper edge to the lower part, and is opened and closed via a hinge member (not shown) provided on the left edge thereof. Installed as possible. A substantially rectangular glass plate 32 is fitted into the upper portion of the front door 6 so that the display window 23 and the liquid crystal display device 29 provided in the front frame 4 can be seen through. An operation unit 39 is formed at a position below the glass plate 32 of the front door 6. The operation unit 39 is provided with a start lamp 40, a start lever 41, three BET buttons 42a to 42c, and stop buttons 43a to 43c side by side from the left side when viewed from the front. A game can be played by operating these buttons and levers. Executed. The start lamp 40 is for notifying the player that the rotation drums 12a to 12c can start rotating. When the start lever 41 is depressed when the start lamp 40 is lit, the rotation drums 12a to 12c Start rotating. The BET buttons 42a to 42c constitute an insertion switch for inserting game balls in units of bets, and as will be described later, the game balls in the lower plate member 19 are automatically played by operating these buttons. It is taken into the aircraft. The stop buttons 43a to 43c are used to stop the rotating drums 12a to 12c. When these buttons are pressed while the rotating drums 12a to 12c are rotating, the control device controls each button based on the operation timing. The rotating drums 12a to 12c corresponding to are stopped. Each of the buttons 42a to 42c and 43a to 43c includes a switch and a lamp. The button operation is transmitted to the main control board 100 described later by the ON operation of each switch, and the button operation is performed by lighting each lamp. The player is informed that it is valid.

さらに、図１，２に示すように、前扉６の前面の、操作部３９の下方位置には、上皿部材８が取り付けられる。この上皿部材８の上部には、遊技球を貯留する上部貯留領域３６が形成されており、該上部貯留領域３６に、左側後部に開口する球供給口３５から流入した遊技球等が貯留され、貯留された遊技球は、右側底面に開口する連絡通路３８の流入口９１へと順次流入し、後述する下部貯留領域２１へと流下するようになっている。また、上皿部材８の正面には、カードユニット１１に投入したプリペイドカードを遊技者に返却するよう指示するカード返却ボタン２５と、所定個数単位の遊技球ｘを貸球として払い出すよう指示する球貸ボタン２６と、カードユニット１１に投入したプリペイドカードの残高を表示する度数表示器２７とを備えるカード操作部２８が設けられている。   Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper plate member 8 is attached to the front surface of the front door 6 at a position below the operation unit 39. An upper storage area 36 for storing game balls is formed in the upper part of the upper plate member 8, and game balls and the like flowing in from the ball supply port 35 that opens to the left rear are stored in the upper storage area 36. The stored game balls sequentially flow into the inflow port 91 of the communication passage 38 opened on the right bottom surface, and flow down to the lower storage area 21 described later. Further, on the front surface of the upper plate member 8, a card return button 25 for instructing the player to return the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 11 and an instruction to pay out a predetermined number of game balls x as a rental ball are instructed. A card operation unit 28 including a ball lending button 26 and a frequency indicator 27 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 11 is provided.

一方、前枠４の前面下部に位置する下皿部材１９は、その上部に遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域２１を有する。下部貯留領域２１は、図８に示すように、隔壁５６により、その右前縁に沿った細長形状の整流通路５４と、該整流通路５４の左端と連通する幅広な滞留領域５３とに区画形成される。そして、滞留領域５３の右端に、連絡通路３８の流出口９２が開口しており、上部貯留領域３６から流下した遊技球が、この流出口９２から滞留領域５３へ流入すると共に、滞留領域５３の全ての遊技球は整流通路５４へ順次流入して、整流通路５４の右端に開口する取込口６６から、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球が適時取り込まれるようになっている。また、図１に示すように、下皿部材１９の前面下部には、球抜操作具２０が設けられており、遊技者の球抜操作具２０の操作により、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球を遊技機外に排出可能となっている。なお、本発明の要部に係るため、上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の詳細な構成は別途後述する。   On the other hand, the lower dish member 19 located in the lower front part of the front frame 4 has a lower storage area 21 for storing game balls in the upper part thereof. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower storage region 21 is partitioned by a partition wall 56 into an elongated rectification passage 54 along the right front edge thereof and a wide retention region 53 communicating with the left end of the rectification passage 54. The An outflow port 92 of the communication passage 38 is opened at the right end of the staying region 53, and the game ball flowing down from the upper storage region 36 flows into the staying region 53 from the outflow port 92, and All the game balls sequentially flow into the rectifying passage 54, and the required number of game balls for starting the game are taken in from the intake port 66 opened at the right end of the rectifying passage 54. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a ball removal operation tool 20 is provided at the lower front portion of the lower plate member 19, and a game ball in the lower storage area 21 is removed by the player's operation of the ball removal operation tool 20. It can be discharged outside the gaming machine. In addition, since it concerns on the principal part of this invention, the detailed structure of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 is mentioned later separately.

裏機構板５は、上述のように前枠４の背面に着脱可能に装着されて、前枠４と共に遊技機本体３を構成するものであり、図３に示すように、その背面には、電子回路を組み込まれた基板１００〜１０６（図４参照）を内蔵する基板ユニット１３，１３が備え付けられる。これらの基板１００〜１０６は相互に電気的に接続されると共に、スロットマシン１に設けられた各種センサ、スイッチ、モータ、ランプ等と接続されており、遊技を統括する制御装置を構成する。また、図２，３に示すように、裏機構板５の上部には、遊技島設備の球供給装置から遊技球ｘの供給を受ける球タンク３０が設けられる。この球タンク３０は、裏機構板５内部に形成される球供給通路１７を通して、前記球供給口３５と連通しており、該球供給通路１７の中途位置に設けられた払出装置３１が作動すると、球タンク３０側に位置する所定数の遊技球ｘが、球供給口３５へ向けて送出されて、上部貯留領域３６に流入するようになっている。また、球供給口３５の奥には、満タンスイッチ４８が設けられる。この満タンスイッチ４８は、上部貯留領域３６が遊技球で満杯となった場合に、上部貯留領域３６に流入できずに、球供給口３５の奥に滞留した遊技球を検知してＯＮ作動する。かかる上部貯留領域３６への遊技球供給機構は、既存のパチンコ機の構成を好適に用いることが可能である。   The back mechanism plate 5 is detachably attached to the back surface of the front frame 4 as described above, and constitutes the gaming machine main body 3 together with the front frame 4, and as shown in FIG. Substrate units 13 and 13 including substrates 100 to 106 (see FIG. 4) incorporating electronic circuits are provided. These boards 100 to 106 are electrically connected to each other and are connected to various sensors, switches, motors, lamps, and the like provided in the slot machine 1, and constitute a control device that controls the game. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a ball tank 30 that receives supply of the game ball x from the ball supply device of the game island facility is provided on the upper part of the back mechanism plate 5. The sphere tank 30 communicates with the sphere supply port 35 through a sphere supply passage 17 formed inside the back mechanism plate 5, and when a dispensing device 31 provided in the middle position of the sphere supply passage 17 is operated. A predetermined number of game balls x located on the ball tank 30 side are sent out toward the ball supply port 35 and flow into the upper storage area 36. Further, a full tank switch 48 is provided in the back of the ball supply port 35. When the upper storage area 36 is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 48 detects a game ball that cannot stay in the upper storage area 36 and stays behind the ball supply port 35 and is turned on. . The game ball supply mechanism to the upper storage area 36 can suitably use the configuration of an existing pachinko machine.

次に、本実施例のスロットマシン１の遊技作動を制御する制御回路を、図４を参照して説明する。マイクロコンピュータを構成する主制御基板１００には、スロットマシン１の遊技制御を行うと共に、投入スイッチの操作に基づいて遊技球ｘの取込動作制御等を行うための基板回路が設けられている。この主制御基板１００の基板回路には、周辺機器とデータ通信を行う入力ポート及び出力ポート（図示省略）が設けられており、この出力ポートを介して主制御基板１００からの制御信号が、払出制御基板１０１、表示制御基板１０２、ランプ制御基板１０３、情報端子基板１０５の各入力ポートに向けて出力されるように接続されている。また、主制御基板１００の入力ポートには、上述したスタートレバー４１や各ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃのスイッチが接続されており、主制御基板１００は２ｍｓごとにこれらの操作状態を調べ、その操作に応じて遊技状態を制御する。また、主制御基板１００には、後述する整流通路５４に設けられる貯留球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃや、球取込装置５０の取込モータ７２、球取込装置５０により取り込まれた遊技球を検知する取込球検知スイッチ７７も接続される。   Next, a control circuit for controlling the game operation of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 100 constituting the microcomputer is provided with a board circuit for controlling the game of the slot machine 1 and controlling the taking-in operation of the game ball x based on the operation of the input switch. The board circuit of the main control board 100 is provided with an input port and an output port (not shown) for performing data communication with peripheral devices, and a control signal from the main control board 100 is issued through the output port. The control board 101, the display control board 102, the lamp control board 103, and the information terminal board 105 are connected so as to be output toward the input ports. The input port of the main control board 100 is connected to the start lever 41 and the switches of the BET buttons 42a to 42c and the stop buttons 43a to 43c described above. And control the gaming state according to the operation. Further, the main control board 100 detects stored ball detection switches 75a to 75c provided in a rectifying passage 54 described later, a take-in motor 72 of the ball take-in device 50, and a game ball taken in by the ball take-in device 50. A take-in ball detection switch 77 is also connected.

上記払出制御基板１０１には、遊技球の払出作動の制御を行うための基板回路が設けられる。この基板回路は、上記払出装置３１と接続されており、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従い払出装置３１を作動させて、貸球や賞球の払い出しを実行する。また、払出制御基板１０１は、貸球数を記憶したプリペイドカードの読込みや書込みを行う付属装置であるカードユニット１１と、このプリペイドカードのデータ処理を中継するＣＲ接続基板１０４を介して接続され、遊技球ｘの残球データ等をやり取りする。さらに、払出制御基板１０１には、前記球タンク３０内の球切れを検出するための球切れスイッチや、上部貯留領域３６が遊技球で満杯になったことを検知するための満タンスイッチ４８とも接続されている。   The payout control board 101 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the payout operation of the game ball. The circuit board is connected to the payout device 31 and operates the payout device 31 in accordance with a command input from the main control board 100 to execute the payout of the rented or winning balls. Further, the payout control board 101 is connected to a card unit 11 which is an accessory device for reading and writing a prepaid card storing the number of rented balls via a CR connection board 104 that relays data processing of the prepaid card, The remaining ball data of the game ball x is exchanged. Further, the payout control board 101 includes a ball break switch for detecting the ball break in the ball tank 30 and a full tank switch 48 for detecting that the upper storage area 36 is full of game balls. It is connected.

上記表示制御基板１０２は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止制御を行うための基板回路が設けられる。この基板回路には、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを回転駆動するドラムモータと、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転角度を検出する基準位置センサと接続され、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従ってドラムモータを作動させ、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを回転させると共に、所定回転角度で停止させる。また、表示制御基板１０２には、液晶表示装置２９も接続されており、主制御基板１００からのコマンドに応じて、液晶表示装置２９に表示制御信号を送信し、様々な演出表示を実行させる。また、表示制御基板１０２は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの下方に設けられた各種表示器１４〜１６と接続されると共に、効果音や音声の出力制御を行う音声制御基板１０６を介してスピーカとも接続されている。   The display control board 102 is provided with a board circuit for performing stop control of the rotary drums 12a to 12c. The substrate circuit is connected to a drum motor that rotates each of the rotating drums 12 a to 12 c and a reference position sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotating drums 12 a to 12 c, and the drum motor according to a command input from the main control substrate 100. Is operated to rotate each of the rotary drums 12a to 12c and stop at a predetermined rotation angle. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 29 is also connected to the display control board 102, and a display control signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 29 in response to a command from the main control board 100 to execute various effect displays. The display control board 102 is connected to various displays 14 to 16 provided below the rotary drums 12a to 12c, and is also connected to a speaker via a sound control board 106 that controls output of sound effects and sounds. Has been.

