JP6696555B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

The Patent Document 1, the structure about the storage member is disclosed.

JP 2007-136095 A

However, the conventional gaming machine described above has a problem that it is difficult to disperse the spheres in the entire storage area.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which balls can be easily dispersed in the entire storage area.

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1, a front frame having an area capable of storing balls on the front side and formed to be openable and closable, and a first inlet port formed in the front frame to be opened. And a ball-sending path formed so that a ball can be sent to the first inflow port, a second inflow port formed at a position separated from the first inflow port of the front frame, and in the middle of the ball-sending path. A communication passage having one end communicated with the second inflow port so that the sphere can be delivered to the second inflow port, and the sphere that has passed through the ball delivery route is allowed to flow into a storage region on the front side of the first inflow port, sphere passing through the communication passage is a can flow into the reservoir region of the front side of the second inlet, the bottom surface of the front side of the savings distillation region of the first inlet is below the lower surface of the first inlet located in the front side of the lower surface of the first inlet port, through said front face of the front frame continuous with the bottom surface of the storage area of the front side of the first inlet, the front side of the second inlet The bottom surface of the storage region is located below the lower surface of the second inlet, and the front side of the lower surface of the second inlet is the front side of the second inlet through the front surface of the front frame. continuous to the bottom surface of the region, the front side of the communication passage, the front face of the front frame you position.

According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres in the entire storage area.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine in the first embodiment. It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a front perspective view of an inner frame and a lower plate. It is an exploded front perspective view of an inner frame and a lower plate. (A) And (b) is a front perspective view of the lower plate in a contracted state. (A) And (b) is a front perspective view of the lower plate in an expansion state. It is a disassembled front perspective view of a lower plate. (A) is a top view of the side wall member in a reduced state, and (b) is a top view of the side wall member in an enlarged state. It is a disassembled front perspective view of the side wall member in the arrow A direction of FIG. It is a disassembled front perspective view of the side wall member in the arrow A direction of FIG. It is a disassembled front perspective view of the side wall member in the arrow A direction of FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the side wall member as viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the side wall member as viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the side wall member as viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. It is a disassembled lower surface perspective view in a lower surface view of a side wall member. It is a disassembled lower surface perspective view in a lower surface view of a side wall member. It is a disassembled lower surface perspective view in a lower surface view of a side wall member. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall member taken along the line XXa-XXa in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall member taken along the line XXb-XXb in FIG. 10B. It is sectional drawing of the side wall member in the XXI-XXI line of FIG. 10 (a). (A) is a top view of the side wall member in a contracted state, and (b) to (d) are top views of the side wall member in the first state to the third state. (A) And (b) is a top view of the side wall member in a 4th state and a 5th state, (c) is a top view of the side wall member in an expansion state. It is a side sectional view of a side wall member in a contracted state. It is a sectional side view of the side wall member in a 1st state. It is a sectional side view of a side wall member in a 2nd state. It is a sectional side view of a side wall member in a 3rd state. It is a sectional side view of a side wall member in the 4th state. It is a side sectional view of a side wall member in the 5th state. It is a sectional side view of a side wall member in an expanded state. It is an exploded front perspective view of a 1st division object. It is a top view of the side wall member in a contracted state. (A) And (b) is a side view of the side wall member in the arrow XXXIII direction view of FIG. (A) is a top view of the side wall member in an enlarged state, (b) is a side view of the side wall member in the arrow XXXIVb direction view of (a). It is a lower plate in 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: It is a front perspective view of the lower plate in a contracted state. It is a front perspective view of the lower plate in an enlarged state. It is a disassembled front perspective view of a lower plate. It is a rear perspective view of an inner wall member. It is a disassembled front perspective view of a side wall member. It is a disassembled front perspective view of a side wall member. It is a disassembled lower surface perspective view of a side wall member. It is a disassembled lower surface perspective view of a side wall member. It is a rear perspective view of the lower plate in an enlarged state. (A) is a top view of the lower tray in a contracted state, (b) to (d) are top views of the lower tray in the first to third states, and (e) is a bottom view in the enlarged state. It is a top view of a plate. (A) is a side sectional view of the lower tray in the contracted state, and (b) and (c) are side sectional views of the lower tray in the first state and the second state. (A) is a side sectional view of the lower tray in the third state, and (b) is a side sectional view of the lower tray in an enlarged state. It is a front perspective view of an inner frame and a lower tray in a 3rd embodiment. (A) is a top view of an inner frame and a lower plate, (b) is a sectional view of the inner frame and a lower plate taken along line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in (a). (A) is a top view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is a top view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower tray in 4th Embodiment, (b) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower tray in the LIb-LIb line of (a). (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower plate in 5th Embodiment, (b) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower plate in the LVb-LVb line of (a). (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower tray in 6th Embodiment, (b) is sectional drawing of the inner frame and lower tray in the LVIIb-LVIIb line of FIG. 57 (a). (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is sectional drawing of an inner frame and a lower tray. (A) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (c) is a sectional view of the inner frame taken along line LXc-LXc of (b). It is a figure. (A) is a top view of the inner frame and the lower plate in the seventh embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame and the lower plate taken along line LXIb-LXIb of (a), and (c) is. , (A) is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame taken along the line LXIc-LXIc. (A) is a top view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray, and (c) is a sectional view of an inner frame. (A) is a top view of an inner frame and a lower tray, (b) is a sectional view of an inner frame and a lower tray, and (c) is a sectional view of an inner frame. It is a front perspective view of an inner frame and a lower plate in an 8th embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 34, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) 10 will be described as a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 having an outer shell formed by a wooden frame combined in a substantially rectangular shape, and an outer frame 11 having substantially the same outer shape as that of the outer frame 11. And an inner frame 12 that is openably and closably supported. To support the inner frame 12, metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 11 at two upper and lower positions on the left side in front view (see FIG. 1), and the side provided with the hinge 18 serves as an opening / closing shaft. The frame 12 is supported to be openable and closable toward the front side.

  A game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having a large number of nails, winning holes 63, 64, etc. is detachably attached to the inner frame 12 from the back side. A ball game is performed by flowing a ball (game ball) on the front surface of the game board 13. In addition, in the inner frame 12, a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches a ball to the front area of the game board 13 and a launch that guides the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of the game board 13. Rails (not shown) and the like are attached.

  On the front side of the inner frame 12, a front frame 14 that covers the upper side of the front and a lower plate unit 15 that covers the lower side thereof are provided. In order to support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the side on which the hinge 19 is provided serves as an opening / closing shaft. The lower plate unit 14 and the lower plate unit 15 are supported to be openable and closable toward the front side. The locking of the inner frame 12 and the locking of the front frame 14 are released by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a predetermined operation.

  The front frame 14 is assembled with a decorative resin component, an electrical component, and the like, and a window portion 14c having a substantially elliptical opening is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is arranged on the rear surface side of the front frame 14, and the front surface of the game board 13 can be visually recognized on the front surface side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

  On the front frame 14, an upper plate 17 for storing balls is formed in a substantially box shape with its front surface protruding and the upper surface opened, and prize balls, rental balls, etc. are discharged to the upper plate 17. The bottom surface of the upper plate 17 is formed to be inclined downward to the right in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the ball introduced into the upper plate 17 is guided to the ball firing unit 112a (see FIG. 4) by the inclination. A frame button 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 17. The frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, when changing the stage of the effect displayed on the third symbol display device 81 (see FIG. 2) or when changing the effect contents of the super reach. It

  The front frame 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the front frame 14 (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means perform a change control of the light emitting mode by lighting or blinking according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach, and play a role of enhancing the effect effect during the game. On the periphery of the window portion 14c, there are provided illumination portions 29 to 33 having a light emitting means such as an LED built therein. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination parts 29 to 33 function as a production lamp such as a jackpot lamp, and when a jackpot or a reach production is performed, each illumination portion 29 to 33 is turned on by turning on or blinking the built-in LED. Alternatively, it blinks to notify that the jackpot is in progress, or that the reach before the jackpot is in progress. Further, in the upper left portion of the front frame 14 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), a light emitting means such as an LED is provided and a display lamp 34 capable of displaying during payout of a prize ball and when an error occurs is provided.

  In addition, a small window 35 is formed on the lower side of the illumination section 32 on the right side by attaching a transparent resin from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be visually recognized, and a pasting space K1 on the front side of the game board 13 (Fig. The certificate or the like attached to (see 2) is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, a plating member 36 made of ABS resin, which is plated with chrome, is attached to a region around the electric decorations 29 to 33 in order to bring out more glitter.

  A ball rental operating unit 40 is disposed below the window 14c. The ball rental operation section 40 is provided with a frequency display section 41, a ball lending button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball rental operation unit 40 is operated in a state where banknotes, cards, etc. are inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, the ball is operated according to the operation. Lending is done. Specifically, the frequency display unit 41 is an area in which the remaining amount information of a card or the like is displayed, and the built-in LED is turned on to display the remaining amount as a number as the remaining amount information. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain a loan ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the loan ball is supplied to the upper plate 17 as long as the card or the like has a balance. To be done. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted in the card unit. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 40 is not necessary in a so-called cash machine, which is a pachinko machine in which balls are lent directly to the upper plate 17 from a ball lending device or the like without a card unit, but in this case, the ball rental operation unit 40 is used. It is also possible to add a decorative seal or the like to the installation portion of to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to share a pachinko machine using a card unit with a cash machine.

  In the lower plate unit 15 located below the upper plate 17, a lower plate 50 for storing balls that could not be stored in the upper plate 17 is formed on the left side of the lower plate unit 15 in a substantially box-like shape with an open upper surface. .. On the right side of the lower plate 50, an operation handle 51 operated by the player to drive the ball into the front surface of the game board 13 is provided.

  Inside the operation handle 51, a touch sensor 51a for permitting the driving of the ball firing unit 112a, a firing stop switch 51b for stopping the firing of the ball during the pressing operation, and a rotation of the operation handle 51. A variable resistor (not shown) for detecting a dynamic operation amount (rotational position) by a change in electric resistance is built in. When the operation handle 51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the rotation operation amount, and the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed. The ball is fired with a strength (firing strength) corresponding to, and thus the ball is driven into the front surface of the game board 13 with a jump amount corresponding to the operation of the player. Further, when the operation handle 51 is not operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the firing stop switch 51b are off.

  At the lower part of the front surface of the lower plate 50, a ball removing lever 52 for operating when discharging the balls stored in the lower plate 50 downward is provided. This ball-pulling lever 52 is always biased in the front direction, and by sliding it in the back direction against the bias, the bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower plate 50 is opened, and The sphere spontaneously falls from the bottom opening and is discharged. The operation of the ball removing lever 54b is usually performed with a box (generally referred to as a "thousand box") placed below the lower plate 50 for receiving the balls discharged from the lower plate 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 13 has a base plate 60 cut into a substantially square shape in a front view, a large number of nails (not shown) for guiding a ball, a windmill, rails 61 and 62, a general prize. The mouth 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, the variable winning device 65, the through gate 67, the variable display device unit 80 and the like are assembled, and the peripheral portion thereof is the back surface of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 1). Mounted on the side. The base plate 60 is made of a light-transmissive resin material, and is formed so that the player can visually recognize various structural bodies arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 from the front side. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, the variable winning device 65, and the variable display device unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are provided on the game board 13. It is fixed by tapping screws from the front side.

  The front center portion of the game board 13 can be viewed from the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

  On the front surface of the game board 13, an outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is planted, and inside the outer rail 62, a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 62. The arc-shaped inner rail 61 formed in step 1 is planted. The inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62 surround the outer periphery of the front surface of the game board 13, and the front and rear are surrounded by the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), so that the front surface of the game board 13 has a ball. A game area where a game is played is formed by the behavior of. The game area is a front surface of the game board 13 and is defined by two rails 61 and 62 and a resin outer edge member 73 that connects the rails (a winning opening or the like is provided and fired). The area where the sphere flows down).

  The two rails 61 and 62 are provided to guide the ball fired from the ball firing unit 112a (see FIG. 4) to the upper part of the game board 13. A return ball prevention member 68 is attached to the tip portion (upper left portion of FIG. 2) of the inner rail 61 to prevent the situation where the ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 13 returns to the ball guide passage again. To be done. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip of the outer rail 62 (the upper right portion in FIG. 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the ball, and the ball fired with a momentum higher than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 69 to generate momentum. Is attenuated and bounces back toward the center.

  The first symbol display device 37A, 37B including a plurality of LEDs, which are light emitting means, and a 7-segment display is disposed on the lower left side in the front view of the game area (lower left side in FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are displays according to each control performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and mainly display the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10. In the present embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be used properly according to whether the ball has won the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640. Specifically, when the ball wins the first winning opening 64, the first symbol display device 37A operates, while on the other hand, when the ball wins the second winning opening 640, the first The symbol display device 37B is configured to operate.

  Further, the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, by using an LED, indicates whether the pachinko machine 10 is in the process of positive change, time saving, or normal by a lighting state, or indicates whether it is changing by a lighting state. , The stop symbol indicates whether it is a symbol corresponding to the probability variation jackpot, a symbol corresponding to the normal jackpot, or a symbol that is out of sync with a lighting state, and the number of reserved balls is indicated by a lighting state, and a 7-segment display device provides a round of jackpots. Display numbers and errors. In addition, the plurality of LEDs are configured such that the respective LEDs have different emission colors (for example, red, green, and blue), and the combination of the emission colors can suggest various game states of the pachinko machine 10 with a small number of LEDs. it can.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the lottery is performed when the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 640 are won. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not it is a big hit (big hit lottery), and when it is a big hit, also makes a determination of the big hit type. As the types of jackpots determined here, 15R certainty jackpots, 4R certainty jackpots, and 15R regular jackpots are prepared. The first symbol display devices 37A, 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a big hit as a stop symbol after the end of variation, but if it is a big hit, a symbol according to the big hit type is shown. ..

  Here, the "15R probability variation jackpot" is a probability variation jackpot in which the maximum round number shifts to a high probability state after the 15 round jackpot, and the "4R probability variation jackpot" is a jackpot with a maximum round number of 4 rounds. It is a probability change jackpot that shifts to a high probability state after. In addition, "15R normal jackpot" is a jackpot that shifts to a low-probability state after the jackpot with the maximum round number of 15 rounds and becomes a shortened state for a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 fluctuations). is there.

  The "high probability state" means a state in which the subsequent jackpot probability increases as an added value after the jackpot ends, that is, when the probability is changing (probably changing), in other words, a game that easily transitions to a special game state. Is the state of. The high-probability state (probably changing) in the present embodiment includes a game state in which the probability of hitting a second symbol, which will be described later, increases and the ball easily wins the second winning opening 640. The "low probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of jackpot is not in progress, and the jackpot probability is normal, that is, a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than that in the probability change. In addition, the time saving state (time saving time) in the “low probability state” is a state where the jackpot probability is a normal state, the jackpot probability remains the same, and only the hit probability of the second symbol is increased to the second winning opening 640. It is a game state where the ball is easy to win. On the other hand, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the normal state, it is a state of the game which is neither probable change nor short time (a state where neither the jackpot probability nor the hit probability of the second symbol is improved).

  During the probability change or shortening of time, not only the probability of hitting the second symbol is increased, but also the time for which the electric accessory 640a associated with the second winning opening 640 is opened is changed, which is a long time compared to the normal time. Is set. When the electric accessory 640a is in an open state (open state), a ball is won in the second winning opening 640, as compared with the case where the electric accessory 640a is in a closed state (closed state). It will be in an easy state. Therefore, during the probability change or shortening of time, it becomes easy for the ball to win the second winning opening 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is performed can be increased.

  It should be noted that, during the probable change or during the shortening of time, the opening time of the electric accessory 640a associated with the second winning opening 640 is not changed, or in addition to changing the opening time, electric power is generated by one hit. The number of times that the accessory 640a is opened may be changed to be larger than that during normal operation. Also, during the probability change or shortening time, the winning probability of the second symbol is not changed, and the electric accessory 640a is opened at the time and once when the electric accessory 640a associated with the second winning opening 640 is opened. At least one of the numbers of times may be changed. Also, during the probability change or shortening of time, the time when the electric accessory 640a associated with the second winning opening 640 is opened or the number of times the electric accessory 640a is opened per hit is not adjusted, and the second symbol is hit. Only the probability may be changed so as to be higher than that in the normal state.

  In the game area, there are arranged a plurality of general winning openings 63 in which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when the balls are won. A variable display device unit 80 is arranged in the center of the game area. In the variable display device unit 80, the winning of the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 640 (starting winning) is used as a trigger, while synchronizing with the variable display in the first symbol displaying devices 37A and 37B, It is composed of a third symbol display device 81 composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as “display device”) that performs variable display, and an LED that variably displays the second symbol triggered by passage of the ball of the through gate 67. A second symbol display device (not shown) is provided.

  Further, the variable display device unit 80 is provided with a center frame 86 so as to surround the outer periphery of the third symbol display device 81. The third symbol display device 81 is visible through an opening formed in the center of the center frame 86.

  The third symbol display device 81 is composed of a large 9-inch liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), for example, upper, middle and lower 3 Two symbol columns are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols (third symbol), and the third symbol is variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81 by horizontally scrolling the third symbol for each symbol column. It is like this. In the third symbol display device 81 of the present embodiment, the display of the game state accompanied by the control of the main controller 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed on the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B, whereas the first The decorative display corresponding to the display of the symbol display devices 37A and 37B is performed. Instead of the display device, for example, a reel or the like may be used to configure the third symbol display device 81.

  The second symbol display device alternately turns on the symbol "o" and the symbol "x" as the display symbol (second symbol (not shown)) every time the ball passes through the through gate 67 for a predetermined time. It is a variable display. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is performed. As a result of the winning lottery, if it is a win, the symbol “◯” is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the second symbol on the second symbol display device. In addition, as a result of the winning lottery, if it is out, the symbol "x" is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the third symbol on the second symbol display device.

  In the pachinko machine 10, when the variable display on the second symbol display device is stopped by the predetermined symbol (in the present embodiment, the symbol "○"), the electric accessory 640a attached to the second winning opening 640 is for a predetermined time. It is configured to be activated (opened) only.

  The time required for the variable display of the second symbol is set to be shorter during the probability change or during the time saving than when the game state is normal. As a result, during the probability change and the time reduction, the variable display of the second symbol is performed in a short time, so that the winning lottery can be performed more than usual. Therefore, the chances of winning in the winning lottery increase, so that the player can be given many opportunities to open the electric auditors product 640a of the second winning opening 640. Therefore, the ball can easily enter the second winning opening 640 during the probability change and the time saving.

  In addition, during the probability change or time saving, the probability of winning is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the electric accessory 640a per hit are increased. When the ball is in a state of easy winning, the time required for variable display of the second symbol may be constant regardless of the gaming state. On the other hand, when the time required for the variable display of the second symbol is set to be shorter than the normal time during the probability variation or the time saving, the winning probability may be constant regardless of the gaming state, or one hit. The opening time and the number of times of opening the electric accessory 640a may be constant regardless of the game state.

  The through gate 67 is attached to the game board on the right side in the lower region of the variable display device unit 80, and among the balls emitted to the game board, a part of the ball flowing down on the right side of the game board can pass through. Is configured. When the ball passes through the through gate 67, a winning lottery for the second symbol is performed. After the winning lottery, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the result of the winning lottery is a win, the symbol "○" is displayed as a stop symbol of the variable display and the result of the winning lottery is out For example, the symbol "x" is displayed as the variable display stop symbol.

  The number of times the ball passes through the through gate 67 is held up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of holding balls is displayed by the above-mentioned first symbol display devices 37A, 37B and at the second symbol holding lamp (not shown). Is also lit. Two second symbol holding lamps are provided for the maximum number of holdings, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

  The variable display of the second symbol is performed by switching lighting and non-lighting of a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device as in the present embodiment, as well as the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B and the third. Alternatively, a part of the symbol display device 81 may be used. Similarly, the second symbol holding lamp may be turned on by a part of the third symbol display device 81. Further, the maximum number of retained balls for the passage of the ball through the through gate 67 is not limited to four times, and may be set to three times or less, or five times or more (e.g., eight times). Further, the number of through gates 67 to be assembled is not limited to one, but may be plural (for example, two). Further, the mounting position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display device unit 80, and may be, for example, the left side of the variable display device unit 80. Further, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, it is possible not to perform the lighting display by the second symbol reservation lamp.

  Below the variable display device unit 80, a first winning opening 64 through which a ball can be won is arranged. When a ball wins the first winning opening 64, a first winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and the main controller 110 is caused by the turning on of the first winning opening switch. (Refer to FIG. 4) A big hit lottery is made, and a display corresponding to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

  On the other hand, on the right side of the first winning opening 64 in a front view, a second winning opening 640 through which a ball can win is arranged. When a ball wins the second winning opening 640, a second winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and the main controller 110 is caused by the turning on of the second winning opening switch. (Refer to FIG. 4) A big hit lottery is made, and a display corresponding to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B.

  In addition, each of the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 640 is also one of the winning openings through which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball wins. In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when the balls are won in the first winning opening 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when the balls are won in the second winning opening 640 are the same. , The number of prize balls paid out when a ball is won in the first winning opening 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball is winning in the second winning opening 640, for example, a ball to the first winning opening 64 The number of prize balls to be paid out when a prize is won may be set to 3, and the number of prize balls to be paid out when a ball is won to the second winning port 640 may be set to 5.

  An electric accessory 640a is attached to the second winning opening 640. The electric accessory 640a is configured to be openable and closable, and normally the electric accessory 640a is in a closed state (reduced state), and it is difficult for a ball to enter the second winning opening 640. On the other hand, as a result of the variable display of the second symbol which is carried out upon the passage of the ball to the through gate 67, when the symbol "○" is displayed on the second symbol display device, the electric accessory 640a is in the open state (enlarged). (State), and the ball is in a state where it is easy to enter the second winning opening 640.

  As described above, the probability of hitting the second symbol is higher than that in the normal state during the probability change and the shortening of the time period, and the time required for the variable display of the second symbol is short, so that in the variable display of the second symbol, “○” is displayed. Is easily displayed, and the number of times the electric accessory 640a is in the open state (enlarged state) increases. Further, the time during which the electric accessory 640a is opened during the probability change and the shortening of time is longer than that during the normal time. Therefore, during the probability change and the shortened working hours, it is possible to create a state in which the balls are more likely to win the second winning opening 640 than in the normal time.

  Here, the probability of being a big hit is the same in both the low-probability state and the high-probability state, when the ball wins the first winning opening 64 and when the ball wins the second winning opening 640. However, when the jackpot is a big jackpot, the probability that the 15R probability variation jackpot will be selected as a jackpot type is higher when the ball is won at the second winning port 640 than when the ball is won at the first winning port 64. It is set. On the other hand, the first winning opening 64 does not have an electric accessory as in the second winning opening 640, and the ball is always ready for winning.

  Therefore, during normal operation, the electric winning object associated with the second winning opening 640 is often in a closed state, and it is difficult to win the second winning opening 640. Then, the ball is fired so that the ball passes the left side of the variable display device unit 80 (so-called "left hitting"), and a lot of chances of the big hit lottery are obtained by winning the prize at the first winning a prize port 64, which is a big hit. It is advantageous for the player to aim for that.

  On the other hand, during the probability change or shortening of time, by passing the ball through the through gate 67, the electric accessory 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is likely to be opened, and the second winning port 640 is easily won. Therefore, toward the second winning port 640, the ball is fired so that the ball passes the right side of the variable display device 80 (so-called "right hitting"), and the electric accessory is opened by passing through the through gate 67. At the same time, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the 15R probability variation jackpot by winning the second winning opening 640.

  In this way, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment shoots a ball to the player according to the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a certain change, in a short time, or in a normal state). Can be changed to "left-handed" and "right-handed". Therefore, it is possible to change the way the ball is hit for the player, so that the game can be enjoyed.

  A variable winning device 65 is disposed on the upper right side of the first winning opening 64, and a horizontally elongated rectangular specific winning opening (large opening) 65a is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. In the pachinko machine 10, when the jackpot lottery performed due to the winning of the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640 is a big hit, after a predetermined time (variable time) has passed, a big hit stop symbol and The first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is turned on so that the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81, and the occurrence of the jackpot is shown. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (big hit) where the ball is easy to win. In this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a that is normally closed is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds elapse or until 10 balls are won).

  The specific winning opening 65a is closed after a lapse of a predetermined time, and after the closing, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 65a can be repeated, for example, 15 times (15 rounds) at the maximum. The state in which this opening / closing operation is performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger amount of award balls than usual in order to give a game value (game value). Is done.

  The variable winning device 65 is, specifically, a horizontally-long rectangular opening / closing plate that covers the specific winning opening 65a, and a large opening solenoid (not shown) for driving the opening / closing on the front side with the lower side of the opening / closing plate as an axis. It has and. The specific winning opening 65a is normally in a closed state in which the ball cannot be won or is difficult to win. At the time of a big hit, the large opening solenoid is driven to tilt the opening / closing plate to the lower side of the front face to temporarily form an open state in which the ball easily wins the specific winning opening 65a, and the open state and the normally closed state. The state and the state operate alternately.

  The special game state is not limited to the above-mentioned form. A large opening which is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening 65a is provided in the game area, and when the LED corresponding to the big hit in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B is turned on, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time, During the opening of the specific winning opening 65a, when the ball wins into the specific winning opening 65a, a large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined period of time and a predetermined number of times as a special game state. It may be formed as a state. Further, the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to one, and one or a plurality of two or more (for example, three) may be arranged, and the arrangement position is not limited to the upper right side of the first winning opening 64. Alternatively, it may be on the left side of the variable display device unit 80.

  A sticking space K1 for sticking a stamp or an identification label is provided in the lower right corner of the game board 13, and the sticker or the like stuck to the sticking space K1 is a small window of the front frame 14. 35 (see FIG. 1).

  The game board 13 is provided with a first outlet 71. Balls flowing down the game area that have not won any of the winning openings 63, 64, 65a, 640 are guided to a ball discharging path (not shown) through the first out opening 71. The first outlet 71 is arranged below the first winning opening 64.

  On the game board 13, a large number of nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the balls, and various members (features) such as a wind turbine are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3, control board units 90 and 91 and a back pack unit 94 are mainly provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The control board unit 90 is unitized by mounting a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized by mounting a payout control board (payout control device 111), a firing control board (firing control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

  The back pack unit 94 includes a back pack 92 forming a protective cover and a payout unit 93 as a unit. Also, each control board is used for MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each control, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lottery, time counting and synchronization. A clock pulse generating circuit and the like are installed as needed.

  The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the firing control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are housed in the board boxes 100 to 104, respectively. . The board boxes 100 to 104 each include a box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house each control device and each board.

