JP4300405B2

JP4300405B2 - Game machine

Info

Publication number: JP4300405B2
Application number: JP2003072615A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正樹土師
Original assignee: Newgin Co Ltd
Current assignee: Newgin Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-17
Filing date: 2003-03-17
Publication date: 2009-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-17
Also published as: JP2004275538A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、遊技機に関し、更に詳細には、機裏側の機構セット盤に配設した球貯留排出経路部の下流側に球払出装置を配設して、該球貯留排出経路部からの遊技球を球通出経路部に通出させるようにした遊技機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
代表的な遊技機の一例であるパチンコ機は、遊技媒体としてのパチンコ球を機前側に設けた遊技領域に打ち出して、所要のパチンコゲームを行なうよう構成されている。そして、この種のパチンコ機の裏側には、機構セット盤が配設されており、該機構セット盤にパチンコ機全体を制御する主制御装置等の各種制御装置や、パチンコゲームに供されるパチンコ球の流通経路として機能する球貯留排出経路部等が取付けられている。また、前記機構セット盤における前記球貯留排出経路部の下方には、該球貯留排出経路部の球通路に球入口が連通するよう球払出装置が配設されており、パチンコゲームにおいて所定の条件が成立(セーフ球の発生)すると、該球払出装置が駆動されて球貯留排出経路部に貯留されたパチンコ球(遊技球)を所定数だけ機前側に設けた上球皿または下球皿へ給出するよう構成されている。なお、貸球用のカードおよびカードユニットを利用して球貯留排出経路部のパチンコ球を貸出し得るタイプのパチンコ機(一般に「カード式パチンコ遊技機」ともいう)では、前述した賞球の払出しとは別に、遊技者による球貸し操作に応答して前記球払出装置が駆動されて、該球貯留排出経路部から所定数のパチンコ球(遊技球)が貸球として上球皿へ給出される。
【０００３】
ところで、前記球払出装置を前記機構セット盤に取り付ける取付手段として、該球払出装置の各隅角部を前後方向に貫通するよう複数の通孔を形成し、各通孔に後方側からネジを挿通すると共に、該ネジを機構セット盤に穿設したネジ孔に螺挿する手段が知られている(例えば、特許文献１参照)。また、球払出装置を前記機構セット盤に組付ける別の取付手段として、該機構セット盤における球払出装置の設置部奥側に、複数の係合突部を突設すると共に、該球払出装置における機構セット盤との対向面に、各係合突部と係脱可能に係合する係合片を対応する箇所に形成し、各係合突部と係合片とを係合させることで、球払出装置を機構セット盤に取着する手段も提案されている(例えば、特許文献２参照)。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３４０５８１号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００１−１７７０１号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記機構セット盤に前記球払出装置をネジで固定する場合には、両部材を確実に固定でき、前記球貯留排出経路部の球通路に球払出装置の球入口を良好に整列させることができる利点がある。しかしながら、前記球払出装置を機構セット盤に対して着脱するに際しては、別途ドライバ等の工具を使用してネジの締め付け、緩み外しを行なう必要があり、該球払出装置の交換作業が非常に煩雑となる欠点がある。ここで、前述のように機構セット盤の係合突部と球払出装置の係止片とを係脱することで、該球払出装置を取り付ける構成を採用した場合にはこのような不都合は生じない。しかし、前記係合突部および係止片の夫々は、前記機構セット盤と球払出装置における夫々の対向面側に形成されているため、作業者が両部材の係合状態を確認しながら作業することは困難であり、作業効率が悪い欠点がある。このため、前記球払出装置の着脱作業に長時間を要したり、前記係合突部や係止片に無理な力が掛かって損傷する問題が指摘される。
【０００６】
【発明の目的】
本発明は、前述した従来の技術に内在している前記課題に鑑み、これを好適に解決するべく提案されたものであって、球払出装置の着脱操作が容易な遊技機を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を克服し、所期の目的を好適に達成するため、請求項１の発明に係る遊技機は、
