JP5495498B2

JP5495498B2 - Outer frame of gaming machine

Info

Publication number: JP5495498B2
Application number: JP2008041375A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 稔三輪; 誠馬原
Original assignee: 有限会社愛和ライト
Priority date: 2008-02-22
Filing date: 2008-02-22
Publication date: 2014-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-22
Also published as: JP2009195535A

Description

本発明は、遊技球を使用する遊技機の技術分野に属する。 The present invention belongs to the technical field of gaming machines using gaming balls.

パチンコ機等の遊技球（パチンコ球）を使用する遊技機においては、賞球として払い出すための遊技球を貯留しておく球タンクを備えるのが普通である。従来、この球タンクは、外郭をなす外枠に開閉可能に組付けられて遊技盤を保持する、中枠の背面上部に取り付けられていた。また、多くの場合遊技盤には液晶表示装置等を備えるセンター役物が装着される。
特開２００７−１３０２６４号公報 In game machines using game balls (pachinko balls) such as pachinko machines, it is usual to provide a ball tank for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls. Conventionally, this ball tank has been attached to the upper part of the back of the middle frame, which is assembled to the outer frame forming the outer shell so as to be opened and closed and holds the game board. Further, in many cases, a center board equipped with a liquid crystal display device or the like is attached to the game board.
JP 2007-130264 A

近年、上述のセンター役物が大型化される傾向にある。また、遊技盤を透明なプラスチック製にして、遊技盤の背後に大型の液晶表示装置を配置した遊技機もある。これらの事情から遊技盤の背後において中枠の内側になる空間の一層効率的な利用が要求される。本発明はこのような要求に応えることを目的としている。 In recent years, the above-mentioned center accessory tends to be enlarged. There is also a gaming machine in which the gaming board is made of transparent plastic and a large liquid crystal display device is arranged behind the gaming board. For these reasons, more efficient use of the space behind the game board inside the middle frame is required. The present invention aims to meet such demands.

請求項１記載の遊技機の外枠は、
対面状に配置される左右の縦部材と、それら縦部材の上端部同士を連結する上横部材と、それら縦部材の下端部同士を連結する下横部材とを備える遊技機の外枠において、
賞球用の遊技球を貯留するための合成樹脂製の球タンクが、その一側面部にて前記上横部材に連結され、少なくとも底面部は支持されずに前記上横部材からオーバーハング状に前記外枠の後方へせり出すことで、前記外枠の平面図では前記上横部材の後方隣になる位置に配され、しかも、前記球タンクの前端は前記外枠の前端側よりも前記外枠の後端側に近い位置にあり、
前記上横部材は、左端において前記左の縦部材の上端部に連結されるとともに右端において前記右の縦部材の上端部に連結される硬質合成樹脂のブリッジ部と、前記ブリッジ部に取り付けられたアルミニウム製の補強部材と、を備える
ことを特徴とする。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 is:
In an outer frame of a gaming machine comprising left and right vertical members arranged in a face-to-face manner, upper horizontal members that connect upper ends of the vertical members, and lower horizontal members that connect lower ends of the vertical members,
A synthetic resin ball tank for storing a game ball for a prize ball is connected to the upper horizontal member at one side surface thereof, and at least a bottom surface portion is not supported and is overhanged from the upper horizontal member. By projecting to the rear of the outer frame, it is arranged at a position adjacent to the rear of the upper horizontal member in the plan view of the outer frame , and the front end of the ball tank is located closer to the outer frame than the front end side of the outer frame. Near the rear end of the
The upper horizontal member is attached to the bridge portion with a rigid synthetic resin bridge portion connected to the upper end portion of the left vertical member at the left end and to the upper end portion of the right vertical member at the right end. A reinforcing member made of aluminum .

請求項１に記載の遊技機の外枠では、賞球用の遊技球を貯留するための合成樹脂製の球タンクが、その一側面部にて外枠の上横部材に連結されて、外枠によって保持されている。しかも、球タンクの少なくとも底面部は、外枠によっては支持されずに、また中枠等の外枠以外の部品によっても支持されずに、上横部材からオーバーハング状に外枠の後方へせり出している。 In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1, a ball tank made of synthetic resin for storing game balls for prize balls is connected to an upper horizontal member of the outer frame at one side surface thereof, and It is held by a frame. In addition, at least the bottom surface of the ball tank is not supported by the outer frame and is not supported by parts other than the outer frame such as the inner frame, and protrudes from the upper lateral member to the rear of the outer frame in an overhang shape. ing.

特許文献１にも開示されているとおり、従来の遊技機においては、球タンクは中枠の背面部の上部に取り付けられていた。そして、中枠が外枠に対して開閉される構造であることから、中枠の外形は外枠の内法の範囲内とされ、中枠に付属する球タンクも同様に外枠の内法に収まる位置に配されていた。 As disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the conventional gaming machine, the ball tank is attached to the upper part of the back surface portion of the middle frame. Since the inner frame is structured to be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, the outer shape of the inner frame is within the range of the inner method of the outer frame, and the ball tank attached to the inner frame is also the inner method of the outer frame. It was placed in a position that fits.

かりに球タンクの形状及び寸法を一定として比較した場合、請求項１に記載の遊技機の外枠では、球タンクが、その一側面部にて外枠の上横部材に連結されて、外枠によって保持されているので、球タンクが中枠の上部に取り付けられる場合（従来技術）よりも、球タンクの位置が上方になる。すると、球タンクの位置が上がった分だけは、その下側の空間の上下寸法が大きくなる。 In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1, when comparing the shape and dimensions of the ball tank as constant, the ball tank is connected to the upper horizontal member of the outer frame at one side surface thereof. Therefore, the position of the ball tank is higher than when the ball tank is attached to the upper part of the middle frame (prior art). As a result, the vertical dimension of the space below it increases as the position of the ball tank increases.

また、球タンクが上横部材からオーバーハング状に外枠の後方へせり出している。つまり、外枠の平面図を描いたなら球タンクが上横部材の後方隣になる（但し、両者の一部が平面図において重なることはあり得る。）位置関係である。一方、従来の遊技機においては、球タンクは中枠の後方へオーバーハング状にせり出している（特許文献１参照）。つまり、請求項１に記載の遊技機の外枠における球タンクの位置は、正確にではないが（おおむねは）、中枠に取り付けられていた従来の位置から上方へ移動させた位置と言える。 The ball tank protrudes from the upper lateral member to the rear of the outer frame in an overhang shape. That is, if a plan view of the outer frame is drawn, the ball tank is adjacent to the rear side of the upper horizontal member (however, a part of both may overlap in the plan view). On the other hand, in the conventional gaming machine, the ball tank protrudes in an overhang shape to the rear of the middle frame (see Patent Document 1). In other words, the position of the ball tank in the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 is not exactly (almost), but can be said to be a position moved upward from the conventional position attached to the middle frame.

こうした構成であるから、請求項１の外枠を備える遊技機では、遊技盤の背後において中枠の内側になる空間に上述した球タンクの移動分だけ余剰が生じるから、その余剰分の利用が可能となり、従来よりもの一層効率的な利用を実現できる。 With such a configuration, in the gaming machine having the outer frame of claim 1, surplus is generated in the space behind the game board inside the middle frame by the amount of movement of the above-described ball tank. It becomes possible, and more efficient use than before can be realized.

請求項２記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項１記載の遊技機の外枠において、前記上横部材の一部が合成樹脂製であり、前記球タンクは前記上横部材の前記合成樹脂製の部分と一体化されている構成を採用したから、合成樹脂製である上横部材の一部（又は全部）と同じく合成樹脂製である球タンクとを同材質として一体成形したり、別々に成形してから接着又は溶着することができる。そうすると、球タンクを上横部材と連結する作業を外枠の組み立て工程にて行わずに済む。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 2 is the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a part of the upper horizontal member is made of a synthetic resin, and the ball tank is the synthetic resin of the upper horizontal member. Since the structure integrated with the plastic part is adopted, a part (or all) of the upper horizontal member made of synthetic resin and a ball tank made of the same synthetic resin as the same material can be integrally molded or separately It can be bonded or welded after being molded. Then, it is not necessary to perform the operation of connecting the ball tank with the upper horizontal member in the outer frame assembling process.