上記ランプ制御基板１０３には、入賞ラインランプ２４や、操作部３９のスタートランプ４０や各種ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ，４３ａ〜４３ｃに内蔵されたランプと接続されており、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従い各種ランプを点灯制御して、入賞ラインやボタン操作が有効となったことを遊技者に報知する。   The lamp control board 103 is connected to the winning line lamp 24, the start lamp 40 of the operation unit 39, and the lamps built in the various buttons 42 a to 42 c and 43 a to 43 c, and inputted from the main control board 100. Various lamps are controlled to be turned on according to the command to notify the player that the winning line or button operation has become effective.

また、上記情報端子基板１０５は、遊技島設備の集中管理装置１０７と接続するためのものであり、主制御基板１００や払出制御基板１０１から送られた賞球数や大当り回数等の情報を、この基板を介して集中管理装置１０７へ送信することができる。   The information terminal board 105 is for connection to the central management device 107 of the game island equipment, and information such as the number of winning balls and the number of jackpots sent from the main control board 100 and the payout control board 101 The data can be transmitted to the central management apparatus 107 via this board.

上述したように、本実施例のスロットマシン１は、遊技機本体３の前面下部に、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９が設けられており、払出装置３１が送出した遊技球ｘを上皿部材８の上部貯留領域３６へ払い出すと共に、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを下皿部材１９の下部貯留領域２１へ流下させ、遊技の開始に必要な遊技球を、該下部貯留領域２１から取り込むようにしている。以下に、これらの構成について詳細に説明する。   As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are provided in the lower front portion of the gaming machine main body 3, and the game ball x sent out by the payout device 31 is transferred to the upper plate. While paying out to the upper storage area 36 of the member 8, the game ball x in the upper storage area 36 is caused to flow down to the lower storage area 21 of the lower dish member 19, and the game balls necessary for starting the game are transferred from the lower storage area 21. I try to capture it. Hereinafter, these configurations will be described in detail.

上皿部材８は、図１，２に示すように、前扉６の下部に固着されて、前扉６の閉止時に遊技機本体３の前面に位置するように設けられる。この上皿部材８は、直方体形状に成形された樹脂材よりなり、図５，８に示すように、その上部に、遊技球を貯留する上部貯留領域３６が設けられる。また、図９に示すように、上皿部材８の内部は空洞となっており、その右側に、上部貯留領域３６と下皿部材１９の下部貯留領域２１と連通する連絡通路３８が形成される。上部貯留領域３６は、図５，８に示すように、前扉６を貫通する左後部の球供給口３５を介して、裏機構板５に設けられた払出装置３１と連通しており、払出装置３１から払い出された遊技球ｘは、この球供給口３５から上部貯留領域３６に流入する。一方、上部貯留領域３６の右側底面には、連絡通路３８への流入口９１が形成されると共に、上部貯留領域３６の底面は緩やかに該流入口９１へ下り傾斜しており、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを連絡通路３８に流入させるようになっている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper plate member 8 is fixed to the lower portion of the front door 6 and is provided so as to be positioned on the front surface of the gaming machine body 3 when the front door 6 is closed. The upper plate member 8 is made of a resin material molded in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, an upper storage region 36 for storing game balls is provided on the upper portion thereof. As shown in FIG. 9, the inside of the upper plate member 8 is hollow, and a communication passage 38 communicating with the upper storage region 36 and the lower storage region 21 of the lower plate member 19 is formed on the right side thereof. . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the upper storage area 36 communicates with a dispensing device 31 provided in the back mechanism plate 5 through a left rear ball supply port 35 that penetrates the front door 6. The game ball x paid out from the device 31 flows into the upper storage area 36 from the ball supply port 35. On the other hand, an inlet 91 to the communication passage 38 is formed on the right bottom surface of the upper storage area 36, and the bottom surface of the upper storage area 36 is gently inclined downward toward the inlet 91. The game ball x is caused to flow into the communication passage 38.

連絡通路３８は、図５〜７に示すように、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９の内部右側に上下方向に設けられて、上部貯留領域３６と下部貯留領域２１とを連通し、流入口９１から流入した上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを、下部貯留領域２１へ流下させる。ここで、図９〜１１に示すように、連絡通路３８の、上皿部材８を貫通する部分には、右部に待機領域９９が連成される。この待機領域９９には、遊技球ｘが円滑に連絡通路３８を流下し得る場合には遊技球ｘは侵入せず、下部貯留領域２１が満杯となり、遊技球ｘが連絡通路３８から流出不可能となった場合に、滞留した遊技球が側部の待機領域９９に侵入するようになっている。そして、この待機領域９９に臨む位置には、下部貯留領域２１が遊技球で満杯である時に作動する満杯作動部材９４が設けられる。また、満杯作動部材９４の上方には、遊技球が連絡通路３８を流下可能な開放位置ａと流下不可能な閉鎖位置ｂとに選択的に保持される開閉部材９３と、満杯作動部材（貯留量検出部材）９４と開閉部材９３とを連係する連係制御手段（９６，９７，９８）とが設けられる。   As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the communication passage 38 is provided in the vertical direction on the inner right side of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19, and communicates the upper storage region 36 and the lower storage region 21. The game ball x in the upper storage area 36 flowing in from 91 is caused to flow down to the lower storage area 21. Here, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a standby region 99 is coupled to the right portion of the connecting passage 38 through the upper plate member 8. When the game ball x can smoothly flow down the communication path 38, the game ball x does not enter the standby area 99, the lower storage area 21 becomes full, and the game ball x cannot flow out of the communication path 38. In this case, the staying game ball enters the standby area 99 on the side. A full operation member 94 that operates when the lower storage area 21 is full of game balls is provided at a position facing the standby area 99. Also, above the full operation member 94, an opening / closing member 93 that is selectively held at an open position a where the game ball can flow down the communication passage 38 and a closed position b where the game ball cannot flow down, and a full operation member (storage) (Amount detection member) 94 and linkage control means (96, 97, 98) for linking the opening / closing member 93 are provided.

満杯作動部材（貯留量検出部材）９４は、連絡通路３８を臨む位置に軸支される正面略扇形の樹脂部材よりなる。この満杯作動部材９４は、図１１に示すように、待機領域９９内に位置する下方の定常位置ｃ（図１１（イ））と、待機領域９９から退避する上方の作動位置ｄ（図１１（ロ））との間を傾動可能となっており、通常は、重力により付勢されて、図１０（イ）に示すように下方の定常位置ｃにあり、図１０（ロ）に示すように、待機領域９９に遊技球ｘが侵入して滞留すると、該遊技球ｘに滞留した遊技球ｘに押圧されて、作動位置ｄに押し上げられる。すなわち、かかる満杯作動部材９４は、定常位置ｃにある状態を非作動状態に、作動位置ｄにある状態を作動状態とするものであり、下部貯留領域２１の満杯時に、待機領域９９に遊技球ｘが侵入することにより、定常位置ｃから作動位置ｄに変位して作動する。   The full operation member (reserved amount detection member) 94 is made of a substantially fan-shaped resin member that is pivotally supported at a position facing the communication passage 38. As shown in FIG. 11, the full operation member 94 includes a lower steady position c (FIG. 11 (a)) located in the standby area 99 and an upper operation position d (FIG. B)), and is normally urged by gravity to be at a lower stationary position c as shown in FIG. 10 (a) and as shown in FIG. 10 (b). When the game ball x enters and stays in the standby area 99, it is pressed by the game ball x staying in the game ball x and pushed up to the operating position d. In other words, the full operation member 94 changes the state at the steady position c to the non-operational state and the state at the operation position d to the operation state. When the lower storage region 21 is full, the game ball is placed in the standby region 99. When x enters, it moves from the steady position c to the operating position d and operates.

一方、開閉部材９３は、満杯作動部材９４の上方に軸支される正面略扇形の樹脂部材よりなる。この開閉部材９３は、図１１に示すように、下方に垂下する開放位置ａ（図１１（イ））と、略水平となる閉鎖位置ｂ（図１１（ロ））との間を傾動可能となっており、連係制御手段により、両位置に選択的に保持される。そして、開閉部材９３は、その閉鎖位置ｂで、満杯作動部材９４の上方位置において連絡通路３８を閉鎖して、遊技球ｘが連絡通路３８を流下不可能とする。   On the other hand, the opening / closing member 93 is made of a substantially fan-shaped resin member that is pivotally supported above the full operation member 94. As shown in FIG. 11, the opening / closing member 93 can tilt between an open position a (FIG. 11 (A)) that hangs downward and a closed position b (FIG. 11 (B)) that is substantially horizontal. It is selectively held at both positions by the linkage control means. The opening / closing member 93 closes the communication passage 38 at a position above the full operation member 94 at the closed position b, so that the game ball x cannot flow down the communication passage 38.

そして、連係制御手段は、満杯作動部材９４と開閉部材９３を機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材９４が定常位置ｃから作動位置ｄに変換すると、開閉部材９３を開放位置ａから閉鎖位置ｂへ傾動変換する連係制御機構９６〜９８からなる。具体的には、連係制御機構９６〜９８は、開閉部材９３の軸支部周りに設けられた歯車部９８と、該歯車部９８と噛合する歯車９６と、該歯車９６と噛合する略Ｌ字形の昇降ラック９７により構成される。そして、図１０，１１に示すように、昇降ラック９７を満杯作動部材９４に上方から当接させることにより、満杯作動部材９４と開閉部材９３とを機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材９４が定常位置ｃにある場合には、開閉部材９３を開放位置ａに保持し、満杯作動部材９４が作動して、作動位置ｄに傾動した場合には、開閉部材９３を閉鎖位置ｂに傾動変換して、満杯作動部材９４が定常位置ｃに復帰するまで、開閉部材９３を閉鎖位置ｂに保持する。   The linkage control means mechanically links the full operation member 94 and the opening / closing member 93, and when the full operation member 94 changes from the steady position c to the operation position d, the opening / closing member 93 is changed from the open position a to the closed position b. It consists of linkage control mechanisms 96-98 for tilt conversion. Specifically, the linkage control mechanisms 96 to 98 include a gear part 98 provided around the shaft support part of the opening / closing member 93, a gear 96 that meshes with the gear part 98, and a substantially L-shaped that meshes with the gear 96. A lifting rack 97 is used. Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, by bringing the lifting rack 97 into contact with the full operation member 94 from above, the full operation member 94 and the opening / closing member 93 are mechanically linked, and the full operation member 94 is in a steady state. When in the position c, the opening / closing member 93 is held in the open position a, and when the full operation member 94 is operated and tilted to the operation position d, the opening / closing member 93 is tilt-converted to the closed position b. The opening / closing member 93 is held at the closed position b until the full operation member 94 returns to the steady position c.

