JP4381352B2

JP4381352B2 - Game machine

Info

Publication number: JP4381352B2
Application number: JP2005199206A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 定男井置; 英雄田口
Original assignee: 株式会社ソフィア
Priority date: 2005-07-07
Filing date: 2005-07-07
Publication date: 2009-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-07
Also published as: JP2007014555A

Description

本発明は、遊技球を貯留する球貯留タンクを備えたパチンコ遊技機等の遊技機に関する。 The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine provided with a ball storage tank for storing game balls.

遊技球を使用して遊技を行う遊技機の代表的なものとしてパチンコ遊技機がある。このパチンコ遊技機の裏面側の上部には、遊技球を貯留する球貯留タンクが設けられており、遊技球が入賞すると、球排出装置が作動して球貯留タンクに貯留された遊技球を賞球としてパチンコ遊技機の前面の上皿に排出するように構成されている。また、球貸し操作が行われた場合にも同様に球排出装置が作動して球貯留タンクの球を上皿に排出する。従来、球排出装置は、球貯留タンクの下方に延設された球整列樋の下流側に設けられているものが一般的であったが、近年では、部品点数を低減して配置スペースやコストを削減するべく、例えば、球整列樋を介さずに球貯留タンクに直接取り付けられたものも提案されている（特許文献１参照）。
特開平８−１４１１７５号公報 There is a pachinko game machine as a typical game machine that uses a game ball to play a game. At the upper part on the back side of this pachinko gaming machine, there is a ball storage tank that stores game balls. As a ball, it is configured to be discharged to the upper plate of the front surface of the pachinko machine. In addition, when a ball lending operation is performed, the ball discharge device is similarly operated to discharge the balls in the ball storage tank to the upper plate. Conventionally, the ball discharge device is generally provided on the downstream side of the ball alignment rod extending below the ball storage tank. However, in recent years, the number of parts has been reduced to reduce the arrangement space and cost. In order to reduce this, for example, there has been proposed one that is directly attached to a sphere storage tank without using a sphere alignment rod (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-141175

ところで、球貯留タンクは、遊技球よりも小さな開口部を球貯留タンクの底部に開設して、遊技球設置島設備から落下してくる異物（例えば、釘や埃）を遊技球と分別して取り除けるように構成することが好ましい。しかしながら、単に球貯留タンクの底部に開口部を開設すると、開口部の縁部、特に球貯留タンクの下流側（球排出装置側）の縁部に遊技球が引っ掛かって球止まりを生じ易くなり、球貯留タンク内の遊技球の流下、すなわち球貯留タンクから球排出装置への遊技球の供給が円滑に行われなくなる虞がある。 By the way, in the ball storage tank, an opening smaller than the game ball is opened at the bottom of the ball storage tank, and foreign matters (for example, nails and dust) falling from the game ball installation island facility can be separated and removed from the game ball. It is preferable to configure as described above. However, simply opening the opening at the bottom of the ball storage tank makes it easier for the game ball to be caught on the edge of the opening, particularly the edge on the downstream side (ball discharge device side) of the ball storage tank, and stop the ball. There is a possibility that the game balls in the ball storage tank flow down, that is, the game balls are not smoothly supplied from the ball storage tank to the ball discharge device.

そこで、本発明は、上記の事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、球止まりを生じることなく球貯留タンク内の異物を遊技球と分別して排出することができる遊技機を提供しようとするものである。 Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of separating and discharging foreign matter in the ball storage tank from the game ball without causing the ball to stop. It is what.

本発明は、上記目的を達成するために提案されたものであり、請求項１に記載のものは、遊技球を貯留可能な球貯留タンクと、該球貯留タンクの一側に連通し、球貯留タンクに貯留された遊技球を排出可能な球排出装置と、球貯留タンクを揺動可能な揺動機構と、を備え、
該揺動機構は、球貯留タンクをその底部が球排出装置側へ向けて下り傾斜した第１状態と、前記底部が球排出装置とは反対側へ下り傾斜した第２状態とに変換可能とし、
前記球貯留タンクは、その底部に傾斜した状態で形成されて遊技球が流下可能な遊技球流路と、該遊技球流路を流下した遊技球を排出する排出口と、球排出装置側へ向けて突出した係合部と、を備え、
前記球排出装置は、球貯留タンクに対して着脱可能な状態で備えられ、
前記球貯留タンクを第１状態に変換すると、前記係合部が球排出装置に係合または近接して球排出装置の着脱を規制し、
前記球貯留タンクを第２状態に変換すると、前記係合部が球排出装置から退いて球排出装置の着脱を許容し、
前記遊技球流路は、
前記排出口とは反対側へ向けて下り傾斜した第１流路と、
該第１流路よりも低い位置に配置され、排出口へ向けて下り傾斜した第２流路と、
前記第１流路の下端部と第２流路の上端部とを接続する接続流路と、
を備え、
前記第１流路の傾斜途中には、第１流路の下流側を上流側よりも１段低く設定する第１段差部を形成し、
前記第１流路のうち第１段差部よりも上流側には、遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定された第１溝部を第１流路の傾斜方向へ沿って設け、前記第１溝部の下流側端部を第１段差部から第１流路の下流側へ向けて開放し、
前記第２流路の傾斜途中には、第２流路の下流側を上流側よりも１段低く設定する第２段差部を形成し、
前記第２流路のうち第２段差部よりも上流側には、遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定された第２溝部を第２流路の傾斜方向へ沿って設け、前記第２溝部の下流側端部を第２段差部から第２流路の下流側へ向けて開放し、
前記接続流路のうち第１流路とは反対側に、遊技球が当接可能な当接壁を設け、
該当接壁と接続流路との間に、遊技球よりも狭い開口幅に設定された開口部を開設したことを特徴とする遊技機である。 The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object. According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball storage tank capable of storing a game ball, and a ball storage tank connected to one side of the ball storage tank. A ball discharge device capable of discharging the game balls stored in the storage tank, and a swing mechanism capable of swinging the ball storage tank,
The swing mechanism can convert the sphere storage tank into a first state in which the bottom portion is inclined downward toward the ball discharge device side and a second state in which the bottom portion is inclined downward to the opposite side of the ball discharge device. ,
The ball storage tank is formed in an inclined state at the bottom of the ball storage tank so that a game ball can flow down, a discharge port for discharging the game ball flowing down the game ball flow path, and the ball discharge device side And an engaging portion protruding toward the
The ball discharge device is provided in a detachable state with respect to the ball storage tank,
When the sphere storage tank is converted to the first state, the engagement portion engages or approaches the sphere discharge device to restrict the attachment and detachment of the sphere discharge device,
When the sphere storage tank is converted to the second state, the engagement portion retracts from the sphere discharge device and allows the sphere discharge device to be attached and detached.
The game ball flow path is
A first flow path inclined downward toward the opposite side of the discharge port;
A second channel disposed at a position lower than the first channel and inclined downward toward the discharge port;
A connection channel connecting the lower end of the first channel and the upper end of the second channel;
With
In the middle of the inclination of the first flow path, a first step portion is formed that sets the downstream side of the first flow path one step lower than the upstream side,
A first groove portion set narrower than the game ball is provided on the upstream side of the first step portion in the first channel along the inclination direction of the first channel, and downstream of the first groove portion. The side end is opened from the first step portion toward the downstream side of the first flow path,
In the middle of the inclination of the second flow path, a second step portion is formed that sets the downstream side of the second flow path one step lower than the upstream side,
On the upstream side of the second step portion in the second flow path, a second groove portion having a narrower width than the game ball is provided along the inclination direction of the second flow path, and downstream of the second groove portion. The side end is opened from the second step portion toward the downstream side of the second flow path,
Provided on the opposite side of the connection flow path to the first flow path is a contact wall with which a game ball can contact,
The gaming machine is characterized in that an opening having a smaller opening width than the game ball is opened between the contact wall and the connection flow path.