請求項３記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項１又は２記載の遊技機の外枠において、
前記下横部材には、遊技者に対面する位置に配される透光性のレンズ部材と、前記レンズ部材の背後に設けられた基板収容部と、ＬＥＤが実装されていて前記ＬＥＤからの光が前記レンズ部材に向けて放射される姿勢で前記基板収容部に収容された基板とが備わっていることを特徴とする。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 3 is the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The lower horizontal member is mounted with a translucent lens member disposed at a position facing the player, a board accommodating portion provided behind the lens member, and an LED mounted thereon. And a substrate accommodated in the substrate accommodating portion in a posture of being emitted toward the lens member.

請求項３記載の遊技機の外枠は、ＬＥＤからの光を下横部材に備えたレンズ部材から放射することで、レンズ部材を発光させることができる。このレンズ部材からの光は外枠の前方に向けて放射されることになる。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 3 can cause the lens member to emit light by radiating light from the LED from the lens member provided in the lower lateral member. Light from the lens member is emitted toward the front of the outer frame.

下横部材の前方つまり遊技者側になる部分は、球受皿が配置される等で、遊技者から見えにくい部分である。このため、従来は装飾的な面では比較的軽視される部分であった。
ところが、ここは球箱が置かれる場所でもある。請求項３に係る発明は球箱に注目した発明であり、ＬＥＤから出てレンズ部材を通過してレンズ部材から放射される光は、球箱に当たるし、球箱が透光性であればこれを透過した光が、また球箱の開口から入射した光も球箱内の遊技球に当たる。つまり、レンズ部材から放射される光で球箱を光らせたり、球箱内の遊技球を光らせたりでき、これらを電飾として利用できる。もちろん、レンズ部材の発光による電飾効果もある。 The portion on the front side of the lower horizontal member, that is, the player side, is a portion that is difficult to be seen by the player due to the ball tray being disposed. For this reason, conventionally, it has been a part that is relatively neglected in terms of decoration.
However, this is also where the ball box is placed. The invention according to claim 3 focuses on the ball box, and the light emitted from the LED, passing through the lens member and emitted from the lens member hits the ball box, and if the ball box is translucent, The light transmitted through the ball box and the light incident from the opening of the ball box also hit the game ball in the ball box. That is, the ball box can be illuminated with the light emitted from the lens member, or the game ball in the ball box can be illuminated, and these can be used as electrical decorations. Of course, there is also an electrical decoration effect by light emission of the lens member.

請求項４記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項１、２又は３記載の遊技機の外枠において、
前面側が開放されて前記下横部材に設けられたスピーカ収容部と、
前記スピーカ収容部に収容されたスピーカと、
音声を通すための孔が設けられていて前記孔の周囲部分に前記スピーカのフランジが連結されるスピーカ支持枠と
を備えるので、スピーカを備えた外枠となる。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 4 is the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
A speaker housing provided on the lower lateral member with the front side open;
A speaker housed in the speaker housing section;
Since a hole for allowing sound to pass is provided and a speaker support frame to which a flange of the speaker is connected is provided around the hole, an outer frame including a speaker is provided.

請求項５記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項１又は２記載の遊技機の外枠において、
前記下横部材には、前記外枠の左下隅になる位置に配されたスピーカ収容部と該スピーカ収容部の前記右の縦部材側に配された基板収容部とが連通形成されて前面側が開放された収容凹部が設けられており、
ＬＥＤが実装されていて前記ＬＥＤからの光が前記外枠の前方に向けて放射される姿勢で前記基板収容部に収容された基板と、
前記スピーカ収容部に収容されたスピーカと、
前記スピーカのフランジが連結されるスピーカ支持枠と前記ＬＥＤからの光を入射させる位置に配置される透光性のレンズ部材とを有して前記収容凹部の前方で前記下横部材に取り付けられる前蓋部材と、
音声を通すための孔が設けられており前記前蓋部材に取り付けられて前記スピーカ支持枠の開口を閉じるカバー部材とを備えることを特徴とする。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 5 is the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the lower horizontal member, a speaker housing portion arranged at a position that becomes the lower left corner of the outer frame and a substrate housing portion arranged on the right vertical member side of the speaker housing portion are formed in communication, and the front side is formed. An open receiving recess is provided,
A substrate on which the LED is mounted, and the substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating portion in a posture in which light from the LED is emitted toward the front of the outer frame;
A speaker housed in the speaker housing section;
Before attaching to the lower lateral member in front of the housing recess, having a speaker support frame to which the speaker flange is connected and a translucent lens member disposed at a position where light from the LED is incident A lid member;
A hole for allowing sound to pass is provided, and a cover member that is attached to the front lid member and closes the opening of the speaker support frame is provided.

請求項５記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項３及び４と同等の構成を備えるので請求項３、４と同等の効果が得られる。
請求項６記載の遊技機の外枠は、
請求項１〜５のいずれか記載の遊技機の外枠において、
前記球タンクから流出する遊技球を払出装置へ誘導するための樋構造が前記左の縦部材の背面に取り付けられている
ことを特徴とする。 Since the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 5 has the same configuration as that of claims 3 and 4, the same effect as that of claims 3 and 4 can be obtained.
The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 6 is:
In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A saddle structure for guiding a game ball flowing out from the ball tank to the payout device is attached to the back surface of the left vertical member.

球タンクから流出する遊技球を払出装置へ誘導するための樋構造は、従来は中枠の一部とされたり、中枠に取り付けられる裏セット（機構盤）の一部とされていた。
この樋構造を左の縦部材の背面に取り付けることにより、樋構造が占める位置が従来よりも横にずれて外側となる。つまり、遊技盤の背後において中枠の内側になる空間に樋構造が横にずれた分の余剰が生じるから、その余剰分の利用が可能となり、従来よりもの一層効率的な利用を実現できる。 Conventionally, the cage structure for guiding the game ball flowing out from the ball tank to the payout device has been a part of the middle frame or a part of the back set (mechanism panel) attached to the middle frame.
By attaching this saddle structure to the back surface of the left vertical member, the position occupied by the saddle structure is shifted laterally as compared with the conventional case and becomes the outside. In other words, surplus is generated in the space behind the game board inside the middle frame because the saddle structure is shifted laterally, so that the surplus can be used, and more efficient use than before can be realized.

請求項７記載の遊技機の外枠は、請求項６記載の遊技機の外枠において、
前記樋構造は、上端が前記球タンクに接続されて遊技球を下降誘導する縦樋部と、一端は前記縦樋部に接続され他端は直接又は間接に前記払出装置に接続される接続路が設けられた接続部とで構成され、
前記縦樋部は、これが取り付けられている前記左の縦部材の背面への投影が該背面からはみ出さない寸法、形状であることを特徴とする。 The outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 7 is the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 6,
The saddle structure has a vertical saddle portion whose upper end is connected to the ball tank and guides the game ball to descend, and one end is connected to the vertical saddle portion and the other end is connected directly or indirectly to the payout device. And a connection part provided with
The vertical saddle portion is characterized in that it has a size and shape so that the projection onto the back surface of the left vertical member to which it is attached does not protrude from the back surface.

縦樋部は、これが取り付けられている左の縦部材の背面への投影がこの背面からはみ出さない寸法、形状、すなわち前面側から見たなら縦樋部は左の縦部材に隠れてしまう寸法、形状であるから、請求項６による効果をより良好にする。 The vertical saddle part has dimensions and shape that the projection of the left vertical member to which it is attached does not protrude from the back side, that is, the vertical part is hidden by the left vertical member when viewed from the front side. Since it is a shape, the effect by Claim 6 is made more favorable.

なお、接続路の他端が直接に払出装置に接続されるというのは文字通りの意味である。一方、間接に払出装置に接続されるというのは、例えば中継用の樋等を介して接続されることを意味する。この場合、中継用の樋等が接続路に取り付けられていてもよいし、払出装置に取り付けられていてもよい。 In addition, it is literally meaning that the other end of the connection path is directly connected to the dispensing device. On the other hand, being indirectly connected to the payout device means being connected via a relay cage or the like, for example. In this case, a relay cage or the like may be attached to the connection path, or may be attached to the dispensing device.