  Further, in the board box 100 (main controller 110) and the board box 102 (payout controller 111 and launch controller 112), a box base and a box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a sealing unit (not shown) (caulking structure). (Consolidated by). Further, a seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover so as to extend over the box base and the box cover. The seal sticker is made of a brittle material, and if the seal sticker is peeled off to open the board boxes 100 and 102, or if the board boxes 100 and 102 are forcibly opened, the box base side and the box cover are closed. To be cut to the side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the substrate boxes 100 and 102 have been opened.

  The payout unit 93 is located at the uppermost part of the back pack unit 94 and opens upward, the tank rail 131 that is connected to the lower side of the tank 130 and is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and the downstream of the tank rail 131. A case rail 132 that is vertically connected to the side, and a payout device 133 that is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 132 and that pays out the balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). ing. The tank 130 is sequentially replenished with balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall, and the required number of balls is paid out by the payout device 133 as appropriate. A vibrator 134 for applying vibration to the tank rail 131 is attached to the tank rail 131.

  The payout control device 111 is provided with a state return switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state return switch 120 is operated to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state) when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball clogging of the dispensing motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM erase switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on when it is desired to return the pachinko machine 10 to the initial state.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main controller 110 is equipped with an MPU 201 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 201 includes a ROM 202 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 201 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 202 is executed. In addition to a certain RAM 203, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built in. In the main controller 110, the main processing of the pachinko machine 10, such as jackpot lottery, setting of display on the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and lottery of the display result on the second symbol display device, by the MPU 201. To execute.

  Note that various commands are transmitted from the main control device 110 to the sub control device by the data transmission / reception circuit in order to instruct the sub control devices such as the payout control device 111 and the voice lamp control device 113 to operate. Such a command is transmitted from the main control device 110 to the sub control device only in one direction.

  The RAM 203 stores various areas, counters, and flags, a stack area in which the contents of internal registers of the MPU 201, the return address of a control program executed by the MPU 201, and the like, various flags, counters, I / O, etc. And a work area (work area) in which values are stored. It should be noted that the RAM 203 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 115 and data can be retained (backup) even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all the data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up. ..

  When the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the RAM 203 stores the stack pointer at the time of the power shutdown (including the occurrence of a power failure. The same applies to the following) and the value of each register. On the other hand, at the time of power-on (including power-on by eliminating power failure. The same applies to the following), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is returned to the state before power-off based on the information stored in the RAM 203. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed by a main process (not shown) when the power is cut off, and restoration of each value written in the RAM 203 is executed by a startup process (not shown) when the power is turned on. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 201 is configured so that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 252 is input when the power is shut off due to a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal SG1 is input to the MPU 201. When input to, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main controller 110 via a bus line 204 composed of an address bus and a data bus. In the input / output port 205, the payout control device 111, the voice lamp control device 113, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol holding lamp, and the lower side of the opening / closing plate of the specific winning opening 65a are axes. Is connected to a solenoid 209 including a large opening solenoid for driving to open and close to the front side and a solenoid for driving an electric accessory, and the MPU 201 sends various command and control signals to them via an input / output port 205. To send.

  Further, the input / output port 205 includes various switches 208 including a switch group (not shown) and a sensor group including the slide position detecting sensor S and the rotational position detecting sensor R, and a RAM erasing switch circuit 253 described later provided in the power supply device 115. Are connected, and the MPU 201 executes various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erase signal SG2 output from the RAM erase switch circuit 253.

  The payout control device 111 drives the payout motor 216 to perform payout control of prize balls and rental balls. The MPU 211, which is an arithmetic unit, has a ROM 212 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 213 that is used as a work memory and the like.

  The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal register of the MPU 211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and various flags and counters. , I / O and the like are stored in the work area (work area). The RAM 213 is configured to be able to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all the data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Note that, like the MPU 201 of the main controller 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured to receive the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 252 when the power is shut off due to a power failure or the like. When input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main controller 110, the payout motor 216, the firing controller 112, etc. are connected to the input / output port 215. Although not shown, the payout control device 111 is connected with a prize ball detection switch for detecting the paid prize balls. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but not to the main control device 110.

  The firing control device 112 controls the ball firing unit 112a so that when the main control device 110 gives an instruction to fire a sphere, the sphere launching unit 112a has a launching strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operation handle 51. .. The ball firing unit 112a includes a firing solenoid and an electromagnet, which are not shown, and the firing solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operation handle 51, and operates the firing stop switch 51b for stopping the firing of the ball to be off (not operated). The firing solenoid is excited according to the amount of rotation operation (rotational position) of the handle 51, and a ball is emitted with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operation handle 51.

  The voice lamp control device 113 outputs a voice in a voice output device (such as a speaker (not shown)) 226, outputs a light and a light in a lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and produces a variation (variation). It is for controlling the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114 such as display) and notice production. The MPU 221 which is an arithmetic unit has a ROM 222 which stores a control program executed by the MPU 221 and fixed value data and the like, and a RAM 223 which is used as a work memory and the like.

  An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the audio lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, the display control device 114, the audio output device 226, the lamp display device 227, the other device 228, the frame button 22, etc. are connected to the input / output port 225, respectively.

  The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and commands the determined display mode. The display control device 114 is notified by (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). Further, the voice lamp control device 113 monitors the input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 is changed or the super reach is performed. The display control device 114 is instructed to change the content of the effect at that time. When the stage is changed, in order to display the rear image corresponding to the changed stage on the third symbol display device 81, a rear image change command including information about the changed stage is transmitted to the display control device 114. . Here, the back image is an image displayed on the back side of the third symbol which is the main image displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 according to the command transmitted from the voice lamp control device 113.

  Further, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) indicating the display content of the third symbol display device 81 from the display control device 114. In the voice lamp control device 113, based on the display command received from the display control device 114, in accordance with the display content of the third symbol display device 81, a voice corresponding to the display content is output from the voice output device 226, and, Lighting and extinguishing of the lamp display device 227 are controlled in accordance with the displayed contents.

  The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third symbol display device 81, and based on a command received from the voice lamp control device 113, such as a variation effect of the third symbol on the third symbol display device 81. It controls the display. Further, the display control device 114 appropriately transmits a display command for notifying the display content of the third symbol display device 81 to the voice lamp control device 113. The voice lamp control device 113 outputs the voice from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by this display command, thereby matching the display of the third symbol display device 81 and the voice output from the voice output device 226. be able to.

  The power supply device 115 is provided with a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruption due to power failure, etc., and a RAM erase switch 122 (see FIG. 3). And an erase switch circuit 253. The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies a necessary operating voltage to each of the control devices 110 to 114 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 251 takes in a voltage of 24 V AC supplied from the outside, and 12 V voltage for driving various switches such as various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, and motors, A 5 volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, and the like are generated, and the 12 volt voltage, 5 volt voltage, and backup voltage are supplied to the control devices 110 to 114 and the like as necessary.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main controller 110 and the MPU 211 of the payout controller 111 when the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 252 monitors the voltage of DC stable 24V which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and determines that a power failure (power interruption, power interruption) occurs when this voltage becomes less than 22V. Then, the power failure signal SG1 is output to the main controller 110 and the payout controller 111. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 110 and the payout controller 111 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt process. The power supply unit 251 outputs the voltage of 5 V which is the drive voltage of the control system for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the voltage of DC stable 24 V becomes less than 22 V. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 110 and the payout controller 111 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process (not shown).

  The RAM erase switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing the backup data to the main controller 110 when the RAM erase switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, the main controller 110 clears the backup data, and the payout controller 111 issues a payout initialization command for clearing the backup data. It is transmitted to the device 111.

  Next, the lower plate 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 34. First, the overall configuration of the lower plate 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the inner frame 12 and the lower tray 50, and FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the inner frame 12 and the lower tray 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the lower left side of the inner frame 12, a payout opening 23 formed as a rectangular opening in front view is disposed, and a position corresponding to the payout opening 23 (that is, the payout opening 23). The lower plate 50 is arranged at a position where the balls paid out from can be received). The balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 17 are discharged to the lower plate 50 from the outlet 23 and stored in the storage area of the lower plate 50.

  The lower plate 50 is disposed on the inner frame 12 in a posture in which the outlet 23 is biased to the left side of the storage region and the bottom wall member 54 is positioned below the lower surface of the outlet 23 in a front view. It Therefore, in the initial stage, the balls delivered from the outlet 23 are stored while flowing through the bottom wall member 54 of the lower plate 50 from the left side to the right side in front view, and the balls are distributed to the entire bottom wall member 54. When the balls are stored to such an extent that they spread, the balls are stored in the form of forming a mountain near the outlet 23. When a predetermined amount of balls are stored in the lower plate 50, the player operates the ball removing lever 54b to discharge the balls into a box (so-called 1,000 box) arranged below the lower plate 50.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the side wall member 55 of the lower tray 50 is formed so as to be displaceable in the front-rear direction, and the side wall member 55 is projected forward or retracted rearward to enlarge the size of the storage region or It can be reduced (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Therefore, since the size of the storage area can be increased, the frequency of ball removal operations from the lower plate 50 can be reduced, and the player can concentrate on the game accordingly. On the other hand, since the size of the storage area can be reduced, the lower tray 50 (the overhanging side wall member 55) interferes with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 when the front frame 14 is opened, and the outer shape becomes large during transportation. Can be suppressed. The structure for enlarging and reducing the lower plate 50 will be described in detail below.

  7 (a) and 7 (b) are front perspective views of the lower tray 50 in the contracted state, and FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are front perspective views of the lower tray 50 in the expanded state. is there. Further, FIG. 9 is an exploded front perspective view of the lower plate 50. Note that FIG. 9 illustrates the disassembled state of the lower plate 50 in the contracted state.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the lower plate 50 includes a bottom wall member 54 that forms the bottom surface of the storage area, and side wall members 55 and inner wall members that are erected from the bottom wall member 54 and form the side surfaces of the storage area. 56, and a pivot pin 57 and a pivot plate 58 for pivotally supporting the side wall member 55 on the bottom wall member 54.

  The bottom wall member 54 is a plate-shaped member that is disposed on the front surface of the inner frame 12 in a posture that it projects substantially horizontally toward the front, and is an opening for discharging a ball from the storage area of the lower tray 50. The ball-draining hole 54a and the ball-draining lever 54b operated by the player when opening the ball-draining hole 54a are provided. The ball-draining holes 54a are arranged so as to be biased to the right side of the storage area of the lower plate 50 (the side opposite to the outlet 23) in a top view of the bottom wall member 54, and the upper surface of the bottom wall member 54 is ball-drained from four sides. It is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the hole 54a.

  The side wall member 55 is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view, and one end side and a short side portion (second piece) of the substantially L-shaped long side portion (first pieces 551X to 557X, see FIGS. 11 to 19). 551Y to 557Y (see FIGS. 11 to 19), the other end side is directed to the front surface of the front frame 12, so that the L-shaped bent portion is disposed in a position in which the front frame 12 is projected forward. Therefore, the side wall member 55 defines a space having a substantially triangular shape in a top view on the front surface of the front frame 12. In the side wall member 55, one end (the left side in front view, that is, the end on the same side as the side on which the front frame 14 is pivotably supported) of the long side portion of the substantially L-shape in a top view has a shaft support pin 57 and The mounting plate 58 rotatably supports the bottom wall member 54.

  The side wall member 55 includes a plurality of (seven in the present embodiment) divided bodies (first divided body 551 to seventh divided body 557, see FIGS. 11 to 19) having a substantially L-shape when viewed from the top of the rotary shaft. It is formed by overlapping along the axial direction of the (shaft support pin 57). When each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is rotated about the shaft support pin 57, the divided bodies on the upper layer side are displaced to the outer side by a larger amount, thereby forming a staircase shape, and the storage area of the lower plate 50. To expand. Therefore, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in arranging the ball hole 54a (see FIG. 9) in the bottom wall member 54.

  That is, in the structure in which the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion are slidably displaced back and forth by the player's operation to expand or contract the storage area, the fixed side bottom wall portion and the slide side bottom wall portion overlap each other. Is unable to place a ball hole, and the degree of freedom of its placement is reduced.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the divided regions 551 to 557, which are vertically stacked, are displaced to form a staircase shape, thereby expanding the storage region. The overlap margin is not formed between the portion (each divided body 551 to 557) displaced to the bottom wall member 54. Therefore, the ball hole 54a can be arranged at an arbitrary position of the bottom wall member 54, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement can be secured.

  Further, the side wall member 55 is expanded in the outward direction as the divided body on the upper layer side is largely displaced, so that the side wall member 55 is expanded in a step shape (see FIG. 8). That is, since the upper layer side divided body is projected to the front side when viewed from the player, the storage area is expanded without narrowing the space between the upper plate 17 and the front side opening. Since it is enlarged, the player's hand can be easily put in the lower plate 50. In other words, the upper plate 17 can be upsized accordingly. Further, as described above, the side wall member 55 is projected to the front side when viewed from the player, so that the player can easily recognize that the lower plate 50 is in the enlarged state.

  The inner wall member 56 is a plate-shaped member that is erected from the bottom wall member 54, and is inside (the storage region side) of the short side portion (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the side wall member 55 that is substantially L-shaped in a top view. And forms a part of the side surface of the storage area of the lower plate 50. That is, the side surface of the storage area of the lower plate 50 is formed by the inner frame 12, the long side portion (first piece 551X to 557X) of the side wall member 55 having a substantially L shape in a top view, and the inner wall member 56 in the contracted state. In the formed and enlarged state, the short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the side wall member 55 which are substantially L-shaped in a top view are added thereto.

  Here, the short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the side wall member 55 which are substantially L-shaped in a top view have different length dimensions. Therefore, in the contracted state, the respective end portions are arranged at positions different from each other, and a plurality of steps are formed along the longitudinal direction of the short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y). Therefore, when the side surface in the storage area of the lower plate 50 is formed by the short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y), for example, one to several balls remaining in the lower plate 50 when the game is finished are removed. When taking it out, the ball gets caught in the step and it is difficult to take out.

  That is, since the upper plate 17 is arranged above the lower plate 50 and the space is small, it is difficult to pick up the ball in the lower plate 50 with a finger. For this reason, the ball of the left hand is pressed against the side surface of the lower plate 50 on the right side (handle 51 side) in the storage area, and is rolled out and taken out. In this case, if the above-mentioned step is formed, the sphere will be caught in the step and it will be difficult to take it out.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the side surface on the right side (handle 51 side) in the storage area of the dish 50 is formed by the inner wall member 56 in the contracted state, and is formed into a flat surface shape. That is, the step due to the short side portion (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) can be hidden by the inner wall member 56. As a result, the ball can be easily taken out by rolling it toward the front side while pressing the ball against the side surface on the right side (handle 51 side) of the storage area of the lower plate 50 with the finger of the left hand.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the inner wall member 56 forms a part of the inner wall of the storage region, and in the reduced state shown in FIG. 7, the substantially L-shaped short side portion (second portion) of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is (The pieces 551Y to 557Y) are arranged on the back side of the inner wall member 56, and in the enlarged state shown in FIG. 8, the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the respective divided bodies 551 to 557 are used as the inner wall member. A part of the inner wall of the storage region is formed by both of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) and the inner wall member 56 arranged side by side. As a result, the length dimension of the substantially L-shaped short side portion can be shortened, and the space required for the movement of the substantially L-shaped short side portion can be suppressed accordingly.

  That is, when the inner wall member 56 is not provided, not only in the state where the storage area is reduced but also in the state where the storage area is enlarged, the short side portions of the substantially L-shaped portions of the divided bodies 551 to 557 ( Since the second pieces 551Y to 557Y) need to be a part of the inner wall of the storage area, the length dimension of the short side portion of the substantially L shape is equivalent to the length of the inner wall member 56 and the storage area (inner wall). ) And the length dimension corresponding to the expanded amount are added.

  Therefore, the space required for the movement of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) becomes large, and it is necessary to secure a part of the space in the internal space of the inner frame 12. That is, the other end side of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) needs to be housed in the internal space of the inner frame 12 in the contracted state shown in FIG. 7.

  On the other hand, by providing the inner wall member 56, the substantially L-shaped short side portions (the second pieces 551Y to 557Y) may serve as the inner wall of the storage region only in the expanded state, and thus the substantially L-shaped short side. The length of the side portion can be suppressed to the length corresponding to the enlarged portion (the length corresponding to the inner wall member 56 can be eliminated). As a result, it is possible to suppress the space required for the movement of the substantially L-shaped short side portion, and it becomes unnecessary to secure a part of the space in the inner space of the inner frame 12.

  A restricting portion 56a is provided on the back side of the inner wall member 56, and the restricting portion 56a overlaps the upper surface of the short side portion (second piece 551Y) of the side wall member 55 which is substantially L-shaped in a top view. Therefore, when the side wall member 55 that receives the weight of the sphere tries to fall down, the restricting portion 56a presses the upper surface of the side wall member 55 (short side portion), and the rising of the side wall member 55 can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress falling down. Further, since the restricting portion 56a can be brought into contact with the stopper portion 551S1 of the side wall member 55, it is possible to restrict the rotation of the side wall member 55 in the expanding direction and hold the side wall member 55 at the projecting position (see FIG. 9). ..

  In this case, in each of the divided bodies 551 to 557, the length dimension of the substantially L-shaped short side portion (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) is made larger toward the upper divided body (see FIGS. 11 to 19), and FIG. When the enlarged state shown in FIG. 3 is formed, the upper divided body is projected outward and the end faces of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (opposite the enlargement direction, the right side in FIG. 8) are arranged flush with each other. (See FIG. 8), the margin for overlapping the substantially L-shaped short sides of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is ensured to suppress the deflection of the sphere with respect to the weight of the sphere, and the substantially L-shaped short sides. By suppressing the length of the part, it is possible to suppress the cost of parts.

  That is, in the enlarged state shown in FIG. 8, in each of the divided bodies 551 to 557, the end faces of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the divided body on the lower side than the upper divided body protrude. Even if it is formed, the protruding portion cannot contribute to the suppression of bending of the adjacent short side portions. On the other hand, in the contracted state shown in FIG. 7, the overlap margin of the short side portions of the substantially L-shaped of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is reduced, but the weight of the sphere is acted on the inner wall member 56 and the substantially L-shaped. Is not directly acted on the short side part of. Therefore, this configuration is effective.

  Further, the restricting portion 56 of the inner wall member 56 is, in the enlarged state shown in FIG. 8, an upper surface at the end portion on the end surface side of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) arranged flush with each other. Overlap with. That is, as will be described later, the storage area is enlarged or reduced in seven stages of the reduced state, the first state to the fifth state, and the enlarged state (see FIGS. 22 and 23), and in any of the states, All the divided bodies (first to seventh divided bodies 551 to 557) are arranged at positions where they can overlap the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) in a top view. Therefore, regardless of the degree of expansion of the storage region (which of the seven stages), the short sides of the substantially L-shaped portions of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 can be supported at the optimum fulcrum position. The bending of the side wall member 55 can be suppressed.

  Further, the restriction portion 56 of the inner wall member 56 can contact the stopper portion 551S1 of the side wall member 55 (first divided body 551), so that the rotation of the side wall member 55 in the expansion direction can be restricted. That is, the restricting portion 56a not only plays a role of supporting the upper surface of the substantially L-shaped short side portion (second piece 551Y) of the side wall member 55 (first divided body 551) and suppressing the bending, but also each divided body. Since it also serves as a stopper that restricts the rotation of 551 to 557 in the expanding direction, the number of parts can be reduced and the product cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Here, when the lower plate 50 is formed so that its storage area can be expanded or contracted, the front plate 14 is left in an expanded state in the hole where a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are arranged in parallel. If it is opened carelessly, the enlarged lower plate 50 may come into contact with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 and be damaged.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the rotation shaft (the shaft support pin 57) of the lower plate 50 is parallel to the shaft (not shown) that supports the front frame 14 so as to be openable and closable, and the same side in the width direction. Since it is disposed on the left side in the front view, the front plate 14 is opened while the lower plate 50 is enlarged, and the side wall member 55 is reduced even if the lower plate 50 comes into contact with the pachinko machine 10 installed next to it. Since it can be rotated in the direction, it is possible to prevent the lower plate 50 from being damaged.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the side wall member 55 is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view, and the amount of protrusion of the side wall member 55 from the front surface of the inner frame 12 increases as the distance from the rotation shaft (the shaft support pin 57) increases. When the enlarged lower plate 50 comes into contact with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 due to the opening of the front frame 14, the side wall member 55 is contacted by the contact. The applied pressing force can be applied to the side wall member 55 (long side portion) in such a direction as to easily generate the torque for rotating the side wall member 55 around the rotation axis. Therefore, it is possible to easily rotate the side wall member 55 in the contracting direction and prevent the lower tray 50 from being damaged.

  Further, the side wall member 55 is formed such that the long side portion (first pieces 551X to 557X) of the substantially L-shape in a top view is curved outward in a circular arc shape so that the enlarged lower plate 50 is in front. When the adjacent pachinko machine 10 comes into contact due to the opening of the frame 14, the mating member can be slid along the side wall member 55 (the outer peripheral surface of the long side portion) to prevent the both members from being caught. Therefore, the side wall member 55 can be smoothly rotated in the contraction direction, and as a result, the lower tray 50 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Further, in the side wall member 55, a short side portion (first pieces 551Y to 557Y) having a substantially L shape in a top view is curved in an arc shape with a rotation shaft (the shaft support pin 57) as a center, as described later. Since it is formed, when the enlarged lower plate 50 comes into contact with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 due to the opening of the front frame 14, it is possible to prevent the short side portion of the side wall member 55 from coming into contact with the mating member. That is, it is possible to prevent the mating member from contacting the short side portion of the side wall member 55 and inhibiting the rotation of the side wall member 55 in the contraction direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lower plate 50 from being damaged.

  In the present embodiment, the lower plate 50 (first divided body 551) is arranged at the same height position as the handle 51. Therefore, when the interval (horizontal direction distance) between the rotary shaft (axial support pin 57) and the adjacent handle 51 of the pachinko machine 10 is smaller than the horizontal dimension of the first piece 551Y of the first split body 551. When the front frame 14 is opened while the lower plate 50 is in the enlarged state, the enlarged lower plate 50 is brought into contact with the handle 51 of the adjacent pachinko machine 10.

  In this case, since the handle 51 is formed in a spherical shape, when the enlarged lower plate 50 comes into contact with the handle 51 of the adjacent pachinko machine 10 due to the opening of the front frame 14, the side wall member 55 (first piece 551Y). It is possible to prevent both from being caught by sliding along the outer peripheral surface). Therefore, the side wall member 55 can be smoothly rotated in the contraction direction, and as a result, the lower tray 50 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the lower plate 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 34. FIG. 10A is a top view of the side wall member 55 in a reduced state, and FIG. 10B is a top view of the side wall member 55 in an enlarged state. 11 to 13 are exploded front perspective views of the side wall member 55 as viewed in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 10A, and FIGS. 14 to 16 are side wall members 55 as viewed in the direction of arrow B of FIG. 10A. FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of FIG. 17 to 19 are exploded bottom perspective views of the side wall member 55 in bottom view.

  Note that the first divided body 551 and the second divided body 552 are shown in FIGS. 11, 14 and 17 (a) and (b), and are shown in FIGS. 12, 15 and 18 (a) and (b). The third divided body 553 and the fourth divided body 554 are the fifth divided body 555, the sixth divided body 556, and the seventh divided body 555 in FIGS. 13, 16 and 19 (a), (b) and (c). Dividers 557 are each shown.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the side wall member 55 is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view, and a plurality of (7 in the present embodiment, 7 are stacked on each other along the axial direction of the rotation shaft (the shaft support pin 57, see FIG. 9). Individual divided bodies (first divided body 551 to seventh divided body 557). Each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is formed of a resin material so as to have an overlapping shape (substantially the same shape) in a top view.

  Specifically, the uppermost layer of the side wall member 55 is formed by the first divided body 551, and the second divided body 552 through the sixth divided body 552 are formed on the lower surface of the first divided body 551 (the surface on the back side of the paper in FIG. 10A). The divided bodies 556 are sequentially arranged, and the seventh divided body 557 arranged on the lower surface of the sixth divided body 556 forms the lowermost layer. The seventh divided body 557 of the lowermost layer is fastened and fixed to the side wall member 55 (see FIG. 9).

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 19, in the first divided body 551 to the seventh divided body 557, shaft support holes 551a to 557a are formed at one end side to form a long side portion having a substantially L shape in a top view. It is formed from one piece 551X to 557X and second pieces 551Y to 557Y that are connected to the other end side of the first piece 551X to 557X and that form a short side portion that is substantially L-shaped in a top view.

  The first pieces 551X to 557X have an arc shape in which the side to be the storage area is concave (that is, outwardly convex), and the second pieces 551Y to 557Y are centered on the shaft support holes 551a to 557a and have substantially the same diameter. The top view shape (the shape of the shaft support holes 551a to 557a as viewed in the axial direction) is curved and formed in an arc shape.

  Since the first pieces 551X to 557X are curved in an arc shape that is convex outward, not only can the size of the storage region be secured, but as described above, the front plate 14 can be maintained while the lower plate 50 is enlarged. The lower tray 50 (side wall member 55) can be easily closed when it is opened and collides with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 or the like. Further, since the second pieces 551Y to 557Y are curved in an arc shape centered on the shaft support holes 551a to 557a, it is possible to maintain the circumferentially overlapping state in each state of expansion and contraction of the side wall member 55, As will be described later, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the side wall member 55 and prevent the side wall member 55 from bending due to the weight of the sphere.

  Protrusions that extend along the longitudinal direction of the first pieces 552X to 557X on the upper surfaces of the first pieces 552X to 557X of the second divided body 552 to the seventh divided body 557 and project as projecting portions having a rectangular cross section. 552b to 557b are provided (see FIGS. 11 to 16). On the other hand, on the lower surface of the first pieces 551X to 556X of the first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556, the first pieces 551X to 556X are provided along the longitudinal direction and are formed as concave grooves having a concave cross section. Restriction grooves 551c to 556c are provided (see FIGS. 17 to 19).

  When the respective divided bodies 551 to 557 are vertically stacked, the protrusions 552b to 557b of the second divided body 552 to the seventh divided body 557 and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c of the first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556. When the divided bodies 551 to 556 are arranged (stored) inside and are rotated around the pivot pin 57, the protrusions 552b to 557b are brought into contact with the inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c. Then, the movable (rotation) range of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is defined (see FIG. 20).

  The projecting portions 552b to 557b are formed by curving the top view shape (the axial view shape of the shaft support holes 552a to 557a) in an arc shape in which the side to be the storage area is concave (that is, outwardly convex). It is arranged such that it is located on the opposite side (outside) from the storage region as it goes from the support holes 552a to 557a toward the second pieces 552Y to 557Y. That is, the protrusions 552b to 557b are provided so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first pieces 552X to 557X.