本発明によれば、以下のような優れた効果を奏する。
請求項１に記載の発明によれば、遊技球を貯留可能な球貯留タンクと、該球貯留タンクの一側に連通し、球貯留タンクに貯留された遊技球を排出可能な球排出装置と、球貯留タンクを揺動可能な揺動機構と、を備え、揺動機構は、球貯留タンクをその底部が球排出装置側へ向けて下り傾斜した第１状態と、前記底部が球排出装置とは反対側へ下り傾斜した第２状態とに変換可能とし、球貯留タンクは、その底部に傾斜した状態で形成されて遊技球が流下可能な遊技球流路と、該遊技球流路を流下した遊技球を排出する排出口と、を備え、遊技球流路は、排出口とは反対側へ向けて下り傾斜した第１流路と、該第１流路よりも低い位置に配置され、排出口へ向けて下り傾斜した第２流路と、第１流路の下端部と第２流路の上端部とを接続する接続流路と、を備え、第１流路の傾斜途中には、第１流路の下流側を上流側よりも１段低く設定する第１段差部を形成し、第１流路のうち第１段差部よりも上流側には、遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定された第１溝部を第１流路の傾斜方向へ沿って設け、前記第１溝部の下流側端部を第１段差部から第１流路の下流側へ向けて開放し、第２流路の傾斜途中には、第２流路の下流側を上流側よりも１段低く設定する第２段差部を形成し、第２流路のうち第２段差部よりも上流側には、遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定された第２溝部を第２流路の傾斜方向へ沿って設け、前記第２溝部の下流側端部を第２段差部から第２流路の下流側へ向けて開放したので、遊技球以外の異物を落下させるための第１溝部および第２溝部の縁を第１流路および第２流路の上流側へ対向する状態で配置することを避けることができ、遊技球流路を流下する遊技球が各溝部に引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。したがって、球貯留タンク内の遊技球の流下を円滑に行いながら、異物を遊技球と分別して球貯留タンクの外へ排出することができる。
また、接続流路のうち第１流路とは反対側に、遊技球が当接可能な当接壁を設け、該当接壁と接続流路との間に、遊技球よりも狭い開口幅に設定された開口部を開設したので、遊技球以外の異物を落下させるための開口部を遊技球流路の中央部分に配置することを避けることができ、遊技球流路を流下する遊技球が開口部に引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。したがって、球貯留タンク内の遊技球の流下を円滑に行なわせることができる。また、第１流路から流下した遊技球を当接壁に当接して接続流路を流下させるとともに、当接壁に向けて流下してきた遊技球以外の異物のみを開口部へ通過させることができ、異物を球貯留タンクの外へ効率よく排出することができる。 According to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained.
According to the invention described in claim 1, a ball storage tank capable of storing game balls, a ball discharge device communicating with one side of the ball storage tank and capable of discharging game balls stored in the ball storage tank; A swing mechanism capable of swinging the ball storage tank, wherein the swing mechanism has a first state in which the bottom portion of the ball storage tank is inclined downward toward the ball discharge device side, and the bottom portion is the ball discharge device. The ball storage tank is formed in a state inclined at the bottom of the ball storage tank so that a game ball can flow down, and the game ball flow path The game ball channel is disposed at a position lower than the first channel and the first channel inclined downward toward the opposite side of the discharge port. , A second flow path inclined downward toward the discharge port, and a contact connecting the lower end portion of the first flow path and the upper end portion of the second flow path. A first step portion that sets the downstream side of the first flow path one step lower than the upstream side in the middle of the inclination of the first flow path. On the upstream side of the stepped portion, a first groove portion having a narrower width than the game ball is provided along the inclination direction of the first flow path, and the downstream end portion of the first groove portion is connected to the first stepped portion. A second step portion is formed to open toward the downstream side of the first flow path, and to set the downstream side of the second flow path one step lower than the upstream side in the middle of the inclination of the second flow path. A second groove portion having a width narrower than the game ball is provided on the upstream side of the second step portion in the flow path along the inclination direction of the second flow path, and the downstream end portion of the second groove portion. Is opened toward the downstream side of the second flow path from the second stepped portion, so that the edges of the first groove and the second groove for dropping foreign matter other than the game ball are connected to the first flow path and the second flow path . Upstream To it can be avoided to place in opposite states, game balls flowing down the game ball passages can be suppressed a disadvantage that produce spherical blind caught on the grooves. Accordingly, the foreign matter can be separated from the game ball and discharged out of the ball storage tank while smoothly flowing the game ball in the ball storage tank.
In addition, an abutment wall on which the game ball can abut is provided on the opposite side of the connection channel to the first channel, and the opening width is narrower than the game ball between the contact wall and the connection channel. Since the set opening has been established, it is possible to avoid placing an opening for dropping foreign objects other than the game ball in the central portion of the game ball flow path, and the game ball flowing down the game ball flow path The inconvenience of being caught in the opening and causing the ball to stop can be suppressed. Therefore, the game balls in the ball storage tank can flow smoothly. Further, the game ball flowing down from the first flow path is brought into contact with the contact wall to flow down the connection flow path, and only foreign matters other than the game ball flowing down toward the contact wall are allowed to pass through the opening. And foreign matter can be efficiently discharged out of the ball storage tank.

さらに、球貯留タンクは、球排出装置側へ向けて突出した係合部を設け、球排出装置は、球貯留タンクに対して着脱可能な状態で備えられ、球貯留タンクを第１状態に変換すると、前記係合部が球排出装置に係合または近接して球排出装置の着脱を規制し、球貯留タンクを第２状態に変換すると、前記係合部が球排出装置から退いて球排出装置の着脱を許容するので、球貯留タンクが第１状態のときに球排出装置が誤って取り外されることを防ぐことができ、球貯留タンク内の遊技球が球貯留タンク内からこぼれて散乱する不都合を防止することができる。Furthermore, the sphere storage tank is provided with an engaging portion that protrudes toward the sphere discharge device, and the sphere discharge device is provided in a detachable state with respect to the sphere storage tank, and the sphere storage tank is converted to the first state. Then, when the engagement portion engages or approaches the ball discharge device to restrict the attachment / detachment of the ball discharge device and the ball storage tank is converted to the second state, the engagement portion retracts from the ball discharge device and discharges the ball. Since the device is allowed to be attached and detached, the ball discharge device can be prevented from being accidentally removed when the ball storage tank is in the first state, and the game balls in the ball storage tank spill out from the ball storage tank and scatter. Inconvenience can be prevented.

以下、代表的な遊技機であるパチンコ遊技機を例に挙げて本発明の実施の最良の形態を図面に基づき説明する。図１はパチンコ遊技機の前方斜視図、図２はパチンコ遊技機の後方斜視図である。
パチンコ遊技機１は、外枠（機枠あるいは本体枠）２に、大きな矩形状開口部を有する略額縁状の前面枠（内枠）３を開閉可能に軸着し、この前面枠３に矩形状の遊技盤（図示せず）を収納可能とし、前面枠３の前側には、一側（図１中左側）が軸着された前面カバー部材４を開閉可能に設け、該前面カバー部材４に透視可能なガラス板５を収納し、ガラス板５を通して遊技盤の前面に形成された遊技領域（図示せず）を前方から透視できるように構成している。さらに、前面カバー部材４の下方に上皿ユニット６と下皿ユニット７とを左右に少し位置をずらした状態で上下に設け、上皿ユニット６と下皿ユニット７との間には、遊技状態に応じて音を発生するスピーカー８を配置し、下皿ユニット７の左側に灰皿９を備え、下皿ユニット７の右側に、遊技球を遊技領域へ向けて発射操作するための発射操作ユニット（発射操作ハンドル）１０を備えている。 Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a pachinko gaming machine as a typical gaming machine as an example. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 has an outer frame (machine frame or main body frame) 2 that is pivotably attached to a front frame 3 having a large frame-like opening so that it can be opened and closed. A front game board (not shown) having a shape can be accommodated, and a front cover member 4 having one side (left side in FIG. 1) pivotally attached to the front side of the front frame 3 is provided to be openable and closable. A glass plate 5 that can be seen through is housed, and a game area (not shown) formed on the front surface of the game board through the glass plate 5 can be seen through from the front. Further, an upper plate unit 6 and a lower plate unit 7 are provided below the front cover member 4 in a state of being slightly shifted left and right, and a game state is provided between the upper plate unit 6 and the lower plate unit 7. A speaker 8 that generates a sound according to the position is provided, and an ashtray 9 is provided on the left side of the lower plate unit 7. A firing operation handle) 10 is provided.

また、図２に示すように、前面枠３の裏面側には裏機構ユニット１２を取り付けている。裏機構ユニット１２は、液晶表示装置などの表示装置１３を前方から嵌め込み、この表示装置１３の前面側を遊技盤に開設した開口から前方（遊技者側）へ臨ませている。そして、裏機構ユニット１２の下方には、遊技を統括的に制御する遊技制御装置１４、排出制御装置１５、電源装置１６、中継基板１７等をそれぞれ配設している。さらに、裏機構ユニット１２の上方に球貯留ユニット２０を配設し、裏機構ユニット１２の側部（図２中右側部）には、球貯留ユニット２０から排出される遊技球を流下させる球流路（具体的には、遊技球をパチンコ遊技機１の前面の上皿ユニット６へ案内する球流下路２１と、球貯留ユニット２０内の遊技球を遊技機島設備内の下部の球回収樋（図示せず）へ案内するための球抜流路２２）を備えている。そして、球貯留ユニット２０の上方には、遊技機設置島設備内に設けられ、遊技機設置島設備からパチンコ遊技機１の球貯留ユニット２０へ遊技球を補給するための補給装置２３が配置されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a back mechanism unit 12 is attached to the back side of the front frame 3. The back mechanism unit 12 is fitted with a display device 13 such as a liquid crystal display device from the front, and the front side of the display device 13 faces the front (player side) from the opening formed in the game board. Under the back mechanism unit 12, a game control device 14, a discharge control device 15, a power supply device 16, a relay board 17, and the like for overall control of the game are arranged. Further, a ball storage unit 20 is disposed above the back mechanism unit 12, and a ball flow that causes the game balls discharged from the ball storage unit 20 to flow down on the side of the back mechanism unit 12 (right side in FIG. 2). Road (specifically, a ball flow down path 21 that guides game balls to the upper plate unit 6 in front of the pachinko machine 1, and a game ball in the ball storage unit 20 that is a lower ball collection basket in the game machine island facility. A ball extraction channel 22) for guiding to (not shown) is provided. Above the ball storage unit 20, a supply device 23 is provided in the game machine installation island facility, and is used to supply game balls from the game machine installation island facility to the ball storage unit 20 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. ing.

次に、球貯留ユニット２０について説明する。
球貯留ユニット２０は、補給装置２３から補給された遊技球を貯留するとともに、この貯留した遊技球を排出可能な装置である。この球貯留ユニット２０は、図３および図４に示すように、横長な板状の取付ベース２５と、遊技球を貯留可能な球貯留タンク２６と、該球貯留タンク２６を取付ベース２５に支持するとともに左右方向へ傾けた状態に揺動（変換）可能な揺動機構２７と、球貯留タンク２６の状態変換を規制する変換規制機構２８と、球貯留タンク２６に貯留された遊技球を球流下路２１あるいは球抜流路２２へ排出可能な球排出装置２９とを備えて構成されている。 Next, the sphere storage unit 20 will be described.
The ball storage unit 20 is a device capable of storing the game balls replenished from the replenishing device 23 and discharging the stored game balls. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ball storage unit 20 includes a horizontally long plate-shaped mounting base 25, a ball storage tank 26 that can store game balls, and the ball storage tank 26 supported by the mounting base 25. In addition, the swing mechanism 27 that can swing (convert) in a state tilted in the left-right direction, the conversion regulation mechanism 28 that regulates the state conversion of the ball storage tank 26, and the game balls stored in the ball storage tank 26 A ball discharge device 29 that can discharge to the flow-down path 21 or the ball discharge path 22 is provided.

球貯留タンク２６は、上面が開口した横長な有底箱体状に形成されたものであり、取付ベース２５の裏側の一側寄り（図４中右寄り）に配置されている。また、球貯留タンク２６内の底部には、下り傾斜して遊技球を転動可能な遊技球流路３０を形成し、球貯留タンク２６の長手方向の一側（図４中左側）には、遊技球流路３０から流下してきた遊技球を排出する排出口３１を開設している。なお、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球流路３０の構成については、後で詳細に説明する。 The sphere storage tank 26 is formed in the shape of a horizontally long bottomed box having an open top surface, and is disposed on one side of the back side of the mounting base 25 (right side in FIG. 4). In addition, at the bottom of the ball storage tank 26, there is formed a game ball flow path 30 capable of rolling down and rolling the game ball, and on one side in the longitudinal direction of the ball storage tank 26 (left side in FIG. 4). A discharge port 31 for discharging the game ball flowing down from the game ball channel 30 is opened. The configuration of the game ball channel 30 in the ball storage tank 26 will be described in detail later.