次に、本発明の実施例等により発明の実施の形態を説明する。なお、本発明は下記の実施例等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でさまざまに実施できることは言うまでもない。
［実施例］
図１、図２及び図３に示すように、本実施例の遊技機の外枠（以下、単に「外枠」ともいう。）１は、アルミダイキャスト製品である左縦部材２と、アルミ押出成形品である右縦部材３とを備えている。これら左縦部材２と右縦部材３とは対面状に配置されている。 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following examples and the like, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[Example]
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the outer frame (hereinafter also simply referred to as “outer frame”) 1 of the gaming machine of this embodiment is a left vertical member 2 which is an aluminum die-cast product, and aluminum. And a right vertical member 3 which is an extruded product. The left vertical member 2 and the right vertical member 3 are arranged facing each other.

左縦部材２の本体部４は、ともに板状の側面部４ａと背面部４ｂとを直交状に連接した構造の横断面形状が略Ｌ字状の部材である。また、本体部４は縦長の部材であり、本体部４の上端部には上ヒンジ保持部５が連設されている。本体部４に上ヒンジ保持部５を加えた上下寸法が外枠１の高さ（上下寸法）とほぼ一致する。 The main body portion 4 of the left vertical member 2 is a member having a substantially L-shaped cross section having a structure in which a plate-like side surface portion 4a and a back surface portion 4b are connected orthogonally. The main body portion 4 is a vertically long member, and an upper hinge holding portion 5 is connected to the upper end portion of the main body portion 4. The vertical dimension obtained by adding the upper hinge holding part 5 to the main body part 4 substantially coincides with the height (vertical dimension) of the outer frame 1.

上ヒンジ保持部５の先端片５ａは外枠１の前方に突出しており、先端片５ａには下向きに開口した上ヒンジ軸受（開口は図示されない）が設けられている。
また、下端から全長のおよそ１／５ほどの位置には、下ヒンジ保持部７が設けられており、下ヒンジ保持部７には下ヒンジ軸受８が形成されている。下ヒンジ軸受８の軸は、上ヒンジ軸受の軸とほぼ一致する。下ヒンジ保持部７の下側には支持板部９が連設されている。 The tip piece 5a of the upper hinge holding part 5 projects forward of the outer frame 1, and the tip piece 5a is provided with an upper hinge bearing (opening is not shown) that opens downward.
A lower hinge holding part 7 is provided at a position about 1/5 of the entire length from the lower end, and a lower hinge bearing 8 is formed on the lower hinge holding part 7. The axis of the lower hinge bearing 8 substantially coincides with the axis of the upper hinge bearing. A support plate portion 9 is connected to the lower side of the lower hinge holding portion 7.

本体部４の下端部には右縦部材３に向かって突出した下連結部１１が連接されており、左縦部材２の下端部はＬ字状になっている。また、下ヒンジ保持部７の後端と下連結部１１の上面とが内板１２にて連結されている。 A lower connecting portion 11 protruding toward the right vertical member 3 is connected to the lower end portion of the main body portion 4, and the lower end portion of the left vertical member 2 is L-shaped. Further, the rear end of the lower hinge holding part 7 and the upper surface of the lower connecting part 11 are connected by an inner plate 12.

右縦部材３も、左縦部材２の本体部４と同様に直交状に連接された板状の側面部３ａと背面部３ｂとを備える。右縦部材３は、背面部３ｂと平行に配されて側面部３ａに直交状に連接された補強レール部３ｃを更に備えている。従って、右縦部材３の横断面形状は略Ｆ字状となっている。なお、補強レール部３ｃには錠留め板金１３の取り付け用として、上下２箇所の切り欠き３ｄが設けられている。 The right vertical member 3 also includes a plate-like side surface portion 3 a and a back surface portion 3 b that are connected orthogonally like the main body portion 4 of the left vertical member 2. The right vertical member 3 further includes a reinforcing rail portion 3c arranged in parallel with the back surface portion 3b and connected to the side surface portion 3a in an orthogonal manner. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the right vertical member 3 is substantially F-shaped. The reinforcing rail 3c is provided with two upper and lower cutouts 3d for attaching the locking metal plate 13.

また外枠１は、左縦部材２と右縦部材３の上端部同士を連結する上横部材１４と、左縦部材２と右縦部材３の下端部同士を連結する下横部材１５とを備えている。
上横部材１４は、外枠１の天井１６となる部分と球タンク１７とで構成されている。但し、詳細は後述するが、天井１６と球タンク１７との２分割構造ではない。 The outer frame 1 includes an upper horizontal member 14 that connects the upper ends of the left vertical member 2 and the right vertical member 3, and a lower horizontal member 15 that connects the lower ends of the left vertical member 2 and the right vertical member 3. I have.
The upper horizontal member 14 is composed of a portion that becomes the ceiling 16 of the outer frame 1 and a ball tank 17. However, although details will be described later, it is not a two-part structure of the ceiling 16 and the ball tank 17.

天井１６は、硬質合成樹脂（例えばＡＢＳ）のブリッジ部１８、ビスによってブリッジ部１８に取り付けられたアルミニウム製の補強部材１９、ブリッジ部１８と補強部材１９とに挟まれるようにしてブリッジ部１８に取り付けられた発泡樹脂製の釘打ち材２０にて構成されている。 The ceiling 16 is connected to the bridge portion 18 so as to be sandwiched between a bridge portion 18 of hard synthetic resin (for example, ABS), an aluminum reinforcing member 19 attached to the bridge portion 18 with screws, and the bridge portion 18 and the reinforcing member 19. It is comprised by the attached nailing material 20 made from foamed resin.

天井１６は、全体としてはほぼ板状になっている。天井１６の左端２１ａ（ブリッジ部１８の左端である）は、本体部４の上端部及び上ヒンジ保持部５（すなわち左縦部材２の上端部）にねじ止めされて連結されている。また天井１６の右端２１ｂ（ブリッジ部１８の右端である）は、右縦部材３の上端部にねじ止めされて連結されている。 The ceiling 16 is substantially plate-shaped as a whole. The left end 21 a of the ceiling 16 (which is the left end of the bridge portion 18) is screwed and connected to the upper end portion of the main body portion 4 and the upper hinge holding portion 5 (that is, the upper end portion of the left vertical member 2). Further, the right end 21 b of the ceiling 16 (the right end of the bridge portion 18) is screwed to and connected to the upper end portion of the right vertical member 3.

補強部材１９には長円状の釘打ち開口１９ａが２箇所に設けられている。従って、釘打ち開口１９ａにて釘打ち材２０が露出しており、この部分であれば釘打ち材２０に釘を打ち込むことができる。 The reinforcing member 19 is provided with two oval nailing openings 19a. Therefore, the nail material 20 is exposed at the nail opening 19a, and the nail can be driven into the nail material 20 at this portion.

球タンク１７は、賞球用の遊技球を貯留するために用いられるが、機種によっては球タンク１７内の遊技球が賞球用だけでなく貸球用とされることもある。
球タンク１７には、遊技球を貯留するための貯留部１７ａ、貯留部１７ａから流出する遊技球を１列に整列させる整列部１７ｂ、整列部１７ｂを通過してきた遊技球を落下させる排出樋１７ｃが設けられている。そして、吊壁部２２、ブラケット２３、端部壁１７ｄ等にてブリッジ部１８と連続している。つまり、ブリッジ部１８と球タンク１７とは一体成形されている。このため、ブリッジ部１８を主要な構成要素としている天井１６も球タンク１７と一体化している。 The ball tank 17 is used for storing game balls for prize balls, but depending on the model, the game balls in the ball tank 17 may be used not only for prize balls but also for rental balls.
The ball tank 17 includes a storage portion 17a for storing game balls, an alignment portion 17b for aligning game balls flowing out from the storage portion 17a in a row, and a discharge rod 17c for dropping game balls that have passed through the alignment portion 17b. Is provided. And it continues with the bridge | bridging part 18 in the suspension wall part 22, the bracket 23, the end part wall 17d, etc. FIG. That is, the bridge portion 18 and the ball tank 17 are integrally formed. For this reason, the ceiling 16 having the bridge portion 18 as a main component is also integrated with the ball tank 17.