このように、本実施例にあっては、下部貯留領域２１が満杯となり、待機領域９９に遊技球が侵入すると、満杯作動部材９４が作動位置ｄに傾動し、下部貯留領域２１の満杯状態が解消し、待機領域９９に滞留した遊技球ｘが下部貯留領域２１に流下すると、満杯作動部材９４は定常位置ｃに復帰する。そして、この満杯作動部材９４の作動位置ｄへの傾動（作動）と、定常位置ｃへの復帰に合わせ、開閉部材９３を傾動させることにより、下部貯留領域２１の貯留量に応じて、連絡通路３８を適切に開閉することができる。特に、本実施例の、満杯作動部材９４や連係制御手段は、全て機械的に構成されているため、少ない部品点数で製造可能であり、また、全ての機構を、連絡通路３８の近傍の狭い領域に集約して配設することもできる。なお、本発明にかかる連係制御手段は、歯車やラックを用いた機構に限らず、棒リンク機構など様々な連係機構を利用することができる。また、開閉部材９３や満杯作動部材９４等をバネなどの弾性部材を用いて付勢することも可能である。   Thus, in this embodiment, when the lower storage area 21 becomes full and the game ball enters the standby area 99, the full operation member 94 is tilted to the operation position d, and the lower storage area 21 becomes full. When the game ball x that has been eliminated and stays in the standby area 99 flows down to the lower storage area 21, the full operation member 94 returns to the steady position c. Then, in accordance with the amount of storage in the lower storage region 21, the opening / closing member 93 is tilted in accordance with the tilting (operation) of the full operation member 94 to the operation position d and the return to the steady position c. 38 can be opened and closed appropriately. In particular, since the full operation member 94 and the linkage control means of this embodiment are all mechanically configured, they can be manufactured with a small number of parts, and all the mechanisms are narrow in the vicinity of the communication passage 38. It can also be arranged in a concentrated area. The linkage control means according to the present invention is not limited to a mechanism using gears and racks, and various linkage mechanisms such as a rod link mechanism can be used. It is also possible to bias the opening / closing member 93 and the full operation member 94 using an elastic member such as a spring.

下皿部材１９は、図５，１２に示すように、上皿部材８と類似した直方体形状の成形樹脂材よりなり、その上部に、遊技球ｘを貯留する下部貯留領域２１が形成される。そして、この下皿部材１９も内部が空洞となっており、図１３，１４に示すように、その内部の空洞に、遊技球ｘを取り込む球取込装置５０や遊技球を流下させる通路等が設けられる。下部貯留領域２１は、図５，１２に示すように、右縁から左方に延成される隔壁５６により、右前縁に沿った細長形状の整流通路５４と、貯留する遊技球ｘを整流通路５４へ流下させる滞留領域５３とに区画される。滞留領域５３の右端部には、連絡通路３８の流出口９２が形成されており、上部貯留領域３６から連絡通路３８に流入した遊技球ｘが、この流出口９２から滞留領域５３に流入する。そして、滞留領域５３の底面は、整流通路５４の左端の入口に向かう下り勾配が形成されており、滞留領域５３の遊技球ｘが、整流通路５４に順次流入するようになっている。   As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the lower dish member 19 is made of a rectangular parallelepiped molded resin material similar to the upper dish member 8, and a lower storage area 21 for storing the game ball x is formed on the upper part. The lower plate member 19 also has a hollow inside, and as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a ball take-in device 50 for taking in the game ball x, a passage for letting the game ball flow down, etc. Provided. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the lower storage area 21 includes an elongated rectifying passage 54 along the right front edge and a rectifying passage for storing the game ball x stored by a partition wall 56 extending leftward from the right edge. And a staying region 53 that flows down to 54. An outflow port 92 of the communication passage 38 is formed at the right end portion of the staying region 53, and the game ball x flowing into the communication passage 38 from the upper storage region 36 flows into the staying region 53 from the outflow port 92. The bottom surface of the staying region 53 has a downward slope toward the left end entrance of the rectifying passage 54 so that the game balls x in the staying region 53 sequentially flow into the rectifying passage 54.

整流通路５４は、図１２，１３に示すように、下部貯留領域２１の前縁と、隔壁５６との間に、細長形状に区画形成される。この整流通路５４は、遊技球一個が通れる幅寸法をなし、その右端を先頭として、１５個の、すなわち賭数三単位分の遊技球ｘが一列に整列し得る長さとされる。また、整流通路５４は、右に向かって下方傾斜しており、その上流端（左端部）を滞留領域５３から遊技球が流入する入口とすると共に、その下流端部（右端部）の底面には、一個の遊技球ｘが通過可能な取込口６６が開口し、この取込口６６の下方に球取込装置５０が設けられる。また、整流通路５４に整列する遊技球ｘの、先頭から５個目、１０個目及び１５個目を臨む位置に、それぞれ貯留球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃが配設される。これらのスイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃは、夫々の臨む位置に遊技球ｘが存在するとＯＮ作動するものであり。かかるスイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃの作動状況により、主制御基板１００が整流通路５４に５個（賭数一単位）以上、１０個以上若しくは１５個（賭数三単位）以上の遊技球ｘが整列しているか否かを判定する。   As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rectifying passage 54 is partitioned and formed in an elongated shape between the front edge of the lower storage region 21 and the partition wall 56. The rectifying passage 54 has a width that allows one game ball to pass, and has a length that allows 15 game balls x, that is, three units of betting numbers, to be aligned in a row, starting from the right end thereof. Further, the rectifying passage 54 is inclined downward to the right, and its upstream end (left end portion) serves as an inlet through which the game ball flows from the staying region 53, and on the bottom surface of its downstream end portion (right end portion). The intake port 66 through which one game ball x can pass is opened, and a ball intake device 50 is provided below the intake port 66. In addition, stored ball detection switches 75a to 75c are disposed at positions facing the fifth, tenth and fifteenth game balls x aligned with the rectifying passage 54, respectively. These switches 75a to 75c are turned on when the game ball x is present at the respective facing positions. Depending on the operating state of the switches 75a to 75c, the main control board 100 is arranged in the rectifying passage 54 with 5 (one bet number) or more, 15 or more (3 bet number) gaming balls x aligned. It is determined whether or not.

取込口６６の下方に設けられる球取込装置５０は、図１３，１５，１６に示すように、スプロケット７１と該スプロケット７１を回転させる取込モータ７２とで構成され、整流通路５４の下方に取り付けられて、スプロケット７１を取込口６６の直下に位置させる。取込モータ７２は、ステッピングモータよりなり、裏機構板５に設けられた主制御基板１００に接続されて、該主制御基板１００からの制御信号に応じた回転角度で、スプロケット７１を回転駆動させる。一方、スプロケット７１は、整流通路５４の幅寸法と略等しい厚み寸法を有すると共に、その周部に、三つの凹部７０が等間隔に形成された側面略Ｙ字型をなすものであり、各凹部７０が取込口６６と対向することにより、整流通路５４から該凹部７０に一つの遊技球ｘを取込可能となると共に、各凹部７０の間の係止部７３を取込口６６と対向することにより、取込口６６を閉塞し、遊技球ｘを整流通路５４の下流端部で係止可能とする。また、図１５，１６に示すように、スプロケット７１の後方には、後方へ伸びる取込球排出路４９が樋部材により形成されており、取込モータ７２がスプロケット７１を回転させて、取込口６６から遊技球ｘを収容した凹部７０が、この取込球排出路４９の入口に対向すると、該遊技球ｘが取込球排出路４９に排出されるようになっている。また、図１３に示すように、スプロケット７１の外周面は、右方向に縮径しており、後述するように、整流通路５４の先頭で係止する遊技球ｘを、右方へ案内するようになっている。   As shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, the ball take-in device 50 provided below the take-in port 66 includes a sprocket 71 and a take-in motor 72 that rotates the sprocket 71. And the sprocket 71 is positioned directly below the intake port 66. The take-in motor 72 is composed of a stepping motor, is connected to the main control board 100 provided on the back mechanism plate 5, and rotates the sprocket 71 at a rotation angle according to a control signal from the main control board 100. . On the other hand, the sprocket 71 has a thickness dimension substantially equal to the width dimension of the rectifying passage 54, and has a substantially Y-shaped side surface in which three recesses 70 are formed at equal intervals on the periphery thereof. When 70 faces the intake port 66, one game ball x can be taken into the recess 70 from the rectifying passage 54, and the locking portion 73 between the recesses 70 faces the intake port 66. As a result, the intake port 66 is closed, and the game ball x can be locked at the downstream end of the rectifying passage 54. Also, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a take-in ball discharge passage 49 extending backward is formed by a hook member behind the sprocket 71, and the take-in motor 72 rotates the sprocket 71 to When the recess 70 containing the game ball x from the opening 66 faces the entrance of the intake ball discharge path 49, the game ball x is discharged to the intake ball discharge path 49. As shown in FIG. 13, the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket 71 is reduced in the right direction so that the game ball x locked at the head of the rectifying passage 54 is guided to the right as will be described later. It has become.

また、取込球排出路４９は、下り傾斜しながら取付パネル３３を貫通しており、取込球排出路４９に流入した遊技球ｘを、取付パネル３３の背面側へ流下させる。ここで、取込球排出路４９の中途位置には、球取込装置５０が取り込んだ遊技球を検出する取込球検知スイッチ７７が設けられる。この取込球検知スイッチ７７は、上述したように主制御基板１００に接続されており、球取込装置５０により取り込まれた遊技球ｘが取込球排出路４９を通過する度に、この取込球検知スイッチ７７がＯＮ作動し、これにより、主制御基板１００が遊技球ｘを取り込んだと判断する。そして、図３に示すように、この取込球排出路４９は、遊技機本体３の背面側まで通じており、取込球検知スイッチ７７に検知された遊技球ｘは遊技島設備へと排出される。   The take-in ball discharge path 49 penetrates the attachment panel 33 while being inclined downward, and causes the game ball x flowing into the take-in ball discharge path 49 to flow down to the back side of the attachment panel 33. Here, an intake ball detection switch 77 for detecting the game ball taken in by the ball take-in device 50 is provided in the middle position of the take-in ball discharge path 49. This take-in ball detection switch 77 is connected to the main control board 100 as described above, and every time the game ball x taken in by the ball take-in device 50 passes through the take-in ball discharge path 49, The ball-in-ball detection switch 77 is turned on, whereby it is determined that the main control board 100 has taken in the game ball x. As shown in FIG. 3, the take-in ball discharge path 49 leads to the back side of the gaming machine body 3, and the game ball x detected by the take-in ball detection switch 77 is discharged to the game island facility. Is done.