揺動機構２７は、取付ベース２５の左右方向の中央周辺に配置された揺動軸受４７と、球貯留タンク２６の下部の中央周辺に配置され、取付ベース２５へ向けて前後方向に延設された揺動軸４８とから構成されている。そして、揺動軸受４７に揺動軸４８を回動自在な状態で嵌合して球貯留タンク２６を揺動可能な状態で軸着し、球貯留タンク２６をその底部が球排出装置２９へ向けて下り傾斜した第１状態（図１０（ａ）参照）と、底部が球排出装置２９とは反対側へ下り傾斜した第２状態（図１１参照）とに変換可能な状態で支持している。さらに、揺動軸受４７に揺動軸４８を前後方向（揺動軸４８の延設方向）へ摺動自在な状態で嵌合して、球貯留タンク２６を取付ベース２５に対して進退可能な状態で支持している。また、揺動軸４８の先端部（取付ベース２５側の端部）を取付ベース２５の前側（前面枠３側）へ突出し、この揺動軸４８の先端部に揺動軸受４７の孔径よりも大きなリング状のスライド規制部材（ストッパー）５０を備え（図４参照）、該スライド規制部材５０と揺動軸受４７の前側端部（すなわち前面枠３側に位置する端部）との離間距離を遊技球の直径よりも短く設定している。 The swing mechanism 27 is disposed around the center of the lower part of the ball storage tank 26 and the swing bearing 47 disposed around the center of the mounting base 25 in the left-right direction, and extends in the front-rear direction toward the mounting base 25. And a rocking shaft 48. Then, the swinging shaft 48 is fitted to the swinging bearing 47 so as to be rotatable, and the ball storage tank 26 is pivotally mounted so that the ball storage tank 26 can be swung. Supporting in a state that can be converted into a first state (see FIG. 10 (a)) inclined downward and a second state (see FIG. 11) in which the bottom portion is inclined downward to the opposite side of the ball discharge device 29. Yes. Further, the oscillating shaft 47 can be moved forward and backward with respect to the mounting base 25 by fitting the oscillating shaft 48 to the oscillating bearing 47 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction (the extending direction of the oscillating shaft 48). Support in the state. Further, the tip end of the swing shaft 48 (the end on the mounting base 25 side) protrudes to the front side (front frame 3 side) of the mounting base 25, and the tip of the swing shaft 48 is larger than the hole diameter of the swing bearing 47. A large ring-shaped slide restricting member (stopper) 50 is provided (see FIG. 4), and a separation distance between the slide restricting member 50 and the front end of the swing bearing 47 (that is, the end located on the front frame 3 side) is set. It is set shorter than the diameter of the game ball.

変換規制機構２８は、球貯留タンク２６の左右両側方に配置され、球貯留タンク２６の端部を係止して球貯留タンク２６の揺動を規制するための機構である。この変換規制機構２８は、取付ベース２５の裏側から後方へ向けて突設された円柱状の規制係止部５２と、球貯留タンク２６の側部から外方へ突設された被係止部５３とから構成されている。規制係止部５２は、取付ベース２５の一端側（図４中右端側）に２つ上下に並べて配置されるとともに、取付ベース２５の他側寄り（図４中左側寄り）の上縁部周辺に１つ配置されている。なお、説明の便宜上、取付ベース２５の一端側の上側に配置された規制係止部５２を第１規制係止部５２ａ、下側に配置された規制係止部５２を第２規制係止部５２ｂ、取付ベース２５の他側寄りに配置された規制係止部５２を第３規制係止部５２ｃと称する。 The conversion restricting mechanism 28 is a mechanism for restricting the swinging of the sphere storage tank 26 by locking the end of the sphere storage tank 26 and being disposed on both the left and right sides of the sphere storage tank 26. The conversion restricting mechanism 28 includes a columnar restricting / locking portion 52 that protrudes rearward from the back side of the mounting base 25, and a locked portion that protrudes outward from the side of the ball storage tank 26. 53. Two restriction locking portions 52 are arranged one above the other on the one end side (right end side in FIG. 4) of the mounting base 25, and around the upper edge portion near the other side of the mounting base 25 (left side in FIG. 4). One is arranged in each. For convenience of explanation, the restriction locking portion 52 disposed on the upper side of one end of the mounting base 25 is the first restriction locking portion 52a, and the restriction locking portion 52 disposed on the lower side is the second restriction locking portion. 52b, the restriction locking portion 52 disposed on the other side of the mounting base 25 is referred to as a third restriction locking portion 52c.

また、被係止部５３は、取付ベース２５へ向けて開放したキャップ状を呈しており、当該被係止部５３内に規制係止部５２の先端部を着脱可能な状態で嵌合して、球貯留タンク２６の端部を取付ベース２５に係止できるように構成されている。また、被係止部５３の後面部に取付孔５４を開設し、該取付孔５４に被係止部５３と規制係止部５２の先端部とを止着可能な止着部材５５を取り付け、被係止部５３内に嵌合された規制係止部５２の先端部に嵌脱自在な状態で止着して、被係止部５３と規制係止部５２との嵌合状態を維持するように構成されている。 Further, the locked portion 53 has a cap shape that opens toward the mounting base 25, and the leading end portion of the restriction locking portion 52 is fitted in the locked portion 53 in a detachable state. The end of the ball storage tank 26 can be locked to the mounting base 25. Further, an attachment hole 54 is formed in the rear surface portion of the locked portion 53, and a fixing member 55 capable of fixing the locked portion 53 and the distal end portion of the restriction locking portion 52 is attached to the mounting hole 54. Fastened in a freely detachable state to the distal end portion of the restriction locking portion 52 fitted in the locked portion 53, and the fitting state between the locked portion 53 and the restriction locking portion 52 is maintained. It is configured as follows.

そして、球貯留タンク２６のうち排出口３１とは反対側の端部に設けられた被係止部５３（第１被係止部５３ａ）は、球貯留タンク２６が第１状態に変換すると、第１規制係止部５２ａの後方に配置されて、第１規制係止部５２ａの先端部に係止可能となり、球貯留タンク２６が第２状態に変換すると、第２規制係止部５２ｂの後方に配置されて、第２規制係止部５２ｂの先端部に係止可能となる（図１０および図１１参照）。また、排出口３１側の端部に設けられた被係止部５３（第２被係止部５３ｂ）は、球排出装置２９へ向けて突出した状態で備えられており、球貯留タンク２６が第１状態に変換すると第３規制係止部５２ｃの後方に配置されて、第１規制係止部５２ａの先端部に係止可能となり、球貯留タンク２６が第２状態に変換すると、第３規制係止部５２ｃよりも上方に配置される（図１０および図１１参照）。 And when the ball storage tank 26 converts into the 1st state, the to-be-latched part 53 (1st to-be-latched part 53a) provided in the edge part on the opposite side to the discharge port 31 among the ball storage tanks 26 will be described. When the ball storage tank 26 is disposed in the rear of the first restriction locking portion 52a and can be locked to the tip of the first restriction locking portion 52a and the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the second state, the second restriction locking portion 52b It arrange | positions back and can be latched at the front-end | tip part of the 2nd control latching | locking part 52b (refer FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). The locked portion 53 (second locked portion 53b) provided at the end on the discharge port 31 side is provided in a state of protruding toward the ball discharge device 29, and the ball storage tank 26 is When converted to the first state, it is disposed behind the third restriction locking portion 52c and can be locked to the tip of the first restriction locking portion 52a, and when the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the second state, It arrange | positions rather than the control latching | locking part 52c (refer FIG. 10 and FIG. 11).

次に、球排出装置２９について説明する。
球排出装置２９は、球貯留タンク２６の他側方（図４中左側方）に配置され、球貯留タンク２６の底部の傾斜下端に開口した排出口３１に連通可能な装置である。この球排出装置２９は、図５に示すように、球貯留タンク２６の排出口３１に連通して球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球を受け入れ可能な球受部６０と、該球受部６０の底部を下方へ凹ませた状態で形成された略円筒状のスプロケット収容部６１と、該スプロケット収容部６１の下部に配置された排出ステージ部材６２と、スプロケット収容部６１内に回動可能な状態で収容されたスプロケット（球保持回転体）６３と、該スプロケット６３の上部に接続されてスプロケット６３を回転駆動する排出駆動モータ６４と、スプロケット６３を覆う状態で球受部６０の上方に配置され、上面に排出駆動モータ６４を取り付けるモータベース６５とから構成されている。 Next, the ball discharge device 29 will be described.
The ball discharge device 29 is a device that is disposed on the other side (the left side in FIG. 4) of the ball storage tank 26 and that can communicate with a discharge port 31 that opens at the bottom of the inclined bottom of the ball storage tank 26. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball discharge device 29 communicates with the discharge port 31 of the ball storage tank 26 and can receive a game ball in the ball storage tank 26, and the ball receiver 60. A substantially cylindrical sprocket accommodating portion 61 formed with the bottom portion recessed downward, a discharge stage member 62 disposed at the lower portion of the sprocket accommodating portion 61, and a state in which the sprocket accommodating portion 61 is rotatable. Is disposed above the ball receiving portion 60 so as to cover the sprocket 63 and to be connected to the upper portion of the sprocket 63 to rotate the sprocket 63. The motor base 65 is provided with a discharge drive motor 64 attached to the upper surface.

排出ステージ部材６２は、図６に示すように、その上面（すなわちスプロケット６３の下部に対向する面）の略中央に、スプロケット６３の下部から突設された回転軸（図示せず）を支持する軸受孔６７を開設している。また、軸受孔６７よりも外周側には、球流下路２１に連通する排出流下口６８と、球抜流路２２に連通する球抜口６９を開設し、排出流下口６８の下方には、該排出流下口６８を通過する遊技球を検出可能な排出センサ（通過センサ）７０を配置している。 As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge stage member 62 supports a rotation shaft (not shown) protruding from the lower part of the sprocket 63 at the approximate center of its upper surface (that is, the surface facing the lower part of the sprocket 63). A bearing hole 67 is opened. Further, on the outer peripheral side of the bearing hole 67, a discharge flow lower port 68 that communicates with the ball flow lower passage 21 and a ball discharge port 69 that communicates with the ball discharge passage 22 are opened. A discharge sensor (passage sensor) 70 capable of detecting a game ball passing through the discharge flow lower port 68 is disposed.