  The pair of inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c facing each other are formed such that the shape in a bottom view thereof is curved in an arc shape substantially the same as the shape in a top view of the protrusions 552b to 557b, and one inner wall surface is reserved. The inner wall surface is arranged along the edges of the first pieces 552X to 557X on the area side, and the other inner wall surface is opposite to the storage area (outer side) from the shaft support holes 551a to 556a toward the second pieces 551Y to 556Y. It is arranged in a posture of being located on the side). That is, the groove widths of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c gradually increase from the shaft support holes 551a to 556a toward the second pieces 551Y to 556Y.

  The second pieces 552Y to 555Y of the second divided body 552 to the fifth divided body 557 include first horizontal portions 552e to 555e that are continuous in parallel with the first pieces 552X to 555X, and an outer edge portion (axis of the shaft) of the first horizontal portion 552e. Standing portions 552f to 555f, which are erected along the axial direction of the shaft supporting holes 552a to 555a from the edges on the side farther from the supporting holes 552a to 555a, and the standing portions of the standing portions 552f to 555f. It is provided with second horizontal portions 552g to 555g extending parallel to the first pieces 552X to 555X from the tip end toward the outside (the direction away from the shaft support holes 552a to 555a).

  The second pieces 556Y and 557Y of the sixth divided body 556 and the seventh divided body 557 are first horizontal portions 556e and 557e that extend in parallel to the first pieces 556Y and 557Y, and outer edge portions of the first horizontal portions 556e and 557e. It is provided with standing portions 556f and 557f that are erected from the (edge portion on the side far from the shaft supporting hole 556a) along the axial direction of the shaft supporting holes 556a and 557a. That is, in the sixth divided body 556 and the seventh divided body 557, the second horizontal portion is omitted. In the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557, an inclined surface 557f1 is formed on a side surface opposite to a side surface with which a lock piece 773 (see FIGS. 32 and 33) of a lock mechanism 77 described later is engaged. It

  In the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e, the radii of the inner edges (the distances from the axes of the shaft support holes 552a to 557a) are set to be the same, and the radii of the outer edges are located on the upper side (the first divided body 551 side). The more you do, the smaller the value will be set. Therefore, the standing portions 552f to 557f that are erected from the outer edge portions of the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e are located closer to the upper side (the first divided body 551 side), and are closer to the inner edge portions of the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e. It is located on the side of the shaft support holes 552a to 557a. Further, the standing portions 552f to 557f are set to have smaller values as the standing height is located on the upper side (on the side of the first divided body 551), and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g have width dimensions ( The distance between the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion) is set to a smaller value as it is located on the upper side (first divided body 551 side).

  Therefore, in the state where the first divided body 551 to the seventh divided body 557 are vertically stacked, the one located on the upper side (the first divided body 551 side) is positioned on the storage area side (the shaft support holes 551a to 557a side). While doing so, the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e, the standing portions 552f to 557f, and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y can be overlapped with each other (see FIG. 21). By this superposition, the rigidity of the second pieces 551Y to 557Y can be improved, as will be described later. Further, the storage area can be secured by suppressing the width dimension of the second pieces 551Y to 557Y.

  The second pieces 552Y to 554Y of the second to fourth divided bodies 552 to 554Y have second horizontal portions 552g to 554g formed with L-shaped top view openings 552m to 554m, respectively. With the formation of the openings 552m to 554m, engagement pieces 552n to 554n extending along the longitudinal direction of the second pieces 552Y to 554Y are formed. The engagement pieces 552n to 554n are formed as cantilevered elastic pieces having free ends, and projections 552n1 to 554n1 having a semicircular cross section are provided on the top surface of the ends.

  On the other hand, in the second pieces 555Y and 556Y of the fifth divided body 552 and the sixth divided body 556, the first horizontal portions 555e and 556e are formed with opening portions 555m and 556m having a U-shape in a top view. With the formation of the openings 555m and 556m, engagement pieces 555n and 556n extending along the longitudinal direction of the second pieces 555 and 556 are formed. The engagement pieces 555n and 556n are formed as cantilevered elastic pieces having free ends, and protrusions 555n1 and 556n1 having a semicircular cross section are provided on the upper surface of the ends.

  Further, on the second pieces 556Y and 557Y of the sixth divided body 556 and the seventh divided body 557, restriction protrusions 556r and 557r are provided so as to protrude from the upper surfaces of the first horizontal portions 556e and 557e. On the other hand, in the second pieces 554Y, 555Y of the fourth divided body 554 and the fifth divided body 555, engaging recesses 554t, 555t are provided on the lower surfaces of the first horizontal portions 554e, 555e.

  The engagement piece 552n (projection 552n1) of the second divided body 552 is formed so as to be engageable with the engagement wall 551j of the first divided body 551 (see FIG. 24), and with respect to the first divided body 551 by such engagement. Relative displacement in one direction of the second divided body 552 can be regulated, and the elastic deformation of the engagement piece 552n releases the engagement with the engagement wall 551j, so that relative displacement in one direction is prevented. It can be allowed and the relative displacement in the other direction can be restricted (see FIG. 30).

  Engagement pieces 553n and 554n (projections 553n1 and 554n1) of the third divided body 553 and the fourth divided body 554 are formed to be engageable with the openings 552m and 553m of the second divided body 552 and the third divided body 553. With this engagement, relative displacement of the third divided body 553 and the fourth divided body 554 in one direction with respect to the second divided body 552 and the third divided body 553 can be restricted, and the engaging pieces 553n and 554n can be restrained. By being disengaged from the openings 552m and 553m by elastic deformation of, the relative displacement in one direction can be permitted and the relative displacement in the other direction can be restricted (see FIG. 28). ..

  The engagement pieces 555n and 556n (projections 555n1 and 556n1) of the fifth divided body 555 and the sixth divided body 556 can be engaged with the engagement concave portions 554t and 555t of the fourth divided body 554 and the fifth divided body 555. Due to such engagement, relative displacement in one direction of the fifth divided body 555 and the sixth divided body 556 with respect to the fourth divided body 554 and the fifth divided body 555 can be regulated, and the engagement pieces 555n, Since the engagement with the engagement recesses 554t and 555t is released by the elastic deformation of 556n, relative displacement in one direction can be permitted and relative displacement in the other direction can be regulated (FIG. 26). reference).

  That is, the engaging pieces 552n to 556n and the like are portions that function as defining means for defining relative movement between the overlapping divided bodies 551 to 557, and the side wall member 55 is enlarged or reduced by the player's operation. In this case, the order in which each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 is allowed to rotate is defined. Thereby, as will be described later, the rotation order of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 can be made constant, and the form of expansion or contraction of the storage region can be made unique (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the relationship between the first pieces 551X to 557X of the first to seventh divided bodies 551 to 557 of the side wall member 55 will be described.

  20A is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall member 55 taken along line XXa-XXa in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 20B is a cross-section of the sidewall member 55 taken along line XXb-XXb in FIG. 10B. It is a figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, one mating surface (the second mating body) is formed on the mating surfaces between the first pieces 551X to 557X of the first to seventh bodies 551 to 557. Projections 552b to 557b project from 552 to the first pieces 552X to 557X of the seventh divided body 557 (see FIGS. 11 to 16), and the other mating surface (first divided body 551 to Restriction grooves 551c to 556c that receive the projections 552b to 557b are provided on the lower surface of the first pieces 551X to 556X of the six-divided body 556 (see FIGS. 17 to 19).

  Therefore, in the state where the side wall member 55 is pushed in by the player and the storage area is reduced (see FIG. 10A and FIG. 20A), the protrusions 552b to 557b face each other in the restriction grooves 551c to 556c. The first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556 are brought into contact with one of the pair of inner wall surfaces (the inner wall surface located on the side opposite to the storage region, the left side in FIG. 20A). Can be restricted from displacing (rotating) in the contracting direction (rightward in FIG. 20A).

  Further, in the state where the side wall member 55 is pulled out by the player and the storage area is expanded (see FIGS. 10B and 20B), the protrusions 552b to 557b face each other in the restriction grooves 551c to 556c. Since the other inner wall surface of the pair of inner wall surfaces (the inner wall surface located on the storage area side, the right side in FIG. 20B) is abutted, the first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556 are enlarged. The displacement (rotation) in the direction (left direction in FIG. 20B) can be restricted.

  In this case, since the protrusions 552b to 557b and the inner walls of the restricting grooves 551c to 556c are engaged with each other in the vertically overlapping divided bodies 551 to 557, the side wall member 55 (in the expanded state and the reduced state). It is possible to secure the rigidity as a whole structure in which the respective divided bodies 551 to 557 are overlapped. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the side wall member 55 from bending due to the weight of the sphere.

  Furthermore, the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c are respectively provided in a protruding manner or a concave shape on the mating surface (upper surface or lower surface) of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 that are vertically stacked. That is, since the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restricting grooves 551c to 556c are arranged by utilizing the mating surface (internal space of each divided body 551) that becomes a dead space, the side wall member 55 can be downsized accordingly. Therefore, the capacity of the storage area can be secured.

  Particularly, in the present embodiment, since the protrusions 552b to 557b and the regulation grooves 551c to 556c are formed on the first pieces 551X to 557X of the respective rotating bodies 551 to 557, the protrusions 552b to 557b and the regulation grooves 551c to 556c are formed. Can function effectively. That is, since the first pieces 551X to 557X are portions that the player operates (push-in operation and pull-out operation) when enlarging or reducing the storage area, the operating force thereof is the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction groove 551c. It can be directly received by the engagement of ~ 556c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the divided bodies 551 to 557 from being separated from each other due to the operation force, and to operate the divided bodies 551 to 557 in an integrally maintained state, so that the operation feeling of the player is improved. Can be planned.

  Here, since the first pieces 551X to 557X are portions that expand outward in a stepwise manner as they extend upward (see FIG. 10B), they are likely to bend due to the weight of the sphere. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c are formed on the first pieces 551X to 557X of the respective rotating bodies 551 to 557, so that the rigidity of the first pieces 551X to 557X is high. Can be improved intensively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending of the sphere due to the weight of the sphere in the stepwise expanded state.

  In this case, since the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c are formed as a ridge and a groove that are continuously extended along the longitudinal direction of the first pieces 551X to 557X (FIGS. 11 to 11). 19), securing the engagement area between the protrusions 552b to 557b and the inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c, and improving the rigidity of the side wall member 55 (structure in which the divided bodies 551 to 557 are overlapped) as a whole. Can be planned.

  In particular, the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c, which are continuously extended as the ridges and the concave grooves, have the first piece 551X to 557X whose one end is pivotally supported by the pivot pin 57 (see FIG. 9). Since it is formed along with, the direction of the load by the player's operation or the weight of the ball can be made orthogonal to the engaging region of the convex stripes and the concave grooves (projections 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c). it can. Therefore, the bending of the side wall member 55 (first pieces 551 to 557) against the applied load can be suppressed.

  Further, the projections 552b to 557b and the pair of inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c facing each other have the same shape in a top view (as viewed in the axial direction of the shaft support holes 551a to 557a), and have the first shape. Since the projections 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c (inner wall surface) are formed by being curved in a convex arc shape in the same direction as the pieces 551X to 557X (that is, the outer side opposite to the storage region). ), The extension length can be maximized within the range (area) of the mating surfaces of the first pieces 551X to 557X. Therefore, the engagement area between the convex projections 552b to 557b and the inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 551c to 556c can be maximized, and as a result, the rigidity of the sidewall member 55 (first pieces 551X to 557X) as a whole is improved. In addition, the load on the protrusions 552b to 557b and the restriction grooves 551c to 556c can be reduced, and the durability thereof can be improved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the relationship between the second pieces 551Y to 557Y in the first divided body 551 to the seventh divided body 557 of the side wall member 55 will be described. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the side wall member 55 taken along the line XXI-XXI of FIG.

  As described above, in the side wall member 55, the second pieces 551Y to 557Y of the respective divided bodies 551 to 557 are arc-shaped with the same diameter centered on the shaft support holes 551a to 557a (the shaft support pin 57, see FIG. 9). Since the divided bodies 551 to 557 are rotated around the shaft support holes 551a to 557a, the loci of the second pieces 551Y to 557Y can be made to coincide with each other (see FIG. 10). .. Therefore, since the second pieces 551Y to 557Y are always overlapped with each other, the rigidity of the side wall member 55 (the structure in which the divided bodies 551 to 557 are overlapped) can be ensured, and the bending due to the weight of the ball can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in this case, in the side wall member 55, the second pieces 552Y to 555Y of the second divided body 552 to the fifth divided body 557 are the first horizontal portions 552e to 555e and the first horizontal portion 552e thereof. And the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g extending from the standing tips of the standing portions 552f to 555f, and the sixth divided body 556 and the seventh divided body. The second pieces 556Y and 557Y of the body 557 are provided with first horizontal portions 556e and 557e and standing portions 556f and 557f that are erected from the first horizontal portions 556e and 557e, and these first horizontal portions 552e to 557e. The standing portions 552f to 557f and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are superposed on each other.

  Therefore, even when a large number of spheres are stored in the storage area, the weight of the spheres acting on the side wall member 55 (each of the divided bodies 551 to 557) is adjusted by the overlapped first horizontal portions 552e to 557e and the standing portion 552f to. The interaction between the 557f and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g can effectively support it, and as a result, the bending of the side wall member 55 can be suppressed.

  Specifically, in the second pieces 551Y to 557Y, the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are vertically stacked, respectively, and the standing portions 552f to 557f are arranged in the left-right direction (Fig. 31, left-right direction). Direction), and the extending tips of the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g overlap the upright portion 556f in the up-down direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 21) (position on the upright tip of the upstanding portion 556f). ) Is extended.

  As a result, when a large number of spheres are stored in the storage area in a state where the side wall member 55 is enlarged (see FIG. 10B), the side wall member 55 bends downward (backward in the plane of FIG. 10) (falls down). ) Where there is a possibility that the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e, the standing portions 552f to 557f, and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are displaced upward (that is, the displacement in the direction in which the side wall member 55 is bent downward). Can be regulated to each other by those positioned above themselves. As a result, downward bending of the side wall member 55 can be suppressed.

  Further, with respect to the load in the horizontal direction received from the stored balls (the direction in which the side wall member 55 is outwardly widened, the left direction in FIG. 21), the standing portions 552f to 557f move the standing tip side toward the standing tip end side. When tilting obliquely so as to be displaced outward (left side in FIG. 21), such tilting can be mutually regulated by those positioned outside of itself. In particular, the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are continuously provided in the standing portions 552f to 557f, and when the standing portions 552f to 555f fall outward, the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are lower than themselves. When an object positioned on the side is pushed down, the pushing operation can be restricted by being supported by the standing portions 552f to 557f. As a result, outward bending of the side wall member 55 can be suppressed.

  The second piece 551Y extends to a position where the side wall portion 551h on the storage region side vertically overlaps the first horizontal portion 552e (a position where the lower end surface of the side wall portion 551h is placed on the first horizontal portion 552e). The rib portion 551i, which is provided and overlaps with the standing portion 552f in the left-right direction, and which hangs from the portion forming the upper surface of the second piece 551Y, vertically overlaps with the second horizontal portion 552g (below the rib portion 551i. The end surface is extended to a position where it is placed on the second horizontal portion 552g). Thereby, the side wall portion 551h and the rib portion 551i of the second piece 551Y interact with the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e, the standing portions 552f to 557f, and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y. As described above, it is possible to prevent the side wall member 55 from bending downward and outward.

  In particular, as described above, the restricting portion 56a of the inner wall member 56 is disposed on the upper surface of the second piece 551Y (see FIGS. 7 and 8), and the side wall member 55 receives the weight of the stored spheres. When attempting to fall down, the restricting portion 56a can press the upper surface of the side wall member 55 (second piece 551Y) and suppress the second piece 551Y from rising. Therefore, the side wall portion 551h and the rib portion 551i may be provided on the second piece 551Y so as to vertically overlap the first horizontal portion 552e and the second horizontal portion 552g of the second piece 552Y. It is particularly effective for suppressing the bending to the.

  Further, since the second pieces 551Y to 557Y are arranged so as to overlap each other in this way, the second pieces 551Y to 557Y serve as guides even when the side wall member 55 is bent due to the weight of the sphere. Thus, the side wall member 55 can be smoothly moved from the enlarged state to the contracted state. Therefore, even if the lower tray 50 in which the balls are stored remains in the expanded state and the front frame 14 is opened carelessly, the lower tray 50 (side wall member 55) can be displaced in the contracting direction. Damage can be suppressed.

  In addition, the standing portions 552f to 557f are arranged at intervals having a predetermined gap between the left and right adjacent ones. Therefore, when a load is applied to the side wall member 55 in the horizontal direction (a direction in which the side wall member 55 is outwardly spread), the standing portions 552f to 557f fall down, so that a gap between adjacent ones is generated. Since they are buried and contacted with each other, it is possible to regulate the collapse by mutual action, while the side wall member 55 (each divided body 551) is operated by the player in the direction of enlarging or reducing the storage area (lower plate 50). ~ 557) is rotated, the sliding resistance can be reduced by the amount of the gap between adjacent ones, and the operability can be improved.

  Here, the second pieces 552Y to 557Y are located on the upper side (upper side in FIG. 21), and the width dimensions (the horizontal dimension in FIG. 21) of the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e are reduced, and the second horizontal portions 552g to The width dimension of 555 g is increased. Accordingly, even when the first horizontal portions 552e to 557e, the standing portions 552f to 557f, and the second horizontal portions 552g to 555g are overlapped with the adjacent second pieces 552Y to 557Y, the entire second pieces 552Y to 557Y are overlapped. The width dimension (dimension in the horizontal direction in FIG. 21) can be suppressed. That is, the storage area can be ensured by suppressing the width dimension of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y as a whole while improving the rigidity of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y by overlapping. Further, it is possible to suppress the outward protrusion of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y and to secure the space for disposing other members by that amount.

  In particular, in the second pieces 556Y and 557Y located on the outside, the formation of the second horizontal portion is omitted, so that the action of the standing portions 556f and 557f suppresses the outward and downward deflection of the side wall member 55. The width dimension of the second pieces 552Y to 557Y as a whole can be suppressed while maintaining the effect of achieving the above.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22 to FIG. 30, when the side wall member 55 is operated by the player and the storage area of the lower plate 50 is expanded or contracted, the division bodies 551 to 557 are displaced (rotated) in the order. Will be described.

  22A is a top view of the side wall member 55 in the contracted state, and FIGS. 22B to 22D are top views of the side wall member 55 in the first state to the third state. 23A and 23B are top views of the side wall member 55 in the fourth state and the fifth state, and FIG. 23C is a top view of the side wall member 55 in the enlarged state.

  24 is a side sectional view of the side wall member 55 in the contracted state, FIGS. 25 to 29 are side sectional views of the side wall member 55 in the first to fifth states, and FIG. 30 is an enlarged state. 3 is a side sectional view of a side wall member 55 in FIG.

  In addition, in FIGS. 24 to 30, in order to facilitate understanding of a state in which the relative displacement between the divided bodies 551 to 557 is restricted or released, the divided bodies 551 are made visible so that the engagement pieces 552n to 556n can be visually recognized. ~ 557 is shown cut in multiple planes.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 (a) and 24, in the contracted state (the state in which the divided bodies 551 to 557 are pushed in and the storage area is minimized), the second division is made on the engagement wall 551j of the first divided body 551. The engagement piece 552n (projection 552n1) of the body 552 is engaged, and the third divided body 553 and the fourth divided body are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the openings 552m, 553m of the second divided body 552 and the third divided body 553. The engaging pieces 553n and 554n (projections 553n1 and 554n1) of 554 are engaged with each other.

  The engagement pieces 552n and 553n of the second divided body 552 and the third divided body 553 are arranged on the lower surface side of the engagement pieces 553n and 554n of the third divided body 553 and the fourth divided body 554, respectively. The engaging piece 554n of the four-divided body 554 has the second horizontal portion 555g of the fifth divided body 555 arranged on the lower surface side thereof, so that the engaging piece 554n is located downward (ie, in the direction in which the protrusions 552n1, 553n1, 554n1 come out, respectively). 24) The elastic deformation to the lower side is restricted.

  Thereby, relative displacement of the second divided body 552, the third divided body 553, and the fourth divided body 554 with respect to the first divided body 551, the second divided body 552, and the third divided body 553 (with the pivot pin 57 as the center). Each rotation is regulated.

  In addition, engagement pieces 555n and 556n (projections 555n1 and 556n1) of the fifth division body 555 and the sixth division body 556 are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the engagement concave portions 554t and 555t of the fourth division body 554 and the fifth division body 555. Respectively engaged.

  The engagement pieces 554n and 555n of the fourth divided body 554 and the fifth divided body 555 are arranged with the restricting protrusions 556r and 557r of the fifth divided body 555 and the sixth divided body 556, respectively, on the lower surface side thereof. The elastic deformation in the downward direction (that is, the direction in which the protrusions 554n1 and 555n1 come out, the lower side in FIG. 24) is restricted.

  As a result, the relative displacement of the fifth divided body 555 and the sixth divided body 5564 with respect to the fourth divided body 554 and the fifth divided body 555 (rotation around the shaft support pin 57) is restricted.

  As described above, in the contracted state, the relative displacement (rotation) of the first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556 is restricted, and the first divided body 551 to the sixth divided body 556 are integrated. The body is formed.

  In this case, in the integrated structure (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556), the lock piece 773a of the lock mechanism 77 arranged in the first divided body 551 is arranged in the seventh divided body 557, as described later. By engaging with the upright portion 557f of the above, the expansion direction (FIG. 22 (a) downward direction, FIG. 24 left) of the integrated structure (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) with respect to the seventh divided body 557 is increased. Relative displacement (rotation) in the direction) is restricted (see FIG. 33A). Further, as described above, the relative displacement (rotation) in the contracting direction is regulated by engaging the protrusion 557b of the seventh divided body 557 with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 556c of the sixth divided body 556. (See FIG. 20 (a)).

  Therefore, the lock piece 773a of the first divided body 551 is disengaged from the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557 (see FIG. 33 (b)), and the structure integrated with the seventh divided body 557 is formed. It is possible to displace (rotate) the body (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) in the expansion direction.

  That is, with the lock mechanism 77 being released, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is displaced in the expansion direction (lower side in FIG. 22A, left side in FIG. 24) by the player's operation. As shown in FIGS. 22B and 25, the integrated structure (each divided body 551 to 556) is enlarged with respect to the seventh divided body 557 fixed to the bottom wall member 54 (see FIG. 9). Is displaced in the direction, and the first state is formed.

  In the first state, as described above, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 557b of the seventh divided body 557 to be engaged with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 556c of the sixth divided body 556. Therefore, it is regulated (see FIG. 20B).

  As shown in FIG. 22B and FIG. 25, the structure integrated with the seventh divided body 557 (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) is in the expansion direction (FIG. 22B lower side, FIG. 25 left side) (displacement (rotation)) (first state), the restricting protrusion 557r of the seventh divided body 557 is reduced from the lower surface of the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556 (right side in FIG. 25). Are evacuated to. As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556, and the space is formed below the engagement piece 556n (that is, in the direction in which the protrusion 556n1 comes out of the engagement recess 555t, the lower side in FIG. 25). It becomes elastically deformable.

  Therefore, from the state (first state) shown in FIGS. 22B and 25, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is expanded by the player's operation (FIG. 22B lower side, FIG. 25 left side), the fifth division body 555 (first horizontal portion 555e) pushes down the protrusion 556n1 of the engagement piece 556n of the sixth division body 556 by the inner wall surface of the engagement recess 555t. At the same time, it is displaced in the expansion direction and the inner wall surface of the engaging recess 555t rides over the protrusion 556n1 to form the second state, as shown in FIGS. 22 (c) and 26.

  In the second state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 556b of the sixth divided body 556 to be engaged with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 555c of the fifth divided body 555 as described above. Therefore, it is regulated (see FIG. 20B).

  Further, in the second state, the protrusion 556n1 of the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the first horizontal portion 555e of the fifth divided body 555, and the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556 is contacted. Is elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 26). As a result, the tip end of the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556 is engaged with the outer wall surface of the restricting protrusion 557r of the seventh divided body 557, and the reduction direction of the sixth divided body 556 with respect to the seventh divided body 557 ( Relative displacement (rotation) toward the upper side of FIG. 22C and the right side of FIG. 26 is restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 22C and FIG. 26, the structure (first to fifth divided bodies 551 to 555) integrated with the seventh divided body 557 and the sixth divided body 556 is expanded (see FIG. c) In the state (second state) displaced (rotated) to the lower side, the left side in FIG. 26, the restricting protrusion 556r of the sixth divided body 556 contracts from the lower surface of the engagement piece 555n of the fifth divided body 555. Direction (right side of FIG. 26). As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 555n of the fifth divided body 555, and the space is formed below the engagement piece 555n (that is, in the direction in which the protrusion 555n1 comes out of the engagement recess 554t, the lower side in FIG. 26). It becomes elastically deformable.

  Therefore, from the state (second state) shown in FIG. 22C and FIG. 26, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is expanded by the player's operation (FIG. 22C lower side, FIG. 26 left side), the fourth division body 554 (first horizontal portion 554e) pushes down the protrusion 555n1 of the engagement piece 555n of the fifth division body 555 with the inner wall surface of the engagement recess 554t. At the same time, it is displaced in the expansion direction, and the inner wall surface of the engagement recess 554t rides over the protrusion 555n1 to form the third state as shown in FIGS. 22 (d) and 27.

  In the third state, as described above, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 555b of the fifth divided body 555 to be engaged with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 554c of the fourth divided body 554. Therefore, it is regulated (see FIG. 20B).

  In the third state, the protrusion 555n1 of the engagement piece 555n of the fifth divided body 555 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the first horizontal portion 554e of the fourth divided body 554, and the engagement piece 555n of the fifth divided body 555 is contacted. Is elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 27). As a result, the tip end of the engagement piece 555n of the fifth divided body 555 is engaged with the outer wall surface of the restricting protrusion 556r of the sixth divided body 556, and the reduction direction of the fifth divided body 555 with respect to the sixth divided body 556 ( Relative displacement (rotation) toward the upper side of FIG. 22D and the right side of FIG. 27 is restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 22D and FIG. 27, a structure (first to fourth divided bodies 551 to 554) integrated with the seventh divided body 557, the sixth divided body 556, and the fifth divided body 555 is formed. In the state (third state) displaced (rotated) in the enlargement direction (lower side in FIG. 22 (d), left side in FIG. 27), the second horizontal portion 555g of the fifth divided body 555 causes the engagement of the fourth divided body 554. It is retracted from the lower surface of the joint piece 554n in the contracting direction (right side in FIG. 27). As a result, a space is formed below the engaging piece 554n of the fourth divided body 554, and elasticity toward the lower side of the engaging piece 554n (that is, the direction in which the protrusion 554n1 comes out of the opening 553m, the lower side in FIG. 27). It becomes possible to deform.