以下に、下部貯留領域２１からの遊技球の排出機構について詳述する。
本実施例の下皿部材１９には、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出するための球抜口８０，８２が二箇所に形成される。第一球抜口８０は、図１２，１３に示すように、滞留領域５３の、遊技球ｘが整流通路５４に流入する部分の底面に配設される。この第一球抜口８０の下方には、下皿部材１９の下方に連通する第一球抜通路５２ａが配設されており、この第一球抜口８０に流入した遊技球ｘは、第一球抜通路５２ａを介して遊技機外に排出される。一方、第二球抜口８２は、図１３に示すように、整流通路５４の下流端部の、突き当て面に配設される。この第二球抜口８２は、図１４〜１６に示すように、樋部材により形成される第二球抜通路５２ｂの入口を構成しており、第二球抜口８２に流入した遊技球ｘは、第二球抜通路５２ｂを流下して、第一球抜通路５２ａに流入し、遊技機外へと排出される。ここで、図１３に示すように、滞留領域５３の底面に配設される第一球抜口８０は、細長形状の整流通路５４の下流端部に配設される第二球抜口８２の開口面積よりも大きくなっており、第二球抜口８２を介するよりも速やかに遊技球ｘを排出可能となっている。また、この第一球抜口８０は、図１２に示すように、整流通路５４への出口部分の底面に配設されるため、第一球抜口８０の開放時に、滞留領域５３及び上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘの全てが、整流通路５４に流入することなく、第一球抜口８０から排出されるようになっている。 Below, the discharge mechanism of the game ball from the lower storage area | region 21 is explained in full detail.
In the lower plate member 19 of this embodiment, ball outlets 80 and 82 for discharging the game ball x in the lower storage area 21 to the outside of the gaming machine are formed at two locations. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first ball outlet 80 is disposed on the bottom surface of the portion of the staying region 53 where the game ball x flows into the rectifying passage 54. A first ball extraction passage 52a communicating with the lower part of the lower plate member 19 is disposed below the first ball extraction port 80. The game ball x flowing into the first ball extraction port 80 is It is discharged out of the gaming machine through the one ball extraction passage 52a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the second ball outlet 82 is disposed on the abutting surface at the downstream end of the rectifying passage 54. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the second ball outlet 82 constitutes the inlet of the second ball outlet passage 52 b formed by the saddle member, and the game ball x that has flowed into the second ball outlet 82. Flows down the second ball extraction passage 52b, flows into the first ball extraction passage 52a, and is discharged out of the gaming machine. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the first ball outlet 80 disposed on the bottom surface of the retention region 53 is a second ball outlet 82 disposed at the downstream end of the elongated rectifying passage 54. It is larger than the opening area, and the game ball x can be discharged more quickly than through the second ball outlet 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, since the first ball outlet 80 is disposed on the bottom surface of the outlet portion to the rectifying passage 54, when the first ball outlet 80 is opened, the stay region 53 and the upper reservoir are stored. All of the game balls x in the region 36 are discharged from the first ball outlet 80 without flowing into the rectifying passage 54.

そして、下皿部材１９には、各球抜口８０，８２を開放する位置と閉止する位置に移動可能な第一開閉蓋８１と第二開閉蓋８３が設けられると共に、各開閉蓋８１，８３を位置変換させ得る球抜操作手段が配設される。   The lower plate member 19 is provided with a first opening / closing lid 81 and a second opening / closing lid 83 that are movable to a position where the ball outlets 80, 82 are opened and closed, and each opening / closing lid 81, 83. A ball removing operation means capable of changing the position of the ball is disposed.

第一開閉蓋８１は、図１６〜１８に示すように、板状樹脂片からなり、第一球抜口８０を横断状に閉止する右方位置と、第一球抜口８０から退避して、第一球抜口８０を開放する左方位置との間を移動可能に設けられる。また、第一開閉蓋８１の左部には、球抜操作具２０と連係するラック８６ｂが一体的に設けられる。第二開閉蓋８３も板状樹脂片からなり、第二球抜口８２を縦断状に閉塞する下方位置と、矩形の開口部８４を第二球抜口８２と一致させて、第二球抜口８２を開放する上方位置との間を移動可能に設けられる。また、この第二開閉蓋８３の下部にも、球抜操作具２０と連係するラック８６ｄが一体的に設けられる。   As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the first opening / closing lid 81 is made of a plate-shaped resin piece, and is retracted from the first ball outlet 80 and a right position where the first ball outlet 80 is closed in a transverse manner. The first ball outlet 80 is provided to be movable between the left position and the left position. In addition, a rack 86 b that is linked to the ball pulling operation tool 20 is integrally provided on the left portion of the first opening / closing lid 81. The second opening / closing lid 83 is also made of a plate-shaped resin piece, and the lower position where the second ball outlet 82 is vertically closed and the rectangular opening 84 coincide with the second ball outlet 82, so It is provided to be movable between an upper position where the mouth 82 is opened. In addition, a rack 86 d that is linked to the ball pulling operation tool 20 is integrally provided at the lower portion of the second opening / closing lid 83.

球抜操作手段は、下皿部材１９の前面下部に水平移動可能に取り付けられた球抜操作具２０と、該球抜操作具２０の動きを第一開閉蓋に伝達して従動させる第一歯車機構と、球抜操作具２０の動きを第二開閉蓋に伝達して従動させる第二歯車機構とを具備してなる。球抜操作具２０は、図５に示すように、下皿部材１９の前面下部から前方に突出し、左右に移動可能に保持される。この球抜操作具２０は、図１８に示すように、下皿部材１９の内部で左右に伸びる連係部材８５の中央前縁に設けられており、連係部材８５と一体的に左右に移動する。なお、連係部材８５は、図示しない弾性部材により、右方向に付勢されており、常態では、球抜操作具２０は可動範囲の右端に位置しており、この位置を球抜操作具２０の定常位置としている。また、連係部材８５の左右両端部には、上面に歯部を有するラック８６ａ、８６ｃが一体的に設けられる。   The ball removal operation means includes a ball removal operation tool 20 that is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the lower plate member 19 so as to be horizontally movable, and a first gear that transmits the movement of the ball removal operation tool 20 to the first opening / closing lid to be driven. And a second gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the second opening / closing lid to be driven. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball pulling operation tool 20 protrudes forward from the lower front portion of the lower plate member 19 and is held so as to be movable left and right. As shown in FIG. 18, the ball pulling operation tool 20 is provided at the center front edge of the linkage member 85 extending left and right inside the lower plate member 19, and moves to the left and right integrally with the linkage member 85. The linkage member 85 is urged rightward by an elastic member (not shown). Normally, the ball removal operation tool 20 is located at the right end of the movable range, and this position is the position of the ball removal operation tool 20. The steady position is assumed. In addition, racks 86a and 86c having teeth on the upper surface are integrally provided at both left and right ends of the linking member 85.

連係部材８５の左端部に設けられるラック８６ａは、球抜操作具２０の動きを第一開閉蓋８１に伝達する第一歯車機構を構成するものであり、図１７，１８に示すように、第一歯車機構は、このラック８６ａと、第一開閉蓋８１と一体的に設けられたラック８６ｂと、各ラック８６ａ，８６ｂと噛合して連係する二つのピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂとからなる。そして、球抜操作具２０が遊技者に移動操作され、連係部材８５に設けられたラック８６ａが連動して左方に移動すると、この移動に伴いピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂが回転して、第一開閉蓋８１を左方に従動させる。   The rack 86a provided at the left end of the linkage member 85 constitutes a first gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the first opening / closing lid 81. As shown in FIGS. The one-gear mechanism includes the rack 86a, a rack 86b provided integrally with the first opening / closing lid 81, and two pinions 87a and 87b engaged with and linked to the racks 86a and 86b. When the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved by the player and the rack 86a provided on the linkage member 85 moves to the left in conjunction with the movement, the pinions 87a and 87b rotate to move to the first open / close state. The lid 81 is moved to the left.

一方、連係部材８５の右端部に設けられるラック８６ｃは、球抜操作具２０の動きを第二開閉蓋８３に伝達する第二歯車機構を構成するものであり、図１７，１８に示すように、第二歯車機構は、このラック８６ｃと、第二開閉蓋８３に一体的に設けられたラック８６ｄと、各ラック８６ｃ，８６ｄと噛合して連係する半円形のピニオン８７ｃとからなる。そして、第一歯車機構と同様に、球抜操作具２０が遊技者に移動操作され、連係部材８５に設けられたラック８６ｃが連動して左方移動すると、この移動に伴いピニオン８７ｃが回転して、第二開閉蓋８３を上方に従動させる。ここで、図１８に示すように、ラック８６ｃには欠歯部８８が設けられており、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作しても、ラック８６ｃの欠歯部８８がピニオン８７ｃの歯部と当接するため、しばらくの間、第二開閉蓋８３は従動せず、ラック８６ｃとピニオン８７ｃの歯部が相互に噛合してから第二開閉蓋８３は上方へ従動する。   On the other hand, the rack 86c provided at the right end of the linkage member 85 constitutes a second gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the second opening / closing lid 83, as shown in FIGS. The second gear mechanism includes the rack 86c, a rack 86d provided integrally with the second opening / closing lid 83, and a semicircular pinion 87c that meshes with and is linked to the racks 86c and 86d. Similarly to the first gear mechanism, when the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved by the player and the rack 86c provided on the linkage member 85 moves to the left in conjunction with the movement, the pinion 87c rotates with this movement. Then, the second opening / closing lid 83 is driven upward. Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the rack 86c is provided with a toothless portion 88, and even if the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position, the toothless portion 88 of the rack 86c is not moved. Since the second opening / closing lid 83 is not driven for a while since it abuts on the teeth of the pinion 87c, the second opening / closing lid 83 is driven upward after the teeth of the rack 86c and the pinion 87c mesh with each other.

本実施例のスロットマシン１の遊技作動を簡単に説明する。
本実施例のスロットマシン１では、５個の遊技球が賭数一単位を構成するものであり、遊技開始の度に下皿部材１９に貯留されている遊技球を、賭数単位で取り込ませて遊技を行う。本実施例の遊技形態では、一回のゲームに三単位までの賭数を設定可能となっており、この賭数の設定は三つのＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃの操作により行われる。すなわち、ＭＡＸＢＥＴボタン４２ａを操作すると、合計１５個の遊技球が球取込装置５０により遊技機内部に取り込まれ、２ＢＥＴボタン４２ｂを操作すると１０個の遊技球が、１ＢＥＴボタン４２ｃを操作すると５個の遊技球が球取込装置５０に取り込まれることとなる。なお、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転中や、既に１５個の遊技球が取り込まれている場合、又は整流通路５４内の遊技球数が不足している場合などには、各ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃを操作しても無効となり、球取込装置５０は作動しない。 The game operation of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, five game balls constitute one unit of bet number, and the game balls stored in the lower plate member 19 are taken in unit of bet number each time the game is started. Play games. In the game form of the present embodiment, up to three bets can be set for one game, and the bet number is set by operating the three BET buttons 42a to 42c. That is, when the MAXBET button 42a is operated, a total of 15 game balls are taken into the game machine by the ball take-in device 50, and when the 2BET button 42b is operated, 10 game balls are operated when the 1BET button 42c is operated. Game balls are taken into the ball take-in device 50. It should be noted that the BET buttons 42a to 42c are rotated when the rotary drums 12a to 12c are rotating, when 15 game balls are already taken in, or when the number of game balls in the rectifying passage 54 is insufficient. Even if is operated, it becomes invalid and the ball take-in device 50 does not operate.

ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃの操作により、少なくとも賭数一単位分の遊技球が投入されるとスタートランプ４０が点灯する。このスタートランプ４０の点灯時にスタートレバー４１を押し下げ操作すると、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始する。そして、この回転中に、各ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃを押圧操作すると、その操作タイミングに基づいて、主制御基板１００が図柄Ｐの停止態様を決定し、当該停止態様となるように各ドラムモータを停止させる。そして、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが停止した際に、入賞ライン上の図柄Ｐが所定の組合せで揃った場合には「当り」となり、払出装置３１から所定数の遊技球が払い出されたり、遊技者に有利なボーナスゲーム等が実行されることとなる。なお、主制御基板１００により実行される回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止制御機構や、上記ボーナスゲーム等の遊技内容は、公知のスロットマシンと同様にすることが可能である。   The start lamp 40 is turned on when at least one unit of game ball is inserted by operating the BET buttons 42a to 42c. When the start lever 41 is pushed down when the start lamp 40 is lit, the rotating drums 12a to 12c start to rotate. And if each stop button 43a-43c is pressed operation during this rotation, based on the operation timing, the main control board 100 will determine the stop mode of the symbol P, and each drum motor will be set to the said stop mode. Stop. When the rotary drums 12a to 12c are stopped and the symbols P on the winning line are arranged in a predetermined combination, the winning combination is “winning”, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout device 31 or a game is played. A bonus game or the like advantageous to the user is executed. Note that the stop control mechanism of the rotary drums 12a to 12c executed by the main control board 100 and the game contents such as the bonus game can be the same as those of a known slot machine.