スプロケット６３は、その外周縁に平面視円弧状の複数の切欠き７２を備え、該切欠き７２とスプロケット収容部６１の内壁部との間に、遊技球を受け入れて保持可能な縦孔状の球保持部７３を複数（等間隔で１０箇所）形成し、各球保持部７３内に遊技球が最大３個ずつ縦に積み重なった状態で保持されるように構成されている。 The sprocket 63 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 72 having a circular arc shape in plan view on the outer peripheral edge thereof, and has a vertical hole shape capable of receiving and holding a game ball between the cutouts 72 and the inner wall portion of the sprocket accommodating portion 61. A plurality of ball holding portions 73 are formed (ten at equal intervals), and a maximum of three game balls are vertically stacked in each ball holding portion 73.

さらに、スプロケット収容部６１の内壁面のうち、排出ステージ部材６２から遊技球１個分だけ上方に隔てた部位には、円弧状のリブ７４をスプロケット収容部６１の中央へ向けて突設するとともに、排出流下口６８および球抜口６９の外側縁部を上方から覆う状態で配置している。 Furthermore, an arc-shaped rib 74 projects toward the center of the sprocket housing 61 at a portion of the inner wall surface of the sprocket housing 61 that is spaced upward from the discharge stage member 62 by one game ball. The outer edges of the discharge flow lower port 68 and the ball outlet 69 are disposed so as to cover from above.

このような構成を備えた球排出装置２９において、スプロケット６３が球保持部７３に遊技球を保持した状態で正転方向Ｌへ回転すると、球保持部７３に保持された遊技球が排出流下口６８に到達する手前で、３個縦に積み重なった遊技球のうち１段目と２段目以上がリブ７４によって隔てられる。この状態で球保持部７３内の遊技球が排出流下口６８の上方に移動すると、リブ７４が遮蔽板となって２段目以上の遊技球が排出流下口６８へ流入することを阻止する。一方、スプロケット６３が球保持部７３に遊技球を保持した状態で逆転方向Ｒへ回転すると、球保持部７３に保持された遊技球が球抜口６９に到達する手前で、３個縦に積み重なった遊技球のうち１段目と２段目以上がリブ７４によって隔てられる。この状態で球保持部７３内の遊技球が球抜口６９の上方に移動すると、リブ７４が遮蔽板となって２段目以上の遊技球が球抜口６９へ流入することを阻止する。このようにして、球排出装置２９は、排出ステージ部材６２上においてスプロケット６３の各球保持部７３に保持した遊技球を、排出流下口６８または球抜口６９から１個ずつ排出することができる。 In the ball discharge device 29 having such a configuration, when the sprocket 63 rotates in the normal rotation direction L with the game ball held by the ball holding unit 73, the game ball held by the ball holding unit 73 is discharged from the discharge flow lower port. Prior to reaching 68, the first and second tiers of the three game balls stacked vertically are separated by a rib 74. In this state, when the game ball in the ball holding portion 73 moves above the discharge flow lower port 68, the rib 74 serves as a shielding plate to prevent the second and higher game balls from flowing into the discharge flow lower port 68. On the other hand, when the sprocket 63 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R with the game ball held by the ball holding portion 73, three game balls held by the ball holding portion 73 are stacked vertically before reaching the ball outlet 69. Among the game balls, the first stage and the second stage or more are separated by a rib 74. In this state, when the game ball in the ball holding unit 73 moves above the ball outlet 69, the rib 74 serves as a shielding plate to prevent the second and higher game balls from flowing into the ball outlet 69. In this way, the ball discharge device 29 can discharge the game balls held on the ball holding portions 73 of the sprocket 63 on the discharge stage member 62 one by one from the discharge flow lower port 68 or the ball outlet 69. .

そして、球排出装置２９は、モータベース６５の球貯留タンク２６側（図５中左側）に突起部７５を設け、スプロケット収容部６１のうち球貯留タンク２６とは反対側（図５中右側）には、取付ベース２５へ向けて開放したキャップ状の嵌合受部７６を設けている。また、突起部７５に前後方向へ貫通した貫通孔７７を開設し、該貫通孔７７に取付ベース２５の第３規制係止部５２ｃを着脱可能な状態で挿通するとともに、嵌合受部７６内には、取付ベース２５の裏側のうち第３規制係止部５２ｃを挟んで球貯留タンク２６とは反対側（図４中左側）の下端部に設けられた円柱状の支持部７８を着脱可能な状態で嵌合して、取付ベース２５に着脱可能な状態で配置されている。さらに、嵌合受部７６の後面部には取付孔７９が開設され（図５参照）、該取付孔７９には嵌合受部７６と支持部７８の先端部とを止着するための止着部材８０が取り付けられている。この止着部材８０は、支持部７８の先端部に嵌脱自在な状態で止着される。 The sphere discharging device 29 is provided with a protrusion 75 on the sphere storage tank 26 side (left side in FIG. 5) of the motor base 65, and on the side opposite to the sphere storage tank 26 in the sprocket housing 61 (right side in FIG. 5). Is provided with a cap-shaped fitting receiving portion 76 opened toward the mounting base 25. Further, a through-hole 77 penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the protrusion 75, and the third restriction locking portion 52 c of the mounting base 25 is inserted into the through-hole 77 in a detachable state, and in the fitting receiving portion 76. The cylindrical support portion 78 provided at the lower end on the opposite side (left side in FIG. 4) to the sphere storage tank 26 across the third regulation locking portion 52c on the back side of the mounting base 25 is removable. It fits in the state and is arrange | positioned in the state which can be attached or detached to the attachment base 25. FIG. Further, a mounting hole 79 is formed in the rear surface portion of the fitting receiving portion 76 (see FIG. 5), and a stop for fixing the fitting receiving portion 76 and the tip of the support portion 78 to the mounting hole 79. A wearing member 80 is attached. The fastening member 80 is fastened to the front end of the support portion 78 in a state where it can be freely fitted and removed.

次に、球貯留タンク２６内の詳細な構成について説明する。
球貯留タンク２６内に形成された遊技球流路３０は、図７および図８に示すように、球貯留タンク２６内の取付ベース２５側（前側）に配置され、排出口３１とは反対側へ向けて下り傾斜した第１流路８４と、球貯留タンク２６内の取付ベース２５とは反対側（後側）、且つ第１流路８４よりも低い位置に配置され、排出口３１へ向けて下り傾斜した第２流路８５と、第１流路８４の下端部と第２流路８５の上端部とを接続し、第１流路８４の下端部から第２流路８５の上端部へ向けて下り傾斜した接続流路８６とから構成されている。 Next, a detailed configuration in the sphere storage tank 26 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the game ball flow path 30 formed in the ball storage tank 26 is disposed on the mounting base 25 side (front side) in the ball storage tank 26, and is opposite to the discharge port 31. The first flow path 84 inclined downward toward the bottom, the mounting base 25 in the sphere storage tank 26 is disposed on the opposite side (rear side) and at a position lower than the first flow path 84, toward the discharge port 31. The second channel 85 inclined downward, the lower end of the first channel 84 and the upper end of the second channel 85 are connected, and the upper end of the second channel 85 from the lower end of the first channel 84. It is comprised from the connection flow path 86 inclined down toward.

第１流路８４は、その上流側の上方に補給装置２３を臨ませて、補給装置２３から落下する遊技球を受けることができる流路である。この第１流路８４は、図７に示すように、その上流端と排出口３１との間に球落下防止壁８８を立設し、補給装置２３からの遊技球が第１流路８４を流下せずに直接排出口３１へ到達することを防ぐように構成されている。また、第１流路８４の傾斜途中に第１上側段差部８９（本発明における第１段差部に相当）を形成して、第１流路８４を第１上側段差部８９よりも上流側の第１上流部８４ａと、第１上側段差部８９よりも下流側の第１下流部８４ｂとに分けるとともに、第１下流部８４ｂを第１上流部８４ａよりも１段低く設定している。さらに、第１流路８４の下端部（すなわち第１下流部８４ｂの下端部）と接続流路８６との間には、接続流路８６を第１流路８４よりも１段低く設定する第１下側段差部９０を形成している。 The first flow path 84 is a flow path that can receive the game ball falling from the replenishing device 23 with the replenishing device 23 facing above the upstream side. As shown in FIG. 7, the first flow path 84 has a ball fall prevention wall 88 standing between its upstream end and the discharge port 31, and the game ball from the replenishing device 23 passes through the first flow path 84. It is configured to prevent reaching the discharge port 31 directly without flowing down. Further, a first upper step part 89 (corresponding to the first step part in the present invention) is formed in the middle of the inclination of the first flow path 84, and the first flow path 84 is located upstream of the first upper step part 89. While dividing into the 1st upstream part 84a and the 1st downstream part 84b in the downstream rather than the 1st upper side level | step-difference part 89, the 1st downstream part 84b is set one step lower than the 1st upstream part 84a. Further, the connection channel 86 is set to be lower by one stage than the first channel 84 between the lower end of the first channel 84 (that is, the lower end of the first downstream portion 84 b) and the connection channel 86. 1 A lower stepped portion 90 is formed.

そして、第１上流部８４ａには、複数条（本実施形態では２条）の第１溝部９２を第１流路８４の傾斜方向へ沿って開設し、第１下流部８４ｂには、第１副溝部９３を第１流路８４の傾斜方向へ沿って開設している。第１溝部９２および第１副溝部９３は、遊技球に付着した埃や、稀ではあるが遊技機設置島設備から落下してきたビス等の異物を受け入れて排除するためのものであり、それぞれ遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定されて、遊技球以外の異物のみを球貯留タンク２６の下方へ落下させて取り除けるように構成されている。 In the first upstream portion 84a, a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) first groove portions 92 are opened along the inclination direction of the first flow path 84, and the first downstream portion 84b has a first The sub-groove portion 93 is opened along the inclination direction of the first flow path 84. The first groove portion 92 and the first sub-groove portion 93 are for accepting and removing foreign matter such as dust adhering to the game ball and, although rare, screws falling from the game machine installation island facility, The width is set to be narrower than that of the sphere, and only foreign matters other than the game sphere can be dropped and removed below the sphere storage tank 26.