  Therefore, from the state (third state) shown in FIG. 22D and FIG. 27, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is expanded by the player's operation (FIG. 22D lower side, FIG. When displaced to the left side (27 left side), the third divided body 553 (second horizontal portion 553g) pushes down the protrusion 554n1 of the engagement piece 554n of the fourth divided body 554 with the inner wall surface of the opening 553m thereof. , And the inner wall surface of the opening 553m moves over the protrusion 554n1 to form the fourth state, as shown in FIGS. 23 (a) and 28.

  In the fourth state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 554b of the fourth divided body 554 to be engaged with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 553c of the third divided body 553 as described above. Therefore, it is regulated (see FIG. 20B).

  Further, in the fourth state, the protrusion 554n1 of the engagement piece 554n of the fourth divided body 554 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the second horizontal portion 553g of the third divided body 553, and the engagement piece 554n of the fourth divided body 554 is contacted. Is elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 28). Thereby, the tip of the engagement piece 554n of the fourth divided body 554 is engaged with the outer wall surface of the second horizontal portion 555g of the fifth divided body 555, and the reduction direction of the fourth divided body 554 with respect to the fifth divided body 555 is reduced. Relative displacement (rotation) toward (upper side in FIG. 23A, right side in FIG. 28) is restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 28, a structure integrated with the seventh divided body 557, the sixth divided body 556, the fifth divided body 555, and the fourth divided body 554 (first to third divided bodies). In the state (the fourth state) in which the bodies 551 to 553) are displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction (the lower side in FIG. 23A, the left side in FIG. 28), the second horizontal portion 554g of the fourth divided body 554 is It is retracted from the lower surface of the engaging piece 553n of the three-divided body 553 in the contracting direction (right side in FIG. 28). As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 553n of the third divided body 553, and the elasticity toward the bottom of the engagement piece 553n (that is, the direction in which the protrusion 553n1 comes out of the opening 552m, the lower side in FIG. 28). It becomes possible to deform.

  Therefore, from the state (fourth state) shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 28, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is expanded by the player's operation (FIG. 23A lower side, FIG. 28 left side), the second divided body 552 (second horizontal portion 552g) pushes down the protrusion 553n1 of the engaging piece 553n of the third divided body 553 by the inner wall surface of the opening 552m. By being displaced in the expansion direction and the inner wall surface of the opening 552m gets over the protrusion 553n1, the fifth state is formed as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 29.

  In the fifth state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 553b of the third divided body 553 to engage with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 552c of the second divided body 552 as described above. Therefore, it is regulated (see FIG. 20B).

  Further, in the fifth state, the protrusion 553n1 of the engagement piece 553n of the third divided body 553 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the second horizontal portion 552g of the second divided body 552, and the engagement piece 553n of the third divided body 553. Is elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 29). As a result, the tip of the engagement piece 553n of the third divided body 553 is engaged with the outer wall surface of the second horizontal portion 554g of the fourth divided body 554, and the reduction direction of the third divided body 553 with respect to the fourth divided body 554 is reduced. Relative displacement (rotation) to the upper side (FIG. 23B, the right side in FIG. 29) is restricted.

  As shown in FIGS. 23B and 29, a structure integrated with the seventh divided body 557, the sixth divided body 556, the fifth divided body 555, the fourth divided body 554, and the third divided body 553 ( In the state (fifth state) in which the first and second divided bodies 551, 552) are displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction (the lower side of FIG. 23B, the left side of FIG. 29), the second divided body of the third divided body 553 is moved. The horizontal portion 553g is retracted from the lower surface of the engagement piece 552n of the second divided body 552 in the contracting direction (right side in FIG. 29). As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 552n of the second divided body 552, and the space is formed below the engagement piece 552n (that is, the direction in which the protrusion 552n1 comes out of the engagement wall 551j, the lower side in FIG. 29). It becomes elastically deformable.

  Therefore, from the state (fifth state) shown in FIG. 23B and FIG. 29, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is expanded by the player's operation (FIG. 23B lower side, FIG. 29 left side), the first division body 551 is displaced in the expansion direction while pushing down the protrusion 552n1 of the engagement piece 552n of the second division body 552 with the engagement wall 551j thereof, and is engaged. When the wall 551j rides over the protrusion 552n1, an enlarged state is formed as shown in FIGS. 23 (c) and 30.

  In the expanded state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction causes the protrusion 552b of the second divided body 552 to be engaged with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 551c of the first divided body 551 as described above. Are regulated (see FIG. 20B). At the same time, the stopper portion 551S1 of the first divided body 551 is brought into contact with the regulation portion 56a of the inner wall member 56, whereby the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is regulated (see FIG. 8).

  Further, in the expanded state, the protrusion 552n1 of the engaging piece 552n of the second divided body 552 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the first divided body 551, and the engaging piece 552n of the second divided body 552 moves downward (see FIG. 30, lower side). ) Is elastically deformed. As a result, the tip of the engagement piece 552n of the second divided body 552 is engaged with the outer wall surface of the second horizontal portion 553g of the third divided body 553, and the second divided body 552 contracts in the reduction direction with respect to the third divided body 553. Relative displacement (rotation) to the upper side of FIG. 23 (c) and the right side of FIG. 30 is restricted.

  Note that the structure in which the relative displacement (rotation) of the first divided body 551 with respect to the second divided body 552 in the contracting direction (the upper side of FIG. 23C, the right side of FIG. 30) is restricted in the expanded state will be described later (FIG. 34).

  On the other hand, from the state (enlarged state) shown in FIG. 23 (c) and FIG. 30, the side wall member 55 (first divided body 551) moves in the reduction direction (upper side of FIG. 23 (c), right side of FIG. 30) by the player's operation. When the engagement wall 551j is displaced and passes through the protrusion 552n1 of the engagement piece 552n of the second division body 552, the engagement piece 552n of the second division body 552 elastically recovers the protrusion 552n1 from the engagement wall 551j. Is returned to the state of being engaged with. That is, the fifth state shown in FIGS. 23B and 29 is formed.

  From the state (fifth state) shown in FIGS. 23B and 29, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is reduced by the player's operation (the upper side of FIG. 23B, the right side of FIG. 29). When the opening 552m of the second divided body 552 (the second horizontal portion 552g) is disposed above the protrusion 553n1 of the engagement piece 553n of the third divided body 553, the engagement of the third divided body 553 is performed. The joint piece 553n is returned to the state in which the protrusion 553n1 is engaged with the opening 552m by the elastic recovery force. That is, the fourth state shown in FIGS. 23A and 28 is formed.

  Similarly, from the state (fourth state) shown in FIGS. 23A and 28, the side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is reduced by the player's operation in the reduction direction (upper side of FIG. 23A, FIG. 28), and the opening 553m and the engaging recesses 554t and 555t are arranged above the protrusions 554n1 to 556n1 of the engaging pieces 554n to 556n, respectively. The engagement pieces 554n to 556n are sequentially returned to the state in which the protrusions 554n1 to 556n1 are engaged with the opening 553m and the engagement recesses 554t and 555t by the elastic recovery force. That is, the third state (see FIGS. 22D and 27), the second state (see FIGS. 22C and 26), and the first state (FIGS. 22B and 25) are sequentially formed. ..

  When the first state is formed, as shown in FIG. 25, the engagement piece 556n of the sixth divided body 556 and the outer wall surface of the restricting protrusion 557r of the seventh divided body 557 are released, so that The side wall member 55 (for example, the first divided body 551) is displaced in the contraction direction by the player's operation, so that the contracted state shown in FIGS. 22A and 24 is formed.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34, a lock structure for maintaining the lower plate 50 in a contracted state will be described.

  FIG. 31 is an exploded front perspective view of the first divided body 551. As shown in FIG. 31, the first split body 551 closes an outer shell member 551S having a U-shaped cross section with an open lower surface and an open surface corresponding to the first piece 551X of the outer shell member 551S. Bottom wall member 551U and a lock mechanism 77 arranged in an internal space formed between the outer shell member 551S and the bottom wall member 551U.

  An opening 551S1 is opened and a stopper 551S2 is provided on the upper surface of the outer shell 551S so as to project therefrom. A pair of shaft support parts 551U1 is arranged on the upper surface of the bottom wall member 551U. The opening 551S1 is an opening for allowing the pressing operation section 774 of the lock mechanism 77 to be inserted and allowing a pressing operation by the player, and the stopper section 551S2 abuts on the restriction section 56a of the inner wall member 56 to make the first position. This is a wall portion for restricting displacement (rotation) of the divided body 551 in the expansion direction. The shaft support 551U1 is a part for rotatably supporting the shaft 772 of the lock mechanism 77.

  Here, since the first piece 551X of the first divided body 551 is a portion located at the foremost position in the expanded state (see FIG. 8), the front plate 14 is unprepared with the lower plate 50 in the expanded state. When the pachinko machine 10 is opened to the outside, there is a high possibility that it will come into contact with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 and be damaged. In this case, in the present embodiment, the first piece 551X of the first divided body 551 is formed in a box shape in which the lower surface of the outer shell member 551S is closed by the bottom wall member 551U, and the rigidity is increased, so that when contacting. Can prevent damage. In addition, when the player operates the lower plate 50 (side wall member 55) in the expanding direction or the contracting direction, the first divided body 551 becomes a portion to be pushed and pulled, and thus such a portion (first divided portion) It is particularly effective that the rigidity of the first piece 551X) of the body 551 is increased.

  On the other hand, the second piece 551X of the first divided body 551 has a box shape in which the bottom wall member 551U is not disposed on the lower surface of the outer shell member 551S and the lower surface is open (see FIG. 17 (a)). The second pieces 552Y to 557Y of the second to seventh divided bodies 552 to 557 can be respectively received from the box-shaped lower surface and housed in the internal space (see FIG. 21). Accordingly, the side wall member 55 (lower plate 50) can be downsized.

  The lock mechanism 77 includes a base portion 771 disposed in the first piece 551X, and a pair of shafts 772 that are rotatably supported by the shaft support portion 551U1 of the bottom wall member 551U while protruding from both side surfaces of the base portion 771. And a lock piece 773 protruding from the shaft 772 forming portion side of the base portion 771 and having a distal end side disposed inside the second piece 551Y, and a push-down operation portion 774 protruding from the upper surface of the base end 771 side. Prepare

  The lock mechanism 77 is biased in the rotational direction in which the lock piece 773 is lowered and the push-down operation portion 774 is raised by the biasing force of a biasing spring (a torsion coil spring in the present embodiment) not shown, The lock piece 773 can be raised by the player pressing down the push-down operation portion 774 projected from the opening 551S1 of the outer shell member 551S. When the player's pressing operation is released, the urging force of the urging spring can return the initial state (the state where the lock piece 773 is lowered).

  FIG. 32 is a top view of the side wall member 55 in the contracted state, in which the outer shell member 551S is removed. 33 (a) and 33 (b) are side views of the side wall member 55 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIII in FIG. Note that FIG. 33A illustrates a state before the push-down operation unit 774 is pushed down, and FIG. 33B illustrates a state where the push-down operation unit 774 is pushed down.

  As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 (a), in the contracted state (divided bodies 551 to 557 are pushed in, the storage area is minimized, see FIGS. 22 (a) and 24), the pressing operation When the portion 774 is not pushed down by the player, the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) has its engagement surface 773a on the side surface of the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557. It is placed in a position to face.

  That is, the engagement surface 773a of the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) is engaged with the side surface of the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557, whereby the above-described integral structure ( The first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556 are displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction (left direction in FIGS. 32 and 33A) with respect to the seventh divided body 557 (that is, from the contracted state to the first state). 22B and FIG. 25) can be regulated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), in the contracted state, when the push-down operation portion 774 is pushed down by the player, the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) is lifted, and it is applied. As a result of the rise, the engagement surface 773a of the lock piece 773 is made non-face to the side surface of the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557. That is, the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) passes above the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557 and can be displaced in the expansion direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to displace (rotate) the above-described integrated structure (the first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) with respect to the seventh divided body 557 in the expansion direction (left direction in FIG. 33B). As a result, the reduced state can transit to the first state (see FIG. 22B and FIG. 25).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, unless the push-down operation unit 774 is pushed down by the player, the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) and the standing portion 557f of the seventh divided body 557 are separated. Since the engagement can be maintained, it is possible to prevent the lower tray 50 from being inadvertently expanded, for example, during the transportation of the pachinko machine 10 or the opening operation of the front frame 14. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lower plate 50 and surrounding members from being damaged during transportation or opening operation of the front frame 14.

  In addition, as described above, the restriction of the displacement of the side wall member 55 in the expansion direction by the lock mechanism 77 is such that the integral structure (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) is expanded with respect to the seventh divided body 557. The displacement in the direction is restricted. That is, only the first displacement (transition from the contracted state to the first state) in the expansion direction is restricted, and the subsequent displacement (transition to each state from the first state to the expanded state) is not restricted. (See FIGS. 22 to 30).

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the side wall member 55 from being inadvertently expanded at the time of conveyance, while the restriction of the displacement of the side wall member 55 in the expansion direction by the lock mechanism 77 is released to perform the first displacement. After that, it is not necessary to push down the push-down operation portion 774 of the lock mechanism 77 for the subsequent displacement, so that the operability of the player when adjusting the size of the storage region can be improved.

  In addition, from the state shown in FIG. 33 (b), the above-described integrated structure (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) is expanded with respect to the seventh divided body 557 (left direction in FIG. 33 (b)). After being displaced (rotated) to the first state (see FIG. 22B and FIG. 25), the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) changes its inclined surface 773b to the first state. The 7-divided body 557 is made to face the inclined surface 557f1 of the standing portion 557f.

  Therefore, when transitioning from the first state to the contracted state, the player displaces the integrated structure (the first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) in the contracted direction, so that the inclined surfaces 773b and 557f1 are in contact with each other. By the action of, the lock piece 773 can be raised and passed above the standing portion 557f. That is, since it is not necessary to operate the push-down operation unit 773, it is possible to improve the operability of the player when forming the reduced state.

  FIG. 34A is a top view of the side wall member 55 in an enlarged state, and illustrates a state in which the outer shell member 551S is removed. 34 (b) is a side view of the side wall member 55 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVb in FIG. 34 (a). Note that FIG. 34B shows a state in which the push-down operation unit 774 is not pushed down.

  As shown in FIGS. 34 (a) and 34 (b), it is an enlarged state (a state in which the divided bodies 551 to 557 are pulled out and the storage region is maximized, see FIGS. 23 (c) and 30). In the state in which the push-down operation unit 774 is not pushed down by the player, the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) has its inclined surface 773b and the second horizontal portion of the second divided body 552. It is arranged at a position facing the side surface (end surface) of 552 g.

  That is, the inclined surface 773b of the lock piece 773 of the first divided body 551 (lock mechanism 77) is engaged with the side surface (end surface) of the second horizontal portion 552g of the second divided body 552, whereby the first divided body. 23. Displacement (rotation) of 551 with respect to the second divided body 552 in the contraction direction (right direction of FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B) (that is, transition from the enlarged state to the fifth state, FIG. (B) and FIG. 29) can be regulated.

  This can prevent the side wall member 55 (lower plate 50) from being unintentionally reduced from the enlarged state. Further, since the lock mechanism 77 (lock piece 773) serves as both a means for prohibiting expansion from the contracted state and a means for prohibiting contraction from the expanded state, the number of parts can be reduced accordingly, and the product cost can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, the inclined surface 773b of the lock piece 773 of the lock mechanism 77 is engaged with the side surface (end surface) of the second horizontal portion 552g of the second divided body 552, so that the first divided body 551 The displacement (rotation) is restricted in the contraction direction (the right direction in FIGS. 34A and 34B) with respect to the second divided body 552. Therefore, even when the push-down operation unit 773 is not pushed down, the first divided body 551 is moved in the contracting direction with respect to the second divided body 552 (right side in FIGS. 34A and 34B). If the lock piece 773 is displaced by a force equal to or higher than the reference, the lock piece 773 can be lifted against the biasing force of the biasing spring by the action of the inclined surface 773, and the lock piece 773 can be passed over the side surface (end surface) of the second horizontal portion 552g. ..

  That is, if the force is equal to or less than the reference, even if the first divided body 551 is displaced with respect to the second divided body 552 in the contraction direction, the engagement between the lock piece 773 and the second horizontal portion 552g is not released. The side wall member 55 can be maintained in the enlarged state and can be prevented from being inadvertently reduced (transition to the fifth state). On the other hand, if the first divided body 551 is displaced in the contraction direction with respect to the second divided body 552 with a force exceeding the reference, the lock piece 773 and the second horizontal portion can be operated without pressing down the pressing operation portion 773. The engagement with 552g can be released, and the state can be changed from the expanded state to the fifth state, and the operability of the player can be improved.

  In particular, as described above, the configuration in which the engagement between the lock piece 773 and the second horizontal portion 552g can be released and the state can be changed from the expanded state to the fifth state without depressing the pressing operation unit 773 is provided. Even when the front plate 14 is inadvertently opened while the lower plate 50 is in the expanded state (enlarged state), the lower plate 50 (side wall member 55) can be displaced in the contraction direction, and thus the damage is caused. Is especially effective in suppressing

  As described above, according to the lower plate 50 of the present embodiment, the defining means that defines the relative displacement between the overlapping divided bodies 551 to 557 (for example, the engaging portions 552n to 556n and the engaging portions 552n to 556n). Are provided with the engagement wall 551j, the openings 552m and 553m, the engagement recesses 554e and 555e, the lock mechanism 77, and the like, and the side wall member 55 (divided bodies 551 to 557) is stored by the player's operation. When the regions are displaced (rotated) in the direction of enlarging or reducing, the order in which the relative movement of the overlapping divided bodies 551 to 557 is allowed can be defined by the defining means. As a result, the order of displacement (rotation) of each of the divided bodies 551 to 557 becomes constant, and expansion or contraction of the storage area can be made unique (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

  In this case, in the present embodiment, when the side wall member 55 (divided bodies 551 to 557) is displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction, the relative movement of the divided bodies 551 to 557 that are vertically stacked is adjusted to the lower side. Since the divided bodies are allowed in order, the size of the storage area can be rapidly expanded.

  In other words, if the relative movement in the expansion direction is allowed in order from the lower divided body, the divided bodies stacked above the divided body in which the relative movement is permitted are also integrally displaced in the expansion direction. Since it can be rotated (rotated), the size of the storage region can be expanded faster than that in the mode in which relative movement is allowed in order from the upper divided body.

  For example, in the expansion from the contracted state (see FIGS. 22A and 24) to the first state (see FIGS. 22B and 25), the seventh divided body 557 is fixed and the first divided bodies 551 to 551- Since the sixth divided body 556 is simultaneously displaced in the expansion direction as an integrated structure, for example, the second divided body 552 to the seventh divided body 557 are fixed, and only the first divided body 551 is displaced in the expansion direction. Compared with, even if the operation amount of the player in the expansion direction is the same, the expansion amount of the size of the storage region for the operation can be increased. As a result, the size of the storage area can be expanded quickly.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the side wall member 55 (divided bodies 551 to 557) is displaced (rotated) in the contraction direction, the relative movement of the divided bodies 551 to 557 that are vertically stacked is the upper side. Since the divided bodies are allowed in order, the divided bodies 551 to 557 can be smoothly displaced (rotated) according to the state of the spheres stored in the storage member.

  For example, in a mode in which relative movement in the contraction direction is allowed in order from the lower divided body, when the sphere is stored up to a predetermined height position in the storage area, the sphere moves downward below the predetermined height position. It is necessary to displace (rotate) the positioned divided body in the contraction direction while flowing (pushing away) the stored spheres, which hinders the operation of the divided body.

  Specifically, for example, in the expanded state (see FIG. 23C and FIG. 30), when the sphere is stored up to the height position of the fourth divided body 554, the sidewall member 55 (divided bodies 551 to 557). 23) is displaced (rotated) in the contraction direction, when the sixth divided body 556 is displaced in the contraction direction with respect to the seventh divided body 557 (when transitioning from the enlarged state to the fifth state, FIG. (b) and FIG. 29), it is necessary for the fourth divided body 554 to the sixth divided body 556 to be displaced while flowing (pushing away) the sphere, and the operation is hindered by the flow resistance.

  On the other hand, if the relative movement is allowed in order from the upper divided body, each divided body can be smoothly displaced without being obstructed by the sphere until it interferes with the sphere stored in the storage area. Therefore, the size of the storage area can be reduced. In the above example, when displacing the first divided body 551 to the third divided body 553 in the contraction direction (that is, from the enlarged state to the fourth state, FIGS. 23A to 23C and FIGS. 28 to FIG. 27) can be smoothly displaced in the contracting direction without being obstructed by the sphere.

  Further, when the divided body is displaced to a position where it interferes with the sphere, after that (that is, from the fourth state, see FIG. 23A and FIG. 27), the displacement of the divided body is blocked by the sphere. It is possible to let the player recognize that they are interfering with each other (that is, the storage area is reduced to a required size) by increasing the operation force. Therefore, the player can interrupt the operation without visually checking the state of the lower plate 50. As a result, it is possible to smoothly rotate the divided body (reduce the size of the storage region) according to the state of the balls stored in the storage region, and improve the operability of the player.

  In the present embodiment, the engagement pieces 552n to 556n are formed as cantilevered elastic pieces in which the protrusions 552n1 to 556n1 are projectingly provided on the upper surface of the distal end, and the divided bodies (first divided body 551 to the first divided body 551 to the first divided body 551 to By engaging the protrusions 552n1 to 556n1 with respect to the five-divided body 555), the divided body (the third divided body 553 to the seventh divided body 557) stacked on the lower side is Since they are elastically deformed and engaged, each of the engaging pieces 552n to 556n can have both the function of restricting the relative displacement in the expansion direction and the function of restricting the relative displacement in the contraction direction. That is, it is not necessary to separately provide an engaging piece for restricting the relative displacement in the expansion direction and an engaging piece for restricting the relative displacement in the contraction direction. As a result, by reducing the number of parts, the structure can be simplified, and the product cost can be reduced accordingly. Moreover, since the opening area of the opening for forming the engagement piece can be reduced, the rigidity of each of the divided bodies 552 to 556 can be improved accordingly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the engagement pieces 552n to 556n are formed into second pieces 552Y to 556Y that are formed by being curved in an arc shape centered on the shaft support holes 551a to 557a (the shaft support pin 57). Therefore, the space for disposing the engagement pieces 552n to 556n can be secured along the circumferential direction of the second pieces 552Y to 556Y. Therefore, the engagement pieces 552n to 556n can be increased in size and the rigidity thereof can be increased, so that the regulation of the relative displacement can be ensured and the durability can be improved.

  Next, the lower plate 2050 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 46. First, the overall configuration of the lower plate 2050 will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 38.

  FIG. 35 is a lower plate in the second embodiment, and is a front perspective view of the lower plate 2050 in a reduced state, and FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the lower plate 2050 in an enlarged state. 37 is an exploded front perspective view of the lower plate 2050, and FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of the inner wall member 2056. Note that FIG. 37 illustrates the disassembled state of the lower tray 2050 in the contracted state. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 35 to 38, the lower tray 2050 includes a bottom wall member 2054 that forms the bottom surface of the storage area, and side wall members 2055 and inner wall members that stand upright from the bottom wall member 2054 and form the side surfaces of the storage area. 2056, and a shaft support pin 2057 and a shaft support plate 2058 for rotatably supporting the side wall member 2055 on the bottom wall member 2054.

  The bottom wall member 2054 has a ball-draining hole 2054a which is an opening for discharging a ball from the storage area of the lower plate 2050, and a ball-draining lever 2054b which is operated by the player when the ball-draining hole 2054a is opened. Equipped with. In the top view of the bottom wall member 2054, the ball-draining holes 2054a are arranged biased to the right side of the storage area of the lower tray 2050 (the side opposite to the payout opening 23, see FIG. 6), and the top surface of the bottom wall member 2054 is It is formed in such a manner that it descends and inclines from the four directions toward the ball hole 2054a.

  Here, in the configuration in which the ball removing lever 2054a is disposed in front of the lower plate 2050, when the lower plate 2050 is in an expanded state, the ball is hidden by the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 that are projected to the front, and the ball is removed. The player cannot see the pull-out lever 2054a, and it is difficult for the player to reach the ball pull-out lever 2054a because the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 that are projected to the front are obstructed. Therefore, operability is deteriorated.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the ball removing lever 2054a is arranged on the side surface of the lower plate 2050 on the right side in front view. Thereby, even when the lower plate 2050 is in the enlarged state, it is possible to avoid the ball-removing lever 2054a from being hidden by the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 that are projected to the front. Therefore, it is possible for the player to always visually confirm regardless of the enlarged state of the lower plate 2050, so that the operability can be improved.

  Further, the ball removing lever 2054a is urged to the front side (player side) by an urging spring (not shown), and the ball removing hole 2054a is pushed by pushing it in the direction opposite to the urging direction (the inner frame 12 side). To release. In this case, the ball pull-out lever 2054a is disposed at the substantially same height position on the left side of the operation handle 51 (see FIG. 47) in front view. This allows the player to easily operate the operation handle 51 with his / her right hand while pushing the ball-removing lever 2054a by using a finger (for example, the right hand thumb) that is not required to operate the operation handle 51. You can As a result, the operability of the ball removing lever 2054a can be improved.

  The side wall member 2055 includes a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) divided bodies (first divided body 2551 to fourth divided body 2554, see FIGS. 39 to 42) in the axial direction of the rotary shaft (shaft support pin 2057). Are formed along with each other. When each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 is rotated about the pivot pin 2057 as a center of rotation, the divided bodies on the upper layer side are displaced outwardly more, thereby forming a staircase shape and forming a storage area of the lower tray 2050. To expand. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the ball hole 2054a in the bottom wall member 2054.

  Further, the side wall member 2055 is expanded in a stepped shape by being displaced outwardly as the divided body on the upper layer side is expanded (see FIG. 36). Therefore, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, the storage region can be expanded without narrowing the space between the upper plate 17 and the opening on the front side, and as a result, The player's hand can be easily put in the lower plate 2050. In other words, the upper plate 17 can be upsized accordingly.

  The inner wall member 2056 includes an upper wall portion 2056a fixed to the bottom wall member 2054, and a wall measuring portion 2056b hanging from an edge portion of the upper wall portion 2056a. The upper wall portion 2056a and the side wall portion 2056b are respectively arranged on the upper surface side and the inner side (the storage area side) of the short side portion (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) of the side wall member 2055 which is substantially L-shaped in a top view. As a result, the periphery of the short side portion of the side wall member 2055 that is substantially L-shaped in a top view is surrounded by the bottom wall member 2054 and the inner wall member 2056.