機裏側の機構セット盤(G)に配設されて遊技球を通出案内する球貯留排出経路部(14)の下流側に設けられる球送出路部(24)と、該球送出路部(24)の下側に離間して設けられる球通出経路部(25)との間に、前記球送出路部(24)の下部に開口する球送出口(28a,29a)および球通出経路部(25)に連通する球通路(46,47)を形成した球払出装置(41a,41b)が着脱自在に配設され、前記球送出路部(24)の球送出口(28a,29a)から球通路(46,47)に流通する遊技球を、該球払出装置(41a,41b)により所定数単位で球通出経路部(25)に通出させるようにした遊技機において、
前記球送出路部(24)と球通出経路部(25)との間の前記機構セット盤(G)に、前記球払出装置(41a,41b)が載置される本体部(35)が回動支持手段(40)を介して回動可能に支持され、前記本体部(35)が水平に位置して該本体部(35)に載置された球払出装置(41a,41b)の球通路(46,47)を前記球送出路部(24)の球送出口(28a,29a)に連通させる第１状態と、前記本体部(46,47)における回動支持手段(40)による枢支部から離間する前端部が斜め下方に傾斜位置して該本体部(35)に載置された球払出装置(41a,41b)の球通路(46,47)を球送出口(28a,29a)に対し非連通とさせる第２状態との間で回動可能な設置部材(34)と、
前記設置部材(34)の本体部(35)における前記機構セット盤(G)に近接する背面側に形成され、前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の背面側を位置規制する後壁部(36)と、
前記設置部材(34)の本体部(35)における左右側に形成され、前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の左右側を抱持して位置規制を行なう側壁部(37,37)と、
前記後壁部(36)に開設され、前記球払出装置(41a,41b)を前記本体部(35)に載置した際に該球払出装置(41a,41b)の前記機構セット盤(G)に対向する第１の外壁面(42)に突設された第１の位置決め部(42a)が挿通されて球払出装置(41a,41b)の上方移動を規制する開口部(39)と、
前記球送出路部(24)における前記機構セット盤(G)から離間する前側に傾動可能に配設され、前記設置部材(34)に載置した前記球払出装置(41a,41b)における前側に開放する第２の外壁面(43)を閉成して該球払出装置(41a,41b)の前側を位置規制する閉成位置まで傾動した状態で、前記設置部材(34)に形成された第２の係合部(34b)と係脱可能に係合して該設置部材(34)を前記第１状態に保持する第１の係合部(54)を備え、該第１の係合部(54)と第２の係合部(34b)との係合を解除して前記第２の外壁面(43)を開放する開放位置に傾動することで設置部材(34)の前記第２状態への回動が許容されるカバー部材(51)と、
前記カバー部材(51)における閉成位置で前記第２の外壁面(43)と対向する対向面に突設され、該第２の外壁面(43)に凹設された第２の位置決め部(43a,43b)に挿脱可能に挿入されることで前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の上下・左右の位置規制を行なう突部(52b)とから構成したことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項２に係る発明は、前記設置部材(34)の本体部(35)における前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の載置面(35a)に突設され、該球払出装置(41a,41b)の被載置面に形成した係止部(45)を後側から当接させることで、当該球払出装置(41a,41b)の前側への移動を規制する第１規制部(38)を備えることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項３に係る発明は、前記第１規制部は、前記後壁部(36)から離間する前側から近接する後側に向かうにつれて上方に傾斜し、弾性部材により上下に変位する爪部(61)からなり、該爪部(61)に前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の係止部(45)が後側から当接することで位置規制するよう構成されることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
請求項４に係る発明は、前記設置部材(34)の本体部(35)における前記球払出装置(41a,41b)の載置面(35a)に第１規制部(38,61)が突設され、前記第１状態の設置部材(34)に載置されて球通路(46,47)が球送出路部(24)の球送出口(28a,29a)および球通出経路部(25)に連通している球払出装置(41a,41b)の被載置面に形成した係止部(45)に対し、前記第１規制部(38,61)は前側に離間して位置するよう設定され、前記設置部材(34)を第２状態に回動した際に前記球払出装置(41a,41b)が、前記係止部(45)が第１規制部(38,61)に当接する位置まで前側に移動するよう構成されることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