球タンク１７は、その一側面部にて上横部材１４に連結されて外枠１によって保持されているが（上記のように吊壁部２２、ブラケット２３、端部壁１７ｄ等にてブリッジ部１８と連続しているが）、球タンク１７の底面部は外枠１によっては支持されていない。また、球タンク１７は、外枠１以外の部品によっては支持されていない。そして、上横部材１４からオーバーハング状に外枠１の後方へせり出している。 The ball tank 17 is connected to the upper horizontal member 14 at one side surface thereof and is held by the outer frame 1 (as described above, the bridge portion is formed by the suspension wall portion 22, the bracket 23, the end wall 17d, and the like). 18), but the bottom surface of the ball tank 17 is not supported by the outer frame 1. Further, the ball tank 17 is not supported by parts other than the outer frame 1. And it protrudes from the upper horizontal member 14 to the back of the outer frame 1 in overhang shape.

球タンク１７の端部壁１７ｄに連なる隅部には、ノズル留め２４が取り付けられている。このノズル留め２４は、円弧状の板ばね片２５にて球補給ホース（図示は省略）の先端部を保持することができる。 A nozzle clamp 24 is attached to a corner that is continuous with the end wall 17d of the sphere tank 17. The nozzle clamp 24 can hold the tip of a ball supply hose (not shown) with an arc-shaped leaf spring piece 25.

球補給ホースは遊技場設備である球補給樋から分岐しており、球補給ホースの先端を球タンク１７内に入れておけば、球補給樋から球補給ホースを経て球タンク１７に遊技球を補給できる。その球補給ホースの先端部をノズル留め２４にて保持すれば、球タンク１７を球補給樋に接続したままにできる。 The ball replenishment hose branches off from the ball replenishment basin, which is the amusement hall facility. If the tip of the ball replenishment hose is placed in the ball tank 17, the game ball is moved from the ball replenishment trough to the ball tank 17 via the ball replenishment hose. Can be replenished. If the tip of the ball supply hose is held by the nozzle clamp 24, the ball tank 17 can be kept connected to the ball supply basket.

一方、球タンク１７から遊技球を流出させるための排出樋１７ｃには、遊技球を払出装置６５（図４、図５参照）へ誘導するための樋構造２７が接続されている。
この樋構造２７は、縦樋部２８と接続部３０とで構成されている。 On the other hand, a bowl structure 27 for guiding the game balls to the payout device 65 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is connected to the discharge bowl 17c for allowing the game balls to flow out of the ball tank 17.
The eaves structure 27 includes a vertical eaves portion 28 and a connection portion 30.

縦樋部２８は、左縦部材２の本体部４（背面部４ｂ）に取り付けられている。縦樋部２８は縦長の樋であり（図３に示すように２パーツからなり、内部の遊技球通路は球圧を低減するために蛇行している）、その横幅は背面部４ｂの横幅をわずかに下回っており、長さは背面部４ｂよりも短い。そのため、縦樋部２８の背面部４ｂへの投影は背面部４ｂからはみ出さない（図１（ｂ）には縦樋部２８が図示されない）。 The vertical hook portion 28 is attached to the main body portion 4 (back surface portion 4b) of the left vertical member 2. The vertical rod portion 28 is a vertically long rod (consisting of two parts as shown in FIG. 3 and the internal game ball passage meanders to reduce the ball pressure), and its horizontal width is the width of the back surface portion 4b. It is slightly below and the length is shorter than the back surface part 4b. Therefore, the projection of the vertical saddle portion 28 onto the back surface portion 4b does not protrude from the back surface portion 4b (the vertical saddle portion 28 is not shown in FIG. 1B).

縦樋部２８は、上端が排出樋１７ｃに接続されており、排出樋１７ｃから流入してきた遊技球を左縦部材２に沿って下降誘導する。
接続部３０は、縦樋部２８と払出装置６５（本実施例では払出装置６５に付属する導入部６６）とを接続するために、縦樋部２８の下端に取り付けられている。また、接続部３０は、縦樋部２８から流入してくる遊技球を、払出装置６５へ導くか機外へ排出するかを択一的に切り替える機能も備えている。 The vertical hook portion 28 is connected to the discharge rod 17 c at the upper end, and guides the game ball flowing in from the discharge rod 17 c along the left vertical member 2.
The connecting portion 30 is attached to the lower end of the vertical hook portion 28 in order to connect the vertical hook portion 28 and the payout device 65 (in this embodiment, the introduction portion 66 attached to the payout device 65). The connection unit 30 also has a function of selectively switching whether the game ball flowing in from the vertical rod unit 28 is guided to the payout device 65 or discharged out of the machine.

すなわち、接続部３０には、一端が縦樋部２８に接続された接続路２９が設けられており、その接続路２９の排出端２９ａが払出装置６５（導入部６６）に接続される。また、接続路２９から分岐した機外誘導路の排出口３１が接続部３０の下部に開口している。そして、縦樋部２８から接続路２９に流入してきた遊技球を排出端２９ａすなわち払出装置６５へ導くか排出口３１すなわち機外へ排出するかを択一的に切り替えるための切替弁３２が備わっている。なお、この切替弁３２は手動操作される。 That is, the connection part 30 is provided with a connection path 29 having one end connected to the vertical hook part 28, and the discharge end 29a of the connection path 29 is connected to the dispensing device 65 (introduction part 66). Further, a discharge port 31 of the outside taxiway branched from the connection path 29 opens at the lower part of the connection part 30. A switching valve 32 is provided for selectively switching whether the game ball flowing into the connection path 29 from the vertical rod portion 28 is guided to the discharge end 29a, that is, the payout device 65 or discharged from the discharge port 31, that is, outside the machine. ing. The switching valve 32 is manually operated.

左縦部材２と右縦部材３の下端部同士を連結する下横部材１５は、硬質合成樹脂（例えばＡＢＳ）の躯体部３５を中心として構成されている。
躯体部３５は、略板状の縦壁部３６、縦壁部３６の下部に連接された板状の底部３８、底部３８と協同して縦壁部３６の周囲を取り囲む周壁部３７等を備えている。 The lower horizontal member 15 that connects the lower ends of the left vertical member 2 and the right vertical member 3 is configured around a housing portion 35 of hard synthetic resin (for example, ABS).
The housing part 35 includes a substantially plate-like vertical wall part 36, a plate-like bottom part 38 connected to the lower part of the vertical wall part 36, a peripheral wall part 37 surrounding the vertical wall part 36 in cooperation with the bottom part 38, and the like. ing.

縦壁部３６は長方形状の横長部３６ａと多角形状の多角部３６ｂとを連接した形状である。底部３８と周壁部３７とは、横長部３６ａを取り囲むコの字状の部分にて横長収容部７１を形成し、多角部３６ｂを取り囲む部分にて多角収容部７２を形成している。このように躯体部３５の前面側に形成された、横長収容部７１が基板収容部に該当し多角収容部７２がスピーカ収容部に該当しており、これら横長収容部７１と多角収容部７２とからなる一連の凹部が収容凹部に該当する。 The vertical wall portion 36 has a shape in which a rectangular horizontally long portion 36a and a polygonal polygonal portion 36b are connected. The bottom portion 38 and the peripheral wall portion 37 form a horizontally long accommodating portion 71 at a U-shaped portion surrounding the horizontally long portion 36a, and form a polygon accommodating portion 72 at a portion surrounding the polygonal portion 36b. In this way, the horizontally long accommodating portion 71 formed on the front side of the housing portion 35 corresponds to the substrate accommodating portion and the polygonal accommodating portion 72 corresponds to the speaker accommodating portion. A series of concave portions made of the above corresponds to the accommodating concave portion.