  Similar to the case of the first embodiment, the inner wall member 2056 forms a part of the side surface in the storage area of the lower tray 2050 by the side wall portion 2056b. That is, the side surface of the storage area of the lower plate 2050 in the contracted state is the inner frame 12, the long side portion (first piece 2551X to 2554X) of the side wall member 2055 that is substantially L-shaped in a top view, and the inner wall member 2056 (side wall). And a short side portion (second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y) of the side wall member 2055 which is substantially L-shaped in a top view, which is formed by the portion 2056b).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the inner wall member 2056 (side wall portion 2056a) forms a part of the inner wall of the storage region, and in the contracted state illustrated in FIG. 35, each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 has a substantially L-shaped short shape. The side portions (second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y) are housed in the inner wall member 2056, and in the expanded state shown in FIG. 36, the substantially L-shaped short side portions of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are projected from the inside of the inner wall member 2056. A part of the inner wall of the storage region is formed by both of the substantially L-shaped short side portions (second pieces 551Y to 557Y) and the inner wall member 2056 (side wall portion 2056a). As a result, similar to the case of the first embodiment, the length dimension of the substantially L-shaped short side portion is shortened, and the space required for the movement of the substantially L-shaped short side portion is correspondingly reduced. Can be suppressed.

  A restricting portion 2056c is projectingly provided on a lower surface of the upper wall 2056a of the inner wall member 2056 at one end side (enlargement direction side). 2 pieces 2551Y) on the upper surface. Therefore, when the side wall member 2055 that receives the weight of the sphere tries to fall down, the restricting portion 2056c presses the upper surface of the side wall member 2055 (short side portion), and the rising of the side wall member 2055 can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress falling down.

  Further, since the restricting portion 2056c can be brought into contact with the stopper portion 2551S2 of the side wall member 2055, it is possible to restrict rotation of the side wall member 2055 in the expanding direction and hold it at the projecting position (see FIG. 36). .. That is, the restricting portion 2056c not only plays a role of supporting the upper surface of the substantially L-shaped short side portion (second piece 2551Y) of the side wall member 2055 to suppress the bending, but also in the expanding direction of each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554. Since it also serves as a stopper that regulates the rotation of the, the number of parts can be reduced and the product cost can be reduced accordingly.

  The rotation shaft (shaft support pin 2057) of the lower plate 2050 is parallel to the shaft (not shown) that supports the front frame 14 so as to be openable and closable, and is arranged on the same side in the width direction (left side in front view). Therefore, even if the lower tray 2050 is expanded and the front frame 14 is opened, and the lower tray 2050 comes into contact with the pachinko machine 10 installed next to it, the side wall member 2055 can be rotated in the contracting direction. It is possible to prevent the lower plate 2050 from being damaged.

  Here, in the bottom wall member 2054, the protrusion 2555b is provided on the upper surface of the region where the first piece 2554X of the fourth divided body 2554 is overlapped and the pair of upper surface of the region where the second piece 2554Y is overlapped on the bottom wall member 2054. The rail portion 2555w and the restricting protrusion 2555r are provided so as to protrude from each other.

  The protrusion 2555b is provided as a protrusion having a rectangular cross section, and is disposed (stored) in the restriction groove 2554c of the fourth divided body 2554. When the fourth divided body 2552 is rotated about the shaft support pin 2057, the protrusion 2555b is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 2554c, so that the fourth divided body 2554 is movable with respect to the bottom wall member 2054. A (rotation) range can be defined.

  In the state where the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are overlapped with each other, the rail portion 2555w is fitted between the pair of side walls of the second piece 2554Y of the fourth divided body 2554 to face each other, thereby improving the rigidity of the sidewall member 2055 as a whole. (See FIG. 43). When the engaging piece 2554n of the fourth divisional body 2554 is elastically deformed, the regulation protrusion 2555r comes into contact with the tip of the engagement piece 2554n, thereby displacing (rotating) the fourth divisional body 2554 in the contracting direction. ) Is regulated (see FIG. 45).

  Further, the bottom wall member 2054 is provided with restriction walls 2555k1 and 2555k2 on the side of the rail portion 2555w (on the side opposite to the storage region), and the inner wall member 2056 is provided with the restriction wall 2555k3 from the lower surface of the upper wall portion 2056a. The engaging portion 2555p is formed. The restriction walls 2555k1 to 2555k3 project from the side surfaces of the second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y of the second divided body 2552, the third divided body 2553, and the fourth divided body 2554 when the side wall member 2055 is expanded. The upper surfaces of the walls 2522z to 2554z are faced so as to be capable of abutting, and the upward movement of the overhang walls 2552z to 2554z is restricted. This can prevent the side wall member 2054 from falling down (see FIG. 43).

  The latch engagement portion 2555p is formed as a concave portion with which the latch portion 2551p protruding from the side of the first divided body 2551 is engaged. When the side wall member 2055 is in the contracted state, the latch portion 2551p of the first divided body 2551 is engaged with the latch engagement portion 2555p, so that the relative movement of the first divided body 2551 with respect to the inner wall member 2056 is restricted. .. That is, the displacement (rotation) of the side wall member 2055 (first divided body 2551) in the expanding direction can be restricted.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the lower plate 2050 will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 to 46. 39 and 40 are exploded front perspective views of the sidewall member 2055, and FIGS. 41 and 42 are exploded bottom perspective views of the sidewall member 2055.

  39 (a) and 41 (a), a first divided body 2551 is shown, FIGS. 39 (b) and 41 (b) are shown a second divided body 2552, and FIG. 40 (a) and FIG. A third divided body 2553 is shown in (a), and a fourth divided body 2554 is shown in FIGS. 40 (b) and 42 (b).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 are formed in the same shape (that is, as a common part). Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the product cost can be reduced. However, for convenience of explanation, different names and reference numerals will be given to the respective configurations of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 for description.

  As shown in FIGS. 39 to 42, the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554 are formed with shaft support holes 2551a to 2554a at one end side to form a long side portion of a substantially L shape in a top view. It is formed from one piece 2551X to 2554X and second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y that are connected to the other end side of the first piece 2551X to 2554X and that form a short side portion that is substantially L-shaped in a top view.

  The first pieces 2551X to 2557X have a substantially V shape in which the side to be the storage area is concave (that is, outwardly convex), and the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y are substantially centered on the shaft support holes 2551a to 2554a and substantially A top view shape (a shape of the shaft supporting holes 2551a to 2554a as viewed in the axial direction) is formed in an arc shape having the same diameter.

  Since the first pieces 2551X to 2554X are bent and formed in a substantially V-shape that is convex outward, not only the size of the storage region can be secured but also a linear portion is formed, so that the side wall is formed. When the member 2055 (first piece 2551X) is enlarged or reduced by the operation of the player, the linear portion can be easily grasped by the hand, and the side wall member 2055 (first piece 2551X) is pushed in or pulled out. The operability of can be improved.

  Protrusions that extend along the longitudinal direction of the first pieces 2552X to 2554X on the upper surfaces of the first pieces 2552X to 2554X of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 and project as projecting portions having a rectangular cross section. 2552b to 2554b are provided (see FIGS. 39 and 40). On the other hand, on the lower surfaces of the first pieces 2551X to 2554X of the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554, the first pieces 2551X to 2554X are provided along the longitudinal direction and are formed as concave grooves having a concave cross section. Restriction grooves 2551c to 2554c are provided (see FIGS. 41 and 42).

  When the respective divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are vertically overlapped with each other, the projections 2552b to 2554b of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 fall within the restriction grooves 2551c to 2553c of the first divided body 2551 to the third divided body 2553. In addition, the protrusions 2555b (see FIG. 37) of the bottom wall member 2054 are arranged (stored) in the restriction grooves 2551c of the fourth divided body 2553. As a result, when each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 is rotated about the shaft support pin 2057, the protrusions 2552b to 2555b are brought into contact with the inner wall surfaces of the restriction grooves 2551c to 2554c, so that each of the divided bodies 2551. A movable (rotation) range of ˜2554 is defined.

  The pair of inner wall surfaces facing each other of the restriction grooves 2551c to 2554c are formed to have the same shape in a bottom view as the projections 2552b to 2555b and a shape in a top view, and one inner wall surface is the first on the storage area side. The other inner wall surface is arranged along the edges of the pieces 2552X to 2554X, and the other inner wall surface is located on the opposite side (outer side) from the storage area as it goes from the shaft supporting holes 2551a to 2554a to the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y. It is arranged in a posture of. That is, the groove widths of the restriction grooves 2551c to 2554c are gradually expanded from the shaft supporting holes 2551a to 2554a toward the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y.

  The second piece 2551Y of the first divided body 2551 has an opening 2551m that is rectangular in a front view and is formed on the lower surface, and a latch portion 2551p is provided on the side surface so as to be retractable. The latch portion 2551p is biased in the projecting direction by the biasing spring, and is engaged with the latch engagement portion 2555p (see FIG. 38) of the inner wall member 2056 when the side wall member 2055 is in the contracted state. When the side wall member 2055 (first divided body 2551) in the contracted state is displaced (rotated) in the enlargement direction by the player's operation, the latch portion 2551p is retracted into the first divided body 2551 and the latch engagement portion 2555p. Is disengaged.

  The second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 are formed with openings 2552m to 2554m having a rectangular shape in a front view, and at positions corresponding to the openings 2552m to 2554m (upper surface). Engaging pieces 2552n to 2554n extending along the longitudinal direction of the second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y are formed in a state of being bulged from the upper surface at the position where they overlap with each other when viewed.

  The engaging pieces 2552n to 2554n are formed as a cantilevered elastic piece having a free end, and are positioned to be raised from the openings 2552m to 2554m to the upper surface side, and the tip upper surface has a semicircular cross section. The protruding portions 2552n1 to 2554n1 are projected. Further, rib-shaped ribs 2552n2 to 2554n2 are hung from the lower surfaces of the engagement pieces 2552n to 2554n.

  The second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 are provided with a pair of rail portions 2552w to 2554w standing upright from the upper surface, and the protruding walls 2552z to 2554z are horizontally formed from the side surfaces. To be done.

  The distance between the outer surfaces of the pair of rail portions 2552w to 2554w is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the facing distance between the pair of side walls of the second pieces 2551Y to 2553Y of the first divided body 2552 to the third divided body 2553. To be done. Therefore, when the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are overlapped with each other, the rail portions 2552w to 2554w are fitted between the pair of side walls of the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y so as to improve the rigidity of the sidewall member 2055 as a whole. (See FIG. 43).

  The overhanging walls 2552z to 2554z face the lower surfaces of the restricting walls 2555k1 and 2555k2 of the bottom wall member 2054 and the restricting wall 2555k3 of the inner wall member 2056, respectively, when the side wall member 2055 is in the expanded state. The upward movement of the walls 2552z to 2554z is restricted (see FIG. 43).

  Engagement pieces 2552n to 2554n (projections 2552n1 to 2554n1) of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 are formed to be engageable with the openings 2551m to 2553m of the first divided body 2551 to the third divided body 2553. With this engagement, relative displacement in one direction from the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 with respect to the first divided body 2551 to the third divided body 2553 can be restricted, and the engaging pieces 553n and 554n can be restrained. When the engagement with the openings 552m and 553m is released by the elastic deformation of, the relative displacement in one direction can be permitted and the relative displacement in the other direction can be restricted (FIG. 45 and FIG. 45). 46).

  That is, the engaging pieces 2552n to 2554n and the like are portions that function as a defining unit that defines the relative movement of the overlapping divided bodies 2551 to 2554, and the side wall member 2055 is enlarged or reduced by the operation of the player. In this case, the order in which rotation of each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 is allowed is defined. As a result, as will be described later, the rotation order of each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 can be made constant, and the form of expansion or contraction of the storage region can be made unique (see FIG. 44).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 43, the relationship between the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y in the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554 of the sidewall member 2055 will be described. FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the lower plate 2050 in an enlarged state, and illustrates a state in which the inner wall member 2056 is removed.

  As described above, in the side wall member 2055, the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y of the respective divided bodies 2551 to 2554 have an arc shape with the same diameter with the shaft supporting holes 2551a to 2554a (the shaft supporting pin 2057, see FIG. 37) as the center. Since each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554Y is rotated around the shaft support holes 2551a to 2554a, the loci of the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y can be matched with each other (see FIG. 44). .. Therefore, since the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y always overlap with each other, the rigidity of the side wall member 2055 (the structure in which the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are overlapped) can be ensured, and the bending due to the weight of the sphere can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in this case, the side wall member 2055 has a second side from the lower surface side between the pair of side walls of the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y of the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554. The rail portions 2552w to 2554w of the second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y of the divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 and the rail portion 2555w of the bottom wall member 2054 are fitted and overlapped with each other.

  Therefore, it is possible that the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y fall outward due to a load in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y of the sidewall member 2055 are pushed outward) received from the stored spheres. By fitting the rail portions 2552w to 2555w between the pair of side walls facing each other, they can be regulated from each other. In particular, in this embodiment, since the lowermost rail portion 2555w is erected from the bottom wall member 2054, the collapse of the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554 is utilized by utilizing the rigidity of the side wall member 2055. , Can be firmly supported.

  Further, the side wall member 2055 is formed with protruding walls 2552z to 2554z protruding from the side of the second pieces 2551Y to 2554Y of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554, and in the expanded state, the extended walls 2552z to 2554z. Of the bottom wall member 2054 faces the control walls 2555k1 and 2555k2 of the bottom wall member 2054 and the control wall 2555k3 of the inner wall member 2056 (see FIG. 38).

  Here, when a large number of spheres are stored in the storage area in the expanded state, each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 that are jutted out in a staircase shape is bent in a direction in which the first pieces 2551X to 2554X side are tilted downward. However, according to the present embodiment, since the upward movement of the overhanging walls 2552z to 2554z can be regulated by the regulating walls 2555k1 to 2555k3, the second pieces 2552Y to 2554Y of the respective divided bodies 2552 to 2554 are upwardly moved. It can suppress rising. As a result, it is possible to prevent the side wall member 55 from falling down.

  Note that in this case, the regulation portion 2056c of the inner wall member 2056 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the second piece 2551 of the first divided body 2551 (see FIGS. 36 and 38), and by such contact, the first divided body 2551 It is possible to prevent the two pieces 2551Y from being lifted up. Therefore, also by this, it is possible to prevent the side wall member 55 from falling down.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 44 to 46, when the side wall member 2055 is operated by the player and the storage area of the lower plate 2050 is expanded or contracted, the division bodies 2551 to 2554 are displaced (rotated). Will be described.

  44A is a top view of the lower tray 2050 in the contracted state, and FIGS. 44B to 44D are top views of the lower tray 2050 in the first to third states. 44 (e) is a top view of the lower plate 2050 in the expanded state.

  Further, FIG. 45 (a) is a side sectional view of the lower tray 2050 in the contracted state, and FIGS. 45 (b) and 45 (c) are side sectional views of the lower tray 2050 in the first state and the second state. Is. Also, FIG. 46 (a) is a side sectional view of the lower tray 2050 in the third state, and FIG. 46 (b) is a side sectional view of the lower tray 2050 in the enlarged state.

  As shown in FIGS. 44 (a) and 45 (a), in the contracted state (the state in which the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 are pushed in and the storage area is minimized), the first divided body 2551 to the third divided body 2553. The engagement pieces 2552n to 2554n (projections 2552n1 to 2554n1) of the second divided body 2552 to the fourth divided body 2554 are engaged with the inner wall surfaces of the openings 2551m to 2553m of the above.

  The engagement pieces 2552n and 2553n of the second divided body 2552 and the third divided body 2553 are arranged on the lower surface side of the engagement pieces 2553n and 2554n of the third divided body 2553 and the fourth divided body 2554, respectively. The engaging piece 2554n of the four-divided body 2554 is arranged below the restricting protrusion 2555r of the bottom wall member 2054, so that the engaging piece 2554n is downward (that is, the direction in which the protrusions 2552n1, 2553n1, 2554n1 come out, as shown in FIG. a) Elastic deformation to the lower side) is restricted.

  The ribs 2552n2 to 2554n2 hanging from the lower surface of the engaging pieces 2552n to 2554n are brought into contact with the upper surfaces of the engaging pieces 2553n, 2554n or the restriction projection 2555r, so that downward elastic deformation is restricted. To be done.

  Accordingly, relative displacement of the second divided body 2552, the third divided body 2553, and the fourth divided body 2554 with respect to the first divided body 2551, the second divided body 2552, and the third divided body 2553 (centering around the shaft support pin 2057). Each rotation is regulated. That is, in the contracted state, relative displacement (rotation) of the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554 is restricted, and a structure body in which the first divided body 2551 to the fourth divided body 2554 are integrated is formed. To be done.

  In this case, as described above, in the integrated structure (first to fourth divided bodies 2551 to 2554), the latch portion 2551p (see FIG. 39 (a)) arranged in the first divided body 2551 has an inner wall. By being engaged with the latch engagement portion 2555p (see FIG. 38) of the member 2056, the expanding direction of the integrated structure (first to fourth divided bodies 2551 to 2554) with respect to the bottom wall member 2054 (FIG. 44 (a)). ) The relative displacement (rotation) in the downward direction and the leftward direction in FIG. 45 (a) is restricted. Further, the relative displacement (rotation) in the contracting direction is regulated by engaging the projection portion 2555b of the bottom wall member 2054 with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 2556c of the fourth divided body 2554.

  Therefore, by the operation of the player, the side wall member 2055 (the integrated structure of the first to fourth divided bodies 2551 to 2554) is displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction, and the operating force thereof causes the first divided body 2551. Of the latch portion 2551p of the inner wall member 2056 and the latch engagement portion 2555p of the inner wall member 2056 are released, and the integral structure (first to sixth divided bodies 551 to 556) with respect to the bottom wall member 2054 is displaced in the expansion direction ( Rotation) is possible. As a result, the first state shown in FIGS. 44B and 45B is formed.

  In the first state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is regulated by engaging the projection portion 2555b of the bottom wall member 2054 with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 2554c of the fourth divided body 2554. (See FIGS. 37 and 42 (b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 44 (b) and 45 (b), in the first state, the restricting protrusion 2555r of the bottom wall member 2054 extends from the lower surface of the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth split body 2554 in the contracting direction (FIG. 45). (B) Right side). As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554, and below the engagement piece 2554n (that is, the direction in which the protrusion 2554n1 comes out of the opening 2553m, the lower side in FIG. 45B). It becomes a state in which elastic deformation is possible.

  Therefore, from the state (first state) shown in FIGS. 44 (b) and 45 (b), the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 551) is moved downward by the player's operation (FIG. 44 (b)). Side, the left side of FIG. 45 (b), the third divided body 2553 pushes down the protrusion 2554n1 of the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 with the inner wall surface of the opening 2553m thereof, The second state is formed as shown in FIGS. 44 (c) and 45 (c) by being displaced in the expanding direction and the inner wall surface of the opening 2553m overcoming the protrusion 2554n1.

  In the second state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is regulated by engaging the protrusion 2554b of the fourth division body 2554 with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 2553c of the third division body 2553. (See FIG. 40 (b) and FIG. 42 (a)).

  Further, in the second state, the protrusion 2554n1 of the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the second piece 2553Y of the third divided body 2553, and the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 is It is in a state of being elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 45 (c)). As a result, the tips of the engagement pieces 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 (the end surfaces of the ribs 2554n2) are engaged with the outer wall surfaces of the restricting projections 2555r of the bottom wall member 2054, and the fourth divided body 2554 with respect to the bottom wall member 2054. Relative displacement (rotation) in the contraction direction (upper side in FIG. 44 (c), right side in FIG. 45 (c)) is restricted.

  As shown in FIGS. 44 (c) and 45 (c), in the second state, the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 is reduced from the lower surface of the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 (in the drawing). 45 (c) right side). As a result, a space is formed below the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553, and below the engagement piece 2553n (that is, the direction in which the protrusion 2553n1 comes out from the opening 2552m, the lower side in FIG. 45C). It becomes a state in which it can be elastically deformed.

  Therefore, from the state (second state) shown in FIGS. 44 (c) and 45 (c), the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 551) is moved downward by the player's operation (FIG. 44 (c)). Side, the left side of FIG. 45 (c)), the second divided body 2552 pushes down the protrusion 2553n1 of the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 with the inner wall surface of the opening 2552m thereof, By being displaced in the expansion direction and the inner wall surface of the opening 2552m gets over the protrusion 2553n1, the third state is formed as shown in FIGS. 44 (d) and 46 (a).

  In the third state, the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is regulated by engaging the protrusion 2553b of the third division body 2553 with the inner wall surface of the regulation groove 2552c of the second division body 2552. (See FIG. 40 (a) and FIG. 41 (b)).

  Further, in the third state, the protrusion 2553n1 of the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the second piece 2552Y of the second divided body 2552, and the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 is It is in a state of being elastically deformed downward (downward in FIG. 46 (a)). As a result, the tip of the engaging piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 (the end surface of the rib 2553r) is engaged with the rear end surface of the engaging piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554, and the third divided portion of the fourth divided body 2554 is divided. Relative displacement (rotation) of the body 2553 in the contraction direction (upper side in FIG. 44 (d), right side in FIG. 46 (a)) is restricted.

  As shown in FIGS. 44 (d) and 46 (a), in the third state, the engagement piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553 is reduced from the lower surface of the engagement piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552 in the reduction direction (FIG. 46 (a) right side). As a result, a space is formed below the engaging piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552, and below the engaging piece 2552n (that is, in the direction in which the protrusion 2552n1 comes out of the opening 2551m, the lower side in FIG. 46A). ) Is elastically deformable.

  Therefore, from the state (third state) shown in FIG. 44 (d) and FIG. 46 (a), the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 551) is moved downward by the player's operation (FIG. 44 (d)). Side, when displaced to the left in FIG. 46 (a), the first divided body 2551 pushes down the protrusion 2552n1 of the engaging piece 2552n of the second divided body 2551 by the inner wall surface of the opening 2551m thereof, By being displaced in the expansion direction and the inner wall surface of the opening 2551m gets over the projection 1551n1, an expanded state is formed as shown in FIG. 44 (e) and FIG. 28 (b).

  In the expanded state, relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is restricted by engaging the projection portion 2552b of the second divided body 2552 with the inner wall surface of the restriction groove 2551c of the first divided body 2551. (See FIG. 39 (b) and FIG. 41 (a)). At the same time, the stopper portion 2551S2 of the first divided body 2551 is brought into contact with the regulating portion 2056c of the inner wall member 2056, whereby the relative displacement (rotation) in the expansion direction is regulated.

  In the expanded state, the protrusion 2552n1 of the engagement piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the second piece 2552Y of the first divided body 551, and the engagement piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552 is moved downward. The elastically deformed state (downward in FIG. 46B) is set. As a result, the tip of the engaging piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552 (the end surface of the rib 2552n2) is engaged with the rear end surface of the engaging piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553, and the second divided portion of the third divided body 2553 is divided. Relative displacement (rotation) of the body 2552 in the contraction direction (upper side in FIG. 44E, right side in FIG. 46B) is restricted.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the expanded state, relative displacement (rotation) of the first divided body 2551 with respect to the second divided body 2552 in the contracting direction (upper side of FIG. 44 (e), right side of FIG. 46 (b)) is not restricted. .. That is, since the player can displace (rotate) the first divided body 2551 in the contraction direction without performing, for example, an operation of releasing the lock mechanism, the operability in contracting is improved.

  From the state (enlarged state) shown in FIGS. 44 (e) and 46, the side wall member 2055 (first divided body 2551) is reduced by the player's operation (upper side in FIG. 44 (e), right side in FIG. 46 (b)). When the opening 2551m passes through the protrusion 2552n1 of the engaging piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552, the engaging piece 2552n of the second divided body 2552 moves the protruding portion 2552n1 into the opening 2551m by the elastic recovery force. The engaged state is restored. That is, the third state shown in FIGS. 44D and 46A is formed.

  From the state (third state) shown in FIG. 44 (d) and FIG. 46 (a), the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 2551) is reduced by the player's operation (upper side in FIG. 44 (d), FIG. 46 (a) right side), and when the opening 2552m of the second divided body 2552 is arranged above the protrusion 2553n1 of the engaging piece 2553n of the third divided body 2553, the engagement of the third divided body 2553 is performed. The piece 2553n is returned to the state in which the protrusion 2553n1 is engaged with the opening 2552m by the elastic recovery force. That is, the second state shown in FIGS. 44 (c) and 45 (c) is formed.

  Similarly, from the state (second state) shown in FIGS. 44 (c) and 45 (c), the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 551) is reduced by the player's operation (FIG. 44 (c)). When the opening 2553m of the third divided body 2553 is disposed above the protrusion 2554n1 of the engaging piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554, the fourth divided body 2554 is displaced to the upper side, the right side in FIG. 45 (c). The engagement piece 2554n is sequentially returned to the state in which the protrusion 2554n1 is engaged with the opening 2553m by the elastic recovery force. That is, the first state shown in FIG. 44B and FIG. 45B is formed.

  When the first state is formed, as shown in FIG. 45B, the engagement between the engagement piece 2554n of the fourth divided body 2554 and the outer wall surface of the restriction projection 2555r of the bottom wall member 2054 is released. Therefore, the side wall member 2055 (for example, the first divided body 551) is displaced in the contraction direction by the player's operation, so that the contracted state shown in FIGS. 44 (a) and 45 (a) is formed.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the order of displacement (rotation) of each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554 can be made constant, and the expansion or contraction of the storage region can be made unique. Yes (see FIGS. 44 to 46).

  In this case, the displacement (rotation) of the side wall member 2055 (divided bodies 2551 to 2554) in the expansion direction is allowed in order from the lower divided body, as in the case of the first embodiment, so that the size of the storage region is large. Can be quickly expanded. On the other hand, since the displacement (rotation) in the contraction direction is allowed in order from the upper divided body, the displacement (rotation) of each divided body 2551-2554 can be smoothly performed according to the state of the sphere stored in the storage member. It can be carried out.

  Next, the inner frame 3012 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 50.

  FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of the inner frame 3012 and the lower plate 2050 in the third embodiment. 48A is a top view of the inner frame 3012 and the lower plate 2050, and FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 3012 and the lower plate 2050 taken along the line XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb of FIG. 48A. Is. The same parts as those in each of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, a first detour 3300 and a second detour 3400 are formed on the front surface of the inner frame 3012 in the third embodiment. The first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400 are sphere passages for diverting the ball discharged from the payout opening 23 and sending the ball to a region away from the payout opening 23 of the lower plate 2050, It is formed in the front surface of the inner frame 3012 as a groove having a horizontally long substantially rectangular shape in front view.

  The first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400 extend from the payout opening 23 toward the left side in front view and the right side in front view, respectively, and the lower surface of the groove (the lower surface in FIG. 48B) is rolled. The moving surfaces 3310 and 3410. The rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 are portions for rolling balls, and are one end at a height position (vertical position in FIG. 48B) that is substantially flush with the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 in a front view. Is arranged and is formed so as to descend from one end to the other end.