請求項５に係る発明は、前記設置部材(34)の本体部(35)の下面に案内部(34a)が形成され、該設置部材(34)を前記第２状態に回動した際に、該案内部(34a)が前記球通出経路部(25)の上端部に当接して、該設置部材(34)が第２状態で回動規制されることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項６に係る発明は、前記カバー部材(51)における球払出装置(41a,41b)の第２の外壁面(43)を被覆し得る平面部(52)に窓部(52a)が開設され、該カバー部材(51)を前記開放位置に傾動させた際に、該窓部(52a)を画成する縁部が前記球送出路部(24)に配設された通出規制部材(31)の把持部(31a)に嵌合してカバー部材(51)が開放位置に保持されることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項７に係る発明は、前記第１の係合部(54)と第２の係合部(34b)との係合を解除して前記カバー部材(51)を閉成位置から開放位置に傾動した際に、前記設置部材(34)は自重により前記第２状態まで回動するよう構成されることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
【作用】
本発明に係る遊技機によれば、第１状態に保持した設置部材を第２状態に回動させることで、該球貯留排出経路部と設置部材との間が離間し、球払出装置の着脱作業が容易になる。また、設置部材に載置した球払出装置の移動を規制することで、確実に遊技球を払い出すことが可能である。更にまた、球払出装置に突設した位置決め部を、設置部材の開口部に挿通することで、前後方向の寸法を小さくして小型化することができる。そして、保持手段としてのカバー部材は傾動させるだけで、設置部材を解除可能に第１状態に保持でき、解除操作が容易となる。また、保持手段の第１の係合部と設置部材の第２の係合部とを係脱可能としたので、該設置部材を煩雑な作業を要することなく第１状態に保持できる。更に、設置部材を第１状態に保持した際に、カバー部材の突部が球払出装置の位置決め部に挿通するよう構成することで、当該球払出装置をより確実に所定位置に保持させ得る。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明に係る遊技機につき、好適な実施例を挙げて、添付図面を参照しながら、以下詳細に説明する。なお、本実施例では、遊技機としてパチンコ機を例に挙げて説明するが、遊技機としてはアレンジボール機やパチンコ式スロットマシン機等であってもよい。
【００２０】
(パチンコ機について)
そこで、先ず本実施例に係るパチンコ機について、図２を参照して要約説明する。本実施例のパチンコ機Ｐは、その基本的な概略構成として、外枠Ａの開口前面側に対して中枠Ｂが、連結支持手段Ｅおよび施錠手段(図示せず)を利用して着脱および開放可能に組付けられている。そして中枠Ｂの内外部分には、横開き式のガラス扉を組付けた前枠と、ガラス扉の下部において中枠Ｂに対して着脱および開放可能に組付けられる開閉セット板の前側に上球皿が組付けられると共に、該開閉セット板の後側に電動式の球送り装置(何れも図示せず)等がセットされている。また、前記中枠Ｂの下部に下球皿および打球発射装置Ｈ等が設置されると共に、裏側にパチンコ機Ｐの各種構成部品を取り付ける機構セット盤Ｇ等が装備され、更に該中枠Ｂの後側に設けた保持枠１０の正面内部に、所要の遊技領域を構成した遊技盤が着脱交換可能にセットされる。一方、貸球の払出し制御に必要とされる球貸ユニットＫが、パチンコ機Ｐの側方(外枠Ａの隣接部位)に設置されて各電子制御部と接続されている。
【００２１】
(機構セット盤について)
前記機構セット盤Ｇは、中枠Ｂ裏側に位置する前記遊技盤セット用の保持枠１０の裏側に着脱可能に装備され、該保持枠１０に対応し得る方形サイズに樹脂成形された本体の中央部に遊技盤裏面の点検用の窓口１２が開口され、この窓口１２の上部から右側部に亘る外周囲部に球貯留排出経路部１４等が配設されている。そして、この球貯留排出経路部１４の下側に、カセット形態とされる電動制御式の第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂが設置部材３４を介して配設される。また、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの下方に、前記上球皿または下球皿へ連通する球通出経路部２５(図６または図７参照)が形成されており、前記球貯留排出経路部１４に貯留された所定数のパチンコ球(遊技球)が、これら球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの作動により貸球または賞球として球通出経路部２５に給出されるようになっている。
【００２２】
なお、機構セット盤Ｇのその他の構成として、前記窓口１２の下方に、球抜き装置,賞球満杯検出装置および貸球用の検出スイッチ(何れも図示せず)等が夫々設置され、そして本体の上方隅端部にターミナル基板１５(集中基盤ともいう)が設置されている。また前記窓口１２の下方背面には、パチンコ機Ｐを全体的に制御するメイン基板を収容した主制御装置１６や、前記打球発射装置Ｈを制御する発射制御装置１７、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを制御する払出制御装置１８等の各種部品が設置固定される。なお、以下の説明において、前・後および左・右とは、図２に示すようにパチンコ機Ｐを裏面側から見た状態で指称するものとする。