また、第１上側段差部８９のうち第１溝部９２の延長線Ｌ１上に位置する部分を切り欠いて、第１溝部９２の下流側端部を第１上側段差部８９から第１下流部８４ｂ（すなわち第１流路８４の下流側）へ向けて開放している。さらに、第１下側段差部９０のうち第１副溝部９３の延長線Ｌ２上に位置する部分を切り欠いて、第１副溝部９３の下流側端部を第１下側段差部９０から接続流路８６へ向けて開放している。したがって、遊技球以外の異物を落下させるための第１溝部９２および第１副溝部９３の縁を第１流路８４の上流側へ対向する状態で配置することを避けることができ、第１流路８４を流下する遊技球が溝部９２，９３に引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。したがって、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の流下を円滑に行いながら、異物を遊技球と分別して球貯留タンク２６の外へ排出することができる。 Further, a portion of the first upper step portion 89 located on the extension line L1 of the first groove portion 92 is cut out, and the downstream end portion of the first groove portion 92 extends from the first upper step portion 89 to the first downstream portion 84b. That is, it opens toward the downstream side of the first flow path 84. Further, a portion of the first lower stepped portion 90 located on the extension line L2 of the first sub-groove portion 93 is cut out, and the downstream end portion of the first sub-groove portion 93 is connected from the first lower stepped portion 90. It opens toward the flow path 86. Therefore, it is possible to avoid arranging the edges of the first groove portion 92 and the first sub groove portion 93 for dropping foreign matter other than the game ball facing the upstream side of the first flow path 84, and the first flow The inconvenience that the game ball flowing down the path 84 is caught in the groove portions 92 and 93 and the ball is stopped can be suppressed. Therefore, the foreign matter can be separated from the game ball and discharged out of the ball storage tank 26 while smoothly flowing down the game ball in the ball storage tank 26.

さらに、第１副溝部９３を、第１溝部９２の延長線Ｌ１上から外れた位置、具体的には、複数の第１溝部９２の延長線Ｌ１の間に配置して、第１溝部９２と第１副溝部９３とが一直線上に並ばないように構成されている。したがって、第１溝部９２を外れて第１流路８４を流下してきた異物を第１副溝部９３に落下させようとすることができ、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球と異物とを一層分別し易くすることができる。また、第１溝部９２および第１副溝部９３の周辺の強度を低下させることなく、異物の除去効率を向上させることができる。 Further, the first sub-groove portion 93 is disposed at a position off the extension line L1 of the first groove portion 92, specifically, between the extension lines L1 of the plurality of first groove portions 92, and the first groove portion 92 and It is comprised so that the 1st subgroove part 93 may not line up on a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to try to drop the foreign matter that has flowed down the first flow path 84 from the first groove portion 92 into the first sub-groove portion 93, and further separates the game ball and the foreign matter in the ball storage tank 26. Can be made easier. Further, the foreign matter removal efficiency can be improved without reducing the strength around the first groove portion 92 and the first sub-groove portion 93.

第２流路８５は、第１流路８４および接続流路８６を流下した遊技球を排出口３１まで流下させて案内する流路である。この第２流路８５は、図８に示すように、その傾斜途中に第２段差部９５を形成して、第２流路８５を第２段差部９５よりも上流側の第２上流部８５ａと、第２段差部９５よりも下流側の第２下流部８５ｂとに分けるとともに、第２下流部８５ｂを第２上流部８５ａよりも１段低く設定している。なお、第２下流部８５ｂの下端部には、排出口３１が配置される。 The second flow path 85 is a flow path that guides the game ball that has flowed down the first flow path 84 and the connection flow path 86 down to the discharge port 31. The second flow path 85, as shown in FIG. 8, during the inclination to form a second stepped portion 95, the second flow path 85 than the second step portion 95 of the upstream-side second upstream portion 85a And the second downstream portion 85b on the downstream side of the second step portion 95, and the second downstream portion 85b is set one step lower than the second upstream portion 85a. In addition, the discharge port 31 is arrange | positioned at the lower end part of the 2nd downstream part 85b.

そして、第２上流部８５ａには、複数条（本実施形態では２条）の第２溝部９６を第２流路８５の傾斜方向へ沿って開設している。第２溝部９６は、遊技球に付着した埃や、遊技機設置島設備から落下してきたビス等の異物を受けるためのものであり、それぞれ遊技球よりも狭い幅に設定されて、遊技球以外の異物のみを球貯留タンク２６の下方へ落下させて取り除けるように構成されている。さらに、第２段差部９５のうち第２溝部９６の延長線上に位置する部分を切り欠いて、第２溝部９６の下流側端部を第２段差部９５から第２下流部８５ｂ（すなわち第２流路８５の下流側）へ向けて開放している。したがって、遊技球以外の異物を落下させるための溝部の縁を第２流路８５の上流側へ対向する状態で配置することを避けることができ、第２流路８５を流下する遊技球が溝部に引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。したがって、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の流下を円滑に行いながら、異物を遊技球と分別して球貯留タンク２６の外へ排出することができる。 A plurality of (two in this embodiment) second groove portions 96 are opened in the second upstream portion 85 a along the inclination direction of the second flow path 85. The second groove portion 96 is for receiving foreign matter such as dust adhering to the game ball and screws falling from the game machine installation island facility, and is set to be narrower than the game ball. Only the foreign matter is dropped to the lower side of the ball storage tank 26 to be removed. Further, a portion of the second step portion 95 located on the extension line of the second groove portion 96 is cut out, and the downstream end portion of the second groove portion 96 is moved from the second step portion 95 to the second downstream portion 85b (that is, the second step portion 85b). It opens toward the downstream side of the flow path 85. Therefore, it is possible to avoid arranging the edge of the groove part for dropping foreign matter other than the game ball in a state of facing the upstream side of the second flow path 85, and the game ball flowing down the second flow path 85 becomes the groove part. It is possible to suppress the inconvenience of being caught on the ball and causing a ball stop. Therefore, the foreign matter can be separated from the game ball and discharged out of the ball storage tank 26 while smoothly flowing down the game ball in the ball storage tank 26.

また、第２段差部９５には、第２下流部８５ｂへ臨ませた段差開口部９７を第２溝部９６の延長線（詳しくは、２本の第２溝部９６のうち第１流路８４とは反対側に開設された第２溝部９６の延長線）Ｌ３の直下に位置する状態で開設し、該段差開口部９７から後述する検出機構９９の一部を突出できるように構成されている。 Further, the second step portion 95 has a step opening 97 facing the second downstream portion 85 b extending from the second groove portion 96 (specifically, the first flow path 84 of the two second groove portions 96 and the second step portion 95 b). Is an extension line of the second groove portion 96 opened on the opposite side) and is located in a state directly below L3, and is configured so that a part of a detection mechanism 99 described later can protrude from the step opening 97.

さらに、球貯留タンク２６は、接続流路８６のうち第１流路８４とは反対側に、遊技球が当接可能な当接壁（本実施形態では、球貯留タンク２６の内部空間を区画形成する起立壁）１００を配置し、第１流路８４上にある遊技球の球圧を受けて、球貯留タンク２６内の全ての遊技球の球圧が球排出装置２９へ掛からないように構成されている。また、当接壁１００と接続流路８６との間には、遊技球よりも狭い開口幅に設定された開口部１０１を開設している。この開口部１０１は、図７（ｂ）に示すように、接続流路８６と当接壁１００とを切り欠いて断面Ｌ字状を呈する貫通孔で形成されており、当接壁１００側の上縁部と接続流路８６との距離、および接続流路８６側の側縁部と当接壁１００との距離を遊技球の半径よりも短く設定している。したがって、遊技球以外の異物を落下させるための開口を遊技球流路３０の中央部分に配置することを避けることができ、遊技球流路３０を流下する遊技球が開口に引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。このことから、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の流下を円滑に行なわせることができる。また、第１流路８４から流下した遊技球を当接壁１００に当接して接続流路８６を流下させるとともに、当接壁１００に向けて流下してきた遊技球以外の異物のみを開口部１０１へ通過させることができ、異物を球貯留タンク２６の外へ効率よく排出することができる。また、開口部１０１は球貯留タンク２６内の隅部に開設されているので、球貯留タンク２６の底部の強度が極端に低下する虞がない。 Further, the ball storage tank 26 defines a contact wall (in this embodiment, an internal space of the ball storage tank 26) on which the game ball can contact on the opposite side of the connection flow path 86 from the first flow path 84. (Standing wall to be formed) 100 is arranged, and the ball pressure of the game balls on the first flow path 84 is received so that the ball pressure of all the game balls in the ball storage tank 26 is not applied to the ball discharge device 29. It is configured. In addition, an opening 101 having an opening width narrower than that of the game ball is opened between the contact wall 100 and the connection channel 86. As shown in FIG. 7B, the opening 101 is formed as a through-hole having a L-shaped cross section by cutting out the connection channel 86 and the contact wall 100, and is formed on the contact wall 100 side. The distance between the upper edge portion and the connection flow path 86 and the distance between the side edge portion on the connection flow path 86 side and the contact wall 100 are set shorter than the radius of the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to avoid disposing an opening for dropping a foreign object other than the game ball in the central portion of the game ball flow path 30, and the game ball flowing down the game ball flow path 30 is caught by the opening and the ball stops. The inconvenience which arises can be suppressed. Thus, the game balls in the ball storage tank 26 can flow smoothly. In addition, the game ball that has flowed down from the first flow path 84 is brought into contact with the contact wall 100 to flow down the connection flow path 86, and only the foreign matter other than the game ball that has flowed down toward the contact wall 100 is opened in the opening 101. The foreign matter can be efficiently discharged out of the ball storage tank 26. Moreover, since the opening part 101 is opened in the corner part in the sphere storage tank 26, there is no possibility that the intensity | strength of the bottom part of the sphere storage tank 26 will fall extremely.

なお、本実施形態では、第１流路８４と球貯留タンク２６の内部空間の前側（取付ベース２５側）を区画形成する前側起立壁２６ａとの間、および第２流路８５と球貯留タンク２６の内部空間の後側（取付ベース２５とは反対側）を区画形成する後側起立壁２６ｂとの間にも、遊技球よりも狭い開口幅の開口部１０２を複数開設し、球貯留タンク２６の隅部に残り易い異物を球貯留タンク２６の外へ取り除き易いように構成している。 In the present embodiment, between the first flow path 84 and the front standing wall 26a that partitions and forms the front side (the mounting base 25 side) of the internal space of the sphere storage tank 26, and the second flow path 85 and the sphere storage tank. A plurality of openings 102 having an opening width narrower than that of the game ball are also formed between the rear standing wall 26b that defines the rear side of the internal space 26 (the side opposite to the mounting base 25). The foreign matter that tends to remain in the corners of the sphere 26 is configured to be easily removed out of the sphere storage tank 26.