  Since one ends of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 of the respective detours 3300 and 3400 are substantially flush with the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23, a mountain is formed by the balls stored near the payout opening 23 and The ball can flow into each of the detours 3300 and 3400 after the height of the mountain exceeds at least the lower surface 23a of the outlet 23 (see FIGS. 49 and 50). That is, after forming a mountain of a certain height in the vicinity of the payout opening 23, the sphere can be diverted to a region away from the mountain by each of the detours 3300 and 3400, so that the entire storage region of the lower tray 2050 is covered. The spheres can be easily dispersed uniformly.

  Further, the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 are also inclined downward from the inner frame 3012 toward the lower tray 2050, and the inclination angle of the downward inclination is increased toward the other end side. Thereby, when the ball detoured by each of the detours 3300 and 3400 flows down to the lower plate 2050 (see FIG. 50), the ball flowing down from the other end side can give more momentum to the downflow. , It is possible to throw a ball to a farther area in the lower plate 2050. Therefore, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly over the entire lower plate 2050.

  The lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 is formed in a shape in which the width dimension (dimension in the left-right direction in FIG. 48 (b)) increases toward the lower tray 2050 (that is, a divergent shape in which the width increases along the descending inclination direction). It Accordingly, it is possible to easily send the ball from the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 to the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 of the detours 3300 and 3400.

  Further, the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 is inclined downward from the inner frame 3012 toward the lower tray 2050, and both side portions thereof (that is, the side continuous with the rolling surfaces 3310, 3410) are moved to the rolling surfaces 3310, 3410. It is inclined down toward. Therefore, the ball that has flowed down from the upper plate 17 to the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 rolls on the lower surface 23a and is fed (flows down) to the lower plate 2050. The balls that are prevented from being fed from the lower surface 23a to the lower tray 2050 by the piles of the balls stacked on the lower plate 2050 are sent to one end of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 by the descending inclination of both sides of the lower surface 23a, and the rolling is performed. Rolled on the moving surfaces 3310 and 3410 toward the other end.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 49 and 50, the detour of the ball by the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400 will be described. 49 (a) and 50 (a) are top views of the inner frame 3012 and the lower plate 2050, and FIGS. 49 (b) and 50 (b) are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 3012 and the lower plate 2050. is there. Note that FIG. 49 (b) and FIG. 50 (b) correspond to FIG. 48 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 49, the balls dispensed from the dispensing port 23 to the lower plate 2050 are likely to be unevenly stored in the vicinity of the dispensing port 23, and hills are formed by the gradually stacked balls. Therefore, it is difficult to disperse the spheres uniformly over the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050, and in the conventional product, the player had to manually flatten the mountains by hand. Further, even if the storage area of the lower plate 2050 is configured to be expandable as in the present embodiment, it is difficult to effectively use the entire expanded storage area.

  As shown in FIG. 50, in the present embodiment, when the hills of spheres stacked near the outlet 23 block the inflow of spheres from the outlet 23 into the storage area, the hills flow into the storage area. To detour the ball by causing the blocked ball to flow into each of the detours 3300 and 3400 and rolling the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 of each of the detours 3300 and 3400 from one end to the other end. You can

  As a result, the sphere can be sent to a region away from the outlet 23, that is, a region away from the mountain, and the sphere can be easily dispersed uniformly throughout the storage region. As a result, for example, the player does not need to evenly flatten the mountains stored in a partial storage area, and can concentrate on the game. Also, the entire expanded storage area can be effectively utilized.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400 are provided in opposite directions on the left and right sides of the payout opening 23, so that the mountains formed by the balls stacked in the vicinity of the payout opening 23 are The ball can be diverted to the left and right sides. That is, not only can the ball be sent by the second detour 3400 to the region (on the right side in FIG. 50 (b)) on the side beyond the ball-draining hole 2054a (the side farther than the ball-draining hole 2054a) when viewed from the payout opening 23. The area on the opposite side (the area opposite to the direction from the outlet 23 toward the ball hole 2054a and the rising slope side of the bottom wall member 2054 where the balls are hard to be stored, the left side in FIG. 50 (b)) A ball can be sent by the 1-detour 3300. As a result, the entire expanded storage area can be effectively utilized.

  Here, the width dimension of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 is preferably made larger than the diameter of the sphere, and in the present embodiment, the width dimension is set to be twice the diameter of the sphere. As a result, among the balls that are stacked in the lower tray 2050 to form a mountain, the balls that are located above the height positions of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 and that are located on the outermost sides of the respective detours 3300 and 3400. However, even when it enters the space of each detour 3300, 3400 (that is, when a part of the outermost sphere overlaps with the rolling surfaces 3310, 3410 in a top view), the rolling surface 3310, It is possible to secure a space in which the ball rolls in 3410 and continue the detour of the ball.

  The state illustrated in FIG. 50 corresponds to the initial stage when the detour of the sphere by the detours 3300 and 3400 is started, and as the detour of the sphere progresses, the spheres stored in the lower plate 2050 are Further increased. Since the same applies to each of the following embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the inner frame 4012 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 51 to 54.

  51A is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 4012 and the lower plate 2050 in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 51B is the inner frame 4012 and the lower plate 2050 taken along the line LIb-LIb of FIG. 51A. FIG. Note that FIG. 51 (a) corresponds to FIG. 47 (b). Further, the same parts as those in the above-described respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 51, in the inner frame 4012 in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400, at a position lower than each of the detours 3300 and 3400 on the front side, A third detour 4500 and a fourth detour 4600 are further formed, respectively.

  The third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4600 are arranged at a position one step lower than the payout outlet 23, the first detour 3300, and the second detour 3400 (downward in FIG. 51A). The groove is formed as a horizontally elongated rectangular groove, and the lower surface (lower surface in FIG. 51A) of the groove is rolling surfaces 4510 and 4610. The rolling surfaces 4510 and 4610, when viewed from the front, communicate with each other at one end and arrange the communicated portion below the payout outlet 23, and descend from the communicated portion (one end) toward the other end. It is formed to be inclined.

  The rolling surfaces 4510 and 4610 are also inclined downward from the inner frame 4012 toward the lower tray 2050, and the inclination angle of the downward inclination is increased toward the other end side. Accordingly, as in the case of the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400, when the ball detoured by each detour 4500, 4600 flows down to the lower plate 2050 (see FIG. 53), the other end As the ball flows down from the side, the momentum can be applied to the downflow, so that the ball can be sent to a farther area in the lower plate 2050. Therefore, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly over the entire lower plate 2050.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 52 to 54, the detour of the ball by the first detour 3300 to the fourth detour 4600 will be described. 52 (a), 53 (a) and 54 (a) are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 4012 and the lower tray 2050, and FIGS. 52 (b), 53 (b) and 54 (b) are 3 is a sectional view of an inner frame 4012 and a lower plate 2050. FIG. 52 (a), 53 (a) and 54 (a) correspond to FIG. 51 (a), and FIGS. 52 (b), 53 (b) and 54 (b) are diagrams. It corresponds to 51 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 52, the balls delivered from the outlet 23 flow down to the third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4600 (rolling surfaces 4510, 4610), and then the rolling surfaces 4510, 4610. Is flowed down to the lower plate 2050, and a mountain is formed by the balls that are gradually stacked. When the pile of spheres stacked in the vicinity of the outlet 23 blocks the inflow of spheres from the rolling surfaces 4510, 4610 of the third and fourth detours 4500, 4600 to the storage area, as shown in FIG. 53, The spheres whose flow into the storage area is blocked by the mountains are caused to flow into the third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4600, and the rolling surfaces 4510 and 4610 of the detours 4500 and 4600 are directed from one end to the other end. The ball can be detoured by rolling it.

  After that, when the third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4600 are filled with the piles of balls that are stacked, as shown in FIG. 54, the mountains flow into the storage area (the third and fourth detours 4500 and 4600). By causing the spheres that are blocked to flow into the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400, and rolling the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 of the respective detours 3300 and 3400 from one end to the other, You can bypass the ball.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of detours (first to fourth detours 3300 to 4600) are formed at different height positions, the mountains are formed by the balls stored in the vicinity of the payout opening 23. Then, first, the ball can be flown into the detour having the low height position (the third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4600) to be detoured, and the detour (the third detour 4500 and the fourth detour 4500). When the 4th detour 4600) is buried in the sphere, the sphere can be caused to flow into the detour having a high height position to detour. That is, the spheres can be detoured stepwise by different detours according to the growth degree (mounting degree of spheres) of the mountains formed in the vicinity of the payout opening 23, and the basin 2050 can be evenly distributed over the entire storage area. The spheres can be easily dispersed.

  Particularly, in the present embodiment, the other end of the third rolling surface 4510 and the fourth rolling surface 4610 is closer to the payout opening 23 than the other ends of the first rolling surface 3310 and the second rolling surface 3410. Therefore, as the mountain formed in the vicinity of the outlet 23 grows, the sphere can be gradually detoured to a region farther from the outlet 23 (that is, around the mountain). As a result, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly over the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050.

  Next, the inner frame 5012 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 55 and 56.

  55 (a) and 56 (a) are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 5012 and the lower plate 2050 in the fifth embodiment, and FIGS. 55 (b) and 56 (b) are those of FIG. 55 (a). It is sectional drawing of the inner frame 5012 and the lower tray 2050 in a LVb-LVb line. Note that FIG. 55 (a) corresponds to FIG. 47 (b). Further, the same parts as those in the above-described respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 55, the inner frame 5012 according to the fifth embodiment includes the standing wall 3311, the edge of the rolling surfaces 3310, 3410 of the first bypass 3300 and the second bypass 3400 on the side of the lower tray 2050 (storage area). 3411 is erected. The standing walls 3311 and 3411 have a predetermined range from one end of the edges of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 on the payout opening 23 side (in the present embodiment, a range that is substantially half the length in the rolling direction of the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410). And is not provided on the other end side.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 56, when the balls are paid out from the payout opening 23 to the lower plate 2050, and the mountains are formed by the balls that are gradually stacked, among the balls forming the mountains, the rolling surface Spheres located above the height positions of 3310 and 3410 and located on the outermost sides of the detours 3300 and 3400 enter the space of the detours 3300 and 3400 (that is, the outermost spheres). It is possible to avoid that a part of them overlaps with the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 in a top view. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rolling of the balls on the rolling surfaces 3310 and 3410 from being obstructed by the balls that have entered the detours 3300 and 3400. As a result, each of the detours 3300 and 3400 can be effectively functioned, and the balls can be easily dispersed uniformly in the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050.

  Even when the first detour 3300 and the second detour 3400 are provided, more balls can be stacked near the payout opening 23 to increase the height of the mountain. Therefore, more balls can be stored in the storage area of the lower plate 2050 accordingly.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 57 to 60, the inner frame 6012 in the sixth embodiment will be described.

  57A is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 6012 and the lower tray 2050 in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 57B is the inner frame 6012 and the lower tray 2050 taken along the line LVIIb-LVIIb of FIG. 57A. FIG. Note that FIG. 57 (a) corresponds to FIG. 47 (b). Further, the same parts as those in the above-described respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 57, a first detour 3300 and a fifth detour 6700 are formed on the front surface of the inner frame 6012 in the sixth embodiment. The fifth detour 6700 is a ball passage for diverting the ball delivered from the payout opening 23 and sending the ball stepwise to two locations apart from the payout outlet 23 of the lower plate 2050, and the inner frame 6012. Is formed in the front surface of the as a concave groove having a horizontally long substantially rectangular shape in a front view.

  The fifth detour 6700 extends from the payout opening 23 toward the right side when viewed from the front, and the lower surface (lower surface in FIG. 57 (a)) of the concave groove serves as the rolling surface 6710. The rolling surface 6710 is a part for rolling the ball, and one end thereof is arranged at a height position (vertical position in FIG. 57 (a)) substantially flush with the lower surface 23a of the payout opening 23 in a front view. At the same time, it is formed so as to descend from one end toward the other end (right side in FIG. 57 (a)).

  On the rolling surface 6710 in the present embodiment, a plurality of lower portions 6711, 6712 are provided (two in the present embodiment) while being spaced at a predetermined interval in the extending direction of the fifth detour 6700 (left and right direction in FIG. 57 (a)). ) Is formed, this divides the rolling surface 6710 into an upstream rolling surface 6710a and a downstream rolling surface 6710b.

  The lower flow parts 6711 and 6712 are parts for causing a ball rolling on the rolling surface 6710 to flow down to the lower plate 2050, and are higher than the rolling surface 6710 in a front view (vertical position in FIG. 57 (a)). ) Is lowered, and is formed so as to descend from the inner frame 6012 toward the lower plate 2050.

  In this case, the height direction between the upper surface on the inner frame 6012 side (the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 57 (a)) of the lower stream 6711 and the upper surface of the downstream end (right side of the FIG. 57 (a)) of the upstream rolling surface 6710a. The amount of separation in the vertical direction of FIG. 57 (a) is set to a size larger than the diameter of the sphere (approximately twice the diameter of the sphere in the present embodiment), and the lower tray 2050 side (FIG. 57 (a)). The amount of separation in the height direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 57 (a)) between the upper surface of 57 (a) and the upper surface of the upstream end of the downstream rolling surface 6710b (left side in FIG. 57 (a)) is The size is set to be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the sphere (the same size in this embodiment).

  That is, when a plurality of spheres stay in the flow-down portion 6711, a virtual plane formed by connecting the tops of the respective spheres is located at a height position below the downstream end of the upstream rolling surface 6710a, Further, it is located at a height position equivalent to the upstream end of the downstream rolling surface 6710b or at a height position above (upper height position in this embodiment) (see FIG. 60 (c)).

  Therefore, as will be described later, when a plurality of spheres are retained in the lower stream 6711 (see FIG. 60 (c)), the sphere that has flowed down from the upstream rolling surface 6710a to the lower stream 6711 has the momentum during its flow. Can be used to pass over a plurality of spheres retained in the flow-down portion 6711 and reach the downstream rolling surface 6710b. As a result, the ball rolling on the downstream rolling surface 6710b and reaching the flow-down portion 6712 can be flowed down from the flow-down portion 6712 to the lower tray 2050.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 58 to 60, the detour of the ball by the fifth detour 6700 will be described. 58 (a), 59 (a) and 60 (a) are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 6012 and the lower tray 2050, and FIGS. 58 (b), 59 (b) and 60 (b) are 3 is a sectional view of an inner frame 6012 and a lower plate 2050. FIG. Further, FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 6012 taken along the line LXc-LXc in FIG. 58 (a), 59 (a) and 60 (a) correspond to FIG. 57 (a), and FIGS. 58 (b), 59 (b) and 60 (b) show 57 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 58, when the balls are paid out from the payout opening 23 to the lower plate 2050, a mountain is formed by the balls that are gradually stacked. When the inflow of the balls from the outlet 23 to the lower plate 2050 is obstructed by the mountain of the balls stacked in the vicinity of the outlet 23, as shown in FIG. 59, the balls whose inflow to the storage area is obstructed by the mountain are removed. After flowing into the fifth detour 6700 and rolling the upstream rolling surface 6710a, first, it can be made to flow down to the lower plate 2050 from the lower flow portion 6711 on the side closer to the payout opening 23.

  After that, a hill is formed by the spheres that have flowed down from the lower stream 6711 and are piled up, and when the hills prevent the sphere from flowing down from the lower stream 6711 to the lower tray 2050, they are rolled from the upstream rolling surface 6710a. The spheres stay in the lower stream 6711, and the remaining spheres fill the lower stream 6711 (see FIG. 60 (b) and FIG. 60 (c)).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 60, a plurality of balls that have flown into the fifth detour 6700 and that have been rolled from the upstream rolling surface 6710a to the downstream portion 6711 are retained in the downstream portion 6711. It is possible to pass it over the head and reach the downstream rolling surface 6710b. As a result, it is possible to make the liquid flow down from the flow-down portion 6712 on the side far from the outlet 23 to the lower plate 2050.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, first, the ball that has flowed into the fifth detour 6700 is caused to flow down from the lower flow portion 6711 on the side closer to the outlet 23 to the lower tray 2050, and the mountain formed at the lower flow point. When the flow-down from the flow-down portion 6711 to the lower tray 2050 is obstructed by the flow-through, the flow-down portion 6712 on the side farther from the outlet 23 can flow down to the lower tray 2050. As a result, as the mountain formed near the outlet 23 grows, the sphere can be gradually detoured to a region farther from the outlet 23 (that is, around the mountain). As a result, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly over the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050.

  In this embodiment, the upstream rolling surface 6710a and the downstream rolling surface 6710b are not inclined downward from the inner frame 6012 toward the lower tray 2050. However, at least one of the rolling surfaces 6710a and 6710b may be inclined downward from the inner frame 6012 toward the lower tray 2050. In this case, the inclination angle of the descending inclination from the inner frame 6012 to the lower tray 2050 is smaller than the inclination angles of the lower flow parts 6711 and 6712, that is, the inclination angles of the rolling surfaces 6710a and 6710b. As a result, the balls that have flowed into the fifth detour 6700 can be made to flow down from the lower flow parts 6711, 6712 to the lower plate 2050, while also being made to flow down from the rolling surfaces 6710a, 6710b to the lower plate 2050. Therefore, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly in the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050.

  Next, the inner frame 7012 in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 61 to 63.

  61A is a top view of the inner frame 7012 and the lower tray 2050 in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 61B is the inner frame 7012 and the lower tray 2050 taken along the line LXIb-LXIb of FIG. 61A. 61C is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 7012 taken along the line LXIc-LXIc in FIG. 61A. The same parts as those in each of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 61, in the inner frame 7012 according to the seventh embodiment, a second payout opening formed as a rectangular opening in a side view of the payout opening 23 (on the right side in the width direction, on the right side in FIG. 61B). 7023 is provided. In the present embodiment, the payout opening 23 and the second payout opening 7023 are formed to have the same front view shape and are arranged at the same height position (upper and lower positions in FIG. 61 (b)).

  Inside the inner frame 7012, there is a ball-sending path 7024 for sending the balls which cannot be stored in the upper plate 17 (see FIG. 1) to the payout outlet 23, and one end (upstream end) in the middle of the feeding path 7024. And the other end (downstream end 7025a) is connected to the second payout outlet 7023, and a sixth detour 7025 is formed that is inclined downward from one end to the other end.

  The ball-sending path 7024 hangs down from the upstream end on the side of the upper plate 17 while being curved in a substantially S shape, and the downstream end 7024a communicates with the payout outlet 23 at a position visible from the payout outlet 23 in a front view. Therefore, the ball that has flowed down the feeding path 7024 and reached the downstream end 7024a is flowed down from the payout opening 23 to the lower plate 2050. In the present embodiment, the distance from the downstream end 7024a of the ball feeding path 7024 to the lower edge of the one end (upstream end) of the sixth detour 7025 is approximately three times the diameter of the sphere.

  The sixth detour 7025 has one end (upstream end) communicating with the ball-sending path 7024 and a downstream end 7025a that is the second end in a front view at a position above the downstream end 7024a of the ball-sending path 7024 by a predetermined distance. It is communicated with the second payout port 7023 at a position visible from the payout port 7023. Therefore, the sphere that flows into the sixth detour 7025 and reaches the downstream end 7025a thereof is flowed down from the second payout outlet 7023 to the lower tray 2050.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 62 to 63, the detour of the ball by the sixth detour 7025 will be described. 62A and 63A are top views of the inner frame 7012 and the lower tray 2050, and FIGS. 62B and 63B are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 7012 and the lower tray 2050. Yes, FIGS. 62C and 63C are cross-sectional views of the inner frame 7012. 62 (a) and 63 (a) correspond to FIG. 61 (a), FIGS. 62 (b) and 63 (b) correspond to FIG. 61 (b), and FIG. ) And FIG. 63 (c) correspond to FIG. 61 (c).

  When the balls are paid out from the payout opening 23 to the lower plate 2050, a mountain is formed by the gradually stacked balls. When the inflow of the balls from the outlet 23 to the lower plate 2050 is hindered by the pile of balls stacked in the vicinity of the outlet 23, the balls flowing down the ball-sending path 7024 have their downstream ends 7024a as shown in FIG. And the downstream end 7024a side of the ball feeding path 7024 is filled with the retained balls (see FIG. 62C).

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 63, the sphere flowing down the ball-sending path 7024 can flow into the sixth detour 7025. As a result, the ball that has flowed into the sixth detour 7024 and rolled to the downstream end 7025a can flow down from the second outlet 7023, which is separated from the outlet 23 in the width direction, to the lower tray 2050.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the inflow of the sphere from the outlet 23 to the lower plate 2050 is obstructed by the mountain formed in the vicinity of the outlet 23, the sphere that flows down from the ball sending path 2024 is It is possible to make a detour to the second payout outlet 7023 through the detour 7025 and to flow into the lower tray 2050 from the second payout outlet 7023. Thereby, the sphere can be made to flow (send) from the second payout opening 7025 toward the area away from the mountain formed by the sphere that has been flowed in from the payout opening 23, and as a result, the lower plate 2050 is stored. The spheres can be easily dispersed uniformly over the entire area.

  That is, for example, in the detour formed by recessing the front surface of the inner frame 7012, since the lower plate 2050 side is open, the ball is rolled from one end to the other end of the detour to detour ( Between one end and the other), the spheres flow down to the bottom plate 2050. That is, all the balls that have flowed into the detour cannot be diverted to the other end, and some balls flow down to the lower plate 2050 before reaching the other end.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the sixth detour 7025 is disposed in the inner frame 7012 and is formed as a closed passage, so that the ball flows down to the lower plate 2050 during the detour. Therefore, all the balls that have flowed into the sixth detour 7025 can be rolled (bypassed) to the other end (downstream end 7025a) (that is, can flow down from the second payout outlet 7023 to the lower tray 2050). it can).

  As a result, with respect to the mountain formed by the ball flowing down from the payout opening 23 to the lower plate 2050, the ball is allowed to flow down to the lower plate 2050 only from a position (second payout opening 7023) sufficiently distant from the mountain. As a result, it is possible to easily and evenly disperse the spheres in the entire storage area of the lower plate 2050.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a first lower plate full tank switch (not shown) is disposed on the downstream end 7024a side of the ball-sending path 7024, and the downstream side of the sixth detour 7025. A second lower tray full switch (not shown) is arranged on the end 7025a side. In both of these lower tray full tank switches, balls are stored in the ball feeding path 7024 or the sixth detour 7025 (the ball cannot be fed from the payout outlet 23 or the second payout outlet 7023 to the lower tray 2050). Is turned on when is detected.

  In this case, when the first lower plate full tank switch is turned on and the second lower plate full tank switch and the contraction state detection sensor are turned off, it can be estimated that a ball mountain is formed in the vicinity of the payout opening 23. Therefore, the player is informed that “the balls of the lower plate 2050 are leveled”. As a result, the mountains are leveled, so that the ball can be restarted from the outlet 23, and the storage area of the lower plate 2050 can be efficiently used to store more balls.

  When both the first lower plate full tank switch and the second lower plate full tank switch are turned on, a mountain of balls is formed in the vicinity of the outlet 23, and the detour of the ball by the sixth bypass 7025 is completed. Since it can be estimated that the lower plate 2050 is full of balls, the player is informed that "the ball removing lever 2054a is operated".

  Here, the lower tray 2050 is further provided with a reduced state detection sensor (not shown) which is turned on when the side wall member 2055 is in the reduced state, and the first lower tray full tank switch and the second lower tray full tank are provided. When the switches are both turned on and the reduction state detection sensor is turned on, "enlarge the lower plate 2050" before notifying the player that "the ball removal lever 2054a will be operated". May be notified. The lower plate 2050 formed so as to be expandable can be effectively utilized.

  In addition, as the notification method, display on the third symbol display device 81 or output by voice from the voice output device is exemplified. Further, the first lower plate full tank switch and the second lower plate full tank switch may be omitted, and only one lower plate full tank switch may be provided. In this case, the ball feeding path 7024 is provided on the upstream side (opposite to the downstream end 7024a) of the branch to the sixth detour 7025. Even if the payout opening 23 and the second payout opening 2023 are formed by the disposition at such a position, it is possible to detect that the lower tray 2050 is full of balls with one lower tray full tank switch.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 64, the inner frame 8012 and the lower plate 8050 in the eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 64 is a front perspective view of the inner frame 8012 and the lower plate 8050 according to the eighth embodiment. The same parts as those in each of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 64, in the eighth embodiment, a seventh detour 8400 is formed on the front surface of the inner frame 8012, and an extended detour 8800 is connected to the seventh detour 8400. The seventh detour 8400 is formed as a groove extending from the payout opening 23 toward the right side in front view, and the lower surface of the groove is a rolling surface 8410. The seventh detour 8400 is substantially the same as the second detour 3400 except that the extension length of the seventh detour 8400 is longer than the extension length of the second detour 3400 in the third embodiment. Since they are formed the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The inner wall member 2056 of the lower tray 2050 is formed with a protruding wall 8056h protruding from the side wall portion 2056b toward the inside of the storage region. The overhanging wall 8056h is formed as a plate-like member that is bent in a V shape when viewed from the front, and its upper surface serves as the rolling surface 8810 of the extension detour 8800. The overhang wall 8056h continuously connects one end (upstream end) of the rolling surface 8810 to the other end (downstream end) of the eighth detour 8400, and the rolling surface 8810 descends toward the other end (downstream end). It is arranged in a tilted posture.

  In the present embodiment, the overhanging wall 8056h is arranged at a position spaced upward from the bottom wall member 2054, and a space (storing region) in which a sphere can be stored between the lower surface of the overhanging wall 8056h and the upper surface of the bottom wall member 2054. ) Is formed. Further, the other end of the overhanging wall 8056h (the side opposite to the one end continuously provided to the inner frame 12) is arranged at a height position substantially equal to the upper surface of the first piece 2554X of the fourth divided body 2554 of the side wall member 2055. To be done.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to forming the eighth detour 8400 in the inner frame 12, the extended detour 8800 is also formed in the lower plate 2050 (inner wall member 2056), so the outlet 23 When the spheres piled up in the vicinity block the inflow to the storage area and the spheres flow into each of the eighth detours 8400 (see FIGS. 49 and 50), the rolling surface 8410 of the eighth detour 8400 is Using the rolling surface 8810 of the extension detour 8800, the ball rolled to the terminal end is located farthest from the payout opening 23 (the first pieces 2551X to 2554X and the first pieces 2551X to 2554X in the respective divided bodies 2551 to 2554 of the side wall member 2055). The sphere can be sent out (bypassed) to the two pieces 2551Y to 2554Y which are continuously provided. As a result, it is possible to send the sphere to a region away from the mountain, and it is possible to easily distribute the sphere uniformly over the entire storage region.