【００２３】
(球貯留排出経路部について)
前記球貯留排出経路部１４は、機構セット盤Ｇの上部に上方開口状態で設置される球容器２２(「球タンク」とも云う)と、この球容器２２底面の下流端に開口された球出口(図示せず)に合わせた下部に取着される斜状レール形の整流路部２３と、左右蛇行状に形成されて前記整流路部２３の下流端に連絡するように取着される球送出路部２４とから構成され、相当量(例えば５００個程度)のパチンコ球を貯留球として一時的に貯留し得るようになっている。更に、実施例のパチンコ機Ｐでは、前記球送出路部２４は、図２または図３に示す如く、上側の球案内部材２６と下側の球通出ユニット２７とに分割され、夫々が機構セット盤Ｇに独立して着脱可能に装着される。
【００２４】
なお、前記整流路部２３は、図３に示すように、幅方向中央部で上方へ突出しかつ長手方向へ延在する仕切板２１により、パチンコ球を２列の整列状態で球送出路部２４へ送出案内する第１整流路２３ａおよび第２整流路２３ｂを前後に並設した「２条タイプ」に構成されている。また、前記球送出路部２４には、前記球案内部材２６内から球通出ユニット２７内に亘り、前記第１整流路２３ａに連通する第１球送出路２８および前記第２整流路２３ｂに連通する第２球送出路２９が前後に並列的に画成してある。すなわち、第１整流路２３ａおよび第２整流路２３ｂを夫々流下したパチンコ球は、整列されながら対応の第１球送出路２８および第２球送出路２９に流入し、球通出ユニット２７の下部に開口する第１球送出口２８ａおよび第２球送出口２９ａ(図６または図７参照)から通出するようになっている。なお、前記第１球送出路２８および第２球送出路２９は左右蛇行状に形成されると共に、前記球通出ユニット２７において両球送出路２８,２９の経路途中から球抜き路３０が形成されて、図示しない球抜き孔を介して外部に連通している。
【００２５】
また、前記第１球送出路２８の底面に開口する第１球送出口２８ａおよび第２球送出路２９の底面に開口する第２球送出口２９ａの夫々に臨む位置に、パチンコ球の通出を規制し得る通出規制部材３１が配設され、両球送出路２８,２９と前記球抜き路３０との分岐点に、パチンコ球の流下する通路を切り換える通出切換部材３２が設置され、各部材３１,３２の把持部３１ａ,３２ａにより前側から切り換え操作し得るよう構成されている。このうち、前記通出規制部材３１は、常には前記第１および第２球送出口２８ａ,２９ａを開放してパチンコ球の通出を許容すると共に、該通出規制部材３１の切り換え操作により、第１球送出路２８および第２球送出路２９の一部を閉塞してパチンコ球の通出を同時に規制するものである。また、前記通出切換部材３２は、常には前記球通出ユニット２７を流下するパチンコ球の前記球抜き路３０への通出を規制して各球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂ側に向けて通出案内すると共に、該通出切換部材３２の切り換え操作により、該球抜き路３０を開放すると共に各球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂ側への通出を規制して、前記球抜き孔を介してパチンコ球を機外へ排出するよう構成される。なお、図１または図３に示すように、前記球通出ユニット２７の手前側下方位置に、左右方向に離間して支持部２７ａ,２７ａが形成され、後述するカバー部材(保持手段)５１が傾動可能に枢支されている。
【００２６】
(設置部材について)
前記設置部材３４は、図４に示すように、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを載置する平板状の本体部３５と、該本体部３５に載置した該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの前後および左右方向への移動を規制する移動規制手段３６,３７,３８とから基本的に構成され、回動支持手段４０(図６または図７参照)を介して前記機構セット盤Ｇに回動可能に支持される(図６または図７参照)。前記回動支持手段４０としては、前記本体部３５の後端部近傍において左右両側方に向かって突設される軸部４０ａ(図４において右側に位置するもののみ図示)と、前記機構セット盤Ｇに形成されて該軸部４０ａを枢支する軸孔(図示せず)とから構成されており、当該軸部４０ａ,４０ａを中心として、前記設置部材３４が水平に位置する第１状態と、斜め下方に傾斜する第２状態との間を回動し得るようになっている(図６および図７参照)。なお、前記設置部材３４の前部は、後述するカバー部材５１の係止フック(第１の係合部)５４と係脱可能に係合し得る係合部(第２の係合部)３４ｂが形成されており、該係止フック５４と係合部３４ｂとを係合することで、該設置部材３４が前記第１状態に保持される。また、前記設置部材３４を第１状態に保持した際に、該設置部材３４における前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを載置する載置面３５ａと、前記球通出ユニット２７の下面との離間寸法は、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの上下方向の長さ寸法より僅かに大きく設定されている。すなわち、設置部材３４を前記第２状態に回動するに際し、払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの後端部側が球通出ユニット２７の底面に接触しないよう構成される。