そして、球貯留ユニット２０は、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の有無（球不足状態であるか否か）を検出可能な検出機構９９（本発明における球不足検出手段に相当）を備えている。検出機構９９は、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の不足状態を検出するためのものであり、図３および図９に示すように、球貯留タンク２６内に配置される変位片１０４と、取付ベース２５に設けられ、変位片１０４の状態変換を検出可能な変位センサ１０５とを備えて構成され、球貯留ユニット２０の下部、具体的には、球貯留タンク２６の下部の略中央部分に配置されている。 The ball storage unit 20 includes a detection mechanism 99 (corresponding to a ball shortage detection unit in the present invention) that can detect the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball storage tank 26 (whether or not there is a ball shortage state). . The detection mechanism 99 is for detecting a shortage state of the game balls in the ball storage tank 26. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the detection mechanism 99 is attached to a displacement piece 104 arranged in the ball storage tank 26. A displacement sensor 105 provided on the base 25 and capable of detecting the state change of the displacement piece 104, and arranged at the lower part of the sphere storage unit 20, specifically, at the substantially central portion of the lower part of the sphere storage tank 26. Has been.

変位片１０４は、球貯留タンク２６の下部に設けられた軸受１０６と、揺動軸４８の延長線上に配置された回動軸１０７とを介して回動自在な状態で軸着され、当該変位片１０４の先端を第２段差部９５の段差開口部９７から第２流路８５上（詳しくは第２下流部８５ｂ上）へ突出するとともに、上下方向へ回動可能な状態で配置されている。また、変位片１０４の下部には、球貯留タンク２６の第２下流部８５ｂに係合可能な変位係合部１０８を第２下流部８５ｂに対向する状態で設けてある。さらに、変位片１０４の基部（軸着部）から変位係合部１０８（または変位片１０４の先端）とは反対側には、板状のカウンターウェイト部１０９を備え、該カウンターウェイト部１０９を球貯留タンク２６の下方に配置している。そして、カウンターウェイト部１０９の取付ベース２５側には、変位センサ１０５が検出可能な検出突起１１０を取付ベース２５へ向けて突出している。 The displacement piece 104 is pivotally mounted in a rotatable state via a bearing 106 provided at the lower part of the ball storage tank 26 and a rotation shaft 107 disposed on an extension line of the swing shaft 48. The tip of the piece 104 protrudes from the step opening portion 97 of the second step portion 95 onto the second flow path 85 (specifically, on the second downstream portion 85b) and is arranged in a state of being rotatable in the vertical direction. . In addition, a displacement engagement portion 108 that can be engaged with the second downstream portion 85b of the ball storage tank 26 is provided below the displacement piece 104 in a state of facing the second downstream portion 85b. Further, a plate-like counterweight portion 109 is provided on the opposite side of the displacement piece 104 from the base portion (axis attachment portion) to the displacement engagement portion 108 (or the distal end of the displacement piece 104). It is arranged below the storage tank 26. A detection protrusion 110 that can be detected by the displacement sensor 105 protrudes toward the attachment base 25 on the attachment base 25 side of the counterweight portion 109.

また、変位センサ１０５は、取付ベース２５の略中央部分を球貯留タンク２６側へ凹ませた凹部１１１にセンサ基板１１２を配置し、該センサ基板１１２上に球貯留タンク２６側へ突出する状態で実装されている。 Further, the displacement sensor 105 has a sensor substrate 112 disposed in a recess 111 in which a substantially central portion of the mounting base 25 is recessed toward the sphere storage tank 26, and protrudes on the sensor substrate 112 toward the sphere storage tank 26. Has been implemented.

このような構成を備えた検出機構９９において、変位片１０４は、遊技球が載っている状態では、この遊技球の重さにより下方へ回動して第１変位状態（図１０（ａ）中実線および破線で示す状態）に変換する。この第１変位状態では、変位係合部１０８が第２下流部８５ｂに係合し、検出突起１１０がカウンターウェイト部１０９とともに上方へ移動して変位センサ１０５に検出される。この変位センサ１０５が検出突起１１０を検出することに基づいて、検出機構９９は、球貯留タンク２６内に遊技球が貯留されている状態を検出することができる。また、遊技球が載っていない状態では、変位片１０４は、カウンターウェイト部１０９により上方へ回動して第２変位状態（図１０（ａ）中二点鎖線で示す状態）に変換する。この第２変位状態では、変位係合部１０８が第２下流部８５ｂから離れ、検出突起１１０がカウンターウェイト部１０９とともに下方へ移動して変位センサ１０５から外れる。この変位センサ１０５が検出突起１１０を検出しないことに基づいて、検出機構９９は、球貯留タンク２６内に遊技球が不足している状態を検出することができる。 In the detection mechanism 99 having such a configuration, the displacement piece 104 is rotated downward by the weight of the game ball in a state where the game ball is placed, and is in a first displacement state (in FIG. 10A). State shown by a solid line and a broken line). In this first displacement state, the displacement engagement portion 108 engages with the second downstream portion 85 b, and the detection protrusion 110 moves upward together with the counterweight portion 109 and is detected by the displacement sensor 105. Based on the detection of the detection protrusion 110 by the displacement sensor 105, the detection mechanism 99 can detect a state in which a game ball is stored in the ball storage tank 26. Further, in a state where the game ball is not placed, the displacement piece 104 is rotated upward by the counterweight unit 109 and converted into a second displacement state (a state indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10A). In this second displacement state, the displacement engagement portion 108 is separated from the second downstream portion 85 b, and the detection projection 110 moves downward together with the counterweight portion 109 to be detached from the displacement sensor 105. Based on the fact that the displacement sensor 105 does not detect the detection protrusion 110, the detection mechanism 99 can detect a state in which the game balls are insufficient in the ball storage tank 26.

さらに、検出機構９９は、第２段差部９５に開口した段差開口部９７から変位片１０４を突出しているので、変位片１０４を突出させるための開口が、その区画壁を第２流路８５の上流側へ対向する状態で配置されることを避けることができる。したがって、変位片１０４の周辺で遊技球が引っ掛かって球止まりを生じてしまう不都合を抑えることができる。このことから、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球の流下を滞らせることなく、遊技球の有無の検出、すなわち遊技球の不足状態の検出を行うことができる。また、段差開口部９７から突出した変位片１０４が第２溝部９６の延長線上に配置しているので、第２溝部９６により遊技球を変位片１０４へ誘導することができ、遊技球流路３０を流下する遊技球を変位片１０４に載せ易くすることができる。したがって、球貯留タンク２６内に遊技球が貯留されているにも拘らず遊技球の不足状態が検出されてしまう不具合を抑制することができる。 Further, since the detection mechanism 99 projects the displacement piece 104 from the step opening portion 97 opened in the second step portion 95, the opening for projecting the displacement piece 104 has its partition wall defined by the second flow path 85. It is possible to avoid the arrangement in a state facing the upstream side. Therefore, the inconvenience that the game ball is caught around the displacement piece 104 and the ball stops can be suppressed. From this, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of gaming balls, that is, to detect the lack of gaming balls, without delaying the flow of gaming balls in the ball storage tank 26. Further, since the displacement piece 104 protruding from the step opening 97 is disposed on the extension line of the second groove portion 96, the game ball can be guided to the displacement piece 104 by the second groove portion 96, and the game ball flow path 30 It is possible to make it easier to place the game ball flowing down on the displacement piece 104. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that the shortage state of the game balls is detected even though the game balls are stored in the ball storage tank 26.

次に、球貯留ユニット２０の作用について、特に、球排出装置２９の着脱の際の作用について説明する。なお、球貯留タンク２６は、図１０（ａ）に示すように、予め第１状態で状態変換を規制されているものとする。また、球貯留タンク２６内には遊技球が貯留されて、検出機構９９の検出片が第１変位状態に変換しているものとする。 Next, the action of the sphere storage unit 20 will be described, particularly the action when the sphere discharge device 29 is attached / detached. In addition, as shown to Fig.10 (a), the sphere storage tank 26 shall be state-controlled by the 1st state previously. In addition, it is assumed that game balls are stored in the ball storage tank 26 and the detection piece of the detection mechanism 99 is converted to the first displacement state.

球貯留ユニット２０から球排出装置２９を取り外すには、まず変換規制機構２８の止着部材５５と第１規制係止部５２ａおよび第３規制係止部５２ｃとの止着状態を解除する。各止着部材５５の止着状態を解除したならば、球貯留タンク２６をスライドして取付ベース２５から遠ざけて、第１規制係止部５２ａと第１被係止部５３ａとの係止、および第３規制係止部５２ｃと第２被係止部５３ｂとの係止を解除し、変換規制機構２８を許容状態に変換する。このとき、球貯留タンク２６は、スライド規制部材５０によりスライド距離を遊技球の直径未満の長さに規制される。したがって、排出口３１の側縁部と球受部６０の側縁部とのズレを、遊技球が通過できない程度の隙間に抑えることができる（図１０（ｂ）参照）。これにより、球貯留タンク２６と球排出装置２９との間の隙間から遊技球がこぼれ落ちる虞をなくすことができる。 In order to remove the ball discharge device 29 from the ball storage unit 20, first, the fastened state between the fastening member 55 of the conversion restricting mechanism 28, the first restricting and engaging portion 52 a, and the third restricting and engaging portion 52 c is released. When the fastening state of each fastening member 55 is released, the ball storage tank 26 is slid away from the mounting base 25, and the first restriction locking portion 52a and the first locked portion 53a are locked. And the lock | rock with the 3rd control latching | locking part 52c and the 2nd to-be-latched part 53b is cancelled | released, and the conversion control mechanism 28 is converted into a permission state. At this time, the ball storage tank 26 is regulated by the slide regulating member 50 so that the sliding distance is less than the length of the game ball. Therefore, the gap between the side edge portion of the discharge port 31 and the side edge portion of the ball receiving portion 60 can be suppressed to a gap that does not allow the game ball to pass (see FIG. 10B). Thereby, the possibility that the game ball spills out from the gap between the ball storage tank 26 and the ball discharge device 29 can be eliminated.