躯体部３５の右端部は右縦部材３（側面部３ａ）の下端部にねじ止めにて連結されている。
周壁部３７は、下ヒンジ保持部７、下連結部１１及び内板１２にて形成されたコの字状の構造に端部を差し込まれた状態になっており、その端部がねじ止めにて左縦部材２の下端部に連結されている。また、周壁部３７と内板１２とは、金具３９を介しても連結されている。 The right end portion of the housing portion 35 is connected to the lower end portion of the right vertical member 3 (side surface portion 3a) by screwing.
The peripheral wall portion 37 is in a state where an end portion is inserted into a U-shaped structure formed by the lower hinge holding portion 7, the lower connecting portion 11 and the inner plate 12, and the end portion is screwed. And connected to the lower end of the left vertical member 2. Further, the peripheral wall portion 37 and the inner plate 12 are also connected via a metal fitting 39.

底部３８には、発泡樹脂製の釘打ち材４０及びアルミニウム製の補強部材４１が取り付けられている。釘打ち材４０は上下両面が露出しており、釘打ち材４０を貫通させて釘を打つことができ、その釘打ち材４０を貫通した釘にて外枠１を遊技機設置島に取り付けることができる。 A foamed resin nailing material 40 and an aluminum reinforcing member 41 are attached to the bottom 38. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the nail material 40 are exposed, the nail material 40 can be penetrated and the nail can be struck, and the outer frame 1 is attached to the game machine installation island with the nail that penetrates the nail material 40. Can do.

躯体部３５の前面部には装飾体４３が取り付けられている。装飾体４３は透明な合成樹脂（例えばポリカーボネート）製で、背面側（躯体部３５側）が凹となる箱状をしている。装飾体４３は縦壁部３６の横長部３６ａの前方を覆う横長装飾部４４と、多角部３６ｂの前方を覆うボックス装飾部４５とに区分できるが、横長装飾部４４とボックス装飾部４５とに分割されてはいない。 A decorative body 43 is attached to the front surface portion of the housing portion 35. The decorative body 43 is made of a transparent synthetic resin (for example, polycarbonate) and has a box shape in which the back side (the casing 35 side) is concave. The decorative body 43 can be divided into a horizontally long decorative portion 44 that covers the front of the horizontally long portion 36a of the vertical wall portion 36 and a box decorative portion 45 that covers the front of the polygonal portion 36b. It is not divided.

その装飾体４３の内部（装飾体４３と躯体部３５との間）には、ＬＥＤを実装されたプリント基板Ｐ（図３参照）が配されており、ＬＥＤの発光により装飾体４３の前面部を光らせることができる。プリント基板ＰはスピーカＳのフレームを通すための環状の部分に長方形状の部分を連接した形状で、環状の部分を多角収容部７２に、長方形状の部分を横長収容部７１に対応させている。つまり、プリント基板Ｐを収容するための空間は装飾体４３と躯体部３５との間に形成される空間であり、躯体部３５側の横長収容部７１だけでなく、装飾体４３の凹の部分も含まれる。 Inside the decorative body 43 (between the decorative body 43 and the housing portion 35), a printed circuit board P (see FIG. 3) on which an LED is mounted is arranged, and the front portion of the decorative body 43 is emitted by the light emission of the LED. Can shine. The printed circuit board P has a shape in which a rectangular portion is connected to an annular portion through which the frame of the speaker S is passed, and the annular portion corresponds to the polygon housing portion 72 and the rectangular portion corresponds to the horizontally long housing portion 71. . That is, the space for accommodating the printed circuit board P is a space formed between the decorative body 43 and the housing portion 35, and includes not only the horizontally long housing portion 71 on the housing portion 35 side but also the concave portion of the decorative body 43. Is also included.

同様に、スピーカＳを収容するための空間も装飾体４３と躯体部３５との間に形成される空間であり、躯体部３５側の多角収容部７２だけでなく、装飾体４３の凹の部分も含まれる。この空間に収容されるスピーカＳは、そのフランジをボックス装飾部４５の開口４５ａの周囲部にネジ止めされて、装飾体４３によって支持されている（開口４５ａの周囲部がスピーカ支持枠に該当する）。なお、開口４５ａを閉じるメッシュ板Ｍがボックス装飾部４５に取り付けられる。 Similarly, the space for accommodating the speaker S is also a space formed between the decorative body 43 and the housing portion 35, and includes not only the polygon housing portion 72 on the housing portion 35 side but also the concave portion of the decorative body 43. Is also included. The speaker S accommodated in this space is supported by the decorative body 43 with its flange screwed to the periphery of the opening 45a of the box decoration portion 45 (the periphery of the opening 45a corresponds to the speaker support frame). ). A mesh plate M that closes the opening 45 a is attached to the box decoration portion 45.

また、横長装飾部４４の右端部には低音放射口４４ａが設けられており、その背後には低音放射ダクトＤが取り付けられている。低音放射ダクトＤはエルボ状の管であり、スピーカＳから発された音に含まれている低音成分を選択的に通すため、低音放射口４４ａからはほぼ低音だけが放射される。 Further, a bass sound emission port 44a is provided at the right end of the horizontally long decorative portion 44, and a bass sound radiation duct D is attached to the back thereof. The low-frequency sound emission duct D is an elbow-shaped tube, and selectively transmits low-frequency components contained in the sound emitted from the speaker S, so that only low-frequency sound is radiated from the low-frequency sound emission port 44a.

この外枠１を使用した遊技機（本例ではパチンコ機５０）の全体構造の一例を図４、図５によって説明する。
パチンコ機５０の前面には、前面扉枠５１が配されている。詳しくは、外枠１に中枠５８が取り付けられ、その中枠５８を介して前面扉枠５１が外枠１に取り付けられている。その具体的な構成は、まず中枠５８が図示しない上下のヒンジ軸により外枠１の上ヒンジ保持部５（上ヒンジ軸受）、下ヒンジ保持部７（下ヒンジ軸受８）にそれぞれ連結されており、それら上下のヒンジ軸を中心にして外枠１すなわちパチンコ機５０の本体部に対して扉状に開閉可能になっている。 An example of the overall structure of a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 50) using the outer frame 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
A front door frame 51 is disposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 50. Specifically, the middle frame 58 is attached to the outer frame 1, and the front door frame 51 is attached to the outer frame 1 via the middle frame 58. Specifically, the middle frame 58 is first connected to the upper hinge holding part 5 (upper hinge bearing) and the lower hinge holding part 7 (lower hinge bearing 8) of the outer frame 1 by upper and lower hinge shafts (not shown). The upper and lower hinge shafts can be opened and closed in a door shape with respect to the outer frame 1, that is, the main body of the pachinko machine 50.

中枠５８に備わっている上下のヒンジ軸は鋼管であって、それらの内孔が前面扉枠５１のためのヒンジ軸受として機能する。つまり、前面扉枠５１は図示しない上下のヒンジ軸をそれぞれ上述した中枠５８のヒンジ軸である鋼管に挿通させることで外枠１に連結されており、それら上下のヒンジ軸を中心にして外枠１すなわちパチンコ機５０の本体部に対して扉状に開閉可能になっている。 The upper and lower hinge shafts provided in the middle frame 58 are steel pipes, and their inner holes function as hinge bearings for the front door frame 51. That is, the front door frame 51 is connected to the outer frame 1 by inserting upper and lower hinge shafts (not shown) through the steel pipes that are the hinge shafts of the above-described middle frame 58, and the front door frame 51 is connected to the outer frame 1 around the upper and lower hinge shafts. The frame 1, that is, the main body of the pachinko machine 50 can be opened and closed like a door.

前面扉枠５１は図示しない上下のヒンジ軸により外枠１の上ヒンジ保持部５（上ヒンジ軸受）、下ヒンジ保持部７（下ヒンジ軸受８）にそれぞれ連結されており、それら上下のヒンジ軸を中心にして外枠１すなわちパチンコ機５０の本体部に対して扉状に開閉可能になっている。 The front door frame 51 is connected to the upper hinge holding portion 5 (upper hinge bearing) and the lower hinge holding portion 7 (lower hinge bearing 8) of the outer frame 1 by upper and lower hinge shafts (not shown). With respect to the outer frame 1, that is, the main body of the pachinko machine 50 can be opened and closed like a door.