次に、球取込装置５０による遊技球の取込作動について説明する。
ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃが有効な時に、該ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃを操作すると、主制御基板１００から取込モータ７２へパルス信号が送られる。取込モータ７２はステップ角が７．５°となっており、受信したパルス信号の数に応じて、図１９中反時計回りにスプロケット７１を回転させる。球取込装置５０は、図１９（イ）のように、スプロケット７１の係止部７３のいずれかを取込口６６に対向する位置を通常状態とするものであり、取込モータ７２は、常に通常状態で停止するように制御される。このため、取込モータ７２の停止時には、整流通路５４内の遊技球ｘは、その下流端部位置で係止部７３により係止されて、取込口６６へ流下不可能となっている。そして、取込モータ７２の停止状態で、主制御基板１００からパルス信号が送られて、取込モータ７２が通常状態からスプロケット７１を図１９中反時計回りに６０°回転させると、図１９（イ）〜（ハ）に示すように、その凹部７０が取込口６６と対向し、凹部７０内に整流通路５４内の遊技球ｘが一つ収容される。そして、スプロケット７１をさらに６０°回転させると、図１９（ハ）〜（ホ）に示すように、別の係止部７３が整流通路５４の出口と対向し再び通常状態となると共に、遊技球ｘを収容した凹部７０は、右側方の取込球排出路４９の入口と対向し、凹部７０に収容した遊技球ｘは、取込球排出路４９に流入し、取込球検知スイッチ７７に検出された後、取付パネル３３の背面側へと案内されて、遊技島の球回収装置へと排出されることとなる。 Next, a game ball taking-in operation by the ball taking-in device 50 will be described.
When the BET buttons 42 a to 42 c are valid and the buttons 42 a to 42 c are operated, a pulse signal is sent from the main control board 100 to the take-in motor 72. The take-in motor 72 has a step angle of 7.5 ° and rotates the sprocket 71 counterclockwise in FIG. 19 according to the number of received pulse signals. As shown in FIG. 19 (A), the ball take-in device 50 has a position where one of the locking portions 73 of the sprocket 71 is opposed to the take-in port 66 in a normal state. It is controlled to always stop in a normal state. For this reason, when the take-in motor 72 is stopped, the game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is locked by the lock portion 73 at the downstream end position and cannot flow down to the take-in port 66. Then, when the take-in motor 72 is stopped and a pulse signal is sent from the main control board 100 and the take-in motor 72 rotates the sprocket 71 60 ° counterclockwise in FIG. 19 from the normal state, FIG. As shown in (a) to (c), the recess 70 faces the intake port 66, and one game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is accommodated in the recess 70. When the sprocket 71 is further rotated by 60 °, as shown in FIGS. 19 (C) to 19 (E), another locking portion 73 is opposed to the outlet of the rectifying passage 54 and becomes a normal state again. The recess 70 that accommodates x faces the entrance of the right-hand intake ball discharge path 49, and the game ball x that is accommodated in the recess 70 flows into the intake ball discharge path 49 and enters the intake ball detection switch 77. After being detected, it will be guided to the back side of the mounting panel 33 and discharged to the ball collection device on the game island.

このように、本実施例にかかる球取込装置５０は、スプロケット７１を通常状態から図１９中反時計回りに１２０°回転させることにより、整流通路５４の先頭に位置する遊技球ｘ一個を凹部７０に収容し、続く遊技球ｘの流下を係止部７３で阻止しつつ、該遊技球ｘを取込球排出路４９へ排出する。従って、本実施例のスロットマシン１では、遊技者が１ＢＥＴボタンを操作して、賭数一単位（遊技球５個）の投入を要求した場合には、主制御基板１００は、スプロケットを上記方向に６００°（１２０°×５個）回転させるように取込モータ７２にパルス信号を送信し、取込口６６から５個（一単位）の遊技球を取り込ませる。同様に、主制御基板１００は、２ＢＥＴボタン４２ｂが操作された際には１２００°（１２０°×１０個）、ＭＡＸＢＥＴボタン４２ａが操作された際には１８００°（１２０°×１５個）回転させるように、取込モータ７２に制御信号を送信し、整流通路５４から１０個（二単位）、１５個（三単位）の遊技球を取り込ませる。なお、本実施形態では、取込モータ７２の作動中（取込動作中）以外に取込球検知スイッチ７７が遊技球ｘを検出しても、主制御基板１００は、当該遊技球ｘを取り込んだ遊技球として計数せず、無効としている。   As described above, the ball take-in device 50 according to the present embodiment has the sprocket 71 rotated from the normal state by 120 ° counterclockwise in FIG. 19, so that one gaming ball x located at the head of the rectifying passage 54 is recessed. The game ball x is discharged into the take-in ball discharge path 49 while being stopped by the locking portion 73. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player operates the 1BET button to request the insertion of one unit of bet (5 game balls), the main control board 100 moves the sprocket in the above direction. Then, a pulse signal is transmitted to the take-in motor 72 so as to be rotated by 600 ° (120 ° × 5 pieces), and five (one unit) game balls are taken in from the take-in port 66. Similarly, the main control board 100 rotates 1200 ° (120 ° × 10) when the 2BET button 42b is operated, and 1800 ° (120 ° × 15) when the MAXBET button 42a is operated. As described above, a control signal is transmitted to the take-in motor 72, and 10 (two units) and 15 (three units) game balls are taken in from the rectifying passage 54. In the present embodiment, even if the take-in ball detection switch 77 detects the game ball x other than during the operation of the take-in motor 72 (during the take-in operation), the main control board 100 takes in the game ball x. It is not counted as a game ball and is invalid.

次に、１ＢＥＴボタン４２ｃの操作に伴い実行される遊技球の取込制御態様例を、図２０のタイミングチャートを参照して具体的に説明する。まず、遊技者が１ＢＥＴボタンを押圧操作すると、ボタン内部の１ＢＥＴボタンスイッチ（１ＢＥＴボタンＳＷ）がＯＮ作動する。主制御基板１００は、この１ＢＥＴボタンスイッチのＯＮ作動を検知すると、賭数一単位の取込みが要求されたと判定し、当該ボタン操作が有効であるか否かの判定を行う。ここで、ボタン操作時には、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転しておらず、かつ整流通路５４に５個以上の遊技球が整列し、賭数が０であるため、主制御基板１００は、当該ボタン操作を有効とし、賭数を一単位とした後、スプロケット７１を上記方向へ６００°回転させるように取込モータ７２へパルス信号を送信し、スプロケット７１を回転させる。そして、スプロケット７１の回転に伴い、取込口６６から取込球排出路４９へ遊技球が一つずつ排出される度に、取込球検知スイッチ７７（球検出ＳＷ）が即時にＯＮ作動し、主制御基板１００は該基板に設けられる球取込数カウンタを１加算する。そして、スプロケット７１が６００°回転し、球取込数カウンタが５個の遊技球を計数すると、主制御基板１００は賭数一単位を取り込んだと判断し、スタートランプ４０を点灯させてスタートレバー４１の操作を有効とする。その後、スタートレバー４１の押し下げ操作を行い、内蔵されるスタートレバースイッチ（スタートレバーＳＷ）がＯＮ作動すると、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始しゲームが開始されると共に、主制御基板１００の賭数や取込球数カウンタはリセットされる。なお、本実施例のスロットマシン１では、スタートレバー４１を操作する前に、１ＢＥＴボタン４２ｃを再び操作すれば、さらに５個の遊技球を球取込装置５０に取り込むことが可能となっている。   Next, an example of a game ball take-in control mode executed in accordance with the operation of the 1BET button 42c will be specifically described with reference to a timing chart of FIG. First, when the player presses the 1BET button, the 1BET button switch (1BET button SW) inside the button is turned ON. When the main control board 100 detects the ON operation of the 1BET button switch, the main control board 100 determines that the acquisition of one unit of bet number is requested, and determines whether or not the button operation is valid. Here, when the buttons are operated, the rotary drums 12a to 12c are not rotating, and five or more game balls are aligned in the rectifying passage 54, and the number of bets is 0. After making the operation valid and setting the number of bets as one unit, a pulse signal is transmitted to the take-in motor 72 so that the sprocket 71 is rotated by 600 ° in the above direction, and the sprocket 71 is rotated. As the sprocket 71 rotates, each time the game balls are discharged from the intake port 66 to the intake ball discharge path 49, the intake ball detection switch 77 (ball detection SW) is immediately turned ON. The main control board 100 adds 1 to the ball take-in counter provided on the board. Then, when the sprocket 71 rotates 600 ° and the ball take-in counter counts 5 game balls, the main control board 100 determines that one unit of bet has been taken in, turns on the start lamp 40 and turns on the start lever. The operation of 41 is made valid. Thereafter, when the start lever 41 is pushed down and the built-in start lever switch (start lever SW) is turned ON, the rotating drums 12a to 12c start to rotate and the game is started, and the number of bets on the main control board 100 is increased. Or the ball counter is reset. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the 1 BET button 42 c is operated again before operating the start lever 41, it is possible to acquire 5 more game balls into the ball capturing device 50. .

次に、遊技作動に伴う上部貯留領域３６及び下部貯留領域２１の遊技球の貯留態様や、連絡通路３８の遊技球の流下態様について説明する。
入賞ライン上の図柄Ｐが所定の組合せで揃い「当り」となった場合や、カード操作部２８の球貸ボタンを押圧操作した場合に、払出装置３１は、主制御基板１００からの制御信号に従って所定数の遊技球を下方に払い出し、払い出された遊技球は、球供給通路１７を流下して、球供給口３５から上部貯留領域３６に流入する。ここで、下部貯留領域２１に遊技球ｘを受け入れる余裕がある場合には、上部貯留領域３６に流入した遊技球ｘは、図６，７に示すように、連絡通路３８に流入して、下部貯留領域２１へと流下して、整流通路５４に整列した後、上述したように、球取込装置５０に取り込まれて、取込球排出路４９を介して遊技島に排出されることとなる。 Next, the storage mode of the game balls in the upper storage area 36 and the lower storage area 21 accompanying the game operation and the flow-down mode of the game balls in the communication passage 38 will be described.
When the symbols P on the pay line are aligned in a predetermined combination and become “winning”, or when the ball lending button of the card operation unit 28 is pressed, the payout device 31 follows the control signal from the main control board 100. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out downward, and the paid-out game balls flow down the ball supply passage 17 and flow into the upper storage area 36 from the ball supply port 35. Here, when the lower storage area 21 has a room for receiving the game ball x, the game ball x that has flowed into the upper storage area 36 flows into the communication passage 38 as shown in FIGS. After flowing down to the storage area 21 and aligned with the rectifying passage 54, as described above, it is taken into the ball take-in device 50 and discharged to the game island through the take-in ball discharge path 49. .