  Particularly, in the present embodiment, the other end of the overhanging wall 8056h (that is, the terminal end (downstream end) of the rolling surface 8810 of the extension bypass 8800) is formed by the first piece 2554X of the fourth divided body 2554 of the sidewall member 2055. It is arranged at a height position substantially equal to the upper surface.

  Therefore, when the lower tray 2050 is in the expanded state (that is, when the storage area is expanded and effective use of the storage area is required), the end of the rolling surface 8810 of the extension bypass 8800 is terminated. The spheres flowing down from the side surfaces of the first frame 2551 to the fourth frame 2554 on the inner frame 12 side of the first pieces 2551X to 2554X (that is, the members forming the stepwise enlarged region). It is possible to further roll along the direction (leftward in FIG. 64) opposite to the rolling direction of the ball in the eighth detour 8400.

  That is, the sphere can be diverted to the back surface side of the mountain formed by the spheres stacked in the storage area (the side opposite to the outlet 23 and the side wall member 2055 side), and the spheres are uniformly dispersed in the entire storage area. It can be made easier.

  Further, the overhang wall 8056h is formed by bending in a V shape in a front view, and the descending inclination angle of the rolling surface 8810 formed on the upper surface of the overhang wall 8056h becomes larger toward the other end side (side wall member 2055 side). Since the lower tray 2050 is contracted, a space is provided between the upper surface of the overhang wall 5056h on the other end side and the inner wall surface of the side wall member 2055 (second pieces 2551X to 2554X). Can be formed.

  Thereby, when the player performs an operation of reducing the lower plate 2050 from the enlarged state to the contracted state, the fingers of the player are the extension wall 8056h and the inner wall surface of the side wall member 2055 (the second pieces 2551X to 2554X). It can be suppressed from being sandwiched between them. That is, the operation of contracting the lower plate 2050 is performed by inserting the finger of the left hand into the inner wall surface side of the second pieces 2551X to 2554X of the side wall member 2055, and the second piece 2551X of the side wall member 2055 is moved to the inner frame 12 by the palm and thumb of the left hand. The operability of performing the operation method of pushing toward the side is good, but according to the present embodiment, it is possible for the player to hardly pinch a finger even with such an operation method.

  Here, when a concave groove is provided in the side wall portion 256b of the inner wall member 2056 to form the extended detour 8800, it is necessary to secure the accommodation space for each of the divided bodies 2551 to 2554. The operability of the operation handle 51 is deteriorated because the operation handle 51 is disposed on the 51 side and the distance between the two is narrowed.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since the extension detour 8800 is formed by projecting the overhanging wall 8056h from the side wall portion 256b of the inner wall member 2056, the space between the inner wall member 2056 and the operation handle 51 is secured. Thus, the operability of the operation handle 51 can be improved. On the other hand, even if the overhanging wall 8056h extends from the side wall portion 2056b of the inner wall member 2056, according to the present embodiment, the overhanging wall 8056h is formed in a plate shape, and the lower surface and the bottom wall of the overhanging wall 8056h are formed. Since the space (storage area) capable of storing the sphere is formed between the upper surface of the member 2054 and the upper surface, the size of the storage area can be secured.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be inferred.

  In each of the above embodiments, part or all of one embodiment may be replaced with or combined with part or all of the other one or more embodiments to configure a gaming machine.

  Although not described in each of the above-described embodiments, a driving unit (for example, an electric motor) that applies a driving force to the side wall members 55 and 2055 is provided, and the side walls 52 and 2055 are displaced by the driving force applied from the driving unit. By rotating (rotating), the lower plates 50 and 2050 may be enlarged and reduced.

  In this case, for example, a sensor device that detects the storage amount of the spheres stored in the lower plate 50 is provided, and the side wall member 55, with a displacement amount (rotation amount) corresponding to the storage amount of the spheres detected by the sensor device. By displacing (rotating) 2055 by a driving unit (see, for example, FIGS. 22 and 23), the lower plates 50 and 2050 may be enlarged or reduced. The lower plate 50, 2050, which is unnecessarily enlarged and projected forward, can be expanded when necessary, while suppressing the hindrance to the player, so that the player can add a thousand boxes to the box. It is possible to suppress the discharge frequency and concentrate on the game.

  Alternatively, the lower plates 50 and 2050 may be enlarged or reduced depending on the game state. For example, a means for detecting the occurrence of the hit is provided, and when the occurrence of the hit is detected by the means, the side wall members 55, 2055 are displaced (rotated) in the expansion direction by the driving means, and the lower trays 50, 2050. May be expanded in advance. Further, for example, the lower plates 50 and 2050 may be enlarged at the time of a predetermined effect. By enlarging the lower plates 50 and 2050, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation.

  Alternatively, the lower plates 50 and 2050 may be enlarged or reduced depending on the state of the front frame 14. For example, a sensor device for detecting the state of the front frame 14 is provided, and when the sensor device detects an operation of opening the front frame 14, the side wall members 55 and 2055 are displaced (rotated) in the reduction direction by the driving means. The lower plates 50 and 2050 may be reduced. Further, for example, a sensor device that detects the state of the cylinder lock 20 that locks the front frame 14 is provided, and when the sensor device detects that the cylinder lock 20 is unlocked, the side wall members 55 and 2055 are reduced by the drive means. The lower plates 50 and 2050 may be reduced by displacing (rotating) in the direction. When the front plate 14 is inadvertently opened while the lower tray 50 is still enlarged, it is possible to prevent the enlarged lower tray 50 from coming into contact with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 and being damaged.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the lower plate 50, 2050 has been described as an example of the target for enlarging or reducing the storage region, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of or in addition to this, The plate 17 may be the target.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the side wall members 55 and 2055 have end portions on the same side as the side on which the front surface frame 14 is rotatably supported, so that the side wall members 55 and 2055 can be rotated by the shaft support pins 57 and 2057 to the bottom wall members 54 and 2054. Although the case where the front frame 14 is pivotally supported has been described, the end portion on the side opposite to the side on which the front frame 14 is rotatably pivoted is not limited to this, and the bottom wall member 54 is supported by the pivot pins 57 and 2057. , 2054 so as to be rotatably supported.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the elastic deformation of the engaging pieces 552n to 556n and 2552n to 2554n is used as an example of the regulation means for regulating the relative movement of the overlapping divided bodies 551 to 557, 2551 to 2554. Although explained, it is not necessarily limited to this, and other regulation means may be adopted. As another defining means, for example, the friction coefficients between the divided bodies 551 to 557 and 2551 to 2554 are made different from each other, and the divided bodies 551 to 557 and 2551 to 2554 are determined based on the difference in the friction coefficient. An example is one that defines the order in which rotation is allowed. Alternatively, a plurality of actuators (for example, solenoids) that engage and disengage the divided bodies 551 to 557 and 2551 to 2554 are provided, and the divided bodies 551 to 557 and 2551 are driven by driving the actuators. An example is one that defines the order in which 2554 rotations are allowed.

  Although not described in each of the above-described embodiments, the first sensor device that detects that the lower plates 50 and 2050 are in the expanded state (or at least is not in the contracted state) and that the front frame 14 is opened are described. When the second sensor device for detecting and the first and second sensor devices detect that the lower trays 50, 2050 are in the expanded state and the opening of the front frame 14 is detected, the notification is given. And a notification means (for example, a means for generating a sound) for performing the above. By leaving the notification means, it is possible to prevent the front frame 14 from being opened while the lower plates 50 and 2050 are in the expanded state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lower plates 50 and 2050 from colliding with the adjacent pachinko machine 10 or the like and being damaged.

  In the fourth embodiment, the case where the first and second detours 3300 and 3400 and the third and fourth detours 4500 and 4600 are provided in two stages in the vertical direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, there may be three or more detours.

  In the sixth embodiment, the case where the flow-down portions 6711 and 6712 are formed at two locations on the rolling surface 6710 of the fifth detour 6700 has been described, but the flow-through portions are not limited to this and flow-down at three or more locations. Parts may be provided.

  In the seventh embodiment, the case where the payout openings (the payout opening 23 and the second payout opening 7023) are provided at two locations has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the payout openings may be provided at three or more locations. good.

  In the eighth embodiment, the other end of the overhang wall 8056h (the end (downstream end) of the rolling surface 8810) has a height substantially equal to the upper surface of the first piece 2554X of the fourth divided body 2554 of the side wall member 2055. Although the case of arranging in the position has been described, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the height position may be set lower than the upper surface of the first piece 2554X, or may be set higher than the upper surface of the first piece 2554X. May be set higher.

  The present invention may be implemented in a pachinko machine or the like of a type different from those of the above embodiments. For example, once a big hit occurs, a pachinko machine (commonly called a 2nd right thing, a 3rd right thing, etc.) that can increase the expected value of a big hit until a big hit state occurs multiple times (for example, 2 or 3 times) including that. May be implemented as). Further, after the jackpot pattern is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that generates a special game that gives a predetermined game value to a player on condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area. In addition, it may be implemented in a pachinko machine which is in a special game state, having a winning device having a special area such as a V zone, and winning a ball in the special area is a necessary condition. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, various game machines such as arepaches, sparrow balls, slot machines, game machines in which so-called pachinko machines and slot machines are integrated may be implemented.

  In the slot machine, for example, the symbol is changed by operating the operation lever in the state where the coin is inserted and the symbol effective line is determined, and the symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating the stop button. It is a thing. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is that "a display device that variably displays an identification information sequence consisting of a plurality of identification information and then confirms the identification information is provided, and is caused by the operation of a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The variable display of the identification information is started by the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses, the variable display of the identification information is stopped and confirmed, and then stopped. It becomes a slot machine that generates a special game that gives a predetermined game value to the player, provided that the combination of identification information at the time is a specific one. In this case, the game medium is typically a coin, medal, or the like. Take as an example.

  Further, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, a display device for fixedly displaying the symbols after variably displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, and a handle for ball launching is provided. Some are not. In this case, after throwing in a predetermined amount of balls based on a predetermined operation (button operation), the fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or the predetermined By the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game that gives a predetermined game value to the player is generated as a necessary condition that the definite symbol at the time of stopping is a so-called jackpot symbol, and the player is given a special game value. Is a large amount of balls dispensed to the lower tray. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only balls can be treated as a gaming value in the gaming hall, which is the gaming value seen in the current gaming hall in which pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed. It is possible to solve the problems such as the burden on the equipment and the restriction on the place where the game machine is installed due to the separate handling of the medal and the ball.

  The concept of various inventions included in the above-described embodiment in addition to the gaming machine of the present invention will be shown below.

<About the concept of the invention using the lower plate 50 as an example>
In a gaming machine provided with a front frame that can be opened and closed, and a storage member that is disposed on the front surface of the front frame and that forms a storage region for storing balls, the storage member is a player's The size of the storage area is formed so as to be displaceable in a direction in which the size of the storage area is expanded or reduced by an operation, and the size of the storage area is applied when a pressing force is applied to the storage member from the outside with opening of the front frame. The game machine A1 is characterized in that the storage member is formed to be displaceable in a direction in which the size is reduced.

  Here, a front frame that is formed so as to be openable and closable, an upper plate that is arranged in the front frame and that stores balls to be launched into the game area, and a lower plate that is arranged below the upper plate and cannot fit into the upper plate A gaming machine including a lower plate that receives a ball is known. In this case, if the side wall is raised to enlarge the storage area of the lower plate, the gap between the upper plate and the side wall becomes smaller accordingly. Therefore, for example, it becomes difficult to put the player's hand into the lower tray when the balls stored in the lower tray are evenly flattened. Therefore, in JP-A-2007-136095, the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the lower plate are slid forward and backward by a player's operation, so that the player's hand can be easily put in and the storage region of the lower plate is stored. A structure for expanding or contracting is disclosed. However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, there is a problem that if the front frame is opened while the lower plate is enlarged, the enlarged lower plate contacts and damages the adjacent gaming machine.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine A1, the storage member is formed so as to be displaceable in the direction of expanding or reducing the size of the storage region by the operation of the player. When a pressing force is applied, the storage member is formed so as to be displaceable in the direction in which the size of the storage region is reduced, so that damage to the storage member can be suppressed.

  The storage member may be, for example, an upper plate that stores balls to be fired to the game area, or a lower plate that is arranged below the upper plate and receives balls that cannot fit in the upper plate.

  Further, when the pressing force is applied from the outside to the storage member due to the opening of the front frame, for example, the storage member comes into contact with the adjacent gaming machine and the pressing force is applied from the adjacent gaming machine to the storing member. In this case, when a person holds the storage member and opens the front frame, a pressing force acts on the storage member from the hand of the person.

  In the gaming machine A1, the front frame opens and closes by rotating around a rotation shaft provided on a side portion on one side in the width direction, and the storage member has the rotation shaft of the front frame on the same side in front view. The gaming machine A2 is formed such that the size of the storage area is expanded or reduced by rotating about a rotation axis provided on one side in the width direction.

  According to the gaming machine A2, in addition to the effect exhibited by the gaming machine A1, the storage member rotates about a rotation axis provided on one side in the width direction to expand or reduce the size of the storage region. Since the rotation axis of the storage member is on the same side as the rotation axis of the front frame when viewed from the front, when a pressing force is applied to the storage member from the outside by opening the front frame, the storage member is stored. It is possible to facilitate displacement in the direction in which the size of the region is reduced. As a result, damage to the storage member can be suppressed.

  In the gaming machine A2, the storage member includes a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion erected from the bottom wall portion, and the side wall portion is formed by vertically stacking a plurality of divided bodies, and the plurality of divided portions are formed. The game machine A3, wherein the size of the storage area is expanded or reduced by rotating the body around the rotation axis in a direction toward or away from the front frame.

  According to the gaming machine A3, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A2, it is possible to increase or decrease the size of the storage area, and at the same time, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in arranging the ball hole. For example, in a structure in which the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion are slidably displaced back and forth by a player's operation to enlarge or reduce the storage area, the fixed side bottom wall portion and the slide side bottom wall portion overlap each other. Is unable to place a ball hole, and the degree of freedom of its placement is reduced.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine A3, the side wall portion is formed of a plurality of divided bodies that are vertically overlapped with each other, and the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction toward or away from the front frame, so that the storage region Where the size of the storage area can be expanded or reduced, there is no overlap margin between the bottom wall part and the part (divided body) that is displaced due to the expansion or contraction of the storage area. Ball holes can be arranged, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement can be secured.

  In the gaming machine A3, the plurality of divided bodies are rotated about the rotation axis in a direction away from the front frame, and when the storage area is expanded, the divided bodies on the upper side are projected outward. The gaming machine A4 characterized in that, when the storage area is rotated around the rotation axis in a direction approaching the front frame and the storage area is reduced, the divided bodies overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis.

  According to the gaming machine A4, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A3, when the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction away from the front frame, the upper divided bodies are projected outward, so that the player's The storage area can be expanded in a form that allows easy access to the hands. On the other hand, when rotated in the direction approaching the front frame, the divided bodies overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, so that the rigidity of the storage member can be ensured in the state where the storage region is reduced.

  Further, in the state where the storage area is enlarged, the plurality of divided bodies are projected outward, so that it is possible to make the player easily recognize that the lower plate is in the enlarged state.

  In the gaming machine A3 or A4, the split body includes a first piece whose one end is axially supported by the rotation shaft, and a second piece extending from the other end of the first piece. The gaming machine A5 is characterized in that the second piece is formed to be curved in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis.

  According to the gaming machine A5, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A3 or A4, the split body has a first piece whose one end is rotatably supported by the rotary shaft and a second piece which is extended from the other end of the first piece. The second piece is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view from the one piece, and the second piece is formed to be curved in an arc shape around the rotation axis. Therefore, when the divided body is rotated about the rotation axis, The loci of the second piece of the divided body can be matched. That is, since the second piece of each divided body can be formed to always overlap with each other, the rigidity of the side wall portion (a plurality of divided bodies) can be secured.

  In the gaming machine A5, the second piece of the divided body is a horizontal portion that is continuous with the first piece, a standing portion that is erected from an end of the horizontal portion, and the standing end of the standing portion. A horizontal part and an extending part extending to the opposite side, wherein each of the split bodies includes the horizontal part, the standing part and the extending part, and the horizontal part, the standing part and the extending part of the adjacent split parts. A gaming machine A6, wherein the gaming machine A6 is arranged in a state of being overlapped with the section.

  According to the gaming machine A6, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A5, the second piece of the divided body has a horizontal portion that is continuous with the first piece, and a standing portion that is erected from the end of the horizontal portion. An extending portion extending from the standing end of the standing portion to the opposite side of the horizontal portion, each split body, the horizontal portion, the standing portion and the extending portion, the horizontal portion of the adjacent split body, Since it is arranged in a state of being overlapped with the upright portion and the extended portion, when a large number of balls are stored in the storage area, the weight of the balls acting on the side wall portion (each divided body) is determined by each divided body. The horizontal portion, the upright portion, and the extended portion can be effectively supported by the interaction between them, and as a result, the bending of the side wall portion (each divided body) can be suppressed.

  Further, since the second pieces are overlapped with each other, even if the side wall portion is bent due to the weight of the sphere, the second piece serves as a guide to smoothly move the side wall portion from the enlarged state to the contracted state. Can be transferred. Therefore, even when the lower tray in which the balls are stored is in the expanded state and the front frame is inadvertently opened, the lower tray (side wall portion) can be displaced in the contracting direction, so that the damage can be suppressed. ..

  In the gaming machine A6, the plurality of divided bodies are characterized in that the width of one of the horizontal portion or the extended portion is made smaller and the width of the other is made larger as the upper divided body is formed. ..

  According to the gaming machine A7, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A6, the width of one of the horizontal portion and the extended portion of the plurality of divided bodies is made smaller and the width of the other is made larger as the divided bodies become higher. Therefore, even when the horizontal portions, the standing portions, and the extended portions of the second piece of each divided body are overlapped by the adjacent divided bodies, the width dimension of the second piece can be suppressed. That is, the storage area can be secured by suppressing the width dimension of the second piece while improving the rigidity of the second piece by overlapping. Further, it is possible to suppress the outward protrusion of the second piece (side wall portion) and to secure the space for disposing other members by that amount.

  In any one of the gaming machines A5 to A7, an inner wall member that forms a part of an inner wall of the storage area is provided, and the plurality of divided bodies are rotated about the rotation axis in a direction approaching the front frame, In the state in which the storage area is reduced, the second piece is arranged on the back side of the inner wall member, and the plurality of divided bodies are rotated about the rotation axis in a direction away from the front frame, In an expanded state, the second piece is juxtaposed laterally of the inner wall member, and the second piece and the inner wall member form part of the inner wall of the storage area. A8.

  According to the gaming machine A8, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the gaming machines A5 to A7, the gaming machine A8 includes an inner wall member that forms a part of the inner wall of the storage area, and when the storage area is reduced, the second piece is provided. Is arranged on the back side of the inner wall member and the storage area is enlarged, the second piece is arranged side by side on the inner wall member, and the second piece and the inner wall member form part of the inner wall of the storage area. Therefore, the length dimension of the second piece can be shortened, and the space required for moving the second piece can be suppressed accordingly.

  That is, when the inner wall member is not provided, the second piece needs to be the inner wall of the storage area not only when the storage area is contracted but also when the storage area is expanded. As the length dimension of the piece, a dimension obtained by adding the length dimension corresponding to the inner wall member and the length dimension corresponding to the expanded portion is required. Therefore, the space required for the movement of the second piece becomes large (the space needs to be secured on the side of the inner wall member opposite to the direction in which the storage region expands). On the other hand, when the inner wall member is provided, the second piece may be the inner wall of the storage area only when the storage area is expanded. It is possible to make the length dimension (the length dimension corresponding to the inner wall member can be eliminated). As a result, the space required for the movement of the second piece can be suppressed (the space is secured only on the back side of the inner wall member and is secured on the side of the inner wall member opposite to the direction in which the storage region expands). No need).

  In the gaming machine A8, the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction away from the front frame around the rotation axis, with the length dimension of the second piece being larger toward the upper divided body. The game machine A9 is characterized in that, when is expanded, the upper divided bodies are projected outward and the end faces of the second pieces of the respective divided bodies are arranged flush with each other.

  According to the gaming machine A9, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A8, in the plurality of divided bodies, the length dimension of the second piece is made larger toward the upper divided body, and is separated from the front frame around the rotation axis. When the storage area is rotated and expanded, the upper divided body is projected outward and the end surface of the second piece of each divided body is arranged flush with each other. By ensuring the margin for overlapping the second pieces of the body and suppressing the bending of the side wall portion (second piece) with respect to the weight of the sphere, and suppressing the length of the second piece in each divided body, the component cost Can be suppressed. That is, when the storage area is expanded, even if the end surface of the second piece in the lower divided body than the upper divided body is projected, the protruding portion cannot support the upper second piece, and thus the bending of Does not contribute to suppression. On the other hand, when the storage area is reduced, the overlap margin between the second pieces of the respective divided bodies is reduced, but the weight of the sphere acts on the inner wall member and does not directly act on the second piece. Therefore, this configuration is effective.

  In any of the gaming machines A5 to A9, an abutting member formed so as to be able to abut on the upper surface of the second piece of the uppermost divided body is provided, and the abutting member is the largest when the storage area is expanded. A gaming machine A10, wherein the second piece of the divided body located on the lower side is arranged at a position overlapping with the divided body as viewed in the axial direction.

  According to the gaming machine A10, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the gaming machines A5 to A9, the gaming machine A10 is provided with a contact member formed so as to be capable of contacting the upper surface of the second piece of the uppermost divided body. Since the supporting rigidity of the second piece can be increased with the contact member as the fulcrum, it is possible to suppress the side wall portion (each divided body) from bending when supporting the weight of the ball. In particular, since the contact member is arranged at a position overlapping the second piece of the division body located at the lowermost side in the axial direction of the division body when the storage area is enlarged, the degree of expansion of the storage area Regardless of which one of the divided bodies is displaced in the expansion direction), the second piece of each divided body can be supported at the optimum fulcrum position, and the side wall portion (each divided body) is prevented from bending. it can.

  In the gaming machine A10, the uppermost divided body is provided with an engaging portion formed on the upper surface of the second piece, and the uppermost divided body is centered on the rotation axis from the front frame. The gaming machine A11, characterized in that, when the contact member is rotated to a predetermined position in the separating direction, the engaging portion engages with the contact member to restrict the rotation.

  According to the gaming machine A11, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A10, an engaging portion is formed on the upper surface of the second piece of the uppermost divided body, and the engaging portion abuts the abutting member. The rotation of the uppermost divided body in the direction away from the front frame can be restricted at a predetermined position. That is, the contact member not only plays a role of supporting the upper surface of the divided body (second piece) to suppress the bending, but also serves as a stopper of restricting the rotation of the divided body. Can be reduced to reduce the product cost.

  In any one of the gaming machines A3 to A11, the divided body has a convex portion formed on one mating surface of the divided bodies that are vertically stacked and a concave portion that receives the convex portion is formed on the other mating surface. When the storage area is expanded, the convex portion abuts on the inner wall on one side of the concave portion, and when the storage area is contracted, the convex portion abuts on the inner wall on the other side of the concave portion. A gaming machine A12, which is formed so as to be capable of restricting relative displacement of the divided bodies overlapped with each other.

  According to the gaming machine A12, in addition to the effect of any one of the gaming machines A3 to A11, the divided bodies that are vertically stacked have a convex portion on one mating surface and a concave portion on the other mating surface. When the storage area is enlarged, the convex portion is brought into contact with the inner wall on one side of the concave portion, and when the storage area is reduced, the convex portion is brought into contact with the inner wall on the other side of the concave portion, so that they are vertically stacked. Since the relative displacement of the divided bodies is regulated, the relative positions of the divided bodies can be defined. In this case, since the projections and the inner walls of the recesses are engaged with the overlapping split bodies in each split body, the side wall portion (the overlapped split divisions are performed in the expanded state and the reduced size of the storage region). The rigidity of the body as a whole can be secured, and it is possible to suppress bending due to the weight of the sphere. In this case, the convex portion and the concave portion are respectively formed on the mating surfaces of the divided bodies that are vertically stacked. That is, since the convex portion and the concave portion are arranged by utilizing the mating surface which becomes the dead space, the side wall portion (divided body) can be downsized by that amount and the capacity of the storage region can be secured.

  In the gaming machine A12, the split body is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view from a first piece whose one end is axially supported by the rotation shaft and a second piece extending from the other end of the first piece. The convex portion and the concave portion are respectively formed as a convex line and a concave groove that are continuously extended along the longitudinal direction of the first piece on the mating surfaces of the first pieces. Gaming machine A13.

  According to the gaming machine A13, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A12, the split body includes a first piece whose one end is axially supported by the rotation shaft, and a second piece which extends from the other end of the first piece. Since it is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view and the convex portion and the concave portion are formed on the mating surfaces of the first pieces, the convex portion and the concave portion can effectively function. That is, since the first piece is a portion operated by the player when enlarging or reducing the storage area, the operation force can be directly received by the engagement between the convex portion and the inner wall of the concave portion, The feeling of operation can be improved. Further, the portion where the first pieces are overlapped easily bends due to the weight of the sphere when the storage region is expanded, and thus the rigidity of such a portion can be intensively improved.

  In this case, since the convex portion and the concave portion are formed as the convex strip and the concave groove that are continuously extended along the longitudinal direction of the first piece, the engagement area between the convex portion and the inner wall of the concave portion is ensured. As a result, the rigidity of the entire side wall portion (overlapping divided bodies) can be improved. Particularly, since the convex portion and the concave portion formed as the convex stripe and the concave groove are formed along the first piece whose one end is axially supported by the rotation shaft, the direction of the load by the player's operation or the weight of the ball is changed. Since it is possible to make the convex stripes and the concave grooves orthogonal to the engaging region, it is possible to suppress the bending of the side wall portion (the overlapped first piece) against the applied load.

  In the gaming machine A13, the first piece is formed so as to be curved outward in an arcuate shape when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the ridge and the inner wall of the groove have the same radius. A gaming machine A14, which is curved in a convex arc shape in the same direction as the first piece.

  According to the gaming machine A14, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine A13, the first piece is formed so as to be curved outward in an arcuate shape when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, so that the capacity of the storage region is expanded. be able to. In this case, since the convex strip and the inner wall of the concave groove are formed by curving in an arc shape of a convex shape in the same direction as the first piece with the same radius, the extension lengths of them are set to the mating surface of the first piece. It can be maximized within the range of. Therefore, by maximizing the engagement area between the convex portion and the inner wall of the concave portion, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the side wall portion (the first overlapped piece) as a whole and reduce the burden on the convex portion and the concave portion. Therefore, the durability can be improved.