前面扉枠５１には遊技盤を臨ませるための窓５２が設けられており（図４、図５に示すのは遊技盤を装備していない状態である。）、窓５２を閉塞するためのガラス板が窓５２の背後に装着される。 The front door frame 51 is provided with a window 52 for allowing the game board to face (shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is a state in which no game board is equipped), and for closing the window 52. A glass plate is mounted behind the window 52.

窓５２の上方には電飾部５３が設けられている。窓５２の下方には上皿５４と下皿５５とが上下に重なるようにして配されている。
下皿５５の右側には発射ハンドル５６が配されている。発射ハンドル５６の支持基部５７は、前面扉枠５１ではなく中枠５８に取り付けられている。また、中枠５８の前面には錠機構を操作するための鍵穴５９も取り付けられている。 An illumination part 53 is provided above the window 52. An upper plate 54 and a lower plate 55 are arranged below the window 52 so as to overlap each other.
A firing handle 56 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 55. The support base 57 of the firing handle 56 is attached to the middle frame 58 instead of the front door frame 51. A key hole 59 for operating the lock mechanism is also attached to the front surface of the middle frame 58.

中枠５８は、アルミ押出成形品の２本の縦辺部６１と合成樹脂製の上横部６２及び下横部６３とで構成されており、下横部６３の上面で遊技盤の下端面を支え、両方の縦辺部６１で遊技盤の左右を挟むようにして、遊技盤を保持する。 The middle frame 58 is composed of two vertical sides 61 of an aluminum extrusion-molded product, and an upper horizontal portion 62 and a lower horizontal portion 63 made of synthetic resin. The lower surface of the game board is the upper surface of the lower horizontal portion 63. , And hold the game board so that both vertical sides 61 sandwich the left and right sides of the game board.

上述したように、中枠５８は上下のヒンジ軸により外枠１の上ヒンジ保持部５、下ヒンジ保持部７にそれぞれ連結されていて、外枠１すなわちパチンコ機５０の本体部に対して扉状に開閉可能になっている。 As described above, the middle frame 58 is connected to the upper hinge holding portion 5 and the lower hinge holding portion 7 of the outer frame 1 by the upper and lower hinge shafts, respectively, and is a door to the outer frame 1, that is, the main body of the pachinko machine 50. Can be opened and closed.

中枠５８の背面部には払出装置６５が取り付けられている。払出装置６５は、その上部に突出して設けられた導入部６６にて接続部３０（接続路２９）に接続されており、球タンク１７から流出して樋構造２７を通ってきた遊技球が払出装置６５に流入する。払出装置６５は、スプロケット、ソレノイド、ストッパ等を内蔵しており、ソレノイドにて変位させられるストッパを解除位置にするとスプロケットが回転して流入してきた遊技球を送出し、ストッパを規制位置にすればスプロケットは回転できなくなって遊技球は送出されない構造である。払出装置６５から送出された遊技球は、中枠５８の下横部６３に設けられた賞球誘導路により上皿５４又は下皿５５に誘導される。 A payout device 65 is attached to the back surface of the middle frame 58. The payout device 65 is connected to the connection portion 30 (connection path 29) by an introduction portion 66 provided so as to protrude from the upper portion of the payout device 65, and the game ball that has flowed out of the ball tank 17 and passed through the basket structure 27 is paid out. Flows into the device 65. The payout device 65 has a built-in sprocket, solenoid, stopper, etc. When the stopper that is displaced by the solenoid is set to the release position, the sprocket rotates to send the game ball that flows in, and the stopper is set to the restriction position. The sprocket can no longer rotate and the game ball is not delivered. The game balls sent out from the payout device 65 are guided to the upper plate 54 or the lower plate 55 by a prize ball guide path provided in the lower horizontal portion 63 of the middle frame 58.

また、払出装置６５の隣には球抜き樋６７の上端部が配されている。球抜き樋６７の上端は接続部３０の排出口３１に接続される。球抜き樋６７の下端は機外放出のために開放されているので、切替弁３２を操作して縦樋部２８から接続路２９に流入してきた遊技球を排出口３１へ導けば、球タンク１７から接続部３０の範囲にある遊技球をパチンコ機５０の外部へ排出できる。 Further, an upper end portion of a ball punch 67 is arranged next to the payout device 65. The upper end of the ball punch 67 is connected to the outlet 31 of the connection part 30. Since the lower end of the ball release rod 67 is opened for discharge outside the machine, if the game ball flowing from the vertical rod portion 28 into the connection path 29 is guided to the discharge port 31 by operating the switching valve 32, the ball tank The game balls in the range from 17 to the connecting portion 30 can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 50.

但し、接続部３０と払出装置６５及び球抜き樋６７とが接続状態になるのは、中枠５８が閉じられているときに限られ、中枠５８を開けばこれらの接続は解除される。
本実施例の外枠１は、対面状に配置される左右の縦部材２、３と、それら縦部材２、３の上端部同士を連結する上横部材１４と、それら縦部材２、３の下端部同士を連結する下横部材１５とを備えるパチンコ機５０の外枠１であり、賞球用の遊技球を貯留するための球タンク１７が上横部材１４に取り付けられている。 However, the connection portion 30, the dispensing device 65, and the ball punch 67 are connected only when the middle frame 58 is closed. If the middle frame 58 is opened, these connections are released.
The outer frame 1 of the present embodiment includes left and right vertical members 2 and 3 arranged in a face-to-face manner, an upper horizontal member 14 that connects upper ends of the vertical members 2 and 3, and the vertical members 2 and 3. It is the outer frame 1 of the pachinko machine 50 provided with the lower horizontal member 15 which connects lower end parts, and the ball tank 17 for storing the game ball for prize balls is attached to the upper horizontal member 14.

この外枠１は、パチンコ機５０を遊技機設置島に設置する際に釘で遊技機設置島に固定されてしまうから、この外枠１を備えるパチンコ機５０を遊技機設置島に設置した場合、中枠５８を開いても球タンク１７が移動することはないし、中枠５８の開放時に補給設備（球補給ホース）と球タンク１７とが分かれてしまうこともないから、この球補給ホースから遊技球が漏洩するのを防ぐための構成（例えば特許文献２に記載の球補給調整装置等）は不要となる。 When the outer frame 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island with nails when the pachinko machine 50 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, the pachinko machine 50 including the outer frame 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. The ball tank 17 does not move even when the middle frame 58 is opened, and the replenishment facility (ball supply hose) and the ball tank 17 are not separated when the middle frame 58 is opened. A configuration for preventing the game ball from leaking (for example, a ball replenishment adjusting device described in Patent Document 2) is not necessary.

また、中枠５８を開放しても球補給ホースと球タンク１７との相対位置が変化しないから、球補給ホースの下端をノズル留め２４にて球タンク１７の縁部に連結してしまうことも可能である。そうすれば、振動や衝撃等が原因となって球補給ホースの下端が球タンクから外れて遊技球が漏出するのを防止できる。 Further, even if the middle frame 58 is opened, the relative position between the ball supply hose and the ball tank 17 does not change, so the lower end of the ball supply hose may be connected to the edge of the ball tank 17 by the nozzle clamp 24. Is possible. If it does so, it can prevent that the lower end of a ball replenishment hose remove | deviates from a ball tank, and a game ball leaks out due to a vibration, an impact, etc.

また、この外枠１では、球タンク１７から流出する遊技球を払出装置６５へ誘導するための樋構造２７が、左縦部材２の背面部４ｂに取り付けられている。
球タンク１７から流出する遊技球を払出装置６５へ誘導するための樋構造２７は、従来は中枠の一部とされたり、中枠に取り付けられる裏セット（機構盤）の一部とされていた。 In the outer frame 1, a saddle structure 27 for guiding the game ball flowing out from the ball tank 17 to the payout device 65 is attached to the back surface portion 4 b of the left vertical member 2.
The cage structure 27 for guiding the game ball flowing out from the ball tank 17 to the payout device 65 is conventionally part of the middle frame or part of the back set (mechanism panel) attached to the middle frame. It was.