一方、ボーナスゲームが実行されるなどして、払出装置３１から多量の遊技球が払い出され、下部貯留領域２１が遊技球ｘで満杯となった場合には、連絡通路３８の流出口９２から遊技球ｘが流出不可能となり、連絡通路３８が閉塞されて、払出装置３１から払い出された遊技球は、上部貯留領域３６に貯留されることとなる。すなわち、図１０に示したように、下部貯留領域２１が満杯となって、連絡通路３８に滞留した遊技球ｘが待機領域９９に侵入すると、満杯作動部材９４が、かかる遊技球ｘに押圧されて傾動し、これに合わせて、開閉部材９３が閉鎖位置ｂに傾動し、遊技球ｘが流下しないように連絡通路３８を閉鎖する。かかる状態では、上部貯留領域３６に貯留される遊技球ｘは、連絡通路３８内において、開閉部材９３により、下方への流下を阻止されているため、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球が連絡通路３８を流下しようとする球圧が、下方の下部貯留領域２１の遊技球に加わることない。   On the other hand, when a large amount of game balls are paid out from the payout device 31 due to the execution of a bonus game or the like, and the lower storage area 21 is filled with the game balls x, from the outlet 92 of the communication passage 38. The game ball x cannot flow out, the communication passage 38 is blocked, and the game ball paid out from the payout device 31 is stored in the upper storage area 36. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lower storage area 21 becomes full and the game ball x staying in the communication passage 38 enters the standby area 99, the full operation member 94 is pressed by the game ball x. In accordance with this, the opening / closing member 93 is tilted to the closed position b, and the communication passage 38 is closed so that the game ball x does not flow down. In this state, the game balls x stored in the upper storage area 36 are prevented from flowing downward by the opening / closing member 93 in the communication passage 38, so that the game balls in the upper storage area 36 are connected to the communication passage 38. Is not applied to the game balls in the lower storage area 21 below.

また、遊技球ｘが取込口６６から取り込まれたり、球抜口８０，８２から排出されて、満杯であった下部貯留領域２１に遊技球ｘを受け入れる余裕ができた場合には、満杯作動部材９４の定常位置ｃへの復帰に伴って、開閉部材９３が開放位置ａへ傾動し、連絡通路３８が開放されることにより、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘが、連絡通路３８を介して、下部貯留領域２１に補充されることとなる。なお、多量の遊技球ｘが払い出され、上部貯留領域３６も満杯となった場合には、上部貯留領域３６に流入不可能となり、球供給口３５の奥に滞留した遊技球によって満タンスイッチ４８がＯＮ作動する。そして、このＯＮ作動により、主制御基板１００は、遊技球ｘを払い出すスペースがなくなったと判断し、球取込装置５０を強制的に停止させて、遊技を続行不可能とすることにより、遊技者に貯留された遊技球ｘの排出を促す。このため、遊技者は、遊技の中断を防ぐため、上部貯留領域３６が満杯となる前に、後述するように、球抜操作具２０を操作して、下部貯留領域２１から遊技球ｘを排出しなくてはならない。   In addition, when the game ball x is taken in from the intake port 66 or discharged from the ball outlets 80 and 82 and the lower storage area 21 that is full has room to accept the game ball x, the full operation is performed. With the return of the member 94 to the steady position c, the opening / closing member 93 tilts to the open position a and the communication passage 38 is opened, whereby the game ball x in the upper storage area 36 passes through the communication passage 38. The lower storage area 21 will be replenished. When a large amount of game balls x are paid out and the upper storage area 36 becomes full, it becomes impossible to flow into the upper storage area 36, and the game ball staying in the back of the ball supply port 35 is filled. 48 is turned ON. By this ON operation, the main control board 100 determines that there is no space for paying out the game ball x, forcibly stops the ball take-in device 50, and the game cannot be continued. The player is encouraged to discharge the stored game balls x. For this reason, in order to prevent the game from being interrupted, the player discharges the game ball x from the lower storage area 21 by operating the ball removal operation tool 20 as described later before the upper storage area 36 is full. I have to do it.

このように、本実施例のスロットマシン１では、下皿部材１９が遊技球で満杯となった場合には、下皿部材１９の上方に設けられた上皿部材８の上部貯留領域３６に遊技球ｘが貯留される。そして、この上部貯留領域３６に貯留した遊技球ｘは、自動的に連絡通路３８を介して流下して下部貯留領域２１に補充されるため、遊技者が、遊技球を手ずから補充する手間が少なくて済む。特に、上部貯留領域３６に遊技球を貯留する場合には、連絡通路３８を開閉部材９３により閉塞しているため、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球の球圧が下部貯留領域２１に加わることがなく、上部貯留領域３６に遊技球を多量に貯留した場合でも、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球を、上方からの球圧によって溢れさせたり、詰まらせたりすることなく、安定して貯留することができる。特に、上述したように、本実施例では、整流通路５４に設けられた貯留球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃによって、球取込装置５０に取込む前に、取込みに必要な遊技球数が貯留されているか否かの確認を行っているが、本構成のように、下部貯留領域２１の貯留状態を安定化させれば、整流通路５４の遊技球ｘも、常に安定した整列状態を維持することができ、貯留球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃにより、遊技球数を正確に確認することが可能となる。また、かかる連絡通路３８で遊技球ｘの流下を制御する機構は、機械的に構成されるため、部品点数が少なく、満杯作動部材や連係制御手段を容易かつ低廉に製造可能となっている。また電力を要しない自己完結的な構成であり、上記のように連絡通路３８近傍の狭いスペースに集約させて設置可能である。   Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the lower plate member 19 is filled with game balls, the game is stored in the upper storage area 36 of the upper plate member 8 provided above the lower plate member 19. The sphere x is stored. Since the game balls x stored in the upper storage area 36 automatically flow down through the communication passage 38 and are replenished to the lower storage area 21, there is less time for the player to replenish the game balls without hand. I'll do it. In particular, when a game ball is stored in the upper storage area 36, the communication passage 38 is closed by the opening / closing member 93, so that the ball pressure of the game ball in the upper storage area 36 is not applied to the lower storage area 21. Even when a large amount of game balls are stored in the upper storage area 36, the game balls in the lower storage area 21 can be stably stored without overflowing or clogging with the ball pressure from above. . In particular, as described above, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls necessary for taking in is stored by the stored ball detection switches 75a to 75c provided in the rectifying passage 54 before being taken into the ball take-in device 50. However, if the storage state of the lower storage region 21 is stabilized as in this configuration, the game balls x in the rectifying passage 54 can always maintain a stable alignment state. It is possible to check the number of game balls accurately by the stored ball detection switches 75a to 75c. Further, since the mechanism for controlling the flow of the game ball x through the communication passage 38 is mechanically configured, the number of parts is small, and the full operation member and the link control means can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. Moreover, it is a self-contained configuration that does not require power, and can be installed in a narrow space near the communication passage 38 as described above.

次に、球抜操作具２０の操作に伴い変換される、二つの球抜口８０，８２の開閉状態と、各開閉状態への変換態様について説明する。本実施例に係る下皿部材１９にあっては、二つの球抜口８０，８２の開閉状態には、両球抜口８０，８２が閉止する定常閉止状態と、第一球抜口８０のみが開放する第一球抜状態と、第一球抜口８０及び第二球抜口８２が開放する第二球抜状態との三つがある。まず、上述したように、連係部材８５は常に右方向に付勢されるため、図１７（イ），１８（イ）に示すように、球抜操作具２０を操作しない状態では、球抜操作具２０は右側の定常位置にある。そして、かかる状態では、第一開閉蓋８１は第一球抜口８０を閉止する右方位置にあり、また、第二開閉蓋８３も第二球抜口８２を閉止する下方位置にあり、両球抜口８０，８２が閉止する定常閉止状態となっている。ここで、第一開閉蓋８１は、ラック８６ａ，８６ｂ及びピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂの噛合によって右方位置に保持されているが、第二開閉蓋８３は、自重により下方位置に保持される。この定常閉止状態では、第一球抜口８０及び第二球抜口８２が閉止しているため、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球ｘは、いずれの球抜口８０，８２からも排出されることなく貯留され、上述のように球取込装置５０の作動により、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球を取込口６６から順次取込可能となっている。   Next, the open / closed state of the two ball outlets 80 and 82 and the conversion mode to each open / closed state, which are converted in accordance with the operation of the ball pulling operation tool 20, will be described. In the lower plate member 19 according to the present embodiment, in the open / closed state of the two ball outlets 80 and 82, only the first ball outlet 80 is in a steady closed state where both the ball outlets 80 and 82 are closed. There are three types: a first ball extraction state in which the first ball extraction port 80 and the second ball extraction port 82 are opened, and a second ball extraction state in which the first ball extraction port 82 and the second ball extraction port 82 are opened. First, as described above, since the linking member 85 is always urged to the right, as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 18 (a), the ball removal operation is performed when the ball removal operation tool 20 is not operated. The tool 20 is in the right steady position. In this state, the first opening / closing lid 81 is in the right position where the first ball outlet 80 is closed, and the second opening / closing lid 83 is also in the lower position where the second ball outlet 82 is closed. The ball outlets 80 and 82 are in a normally closed state in which they are closed. Here, the first opening / closing lid 81 is held at the right position by the engagement of the racks 86a, 86b and the pinions 87a, 87b, but the second opening / closing lid 83 is held at the lower position by its own weight. In this steady closed state, since the first ball outlet 80 and the second ball outlet 82 are closed, the game ball x in the lower storage area 21 is discharged from any of the ball outlets 80 and 82. As described above, the operation of the ball take-in device 50 allows the game balls in the lower storage area 21 to be taken in sequentially from the take-in port 66.

次に、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作すると、かかる操作に合わせて、連係部材８５両端のラック８６ａ，８６ｃが左方移動する。ここで、図１７（イ），１８（イ）に示すように、球抜操作具２０の定常位置では、連係部材８５の左端部のラック８６ａと、第一開閉蓋８１とは、ラック８６ｂ及びピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂを介して連係しているため、ラック８６ａの左方移動に伴い第一開閉蓋８１も左方に従動し、第一球抜口８０が開放する。一方、球抜操作具２０の定常位置では、ラック８６ｃの欠歯部８８とピニオン８７ｃの歯部が当接しており、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に操作しても、ラック８６ｃの歯部とピニオン８７ｃの歯部が噛合するまでは、第二開閉蓋８３は、球抜操作具２０の動きに対して従動しない。このため、図１７（ロ），１８（ロ）に示すように、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作すると、まず、第一開閉蓋８１のみが従動し、第一球抜口８０のみが開放されて、定常閉止状態から第一球抜状態に変換することとなる。この第一球抜状態では、第一球抜口８０が開放されるため、図１７（ロ）に示すように、滞留領域５３に遊技球ｘが貯留される場合には、該遊技球ｘは順次第一球抜口８０へ流入し、第一球抜通路５２ａを通り、遊技機外に排出されることとなる。また、滞留領域５３が遊技球ｘで満杯であり、上部貯留領域３６にも遊技球ｘが貯留されている場合には、滞留領域５３の遊技球ｘが排出されるのに伴い、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘも連絡通路３８を介して、滞留領域５３に流下して、第一球抜口８０から遊技機外に排出される。一方、第二球抜口８２は閉止されているため、整流通路５４の遊技球ｘは遊技機外に排出されない。このため、かかる第一球抜状態にあっては、滞留領域５３や上部貯留領域３６に貯留された遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出しつつ、整流通路５４の遊技球ｘを球取込装置５０に取り込ませ、遊技を行うことが可能である。従って、多量の遊技球が払い出され、遊技中に遊技球ｘを排出する必要が生じた場合でも、遊技者は、球抜操作具２０を操作して第一球抜状態とすることで、遊技を中断することなく、滞留領域５３や上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出し、球箱等に移し替えることができる。   Next, when the ball pulling operation tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position, the racks 86a and 86c at both ends of the linkage member 85 move to the left in accordance with the operation. Here, as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 18 (a), in the steady position of the ball removal operation tool 20, the rack 86a at the left end of the linkage member 85 and the first opening / closing lid 81 include the rack 86b and Since they are linked via the pinions 87a and 87b, the first opening / closing lid 81 is also moved to the left as the rack 86a moves to the left, and the first ball outlet 80 is opened. On the other hand, the toothless portion 88 of the rack 86c and the tooth portion of the pinion 87c are in contact with each other at the steady position of the ball removal operation tool 20, and even if the ball removal operation tool 20 is operated to the left from the normal position, the rack 86c. The second opening / closing lid 83 does not follow the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 until the tooth portion of the pinion 87c meshes with the tooth portion of the pinion 87c. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 17 (b) and 18 (b), when the ball removal operating tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position, only the first opening / closing lid 81 is first driven, and the first ball removal operation is performed. Only the mouth 80 is opened, and the steady closed state is converted to the first ball-extracted state. Since the first ball outlet 80 is opened in this first ball extraction state, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the game ball x is stored in the staying area 53, the game ball x is Sequentially flows into the first ball outlet 80, passes through the first ball outlet passage 52a, and is discharged out of the gaming machine. In addition, when the staying area 53 is full of the game balls x and the game balls x are also stored in the upper storage area 36, the upper storage area is increased as the game balls x in the staying area 53 are discharged. 36 game balls x also flow down to the staying region 53 through the communication passage 38 and are discharged from the first ball outlet 80 to the outside of the gaming machine. On the other hand, since the second ball outlet 82 is closed, the game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is not discharged out of the gaming machine. For this reason, in such a first ball removal state, the game ball x stored in the stay region 53 and the upper storage region 36 is discharged out of the game machine, and the game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is taken into the ball take-in device. It is possible to play the game with 50. Therefore, even when a large amount of game balls are paid out and the game ball x needs to be discharged during the game, the player operates the ball removal operation tool 20 to enter the first ball removal state. The game balls x in the stay area 53 and the upper storage area 36 can be discharged out of the gaming machine and transferred to a ball box or the like without interrupting the game.