【００２７】
前記本体部３５は、略矩形状に形成されて、前記設置部材３４を第１状態に保持した際に、前記球通出ユニット２７の第１球送出口２８ａおよび第２球送出口２９ａの夫々と上下に整列する位置に、第１球通孔３５ｂおよび第２球通孔３５ｃが形成されており、該第１球通孔３５ｂおよび第２球通孔３５ｃの下方に前記球通出経路部２５が臨んでいる。また、前記本体部３５の下面において前記第２球通孔３５ｃと対応する部位には、該第２球通孔３５ｃを通出したパチンコ球を前記球通出経路部２５に向けて案内する案内部３４ａが形成され、前記設置部材３４を前記第２状態に回動した際に、該案内部３４ａが球通出経路部２５の上端部に当接して、該設置部材３４が前記第２状態で回動規制されるようになっている(図７参照)。なお、前記係合部３４ｂは、前記案内部３４ａの前側に形成されている。
【００２８】
図４に示すように、前記本体部３５の左右両側縁部には、上方に延出する側壁部(第３規制部)３７,３７が形成されると共に、両側壁部３７,３７の後端部側(本体部３５における機構セット盤Ｇに近接する背面側)には、その上部位置に後壁部(第２規制部)３６が架設されて、前記載置面３５ａに載置した球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの背面側および左右両側を抱持するよう構成される。なお、前記後壁部３６と前記本体部３５との間には隙間(開口部)３９が形成されて、該本体部３５に載置した前記第１球払出装置４１ａの後述する円形突部(第１の位置決め部)４２ａを挿通可能に構成されている。また、前記両側壁部３７,３７の前端縁には、その上部位置に前方に向かって延出した第１係止片３７ａ,３７ａが、前記カバー部材５１により設置部材３４を第１状態に保持した際に、該カバー部材５１の第２係止片５５,５５(後述)と係合して支持されるようになっている。更に、前記本体部３５の載置面３５ａには、前記各側壁部３７に近接する位置に、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂの後述する延出部(係止部)４５が後側から当接する突起部(第１規制部)３８,３８を突設してある。
【００２９】
(球払出装置)
前記第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂは、前後に重ね合わせ得る同一構造に形成されたものであって、図５に示す如く、略矩形箱体状に形成された合成樹脂製のケース内に、図示しない電動式の球払出し機構部等が収容されて、夫々の球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを単一のユニットとして取扱い得るようになっている。ここで、前記第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂは、第２球払出装置４１ｂにおける後面部(第１の外壁面)４２を第１球払出装置４１ａにおける前面部(第２の外壁面)４３に重ね合わせた姿勢で、第１球払出装置４１ａの後面部(第１の外壁面)４２が前記機構セット盤Ｇに近接(設置部材３４の後壁部３６に対向)するよう前記設置部材３４の載置面３５ａに載置される。
【００３０】
また、図５に示す如く、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの４つの角部における下方に位置する２つの角部と上方に位置する一つの角部には、各球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの前端部から後端部近傍まで延在する第１凹部(第２の位置決め部)４３ａが凹設されると共に、上方に位置する残りの角部には、所要長さだけ前方から後方に延在する第２凹部(第２の位置決め部)４３ｂが凹設されている。すなわち、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂにおける前記各第１凹部４３ａにおける後方位置には、該第１凹部４３ａ側に延出する延出部４５が形成される。また、前記第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂにおける後面部４２における４つの隅角部近傍には、前記第１凹部４３ａおよび第２凹部４３ｂの夫々と整合する位置に、各凹部４３ａ,４３ｂに挿入可能な円形突部４２ａが夫々突設されている。
【００３１】
すなわち、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂは、後面部４２側の所要位置に第１の位置決め部としての円形突部４２ａが突設され、他方の前面部４３側に該円形突部４２ａが整合可能な第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂが凹設され、両球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを前後方向の縦列状態で同一向きに相互に密着した際に、各第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂと、各円形突部４２ａとが係合して上下、左右方向の位置決めがなされる。なお、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを設置部材３４に載置した際に、該設置部材３４に形成した前記突起部３８,３８に、第２球払出装置４１ｂに形成した延出部４５が後方から当接して前側への位置規制がなされ、当該設置部材３４を第２状態に回動した際には、球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの脱落を防止している。