この樋構造２７を左縦部材２の背面部４ｂに取り付けることにより、樋構造２７が占める位置が従来よりも横にずれて外側となる。つまり、遊技盤の背後になる部分での中枠５８の開口寸法を、樋構造２７の横ずれ分だけ大きくできる。 By attaching the heel structure 27 to the back surface portion 4b of the left vertical member 2, the position occupied by the heel structure 27 is shifted laterally as compared with the prior art and becomes the outside. That is, the opening size of the middle frame 58 in the portion behind the game board can be increased by the lateral displacement of the heel structure 27.

しかも、樋構造２７は、上端が球タンク１７に接続されて遊技球を下降誘導する縦樋部２８と、一端は縦樋部２８に接続され他端は直接に払出装置６５に接続される接続路２９が設けられた接続部３０とで構成され、縦樋部２８は、これが取り付けられている左縦部材２の背面部４ｂへの投影が背面部４ｂからはみ出さない寸法、形状である。 In addition, the basket structure 27 has a vertical hook part 28 that is connected to the ball tank 17 at the upper end and guides the game ball to descend, one end connected to the vertical hook part 28, and the other end connected directly to the payout device 65. The vertical hook portion 28 has a dimension and a shape so that the projection onto the back surface portion 4b of the left vertical member 2 to which the channel 29 is attached does not protrude from the back surface portion 4b.

縦樋部２８は、これが取り付けられている左縦部材２の背面部４ｂへの投影が背面部４ｂからはみ出さない寸法、形状、すなわち前面側から見たなら縦樋部２８は左縦部材２に隠れてしまう寸法、形状であるから、上述した中枠５８の開口寸法を大きくできる効果がより良好になっている。 The vertical flange 28 has a size and shape that the projection onto the back surface 4b of the left vertical member 2 to which the vertical flange 28 is attached does not protrude from the back surface 4b, that is, when viewed from the front side, the vertical flange 28 is the left vertical member 2. Therefore, the effect of increasing the opening size of the middle frame 58 described above is better.

本実施例の外枠１では、賞球用の遊技球を貯留するための合成樹脂製の球タンク１７が、その一側面部にて外枠１の上横部材１４に連結されて、外枠１によって保持されている。しかも、球タンク１７の少なくとも底面部は、外枠１によっては支持されずに、また中枠５８等の外枠１以外の部品によっても支持されずに、上横部材１４からオーバーハング状に外枠１の後方へせり出している。このような構成であるから、球タンクが中枠の上部に取り付けられる場合（従来技術）よりも、球タンク１７の位置が上方になる。すると、球タンク１７の位置が上がった分だけは、その下側の空間の上下寸法が大きくなる。 In the outer frame 1 of the present embodiment, a synthetic resin ball tank 17 for storing game balls for prize balls is connected to the upper horizontal member 14 of the outer frame 1 at one side surface thereof, and the outer frame 1 1 is held. In addition, at least the bottom surface portion of the ball tank 17 is not supported by the outer frame 1 and is not supported by parts other than the outer frame 1 such as the middle frame 58, and is externally hung from the upper lateral member 14. It protrudes to the rear of the frame 1. Because of this configuration, the position of the ball tank 17 is higher than when the ball tank is attached to the upper part of the middle frame (prior art). Then, as the position of the ball tank 17 is increased, the vertical dimension of the lower space is increased.

また、球タンク１７が上横部材１４からオーバーハング状に外枠１の後方へせり出している。つまり、外枠１の平面図（図１（ａ））では球タンク１７が上横部材１４の後方隣になっている（但し、本実施例では両者の一部が平面図においてわずかに重なる）位置関係である。一方、従来の遊技機においては、球タンクは中枠の後方へオーバーハング状にせり出している（特許文献１参照）。つまり、本実施例の外枠１における球タンク１７の位置は、正確にではないが（おおむねは）、中枠に取り付けられていた従来の位置から上方へ移動させた位置と言える。 The ball tank 17 protrudes from the upper lateral member 14 to the rear of the outer frame 1 in an overhang shape. That is, in the plan view of the outer frame 1 (FIG. 1A), the ball tank 17 is adjacent to the rear side of the upper horizontal member 14 (however, in this embodiment, both of them partially overlap in the plan view). It is a positional relationship. On the other hand, in the conventional gaming machine, the ball tank protrudes in an overhang shape to the rear of the middle frame (see Patent Document 1). That is, the position of the ball tank 17 in the outer frame 1 of the present embodiment is not accurate (generally), but can be said to be a position moved upward from the conventional position attached to the middle frame.

こうした構成であるから、この外枠１を備えるパチンコ機５０では、遊技盤の背後において中枠５８の内側になる空間に上述した球タンク１７の移動分だけ余剰が生じるから、その余剰分の利用が可能となり、従来よりもの一層効率的な利用を実現できる。 With such a configuration, in the pachinko machine 50 provided with the outer frame 1, a surplus is generated in the space behind the game board inside the middle frame 58 by the amount of movement of the ball tank 17 described above. And more efficient use than before can be realized.

外枠１は、上横部材１４の一部であるブリッジ部１８が合成樹脂製であり、球タンク１７はブリッジ部１８と一体化されている構成であるから、ブリッジ部１８と球タンク１７とを同材質として一体成形できる。実施例ではそのようにしているから、球タンク１７を上横部材１４と連結する作業を外枠１の組み立て工程にて行わずに済む。 In the outer frame 1, the bridge portion 18, which is a part of the upper horizontal member 14, is made of synthetic resin, and the ball tank 17 is integrated with the bridge portion 18. Can be integrally molded as the same material. In the embodiment, this is done, so that the work of connecting the ball tank 17 to the upper horizontal member 14 does not have to be performed in the assembly process of the outer frame 1.

また、外枠１においては、下横部材１５には、外枠１の左下隅になる位置に配された多角収容部７２（スピーカ収容部）と多角収容部７２の右側に配された横長収容部７１（基板収容部）とが連通形成されて外枠１の前面側に開放された収容凹部が設けられており、ＬＥＤが実装されていてＬＥＤからの光が外枠１の前方に向けて放射される姿勢で横長収容部７１から多角収容部７２にわたって収容されたプリント基板Ｐと、プリント基板ＰのＬＥＤからの光を入射させる位置に配置される透光性の横長装飾部４４（レンズ部材）を有して横長収容部７１及び多角収容部７２の前方で下横部材１５に取り付けられる装飾体４３（前蓋部材）とを備えるので、ＬＥＤからの光を下横部材１５に備えた横長装飾部４４から放射することで、横長装飾部４４を発光させることができる。この横長装飾部４４からの光は外枠１の前方に向けて放射されることになる。 In the outer frame 1, the lower horizontal member 15 has a polygon housing portion 72 (speaker housing portion) disposed at a position that becomes the lower left corner of the outer frame 1 and a horizontally long housing disposed on the right side of the polygon housing portion 72. The portion 71 (substrate housing portion) is formed in communication and is provided with a housing recess that is open on the front side of the outer frame 1, and the LED is mounted so that light from the LED faces the front of the outer frame 1. The printed circuit board P accommodated from the horizontally long accommodating part 71 to the polygonal accommodating part 72 in the radiating posture, and the translucent horizontally elongated decorative part 44 (lens member) arranged at a position where light from the LED of the printed circuit board P enters. ) And the decorative body 43 (front cover member) attached to the lower horizontal member 15 in front of the horizontal storage portion 71 and the polygonal storage portion 72, so that the light from the LED is horizontally long By radiating from the decorative part 44, it is horizontally long. It can emit section 44. The light from the horizontally long decorative portion 44 is emitted toward the front of the outer frame 1.

下横部材１５の前方つまり遊技者側になる部分は、下皿５５等が配置されるために遊技者から見えにくい部分である。このため、従来は装飾的な面では比較的軽視される部分であった。 The portion on the front side of the lower horizontal member 15, that is, the player side, is a portion that is difficult for the player to see because the lower plate 55 and the like are disposed. For this reason, conventionally, it has been a part that is relatively neglected in terms of decoration.