球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作し、第一球抜状態とした状態から、さらに球抜操作具２０を左方に移動操作すると、図１７（ハ）、１８（ハ）に示すように、ラック８６ｃの歯部とピニオン８７ｃの歯部が噛合して、球抜操作具２０の移動操作に合わせて、第二開閉蓋８３が上方に従動し、第一球抜口８０に加えて第二球抜口８２も開放されて、第一球抜状態から第二球抜状態に変換する。この第二球抜状態では、第一球抜口８０及び第二球抜口８２が開放されるため、図１７（ハ）に示すように、滞留領域５３や上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘが第一球抜口８０から遊技機外に排出されるだけでなく、整流通路５４の遊技球ｘも、通路の下流端部の第二球抜口８２に流入し、球抜通路５２ａ、５２ｂを介して、遊技機外に排出されることとなる。このため、かかる第二球抜状態にあっては、上部貯留領域３６及び下部貯留領域２１の遊技球ｘ、すなわち遊技者がスロットマシン１に貯留する全ての遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出することが可能であり、遊技を終了する際に、貯留する遊技球ｘを、スロットマシン１に残すことなく回収できる。   When the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position to move the ball removal operation tool 20 further to the left from the first ball removal state, FIGS. 17 (c) and 18 (c) As shown in FIG. 3, the teeth of the rack 86c and the teeth of the pinion 87c mesh with each other, and the second opening / closing lid 83 is driven upward in accordance with the movement operation of the ball removal operation tool 20, and the first ball extraction port 80 is moved. In addition, the second ball outlet 82 is also opened to convert the first ball extraction state to the second ball extraction state. In this second ball extraction state, the first ball extraction port 80 and the second ball extraction port 82 are opened, so that the game balls x in the staying region 53 and the upper storage region 36 are not shown in FIG. In addition to being discharged out of the gaming machine from the first ball outlet 80, the game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 also flows into the second ball outlet 82 at the downstream end of the passage, and passes through the ball outlet passages 52a and 52b. Through the game machine. For this reason, in the second ball removal state, the game balls x in the upper storage area 36 and the lower storage area 21, that is, all the game balls x stored in the slot machine 1 by the player are discharged out of the gaming machine. It is possible to collect the stored game balls x without leaving them in the slot machine 1 when the game ends.

このように、本実施例のスロットマシン１にあっては、下皿部材１９に取込口６６を設けることにより、下部貯留領域２１から遊技球ｘを好適に込むことができると共に、必要に応じて、下部貯留領域２１および上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出することができる。   Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, by providing the intake port 66 in the lower plate member 19, the game ball x can be suitably inserted from the lower storage area 21, and if necessary. Thus, the game balls x in the lower storage area 21 and the upper storage area 36 can be discharged out of the gaming machine.

尚、本発明のスロットマシンは、上記した実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において種々変更を加え得ることは勿論である。例えば、下皿部材１９や上皿部材８は、前扉６や取付パネル３３を介して、遊技機本体３の前面に取り付けられているが、前枠４や裏機構板５に対して、直接取り付けることもできる。また、球抜口８０，８２にあっても、二箇所に設ける必要はなく、一箇所でも構わないし、球抜操作手段も多様に変更可能である。さらに、球取込装置５０に関しても、スプロケット７１と取込モータ７２からなる構成に限らず、取込モータ７２に替えてソレノイドを使用するなど、既知の球取込装置の構成を好適に用いることが可能であり、また、球取込装置５０の設置位置も取込口６６の直下に限らず、取付パネル３３の背面側に設けることも可能である。さらに、上記スロットマシン１では、遊技球５個を賭数一単位とし、遊技球を常に５個単位で取り込んでいるが、取り込む遊技球の数は適宜変更可能である。また、実施例においては、貯留量検出部材を、下部貯留領域２１が遊技球で満杯である時に作動する満杯作動部材９４により構成しているが、本発明に係る貯留量検出部材は、満杯時に限らず、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球ｘの貯留量が、所定量以上となると作動するものであればよい。例えば、実施例の満杯作動部材９４と同様のものを、連絡通路３８ではなく、下部貯留領域２１の上流領域に臨ませて軸支して、下部貯留領域２１に所定量以上の遊技球が貯留された場合に、貯留量検出部材が遊技球に押圧されて作動するようにした構成が挙げられる。   The slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the lower plate member 19 and the upper plate member 8 are attached to the front surface of the gaming machine body 3 via the front door 6 and the mounting panel 33, but directly to the front frame 4 and the back mechanism plate 5. It can also be attached. In addition, the ball outlets 80 and 82 do not need to be provided at two locations, and may be provided at one location, and the ball extraction operation means can be variously changed. Further, the ball take-in device 50 is not limited to the configuration including the sprocket 71 and the take-in motor 72, and preferably uses a known ball take-in device configuration such as using a solenoid instead of the take-in motor 72. In addition, the installation position of the ball take-in device 50 is not limited to the position immediately below the take-in port 66, and can be provided on the back side of the mounting panel 33. Further, in the slot machine 1, five game balls are used as one unit for betting, and game balls are always fetched in units of five. However, the number of game balls to be fetched can be changed as appropriate. Further, in the embodiment, the storage amount detection member is configured by the full operation member 94 that operates when the lower storage region 21 is full of game balls, but the storage amount detection member according to the present invention is Not limited to this, any operation may be performed as long as the storage amount of the game ball x in the lower storage region 21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. For example, a member similar to the full operation member 94 of the embodiment is supported not on the communication passage 38 but on the upstream region of the lower storage region 21 and is pivotally supported so that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower storage region 21. In such a case, there is a configuration in which the stored amount detection member is operated by being pressed by the game ball.

図２１には、貯留量検出部材や連係制御手段に電装品を用いた変形例を示す。なお、本変形例は、図示した部分以外は、上記実施例の構成を用いるものであり、上部貯留領域や下部貯留領域の詳細な説明は省略する。
かかる構成にあっては、開閉部材１１１は、開口部１１４を有する板状樹脂材からなる。この開閉部材１１１は、上下方向の連絡通路１１０を横断するように設けられ、開口部１１４を連絡通路１１０に一致させて、連絡通路を開放状態とする左方の開放位置ａ’と、連絡通路１１０を遮断して、連絡通路を閉鎖状態とする右方の閉鎖位置ｂ’とに選択的に保持される。貯留量検出部材は、連絡通路１１０の、開閉部材１１１の下方位置に取り付けられた満杯作動スイッチ１１２からなる。この満杯作動スイッチ１１２は、上記実施例同様の主制御基板（図示省略）に接続されており、その装着部位において、遊技球ｘが所定時間以上滞留すると、これに反応して作動（ＯＮ）する。そして、連係制御手段は、開閉部材１１１の両側に設けられたソレノイド１１３ａ，１１３ｂと、主制御基板を含む図示しない電気回路とで構成されており、満杯作動スイッチ１１２が、非作動状態（ＯＦＦ）から作動状態（ＯＮ）に切り替わると、開閉部材１１１の左方のソレノイド１１３ａを短時間作動させて、開閉部材１１１を閉鎖位置ｂ’に移動させ、満杯作動スイッチ１１２が、作動状態から非作動状態に切り替わると、開閉部材１１１の右方のソレノイド１１３ｂを短時間作動させて、開閉部材１１１を開放位置ａ’に移動させる。 FIG. 21 shows a modification in which electrical components are used for the storage amount detection member and the linkage control means. In addition, this modification uses the structure of the said Example except the part shown in figure, and detailed description of an upper storage area | region and a lower storage area | region is abbreviate | omitted.
In this configuration, the opening / closing member 111 is made of a plate-like resin material having an opening 114. The opening / closing member 111 is provided so as to cross the communication passage 110 in the vertical direction, and the opening 114 a is made to coincide with the communication passage 110 so that the communication passage 110 is opened. 110 is shut off and selectively held in the closed position b ′ on the right side where the communication passage is closed. The storage amount detection member includes a full operation switch 112 attached to the communication passage 110 at a position below the opening / closing member 111. The full operation switch 112 is connected to a main control board (not shown) similar to the above-described embodiment, and when the game ball x stays for a predetermined time or longer at the mounting portion, the full operation switch 112 is activated (ON) in response thereto. . The linkage control means includes solenoids 113a and 113b provided on both sides of the opening / closing member 111 and an electric circuit (not shown) including the main control board, and the full operation switch 112 is in the non-operating state (OFF). Is switched from the operating state to the operating state (ON), the solenoid 113a on the left side of the opening / closing member 111 is operated for a short time to move the opening / closing member 111 to the closed position b ′, and the full operation switch 112 is switched from the operating state to the non-operating state. When switched to, the solenoid 113b on the right side of the opening / closing member 111 is operated for a short time to move the opening / closing member 111 to the open position a ′.