変換規制機構２８を許容状態に変換したならば、球貯留タンク２６を排出口３１が上方へ移動する方向（図１１中実線の矢印Ａで示す方向）へ揺動して第２状態に変換する。すると、第１流路８４および第２流路８５が球排出装置２９とは反対側（図１１中左側）へ下り傾斜した姿勢になる。したがって、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球を球排出装置２９とは反対側へ寄せることができ、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球が球排出装置２９へ転動したり、球排出装置２９を押圧したりすることを防ぐことができる。したがって、球排出装置２９のメンテナンス時の準備作業を容易に行うことができ、パチンコ遊技機１の復旧作業の効率向上を図ることができる。 If the conversion restricting mechanism 28 is converted into the allowable state, the ball storage tank 26 is swung in the direction in which the discharge port 31 moves upward (the direction indicated by the solid line arrow A in FIG. 11) to be converted into the second state. . Then, the first flow path 84 and the second flow path 85 are inclined downward toward the opposite side (left side in FIG. 11) from the ball discharge device 29. Therefore, the game balls in the ball storage tank 26 can be moved to the opposite side of the ball discharge device 29, and the game balls in the ball storage tank 26 roll to the ball discharge device 29 or press the ball discharge device 29. Can be prevented. Therefore, the preparatory work at the time of maintenance of the ball discharge device 29 can be easily performed, and the efficiency of the recovery work of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be improved.

また、球貯留タンク２６を第２状態に変換すると、検出機構９９の変位係合部１０８が球貯留タンク２６の第２下流部８５ｂにより上方へ押圧され、変位片１０４が第２変位状態に変換するとともに、第１変位状態への変換を規制される。さらに、第１被係止部５３ａが第２規制係止部５２ｂの後方へ移動し、第２被係止部５３ｂが第３規制係止部５２ｃの上方へ移動する。この状態で、球貯留タンク２６をスライドして取付ベース２５に近づけると、第１被係止部５３ａと第２規制係止部５２ｂとが係止して、変換規制機構２８が球貯留タンク２６の状態変換（揺動）を規制する規制状態に変換し、球貯留タンク２６を第２状態に維持することができる。そして、止着部材５５により第１被係止部５３ａと第２規制係止部５２ｂとを止着すれば、球貯留タンク２６がスライドすることを防ぎ、変換規制機構２８の規制状態が解除されることを防ぐことができる。 When the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the second state, the displacement engaging portion 108 of the detection mechanism 99 is pressed upward by the second downstream portion 85b of the ball storage tank 26, and the displacement piece 104 is converted to the second displacement state. In addition, the conversion to the first displacement state is restricted. Further, the first locked portion 53a moves to the rear of the second restriction locking portion 52b, and the second locked portion 53b moves to the upper side of the third restriction locking portion 52c. In this state, when the ball storage tank 26 is slid and brought close to the mounting base 25, the first locked portion 53a and the second restriction locking portion 52b are locked, and the conversion restriction mechanism 28 is moved to the ball storage tank 26. Therefore, the ball storage tank 26 can be maintained in the second state. And if the 1st to-be-latched part 53a and the 2nd regulation latching | locking part 52b are fastened by the fastening member 55, it will prevent that the ball | bowl storage tank 26 slides, and the control state of the conversion control mechanism 28 will be cancelled | released. Can be prevented.

また、検出機構９９の変位係合部１０８が球貯留タンク２６の第２下流部８５ｂに係合して上方へ押圧され、変位片１０４が第２変位状態に変換するとともに、第１変位状態への変換を規制される。したがって、球貯留タンク２６を第２状態に変換した場合には、検出機構９９の検出突起１１０が変位センサ１０５から外れる。この変位センサ１０５が検出突起１１０を検出しないこと、言い換えると、変位片１０４が第２変位状態に変換したことを検出することで、検出機構９９は、球貯留タンク２６が第２状態に変換したことを検出することができる。そして、この球貯留タンク２６の第２状態の検出結果に基づいて、排出制御装置１５は、球排出装置２９の排出動作を禁止することができる。したがって、メンテナンス準備中に球排出装置２９が排出動作を行ってしまう不都合を抑えることができる。 In addition, the displacement engagement portion 108 of the detection mechanism 99 is engaged with the second downstream portion 85b of the ball storage tank 26 and pressed upward, so that the displacement piece 104 is converted to the second displacement state and the first displacement state is reached. The conversion is regulated. Therefore, when the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the second state, the detection protrusion 110 of the detection mechanism 99 is detached from the displacement sensor 105. By detecting that the displacement sensor 105 does not detect the detection protrusion 110, in other words, that the displacement piece 104 has been converted to the second displacement state, the detection mechanism 99 has converted the ball storage tank 26 to the second state. Can be detected. The discharge control device 15 can prohibit the discharge operation of the ball discharge device 29 based on the detection result of the second state of the ball storage tank 26. Therefore, the inconvenience that the ball discharging device 29 performs the discharging operation during the maintenance preparation can be suppressed.

さらに、球貯留タンク２６を第２状態に変換した状態では、第２被係止部５３ｂが第３規制係止部５２ｃを挿通した球排出装置２９の突起部７５の後方から退いて球排出装置２９の着脱が許容される。この状態で、球排出装置２９の止着部材８０を支持部７８から外し、球排出装置２９を後方（取付ベース２５とは反対方向）へ引き出せば、球排出装置２９を取り外すことができる（図１２参照）。取り外した球排出装置２９は、球貯留タンク２６から分離された状態となるため、片手で持てる程度の大きさになり、持ち運びや取り回しが容易である。したがって、故障の原因を調べたり、あるいは内部に詰まった遊技球を落とすために引っくり返したりする作業を容易に行うことができる。このことから、メンテナンスの作業効率の向上を図ることができる。 Further, in a state where the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the second state, the second locked portion 53b retracts from the rear of the projection 75 of the ball discharge device 29 through which the third restriction locking portion 52c is inserted, and the ball discharge device 29 can be attached and detached. In this state, the ball discharging device 29 can be removed by removing the fastening member 80 of the ball discharging device 29 from the support portion 78 and pulling the ball discharging device 29 backward (in the direction opposite to the mounting base 25) (FIG. 12). Since the removed ball discharge device 29 is separated from the ball storage tank 26, the ball discharge device 29 is of a size that can be held with one hand and is easy to carry and handle. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the work of investigating the cause of the failure or turning over to drop the game ball stuck inside. For this reason, it is possible to improve the maintenance work efficiency.

そして、球貯留ユニット２０に球排出装置２９を取り付けるには、突起部７５の貫通孔７７に第３規制係止部５２ｃを挿通するとともに嵌合受部７６内に支持部７８を嵌合し、止着部材８０により嵌合受部７６と支持部７８とを止着して、取付ベース２５に球排出装置２９を固定する。球排出装置２９を固定したならば、変換規制機構２８の第１被係止部５３ａの止着部材５５と第２規制係止部５２ｂとの止着状態を解除して、球貯留タンク２６をスライドして取付ベース２５から遠ざける。すると、第２規制係止部５２ｂと第１被係止部５３ａとの係止が解除され、変換規制機構２８が球貯留タンク２６の状態変換（揺動）を許容する許容状態に変換する。 In order to attach the ball discharge device 29 to the ball storage unit 20, the third restriction locking portion 52 c is inserted into the through hole 77 of the protrusion 75 and the support portion 78 is fitted into the fitting receiving portion 76. The fitting receiving portion 76 and the support portion 78 are fastened by the fastening member 80, and the ball discharge device 29 is fixed to the mounting base 25. If the ball discharging device 29 is fixed, the fastening state of the fastening member 55 of the first locked portion 53a and the second regulating locking portion 52b of the conversion regulating mechanism 28 is released, and the ball storage tank 26 is moved. Slide away from the mounting base 25. Then, the lock between the second restriction locking portion 52b and the first locked portion 53a is released, and the conversion restriction mechanism 28 changes to an allowable state that allows the state change (swing) of the ball storage tank 26.

変換規制機構２８を許容状態に変換したならば、球貯留タンク２６を排出口３１が下方へ移動する方向（図１１中破線の矢印Ｂで示す方向）へ揺動して第１状態に変換する。すると、第２流路８５が球排出装置２９へ向けて下り傾斜した姿勢になり、球貯留タンク２６の排出口３１が球排出装置２９の球受部６０と略同じ高さに配置される（図１０（ａ）参照）。 If the conversion restricting mechanism 28 is converted into the allowable state, the ball storage tank 26 is swung in the direction in which the discharge port 31 moves downward (the direction indicated by the broken line arrow B in FIG. 11) and converted into the first state. . Then, the second flow path 85 is inclined downward toward the ball discharge device 29, and the discharge port 31 of the ball storage tank 26 is disposed at substantially the same height as the ball receiving portion 60 of the ball discharge device 29 ( FIG. 10 (a)).

また、球貯留タンク２６を第１状態に変換すると、第１被係止部５３ａが第１規制係止部５２ａの後方へ移動し、第２被係止部５３ｂが第３規制係止部５２ｃの後方へ移動する。この状態で、球貯留タンク２６をスライドして取付ベース２５に近づけると、球貯留タンク２６の排出口３１の後側の縁部と球排出装置２９の球受部６０の縁部とが略同一面上に配置されて排出口３１が球受部６０に接続する。さらに、第１被係止部５３ａと第１規制係止部５２ａとが係止するとともに、第２被係止部５３ｂと第３規制係止部５２ｃとが係止して、変換規制機構２８が球貯留タンク２６の状態変換（揺動）を規制する規制状態に変換し、球貯留タンク２６を第１状態に維持することができる。 When the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the first state, the first locked portion 53a moves to the rear of the first restriction locking portion 52a, and the second locked portion 53b is moved to the third restriction locking portion 52c. Move backwards. In this state, when the ball storage tank 26 is slid to approach the mounting base 25, the rear edge of the discharge port 31 of the ball storage tank 26 and the edge of the ball receiver 60 of the ball discharge device 29 are substantially the same. The outlet 31 is arranged on the surface and is connected to the ball receiver 60. Further, the first locked portion 53a and the first restriction locking portion 52a are locked, and the second locked portion 53b and the third restriction locking portion 52c are locked, so that the conversion restriction mechanism 28 is locked. Is converted to a restricted state that restricts the state change (swing) of the ball storage tank 26, and the ball storage tank 26 can be maintained in the first state.