<About the concept of the invention using the first detour 3300 as an example>
A front frame that can be opened and closed, a storage member that is disposed on the front surface of the front frame and that forms a storage region for storing the sphere, and an inlet that allows the sphere to flow into the storage region of the storage member. A gaming machine provided with a gaming machine B1 provided with a detour line extending as a passage capable of sending a ball from one end on the inlet side to the other end.

  Here, a front frame that is formed so as to be openable and closable, an upper plate that is arranged in the front frame and that stores balls to be launched into the game area, and a lower plate that is arranged below the upper plate and cannot fit into the upper plate A gaming machine including a lower plate that receives a ball is known. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-136095 discloses a structure in which a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion of a lower tray are slid forward and backward by a player's operation to expand a storage area of the lower tray. However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, the balls tend to be biased to a part of the storage area of the lower plate (for example, in the vicinity of the inflow port where the balls flow into the lower plate), and the storage area of the expanded lower plate is evenly distributed over the entire storage area. There is a problem that it is difficult to disperse the spheres.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine B1, since the detour is provided as a passage through which the ball can be fed from one end on the inlet side to the other end, for example, the ball flowing from the inlet is the flow path. When the peaks are stored near the entrance and are unevenly stored, the spheres that are blocked from flowing into the storage area by the peaks are made to flow into the detour, and the balls are rolled from one end to the other end of the detour. By moving it, the ball can be detoured. As a result, the sphere can be sent to a region away from the inflow port, that is, a region away from the mountain, and the sphere can be easily dispersed uniformly throughout the storage region. As a result, for example, the player does not need to evenly flatten the mountains stored in a partial storage area, and can concentrate on the game.

  In the gaming machine B1, the detour is inclined downward from the one end to the other end.

  According to the gaming machine B2, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine B1, the detour is inclined downward from one end to the other end, so that the ball can be reliably sent to the other end of the detour. In particular, even if a ball collides with a mountain that is biased near the inflow port and loses its momentum when flowing into the detour, roll the ball to the other end of the detour. You can Further, since the ball can be forced to reach the other end of the detour, the initial speed when the ball is sent from the other end of the detour to the storage region can be increased. As a result, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly in the entire storage area.

  In the gaming machine B1 or B2, one end of the detour is connected to the lower surface of the inlet, the gaming machine B3.

  According to the gaming machine B3, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine B1 or B2, one end of the detour is connected to the lower surface of the inflow port, so that a mountain is formed by the balls stored near the inflow port and the mountain is formed. When the height of the ball exceeds the lower surface of the inflow port, the sphere can surely flow into the bypass. That is, after forming a mountain of a certain height near the inlet, the sphere can be diverted to a region away from the mountain by a detour, so that it is easy to uniformly distribute the sphere throughout the storage region. You can

  In any of the gaming machines B1 to B3, a plurality of the detours are formed at different height positions, the gaming machine B4.

  According to the gaming machine B4, in addition to the effect produced by any of the gaming machines B1 to B3, a plurality of detours are formed at different height positions, so a mountain is formed by the balls stored near the inflow port. Then, first, the ball is flown into and bypassed by the bypass having a low height position, and when the bypass is buried in the ball, the ball is flown into and bypassed by the bypass having a lower height position next. That is, according to the degree of growth of the mountain formed near the inflow port, the sphere can be gradually detoured to the area away from the mountain by each detour, so that the sphere is uniformly dispersed in the entire storage area. It can be made easier.

  In the gaming machine B4, the plurality of detours having different height positions are set to have different distances from the inflow port to the other end, respectively.

  According to the gaming machine B5, the plurality of detours having different height positions are set to have different distances from the inflow port to the other end, so that the growth degree of the mountain formed near the inflow port is increased. Accordingly, when the sphere is detoured in stages by different detours, the sphere can be detoured to an appropriate area (detour destination) corresponding to each stage. As a result, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly in the entire storage area.

  In the gaming machine B5, the higher the height position of the detour, the longer the distance from the inlet to the other end is set to be longer.

  According to the gaming machine B6, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine B5, the detour having a higher height position is set to have a longer separation distance from the inflow port to the other end, so that it is formed near the inflow port. As the mountain grows, the sphere can be diverted in stages to a region further from the inlet (ie, region further from the mountain). As a result, it is possible to easily disperse the spheres uniformly in the entire storage area.

  In any one of the gaming machines B1 to B6, the detour is formed as a rolling surface on which an inner wall that defines the storage region is continuously provided, and the opposite side to the connecting portion is opened, and a ball can roll. On the rolling surface, a standing wall is erected on the edge of the opening side, the gaming machine B7.

  According to the gaming machine B7, in any one of the gaming machines B1 to B6, the gaming machine B1 is continuously provided on the inner wall that defines the storage area, and the opposite side to the continuously running portion is opened to form a ball rolling surface. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the bypass is formed inside the storage member, the structure of the bypass can be simplified and the product cost can be reduced. In this case, since a standing wall is erected on the edge of the rolling surface on the open side, some of the balls stored in the storage area enter the detour and roll the balls on the rolling surface. Inhibition of movement can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to make the detour function effectively and make it easy to uniformly disperse the spheres in the entire storage region.

  The standing wall may be formed only near one end (inlet) of the detour. The height of the standing wall may be increased on the side close to the inflow port (one end) and may be lowered continuously or stepwise toward the other end. This is because the height of the mountain becomes higher near the inflow port and the ball easily enters the detour. Further, no standing wall is formed near the other end of the detour. This is because the sphere is sent from the detour to the storage area.

  In any one of the gaming machines B1 to B7, the detour is formed as a rolling surface on which an inner wall that defines the storage area is continuously provided, and the opposite side of the detour is opened and a ball can roll. The gaming machine B8 is characterized in that a plurality of lower flow parts for allowing the balls to flow down to the open side are formed on the rolling surface at predetermined intervals in the rolling direction of the balls.

  According to the gaming machine B8, in any of the gaming machines B1 to B7, the gaming machine B1 is continuously provided on the inner wall that defines the storage area, and the opposite side to the continuously running portion is opened to form a ball rolling surface. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the bypass is formed inside the storage member, the structure of the bypass can be simplified and the product cost can be reduced. In this case, on the rolling surface, a plurality of lower flow portions for flowing the sphere toward the open side are formed at predetermined intervals in the rolling direction of the sphere, so that the sphere can be easily dispersed uniformly in the entire storage region. can do. That is, the sphere that has flowed into the detour is flowed down from the first flow lower part of the plurality of flow lower parts to the storage area, and a mountain is formed at the flow-down position. If the mountain hinders the flow from the lower stream to the storage area, the ball that has flowed into the detour is rolled to the next lower stream, and then flows down from the lower stream to the storage area. A mountain is formed in the area. By repeating this, the peaks formed in the storage area can be sequentially shifted along the detour, and as a result, the spheres can be easily dispersed uniformly throughout the storage area.

  In any of the gaming machines B1 to B8, a ball-sending path for sending a ball into the storage area of the storage member from the inlet to the inlet, and a second inlet located apart from the first inlet. The gaming machine B9, wherein the detour has one end communicated with the ball-sending path and the other end communicated with the second inlet.

  According to the gaming machine B9, in addition to the effect of any one of the gaming machines B1 to B8, a feeding path for feeding a ball into the storage region from the inflow port to the inflow port and a position separated from the first inflow port And a second inflow port, and the other end of the bypass is communicated with the ball-sending path and the other end is communicated with the second inflow port, so that it is easy to uniformly disperse the spheres in the entire storage region. it can.

  That is, when the ball sent from the ball-sending path flows into the storage area from the inflow port, a mountain is formed by the ball flowing in from the inflow port. In this case, when the inflow of the balls from the inflow port to the storage region is obstructed by the mountain, the ball sent from the ball-sending path is diverted to the second inflow port through the communication passage, and the second inflow port stores the ball in the storage region. Can be made to flow into. This allows the spheres to flow from the second inlet to a region away from the mountain formed by the spheres introduced from the inlet, and as a result, facilitates even distribution of the spheres throughout the storage region. You can

<About the concept of the invention using the engaging piece 552n as an example>
In a gaming machine provided with a front frame that can be opened and closed, and a storage member that is disposed on the front surface of the front frame and that forms a storage region for storing balls, the storage member is a bottom wall portion. And a side wall portion provided upright from the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion is formed by stacking a plurality of divided bodies vertically, and the plurality of divided bodies are respectively arranged in a direction of approaching or separating from the front frame. By rotating, the size of the storage area is expanded or reduced, and at the same time, each of the divided bodies is provided with defining means for defining an order in which relative movement of the divided bodies is allowed. Gaming machine C1.

  Here, a front frame that is formed so as to be openable and closable, an upper plate that is arranged in the front frame and that stores balls to be launched into the game area, and a lower plate that is arranged below the upper plate and cannot fit into the upper plate A gaming machine including a lower plate that receives a ball is known. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-136095 discloses a structure in which the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the lower tray are slid forward and backward by a player's operation to enlarge or reduce the storage area of the lower tray. However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, it is not possible to arrange the ball-draining hole in the overlapping portion of the bottom wall portion on the fixed side and the bottom wall portion on the slide side, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement decreases.

  As a result of diligent study, the applicant of the present application forms the side wall portion from a plurality of divided bodies that are vertically overlapped with each other, and rotates the plurality of divided bodies toward or away from the front frame by a player's operation. , A structure for enlarging or reducing the size of the storage area (unknown at the time of the present application). According to this structure, since the overlapping margin between the bottom wall portion and the portion (divided body) that is displaced due to the expansion or contraction of the storage area is not formed, it is necessary to arrange the ball hole at any position on the bottom wall portion. It is possible to secure the degree of freedom of the arrangement. However, the inventor of the present application has found a problem that the order of rotation of each of the plurality of divided bodies is not fixed and expansion or contraction of the storage area is not unique.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine C1, each division body is provided with the regulation means for regulating the relative movement of the division bodies to be overlapped with each other, so that the division body approaches or separates from the front frame by the operation of the player. When rotating in the direction of rotation, the order of allowing the relative movement of the overlapping divided bodies is defined by the defining means, so that the order of rotation of each divided body becomes constant, and as a result, the storage area Enlargement or reduction can be unique.

  In the gaming machine C1, when the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction in which the divided bodies are separated from the front frame, the defining means causes the relative movement of the vertically stacked divided bodies from the lower divided body. A gaming machine C2 characterized by allowing in order.

  According to the gaming machine C2, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine C1, the defining means is rotated in the direction in which the plurality of divided bodies are separated from the front frame (that is, when the size of the storage area is enlarged). In addition, the relative movement of the divided bodies that are vertically stacked is allowed in order from the lower divided body, so that the size of the storage region can be rapidly expanded. That is, in the form in which relative movement is allowed in order from the lower divided body, the divided bodies stacked above the divided body in which relative movement is allowed move together (rotate in a direction away from the front frame). Therefore, it is possible to move the entire side wall portion in the direction of increasing the size of the storage region. Therefore, for example, the size of the storage region can be expanded more rapidly than in a configuration in which relative movement is allowed in order from the upper divided body.

  In the gaming machine C1 or C2, when the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction in which they approach the front frame, the defining means moves the relative movement between the vertically stacked divided bodies to the upper divided body. A gaming machine C3 characterized by permitting in order from.

  According to the gaming machine C3, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine C1 or C2, the defining means is rotated when the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in the direction approaching the front frame (that is, the size of the storage area is reduced. In this case, since relative movement between the vertically stacked divided bodies is allowed in order from the upper divided body, the divided bodies are rotated (the size of the storage area is changed according to the state of the spheres stored in the storage member). (Reduction) can be performed smoothly.

  That is, for example, in the mode in which relative movement is allowed in order from the lower divided body, even if the size of the storage area is reduced even if the number of spheres stored in the storage member is relatively small, If the sphere is stored to such an extent that it interferes with the divided body, it becomes necessary to rotate the divided body while flowing the sphere, which hinders the operation of the divided body.

  On the other hand, if the relative movement is allowed in order from the upper divided body, the divided body is smoothly rotated without being obstructed by the sphere until it interferes with the sphere stored in the storage member. (Reducing the size of the storage area). Also, when the divided body is rotated to a position where it interferes with the sphere (the size of the storage area is reduced), the rotation is obstructed, which causes interference (that is, the storage area is reduced to the required size). It is possible to interrupt the operation. As a result, it is possible to smoothly rotate the divided body (reduce the size of the storage region) according to the state of the sphere stored in the storage member.

  In any one of the gaming machines C1 to C3, the defining means includes a first engaging claw that is elastically deformable in the divided body, and the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction approaching the front frame. In this state, the first and second engaging claws are engaged with each other in the upper and lower divided bodies, and when the divided body stacked in the lower side is relatively moved. , A space for allowing the elastic deformation of the first engagement claw is formed between the division body overlapped on the lower side thereof, and the engagement of the division body overlapped on the upper side with the first engagement claw By being releasable, the game machine C4 is characterized in that relative movement with respect to the above-mentioned divided bodies stacked on each other is allowed.

  According to the gaming machine C4, in addition to the effect produced by any of the gaming machines C1 to C3, the defining means has the first engaging claw engaged with the split body that is superposed on the upper side, and is superposed on the lower side. When the divided body to be moved is relatively moved, a space for allowing elastic deformation of the first engaging claw is formed between the divided body to be superposed on the lower side and the divided body to be superposed on the upper side. Since the engagement with the mating claw can be released, relative movement with respect to the divided bodies stacked on the upper side is allowed, so that the rotation of the divided bodies stacked on the upper and lower sides in the direction away from the front frame is lowered. It is possible to allow in order from the divided bodies. That is, by the player's operation of rotating the plurality of divided bodies in a direction away from the front frame, relative movement is allowed one step at a time from the lower divided body to form a state in which the size of the storage region is enlarged. can do.

  In the gaming machine C4, the defining means includes a second engaging claw that is elastically deformable in the divided body, and in a state in which the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction in which they are separated from the front frame, The divided bodies stacked on top of each other have the second engaging claws engaged with the divided bodies stacked on the lower side, and when the divided bodies stacked on the upper side are relatively moved, the divided bodies are stacked on the upper side. A space that allows the elastic deformation of the second engaging claw is formed between the divided body and the divided body that is overlapped with the lower side, and the engagement between the divided body and the second engaging claw can be released. As a result, the relative movement with respect to the divided bodies stacked on the lower side is allowed, and the gaming machine C5.

  According to the gaming machine C5, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine C4, the defining means is such that, in the state in which the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in the direction away from the front frame, the divided bodies that are vertically stacked are below each other. The second engaging claws are engaged with the divided bodies which are superposed on each other, and when the divided bodies which are superposed on the upper side are relatively moved, the second engaging pawls are formed between the divided bodies which are superposed on the upper side. Since a space that allows elastic deformation of the second body is formed and the engagement between the divided body stacked on the lower side and the second engagement claw can be released, relative movement with respect to the divided body stacked on the lower side is allowed. Therefore, it is possible to allow the rotation of the vertically stacked divided bodies in the direction approaching the front frame in order from the upper divided body. That is, by the player's operation of rotating the plurality of divided bodies in the direction approaching the front frame, relative movement is allowed step by step from the upper divided body to form a state in which the size of the storage region is reduced. be able to.

  In the gaming machine C5, the first engagement claw and the second engagement claw have a shape including a plate portion whose base end side is fixed to the split body and a protrusion protruding from the tip of the plate portion. One of the divided bodies that are formed and overlapped on the upper side or the divided body that is overlapped on the lower side is engaged with the protrusion, and the divided body that is overlapped on the upper side or the divided body that is overlapped on the lower side. The game machine C6 is characterized in that the plate portion is elastically deformed when the protrusion is brought into contact with the other divided body, and the plate portion is elastically engaged with the other.

  According to the gaming machine C6, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine C5, the first engaging claw and the second engaging claw are provided at the plate portion whose base end side is fixed to the split body and at the tip of the plate portion. The divided body which is formed in a shape composed of a protrusion and which is overlapped on the upper side or the divided body which is overlapped on the lower side is engaged with the protrusion and the divided body which is overlapped on the upper side or the lower side. With respect to the other of the split bodies that are superposed on each other, the plate portion is elastically deformed by the projection contacting the one split body, so that the first engagement claw and the second engagement claw are provided. It can be shared (also used as an engaging piece composed of a plate and a protrusion). Therefore, by reducing the number of parts, the structure can be simplified and the product cost can be reduced accordingly.

  In any one of the gaming machines C1 to C6, the split body has a first piece whose one end is axially supported by the rotation shaft, and extends from the other end of the first piece and has the rotation shaft as a center. A gaming machine C7, which is formed in a substantially L shape in a top view from a second piece that is curved in an arc shape, and the defining means is formed on the second piece.

  According to the gaming machine c7, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the gaming machines C1 to C6, the split body is extended from the first piece whose one end is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft and the other end of the first piece. In addition, the defining means is formed in a substantially L-shape in a top view from the second piece that is curved in an arc shape around the rotation axis, and the defining means is formed on the second piece. Since it is increased, it is possible to ensure regulation of relative displacement and improve durability. That is, since the second piece is formed to be curved in an arc shape with the rotation axis as the center, and the second piece of each divided body can be always overlapped with each other, a space for disposing the regulating means is provided in the second piece. Can be secured along the circumferential direction, and the regulation means can be increased in size accordingly.

<About the concept of the invention using the lock mechanism 77 as an example>
A front frame that is formed to be openable and closable, and a storage member that is disposed on the front surface of the front frame and that forms a storage region for storing spheres, the storage member being operated by a player, In a gaming machine formed so as to be displaceable in a direction in which the size of the storage area is expanded or contracted, at least a prohibition unit for prohibiting displacement of the storage member in a direction in which the size of the storage area is expanded is provided. A gaming machine D1 characterized by the above.

  Here, a front frame that is formed so as to be openable and closable, an upper plate that is arranged in the front frame and that stores balls to be launched into the game area, and a lower plate that is arranged below the upper plate and cannot fit into the upper plate A gaming machine including a lower plate that receives a ball is known. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-136095 discloses a structure in which the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the lower tray are slid forward and backward by a player's operation to enlarge or reduce the storage area of the lower tray. However, the above-mentioned gaming machine has a problem that the lower plate is enlarged carelessly. That is, for example, if the lower tray is inadvertently enlarged during the transportation of the product or the opening operation of the front frame, it may be damaged due to rattling at the time of transportation or collision with surrounding members. On the other hand, according to the gaming machine D1, since at least the prohibition means for prohibiting the displacement of the storage member in the direction in which the size of the storage region is enlarged is provided, it is possible to prevent the storage member from being enlarged carelessly. can do. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress damage during the transportation of the product or the opening operation of the front frame.

  In the gaming machine D1, the storage member includes a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion erected from the bottom wall portion, and the side wall portion is formed by stacking a plurality of divided bodies vertically, and When the size is expanded from the reduced state, the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a predetermined order in a direction away from the front frame, and the prohibition unit is rotated in the predetermined order. The gaming machine D2, wherein the first divided body of the divided bodies that is rotated in a direction away from the front frame is prohibited from rotating.

  According to the gaming machine D2, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine D1, the side wall portion is formed by vertically stacking a plurality of divided bodies, and the size of the storage area is expanded from a state in which the storage area is reduced by the operation of the player. In doing so, the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a direction away from the front frame in a predetermined order, and the prohibiting means is the first of the plurality of divided bodies rotated in the predetermined order from the front frame. Since the rotation of the split body that is rotated in the direction of separating is prohibited, it is possible to reliably prevent the storage member from being expanded accidentally, while the prohibition means is released and the split that is rotated first is released. After the body is rotated, the remaining divided bodies can be arbitrarily rotated, so that the operability for adjusting the size of the storage region can be improved.

  In the gaming machine D2, the prohibiting means includes an operator that is arranged so as to be placed in the forbidden position and the released position by a player's operation. By placing the operator in the forbidden position, the above-mentioned predetermined order is achieved. Of the plurality of rotated divided bodies, rotation of the divided body that is rotated in the direction away from the front frame first is prohibited, and the operation element is arranged at the release position, so that the predetermined order is obtained. The gaming machine D3, wherein the prohibition of rotation of the divided body that is first rotated in the direction away from the front frame among the plurality of divided bodies that are rotated by is released.

  According to the gaming machine D3, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine D2, when the operating element is placed in the prohibited position by the player, the rotation of the divided body that is rotated first is prohibited and the operating element is moved by the player. When it is placed in the release position, the prohibition of the rotation of the divided body that is rotated first is released, so that it is possible to avoid expanding the storage member regardless of the intention of the player, and to expand the storage member. It can be prohibited.

  In the gaming machine D3, when the size of the storage area is reduced from the expanded state, the plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a predetermined order toward the front frame, and in the predetermined order. Of the plurality of rotated divided bodies, the operation unit of the prohibition means is formed so as to inhibit the rotation of the divided body that is rotated in the direction closer to the front frame first. ..

  According to the gaming machine D4, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine D3, when the size of the storage area is reduced, a plurality of divided bodies are rotated in a predetermined order in the direction approaching the front frame, Of the plurality of divided bodies that are rotated in a predetermined order, the operation of the inhibiting means is formed so as to inhibit the rotation of the divided body that is rotated first in the direction approaching the front frame. It is possible to prevent the size from being reduced easily. Further, since the operator of the prohibition means serves both as a means for prohibiting the expansion of the storage member and a means for prohibiting the reduction of the storage member, the number of parts can be reduced accordingly and the product cost can be reduced. You can

  In the gaming machine D4, the prohibition by the operator of the prohibiting means is that the divided body which is first rotated in the direction approaching the front frame is rotated in the direction approaching the front frame by the player's operation. A gaming machine D5 characterized by being releasable.

  According to the gaming machine D5, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine D4, the prohibition by the operator of the prohibiting means is such that the divided body which is first rotated in the direction approaching the front frame approaches the front frame by the player's operation. Since it can be released by rotating in the direction to rotate, it is possible to suppress the storage member from being inadvertently reduced, and if the split body is pushed in the direction close to the front frame (if rotated), Since the storage member can be reduced in size, the operability of the player can be improved. Further, with the opening of the front frame, even when the storage member comes into contact with the adjacent gaming machine, the storage member can be reduced in size and the damage thereof can be suppressed.

  Any one of the gaming machines A1 to A14, B1 to B9, C1 to C7, and D1 to D5, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the slot machine, "variable display means for dynamically displaying the identification information sequence consisting of a plurality of identification information and then confirming and displaying the identification information is provided to operate the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Due to the start of the dynamic display of the identification information, the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. It is a gaming machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, provided that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information. In this case, coins, medals, etc. are typical examples of the game medium.

  Any one of the gaming machines 1 to A14, B1 to B9, C1 to C7 and D1 to D5, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine is provided with an operation handle, which shoots a ball to a predetermined game area in response to the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is moved to an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for winning a prize (or passing through an actuation port), there is one in which the identification information dynamically displayed on the display means is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special game state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning port) arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner to allow a ball to be won, and a value depending on the number of winning prizes. The value (including not only the gift ball but also the data written to the magnetic card, etc.) is given.

Any one of the gaming machines 1 to A14, B1 to B9, C1 to C7 and D1 to D5, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine is "provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information sequence consisting of a plurality of identification information, and starting operation means (for example, operating lever). The variation of the identification information is started due to the operation of, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. It is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the fixed identification information at the time of stop is the specific identification information, and a ball is used as a game medium, and the identification information is also provided. The game machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required to start the dynamic display of, and a large number of balls are paid out when the special game state occurs.
<Other>
In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, there is known a gaming machine including a front frame that is formed to be openable and closable, and a storage member that is arranged in the front frame and stores a ball (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007- 136095). Patent Document 1 discloses a structure capable of enlarging or reducing a storage region of a storage member (lower plate).
However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, if the front frame is opened while the storage member is enlarged, there is a problem that the enlarged storage member may come into contact with an adjacent gaming machine and be damaged. ..
The present technical idea is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a gaming machine capable of suppressing damage to a storage member when the front frame is opened while the storage member is being expanded. The purpose is to
<Means>
In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine described in the technical concept 1 is a front frame that can be opened and closed, and a storage that is arranged on the front surface of the front frame and that forms a storage area for storing balls. The storage member is formed so as to be displaceable in a direction in which the size of the storage region is expanded or reduced by a player's operation, and the storage is externally performed when the front frame is opened. When a pressing force is applied to the member, the storage member is formed to be displaceable in a direction in which the size of the storage region is reduced.
The gaming machine described in technical idea 2 is the gaming machine described in technical idea 1, in which the front frame opens and closes by rotating around a rotation shaft provided at one side portion in the width direction, The storage member is formed such that the size of the storage region is expanded or reduced by rotating about a rotation axis provided on one side in the width direction which is the same side as the rotation axis of the front frame in front view. It
The gaming machine described in Technical Idea 3 is the gaming machine described in Technical Idea 2, in which the storage member includes a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion standing upright from the bottom wall portion, and the side wall portion includes a plurality of side wall portions. The storage bodies are formed by stacking the split bodies on top of each other, and the plurality of split bodies are respectively rotated about the rotation axis in a direction toward or away from the front frame, thereby expanding or reducing the size of the storage region. To be done.
<Effect>
According to the gaming machine described in Technical Idea 1, it is possible to suppress damage to the storage member.
According to the gaming machine described in the technical idea 2, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine described in the technical idea 1, the storage area can be easily displaced in the reduction direction.
According to the gaming machine described in the technical idea 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine described in the technical idea 2, the degree of freedom in arranging the ball hole can be secured.

10 Pachinko machines (gaming machines)
7012 inner frame (front frame )
2 3 outlet ( first inlet)
23a under surface
5 4, 2054 Bottom wall member ( bottom surface of storage area)
7 025 6th detour (communication path )
7 023 Second outlet (second inlet)
7024 Ballway

Claims (2)

A front frame having an area capable of storing spheres on the front side and formed to be openable and closable, a first inflow port formed in the front frame , and a sphere capable of sending spheres to the first inflow port A ball feeding path, a second inflow opening formed at a position separated from the first inflow port of the front frame, and one end communicating with the middle of the ball feeding path so that the ball can be fed to the second inflow opening And a communication passage
The sphere that has passed through the ball-sending path can flow into a storage area on the front side of the first inlet, and the ball that has passed through the communication path can flow into a storage area on the front side of the second inlet.
The bottom surface of the front side of the savings distillation region of the first inlet is located below the lower surface of the first inlet,
The front side of the lower surface of the first inlet is contiguous through the front surface of the front frame to the bottom of the storage area of the first inlet of the front side,
The bottom surface of the storage region on the front side of the second inlet is located below the lower surface of the second inlet,
The front side of the lower surface of the second inlet is connected to the bottom surface of the storage region on the front side of the second inlet through the front surface of the front frame,
Wherein the front side of the communication path, the gaming machine characterized that you position the front of the front frame.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a board box.

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