図２２を参照して、かかる変形例の作動態様を示す。
まず、下部貯留領域が満杯でない場合には、開閉部材は左方の開放位置ａ’にあり、連絡通路１１０は開放状態にある。また、ソレノイド１１３ａ，１１３ｂはいずれも作動していない（図２２（イ））。この状態から、下部貯留領域が満杯となると、連絡通路１１０に遊技球ｘが滞留し、満杯作動スイッチ１１２が作動する。すると、これに基づいて、主制御基板が左方のソレノイド１１３ａを作動させて、開閉部材１１１が右方の閉鎖位置ｂ’に移動し、連絡通路１１０が閉鎖状態となる（図２２（ロ））。ここで、ソレノイド１１３ａの作動は短時間で終了するが、開閉部材１１１は閉鎖位置ｂ’に留まり、下部貯留領域の満杯が続く限り、連絡通路１１０は閉鎖される（図２２（ロ））。そして、下部貯留領域の満杯状態が解消されて、満杯作動スイッチ１１２付近に滞留していた遊技球ｘが、下部貯留領域に流入すると、満杯作動スイッチ１１２が作動停止する。これにより、主制御基板が、右方のソレノイド１１３ｂを作動させて、開閉部材１１１を開放位置ａ’に復帰させて、連絡通路１１０を開放状態とする（図２２（ロ））。このソレノイド１１３ｂの作動も短時間であるが、開閉部材１１１は開放位置ａ’に留まり、再び下部貯留領域が満杯となるまで、連絡通路１１０は開放することとなる。このように、本発明にかかる貯留量検出部材や連係制御手段は、電気的な構成によっても、好適に実現可能である。特に、本変形例にあっては、開閉部材１１１は、開放位置ａ’と閉鎖位置ｂ’の両位置に、保持力を要することなく留まることができるため、該開閉部材１１１を位置変換駆動する時に、ソレノイド１１３ａ，１１３ｂを短時間作動させるだけあり、電力消費量が極めて少ない。 With reference to FIG. 22, the operation | movement aspect of this modification is shown.
First, when the lower storage area is not full, the opening / closing member is in the left open position a ′, and the communication passage 110 is in an open state. Moreover, neither solenoid 113a, 113b is act | operating (FIG. 22 (A)). From this state, when the lower storage area becomes full, the game ball x stays in the communication passage 110 and the full operation switch 112 operates. Then, based on this, the main control board operates the left solenoid 113a, the opening / closing member 111 moves to the right closed position b ′, and the communication passage 110 is closed (FIG. 22B). ). Here, the operation of the solenoid 113a is completed in a short time, but the opening / closing member 111 remains in the closed position b ′, and the communication passage 110 is closed as long as the lower storage region continues to be full (FIG. 22B). Then, when the full state of the lower storage area is canceled and the game ball x staying in the vicinity of the full operation switch 112 flows into the lower storage area, the full operation switch 112 is deactivated. As a result, the main control board operates the right solenoid 113b to return the opening / closing member 111 to the open position a ′, thereby opening the communication passage 110 (FIG. 22B). Although the operation of the solenoid 113b is also short, the opening / closing member 111 remains in the open position a ′, and the communication passage 110 is opened until the lower storage area is filled again. As described above, the storage amount detection member and the linkage control unit according to the present invention can be suitably realized by an electrical configuration. In particular, in the present modification, the opening / closing member 111 can remain at both the open position a ′ and the closed position b ′ without requiring a holding force, so that the opening / closing member 111 is driven to change its position. Sometimes the solenoids 113a and 113b are only operated for a short time, and the power consumption is extremely low.

スロットマシン１の正面図である。2 is a front view of the slot machine 1. FIG. スロットマシン１の平面図である。2 is a plan view of the slot machine 1. FIG. スロットマシン１の背面図である。2 is a rear view of the slot machine 1. FIG. 遊技を制御する制御回路を示すブロック回路図である。It is a block circuit diagram which shows the control circuit which controls a game. 上皿部材８および下皿部材１９の分離斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an upper plate member 8 and a lower plate member 19. 上皿部材８および下皿部材１９の正面図である。FIG. 6 is a front view of an upper plate member 8 and a lower plate member 19. 上皿部材８および下皿部材１９の右側面図である。FIG. 6 is a right side view of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19. 上皿部材８の平面図である。4 is a plan view of the upper plate member 8. FIG. 図８中のＡ−Ａ断面図である。It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. 図９中のＢ部分を拡大して、連絡通路３８の遊技球ｘの流下態様を示す説明図（イ），（ロ）である。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (A) and (B) showing a flow-down mode of the game ball x in the communication passage 38 by enlarging a portion B in FIG. 9. 満杯作動部材（貯留量検出部材）９４および開閉部材９３の連係態様を示す斜視図（イ），（ロ）である。It is a perspective view (I), (B) which shows the cooperation aspect of the full operation member (storage amount detection member) 94 and the opening-and-closing member 93. FIG. 下皿部材１９の平面図である。4 is a plan view of the lower plate member 19. FIG. 図１２中のＣ−Ｃ断面図である。It is CC sectional drawing in FIG. 図１２中のＤ−Ｄ断面図である。It is DD sectional drawing in FIG. 取込球排出路４９及び第二球抜通路５２ｂを開放して、遊技球ｘの流路を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the flow path of the game ball x by opening the intake ball discharge path 49 and the second ball extraction path 52b. 取込球排出路４９、球抜通路５２ａ，５２ｂ等の配置関係を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the taking-in ball | bowl discharge path 49, the ball extraction passages 52a and 52b. 図１２中のＣ−Ｃ断面により、球抜口８０，８２の開閉状態を示す説明図であり、（イ）は定常閉止状態を、（ロ）は第一球抜状態を、（ハ）は第二球抜状態を示す。It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening-and-closing state of the ball outlets 80 and 82 by CC cross section in FIG. 12, (A) is a stationary closed state, (B) is a 1st ball extraction state, (C) is. The second ball removal state is shown. 球抜口８０，８２の各開閉状態での、球抜操作具２０や第一開閉蓋８１、第二開閉蓋８３等の位置関係を示す説明図であり、（イ）は定常閉止状態を、（ロ）は第一球抜状態を、（ハ）は第二球抜状態を示す。It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the ball extraction operation tool 20, the 1st opening / closing lid 81, the 2nd opening / closing lid 83, etc. in each open / closed state of the ball outlets 80, 82, (a) is a steady closed state, (B) shows the first ball removal state, and (C) shows the second ball removal state. 取込口６６近傍の左側断面を拡大し、球取込装置５０の作動を示す説明図（イ）〜（ホ）である。It is explanatory drawing (i)-(e) which expands the left side cross section near the intake port 66, and shows the action | operation of the ball | bowl uptake apparatus 50. FIG. 遊技球の取込作動の一例を示すタイミングチャートである。It is a timing chart which shows an example of taking-in operation of a game ball. 変形例を示す連絡通路１１０の部分斜視図である。It is a fragmentary perspective view of the communication channel | path 110 which shows a modification. 変形例の作動態様を示す説明図（イ）〜（ホ）である。It is explanatory drawing (a)-(e) which shows the operation | movement aspect of a modification.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ スロットマシン
２ 外枠
３ 遊技機本体
８ 上皿部材
１７ 球供給通路
１９ 下皿部材
２１ 下部貯留領域
３１ 払出装置
３５ 球供給口
３６ 上部貯留領域
３８ 連絡通路
４９ 取込球排出路
５０ 球取込装置
６６ 取込口
９３ 開閉部材
９４ 満杯作動部材（貯留量検出部材）
９６ 歯車
９７ 昇降ラック
９８ 歯車部
９９ 待機領域
１００ 主制御基板
１１０ 連絡通路
１１１ 開閉部材
１１２ 満杯作動スイッチ（貯留量検出部材）
１１３ａ，１１３ｂ ソレノイド
１１４ 開口部
ａ，ａ’ 開放位置
ｂ，ｂ’ 閉鎖位置
ｃ 定常位置
ｄ 作動位置
ｘ 遊技球 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Outer frame 3 Game machine main body 8 Upper plate member 17 Ball supply path 19 Lower plate member 21 Lower storage area 31 Discharge device 35 Ball supply port 36 Upper storage area 38 Connection path 49 Intake ball discharge path 50 Intake of ball Device 66 Intake port 93 Opening / closing member 94 Full operation member (storage amount detection member)
96 gear 97 lifting rack 98 gear 99 waiting area 100 main control board 110 communication path 111 opening / closing member 112 full operation switch (storage amount detection member)
113a, 113b Solenoid 114 Opening a, a 'Open position b, b' Closed position c Steady position d Operating position x Game ball

Claims (2)

遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにおいて、
遊技機本体の前面に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する上部貯留領域を有する上皿部材と、
該上皿部材の下方に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域を有する下皿部材と、
遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、
上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、
下皿部材に形成されて、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、
該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置と、
連絡通路の側部に連成された、下部貯留領域の満杯時に遊技球が侵入する待機領域と、
連絡通路に臨んで待機領域内に軸支され、通常は定常位置に保持されており、下部貯留領域の満杯時には、待機領域に滞留した遊技球に押圧されて定常位置から、待機領域から退避する作動位置へと傾動する満杯作動部材と、
満杯作動部材の上方に傾動可能に軸支され、その傾動変換により、連絡通路を遊技球が流下可能とする開放位置と流下不可能とする閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持される開閉部材と、
満杯作動部材と開閉部材を機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材の定常位置では開閉部材を開放位置とし、満杯作動部材が作動位置となると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に傾動変換する連係制御機構と
を備えたことを特徴とするスロットマシン。 In a slot machine comprising an outer frame arranged upright on a game island and a gaming machine main body covering a front opening of the outer frame, and using a game ball for a pachinko machine as a gaming medium,
An upper plate member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body and having an upper storage area for storing game balls;
A lower plate member provided below the upper plate member and having a lower storage region for storing game balls;
A payout device for paying out game balls to the upper storage area;
A communication passage that causes the game balls in the upper storage area to flow down to the lower storage area;
An intake port formed in the lower dish member and from which the game ball in the lower storage area flows out,
A ball take-in device that communicates with the take-in port and takes in as many game balls as necessary to start a game from the lower storage area ;
A waiting area that is coupled to the side of the communication passage and into which a game ball enters when the lower storage area is full,
Facing the communication path, it is pivotally supported in the standby area and is normally held at the steady position. When the lower storage area is full, it is pushed by the game balls staying in the standby area and retreats from the standby area. A full actuating member tilting to an actuating position;
An opening / closing member that is pivotably supported above the full operation member and is selectively held at an open position where the game ball can flow down and a closed position where the game ball cannot flow down by the tilt conversion;
A linkage control mechanism that mechanically links the full operation member and the open / close member, and when the full operation member is in the steady position, the open / close member is in the open position, and when the full operation member is in the operation position, the open / close member is tilted to the closed position. A slot machine comprising: 連係制御機構は、開閉部材の軸支部周りに設けられた歯車部と、該歯車部と噛合する歯車と、該歯車と噛合して満杯作動部材に上方から当接する昇降ラックとにより構成され、満杯作動部材の定常位置から作動位置への傾動に伴い昇降ラックを上昇させ、開閉部材の歯車部と噛合する歯車を回転して、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に傾動変換するものである請求項１記載のスロットマシン。 The linkage control mechanism includes a gear portion provided around the shaft support portion of the opening and closing member, a gear meshing with the gear portion, and a lifting rack that meshes with the gear and comes into contact with the full operation member from above. 2. The lifting / lowering rack is raised as the operating member tilts from the steady position to the operating position, and the gear engaged with the gear portion of the opening / closing member is rotated to tilt-convert the opening / closing member to the closed position . Slot machine.
JP2004185310A 2004-06-23 2004-06-23 Slot machine Expired - Fee Related JP4191102B2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5822461B2 (en) * 2010-12-24 2015-11-24 京楽産業．株式会社 Ball feeder and pachinko machine equipped with this ball feeder
JP6008133B2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2016-10-19 株式会社三洋物産 Game machine
JP6358302B2 (en) * 2016-09-16 2018-07-18 株式会社三洋物産 Game machine

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