ところが、ここは下皿５５から排出した遊技球を入れた球箱が置かれる場所でもあるから、横長装飾部４４から外枠１の前方に向けて放射される光は、球箱に当たるし、球箱が透光性であればこれを透過した光が、また球箱の開口から入射した光も球箱内の遊技球に当たる。つまり、横長装飾部４４から放射される光で球箱を光らせたり、球箱内の遊技球を光らせたりでき、これらを電飾として利用できる。もちろん、横長装飾部４４の発光による電飾効果もある。 However, since this is also a place where a ball box containing game balls discharged from the lower plate 55 is placed, the light emitted from the horizontally long decorative portion 44 toward the front of the outer frame 1 hits the ball box, If the box is translucent, the light transmitted through it and the light incident from the opening of the ball box hit the game ball in the ball box. That is, the ball box can be illuminated with the light emitted from the horizontally long decorative portion 44, or the game ball in the ball box can be illuminated, and these can be used as electrical decorations. Of course, there is also an electrical decoration effect by light emission of the horizontally long decorative portion 44.

また下横部材１５には、多角収容部７２に収容されたスピーカＳと、スピーカＳのフランジが連結されるボックス装飾部４５（スピーカ支持枠）を有して横長収容部７１及び多角収容部７２の前方で下横部材１５に取り付けられる装飾体４３（前蓋部材）と、
音声を通すための孔が設けられており装飾体４３に取り付けられてボックス装飾部４５の開口４５ａを閉じるメッシュ板Ｍ（カバー部材）とを備えるので、スピーカＳを備えた外枠１となる。 The lower horizontal member 15 has a speaker S housed in the polygon housing part 72 and a box decoration part 45 (speaker support frame) to which a flange of the speaker S is connected. A decorative body 43 (front lid member) attached to the lower lateral member 15 in front of
Since a hole for allowing sound to pass through is provided and a mesh plate M (cover member) that is attached to the decorative body 43 and closes the opening 45a of the box decoration portion 45, the outer frame 1 including the speaker S is provided.

従来はスピーカＳが中枠５８又は前面扉枠５１に取り付けられていたのであるが、
上記のように構成してスピーカＳを外枠１に備えると、スピーカＳが撤去された分だけ中枠５８又は前面扉枠５１の部品スペースにゆとりができる。或いはスピーカＳのサイズを大きくできる。ちなみに、本実施例のスピーカＳの口径は１６０ｍｍである。 Conventionally, the speaker S is attached to the middle frame 58 or the front door frame 51.
When configured as described above and the speaker S is provided in the outer frame 1, the space for the parts of the middle frame 58 or the front door frame 51 can be increased as much as the speaker S is removed. Alternatively, the size of the speaker S can be increased. Incidentally, the diameter of the speaker S of this embodiment is 160 mm.

実施例の外枠の平面図（ａ）、正面図（ｂ）、側面図（ｃ）、背面図（ｄ）。The top view (a) of the outer frame of an Example, a front view (b), a side view (c), and a rear view (d). 実施例の外枠の前面側の斜視図（ａ）、背面側の斜視図（ｂ）。The perspective view (a) of the front side of the outer frame of an Example, and the perspective view (b) of a back side. 実施例の外枠の分解斜視図。The disassembled perspective view of the outer frame of an Example. 実施例の外枠を使用したパチンコ機の平面図（ａ）、正面図（ｂ）、側面図（ｃ）、背面図（ｄ）。The top view (a) of the pachinko machine using the outer frame of an Example, a front view (b), a side view (c), and a rear view (d). 実施例の外枠を使用したパチンコ機の前面側の斜視図（ａ）、背面側の斜視図（ｂ）。The perspective view (a) of the front side of the pachinko machine using the outer frame of an Example, and the perspective view (b) of the back side.

Explanation of symbols

１・・・外枠、
２・・・左縦部材、
３・・・右縦部材、
１４・・・上横部材、
１５・・・下横部材、
１７・・・球タンク、
２０・・・釘打ち材、
２７・・・樋構造、
４０・・・釘打ち材、
４３・・・装飾体、
４４・・・横長装飾部、
４５・・・ボックス装飾部、
４５ａ・・・開口、
５０・・・パチンコ機、
５１・・・前面扉枠、
５８・・・中枠、
６５・・・払出装置、
７１・・・横長収容部、
７２・・・多角収容部、
Ｍ・・・メッシュ板、
Ｐ・・・プリント基板、
Ｓ・・・スピーカ。 1 ... Outer frame,
2 ... Left longitudinal member,
3 ... right vertical member,
14: Upper horizontal member,
15 ... Lower horizontal member,
17 ... ball tank,
20 ... Nailing material,
27 ... 樋 structure,
40 ... Nailing material,
43 ... Decorative body,
44: Horizontal decoration,
45 ... Box decoration part,
45a ... opening,
50 ... Pachinko machine,
51 ... front door frame,
58 ... middle frame,
65 ... Dispensing device,
71 ... Horizontally long accommodating part,
72 ... polygon housing part,
M ... Mesh plate,
P ... Printed circuit board,
S: Speaker.

Claims

In an outer frame of a gaming machine comprising left and right vertical members arranged in a face-to-face manner, upper horizontal members that connect upper ends of the vertical members, and lower horizontal members that connect lower ends of the vertical members,
A synthetic resin ball tank for storing a game ball for a prize ball is connected to the upper horizontal member at one side surface thereof, and at least a bottom surface portion is not supported and is overhanged from the upper horizontal member. By projecting to the rear of the outer frame, it is arranged at a position adjacent to the rear of the upper horizontal member in the plan view of the outer frame , and the front end of the ball tank is located closer to the outer frame than the front end side of the outer frame. Near the rear end of the
The upper horizontal member is attached to the bridge portion with a rigid synthetic resin bridge portion connected to the upper end portion of the left vertical member at the left end and to the upper end portion of the right vertical member at the right end. An outer frame of the gaming machine , comprising: a reinforcing member made of aluminum .

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A part of the upper horizontal member is made of synthetic resin, and the ball tank is integrated with the synthetic resin portion of the upper horizontal member.

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the lower horizontal member,
A translucent lens member disposed at a position facing the player;
A substrate housing provided behind the lens member;
An outer frame of a gaming machine, comprising an LED mounted thereon and a substrate housed in the substrate housing portion in a posture in which light from the LED is emitted toward the lens member.

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
A speaker housing provided on the lower lateral member with the front side open;
A speaker housed in the speaker housing section;
An outer frame of a gaming machine, comprising: a speaker support frame provided with a hole for allowing sound to pass through and a flange of the speaker connected to a peripheral portion of the hole.

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the lower horizontal member, a speaker housing portion arranged at a position that becomes the lower left corner of the outer frame and a substrate housing portion arranged on the right vertical member side of the speaker housing portion are formed in communication, and the front side is formed. An open receiving recess is provided,
A substrate on which the LED is mounted, and the substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating portion in a posture in which light from the LED is emitted toward the front of the outer frame;
A speaker housed in the speaker housing section;
Before attaching to the lower lateral member in front of the housing recess, having a speaker support frame to which the speaker flange is connected and a translucent lens member disposed at a position where light from the LED is incident A lid member;
An outer frame of a gaming machine, comprising: a cover member provided with a small hole for passing sound and attached to the front lid member to close an opening of the speaker support frame.

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An outer frame of a gaming machine, wherein a gutter structure for guiding a game ball flowing out of the ball tank to a payout device is attached to the back surface of the left vertical member.

In the outer frame of the gaming machine according to claim 6,
The saddle structure is
A vertical saddle portion whose upper end is connected to the ball tank to guide the game ball downward,
One end is connected to the vertical hook portion, and the other end is configured with a connection portion provided with a connection path directly or indirectly connected to the payout device,
An outer frame of a gaming machine, characterized in that the vertical saddle portion has a size and shape so that the projection of the left vertical member to which the vertical saddle member is attached does not protrude from the rear surface.