また、検出機構９９の変位係合部１０８が球貯留タンク２６の第２下流部８５ｂから押圧されなくなって球貯留タンク２６から離隔可能となる。この状態で、球貯留タンク２６の排出口３１とは反対側に偏っていた遊技球が排出口３１へ向けて転動して変位片１０４に載るので、この変位片１０４は、転動してきた遊技球に押し下げられて第１変位状態に変換する。したがって、球貯留タンク２６を第２状態から第１状態へ変換した場合には、検出機構９９の検出突起１１０が変位センサ１０５により検出される。この変位センサ１０５が検出突起１１０を検出したこと、言い換えると、変位片１０４が第１変位状態に変換したことを検出することで、検出機構９９は、球貯留タンク２６が第１状態に変換したことを検出することができる。そして、この球貯留タンク２６の第１状態の検出結果に基づいて、排出制御装置１５は、球排出装置２９の排出動作を許容する。 Further, the displacement engagement portion 108 of the detection mechanism 99 is not pressed from the second downstream portion 85b of the ball storage tank 26 and can be separated from the ball storage tank 26. In this state, the game ball that is biased to the opposite side of the discharge port 31 of the ball storage tank 26 rolls toward the discharge port 31 and is placed on the displacement piece 104, so that the displacement piece 104 has been rolled. It is pushed down by the game ball and converted to the first displacement state. Therefore, when the ball storage tank 26 is converted from the second state to the first state, the detection protrusion 110 of the detection mechanism 99 is detected by the displacement sensor 105. By detecting that the displacement sensor 105 has detected the detection protrusion 110, in other words, that the displacement piece 104 has been converted to the first displacement state, the detection mechanism 99 has converted the ball storage tank 26 to the first state. Can be detected. Then, based on the detection result of the first state of the ball storage tank 26, the discharge control device 15 allows the discharge operation of the ball discharge device 29.

さらに、球貯留タンク２６を第１状態に変換した状態では、第２被係止部５３ｂ（係合部）が第３規制係止部５２ｃを挿通した球排出装置２９の突起部７５の後方に係合または近接して球排出装置２９の着脱が規制される。したがって、球貯留タンク２６が第１状態のときに球排出装置２９が誤って取り外されることを防ぐことができ、球貯留タンク２６内の遊技球が球貯留タンク２６内からこぼれて散乱する不都合を防止することができる。 Further, in a state where the ball storage tank 26 is converted to the first state, the second locked portion 53b (engagement portion) is behind the protrusion 75 of the ball discharge device 29 through which the third restriction locking portion 52c is inserted. The attachment or detachment of the ball discharge device 29 is restricted by engagement or proximity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball discharge device 29 from being mistakenly removed when the ball storage tank 26 is in the first state, and the game balls in the ball storage tank 26 are spilled from the ball storage tank 26 and scattered. Can be prevented.

なお、上記実施形態では、球貯留タンク２６を揺動可能な構成としたが、本発明はこれに限定されず、固定状態の球貯留タンク２６であってもよい。 In the above embodiment, the ball storage tank 26 is configured to be swingable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball storage tank 26 in a fixed state may be used.

また、第１溝部９２を第１副溝部９３よりも多く開設したが、本発明はこれに限定されず、溝部と副溝部とを同数開設してもよいし、あるいは、副溝部を溝部よりも多く開設してもよい。 Moreover, although the 1st groove part 92 was opened more than the 1st sub groove part 93, this invention is not limited to this, You may open the same number of a groove part and a sub groove part, or a sub groove part is more than a groove part. Many may be opened.

さらに、開口部１０１は、接続流路８６と当接壁１００とを切り欠いた貫通孔で形成されたが、本発明はこれに限らず、当接壁１００の下端から遊技球の半径よりも低い高さで開設された貫通孔で形成してもよい。 Furthermore, the opening 101 is formed by a through hole in which the connection flow path 86 and the contact wall 100 are cut out. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening 101 extends from the lower end of the contact wall 100 to the radius of the game ball. You may form with the through-hole opened by low height.

上記した実施形態は、代表的な遊技機であるパチンコ遊技機１を例に挙げて説明したが、本発明はこれに限らず、遊技球を貯留可能な球貯留タンクを備えた遊技機であればどのような遊技機でもよい。例えば、内部に封入した遊技球を循環させる封入球式パチンコ機、アレンジボール式遊技機、雀球式遊技機等の遊技機であってもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is a typical gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a gaming machine including a ball storage tank capable of storing gaming balls. Any game machine may be used. For example, it may be a gaming machine such as a sealed ball type pachinko machine, an arrangement ball type game machine, or a sparrow ball type game machine that circulates a game ball sealed inside.

なお、前記した実施の形態は全ての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明は、上記した説明に限らず特許請求の範囲によって示され、特許請求の範囲と均等の意味及び範囲内での全ての変更が含まれるものである。 It should be understood that the above-described embodiment is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above description, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

パチンコ遊技機の前方斜視図である。It is a front perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine. パチンコ遊技機の後方斜視図である。It is a back perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine. 球貯留ユニットの後方斜視図である。It is a back perspective view of a ball storage unit. 球貯留ユニットの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of a ball storage unit. 球排出装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of a ball discharge device. スプロケット収容部からスプロケットを取り出した状態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state which took out the sprocket from the sprocket accommodating part. （ａ）は球貯留タンクの後方斜視図、（ｂ）は開口部の断面図である。(A) is a rear perspective view of a sphere storage tank, and (b) is a sectional view of an opening. 球貯留タンクの前方斜視図である。It is a front perspective view of a ball storage tank. 球貯留タンクを下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at the ball storage tank from the lower part. （ａ）は球貯留タンクを第１状態に変換した球貯留ユニットの背面図、（ｂ）は変換規制機構を許容状態に変換した際の排出口と球受部との位置関係を示す概略図である。(A) is the rear view of the ball storage unit which converted the ball storage tank into the 1st state, (b) is the schematic which shows the positional relationship of the discharge port and ball receiving part at the time of converting a conversion control mechanism into a permission state. It is. 球貯留タンクを第２状態に変換した球貯留ユニットの背面図である。It is a rear view of the ball storage unit which changed the ball storage tank into the 2nd state. 球貯留タンクを第２状態に変換し、球排出装置を取り外した状態の球貯留ユニットの後方斜視図である。It is a back perspective view of a ball storage unit of a state where a ball storage tank was changed into the 2nd state, and a ball discharge device was removed.

Explanation of symbols

１パチンコ遊技機
３前面枠
１２裏機構ユニット
２０球貯留ユニット
２５取付ベース
２６球貯留タンク
２６ａ前側起立壁
２６ｂ後側起立壁
２７揺動機構
２８変換規制機構
２９球排出装置
３０遊技球流路
３１排出口
５２規制係止部
５３被係止部
８４第１流路
８４ａ第１上流部
８４ｂ第１下流部
８５第２流路
８５ａ第２上流部
８５ｂ第２下流部
８６接続流路
８９第１上側段差部
９０第１下側段差部
９２第１溝部
９３第１副溝部
９５第２段差部
９６第２溝部
９７段差開口部
９９検出機構
１００当接壁
１０１開口部
１０４変位片
１０５変位センサ
１０８変位係合部
１０９カウンターウェイト部
１１０検出突起 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 3 Front frame 12 Back mechanism unit 20 Ball storage unit 25 Mounting base 26 Ball storage tank 26a Front side rising wall 26b Rear side rising wall 27 Oscillation mechanism 28 Conversion regulation mechanism 29 Ball discharge device 30 Game ball flow path 31 Exhaust Exit 52 Restriction locking part 53 Locked part 84 First flow path 84a First upstream part 84b First downstream part 85 Second flow path 85a Second upstream part 85b Second downstream part 86 Connection flow path 89 First upper step Part 90 first lower step part 92 first groove part 93 first sub groove part 95 second step part 96 second groove part 97 step opening 99 detection mechanism 100 abutment wall 101 opening 104 displacement piece 105 displacement sensor 108 displacement engagement Part 109 Counterweight part 110 Detection protrusion

Claims

A ball storage tank that can store a game ball, a ball discharge device that communicates with one side of the ball storage tank and can discharge a game ball stored in the ball storage tank, and a swing that can swing the ball storage tank A mechanism,
  The swing mechanism can convert the sphere storage tank into a first state in which the bottom portion is inclined downward toward the ball discharge device side and a second state in which the bottom portion is inclined downward to the opposite side of the ball discharge device. ,
  The ball storage tank is formed in an inclined state at the bottom of the ball storage tank so that a game ball can flow down, a discharge port for discharging the game ball flowing down the game ball flow path, and the ball discharge device side And an engaging portion protruding toward the
  The ball discharge device is provided in a detachable state with respect to the ball storage tank,
  When the sphere storage tank is converted to the first state, the engagement portion engages or approaches the sphere discharge device to restrict the attachment and detachment of the sphere discharge device,
  When the sphere storage tank is converted to the second state, the engagement portion retracts from the sphere discharge device and allows the sphere discharge device to be attached and detached.
  The game ball flow path is
  A first flow path inclined downward toward the opposite side of the discharge port;
  A second flow path disposed at a position lower than the first flow path and inclined downward toward the discharge port;
  A connection channel connecting the lower end of the first channel and the upper end of the second channel;
  With
  In the middle of the inclination of the first flow path, a first step portion is formed that sets the downstream side of the first flow path one step lower than the upstream side,
  A first groove portion set narrower than the game ball is provided on the upstream side of the first step portion in the first channel along the inclination direction of the first channel, and downstream of the first groove portion. The side end is opened from the first step portion toward the downstream side of the first flow path,
  In the middle of the inclination of the second flow path, a second step portion is formed that sets the downstream side of the second flow path one step lower than the upstream side,
  On the upstream side of the second step portion in the second flow path, a second groove portion having a narrower width than the game ball is provided along the inclination direction of the second flow path, and downstream of the second groove portion. Opening the side end portion from the second step portion toward the downstream side of the second flow path,
  Provided on the opposite side of the connection flow path to the first flow path is a contact wall with which a game ball can contact,
  A gaming machine characterized in that an opening having an opening width narrower than that of the game ball is opened between the contact wall and the connection flow path.