【００３２】
また、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを載置した前記設置部材３４を第１状態に保持した際に、該第１球払出装置４１ａに形成された第１球通路４６が、前記球通出ユニット２７の第１球送出口２８ａおよび設置部材３４の第１球通孔３５ｂに夫々連通し、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂに形成された第２球通路４７が、該球通出ユニット２７の第２球送出口２９ａおよび設置部材３４の第２球通孔３５ｃに夫々連通する。すなわち、前記払出制御装置１８からの賞球払出制御信号に応じて前記第１球払出装置４１ａが駆動されたときには、前記第１球送出路２８を通出するパチンコ球を賞球として払い出すと共に、貸球払出制御信号に応じて前記第２球払出装置４１ｂが駆動されたときには、前記第２球送出路２９を通出するパチンコ球を貸球として払い出すよう構成されている。
【００３３】
(カバー部材)
前記カバー部材５１は、前記第１状態に前記設置部材３４を解除可能に保持するものであって、図１または図３に示すように、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂの前面部４３を被覆し得る略矩形板状の平面部５２に、その平行な左右両側縁部から該側縁部に直交する側面部５３,５３が延出して、両側面部５３,５３の端部近傍に突設した軸部(図示せず)が前記球通出ユニット２７の支持部２７ａ,２７ａに枢着されている。すなわち、前記カバー部材５１は、下方に垂れ下がって前記第２球払出装置４１ｂの前面部４３を覆い、前記設置部材３４を前記第１状態に保持する閉成位置(図６参照)と、上方に持ち上げられて該前面部４３を開放する開放位置(図７参照)との間で傾動するようになっている。なお、前記カバー部材５１の平面部５２には、前記球通出ユニット２７における通出規制部材３１の把持部３１ａを挿通可能な窓部５２ａが開設されており、該カバー部材５１を前記開放位置に傾動させた際に、該窓部５２ａを画成する縁部が該把持部３１ａに嵌合して該開放位置に保持するよう構成されている(図示せず)。
【００３４】
前記カバー部材５１における前記軸部から離間する端縁部には、弾性変形可能な係止フック５４が形成される。そして、前記カバー部材５１を前記閉成位置に傾動した際に、前記設置部材３４の係合部３４ｂと係脱可能に係合するよう構成されており、該係止フック５４と係合部３４ｂとを係合することで、該設置部材３４は前記第１状態に保持される。また、前記両側面部５３,５３における前記カバー部材５１の軸部から離間する端部には、前記閉成位置に傾動した際に、前記設置部材３４の第１係止片３７ａ,３７ａの下側に係合可能な第２係止片５５,５５が、後方(機構セット盤Ｇ側)に向かって形成されて、該第１係止片３７ａ,３７ａと第２係止片５５,５５とを係合することで、前記設置部材３４を支持するよう構成される。なお、前記カバー部材５１における平面部５２の裏面(閉成位置に回動した際に第２球払出装置４１ｂと対向する対向面)には、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂの第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂと前後に整列する位置に後方に向かって突出する突部５２ｂが夫々形成されており(図６,図７参照)、閉成位置において各突部５２ｂが第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂの夫々に挿入されて該第２球払出装置４１ｂの上下、左右方向の位置規制を行なうようになっている。
【００３５】
【実施例の作用】
次に、本実施例に係る遊技機の作用につき説明する。前記設置部材３４に第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂを載置した状態で、該設置部材３４を第１状態に保持し、前記球通出ユニット２７の通出規制部材３１を操作して該ユニット２７の第１球送出路２８および第２球送出路２９の通出規制を解除する。この状態で、機外部から前記球容器２２に供給されたパチンコ球は、前記球整流路部２３の第１整流路２３ａおよび第２整流路２３ｂを通過して前記球案内部材２６や球通出ユニット２７に順次流入し、前記第１および第２球送出路２８,２９を介して前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂまでの経路に貯留される。そして、前記払出制御装置１８からの賞球払出制御信号に応じて前記第１球払出装置４１ａが駆動されたり、貸球払出制御信号に応じて前記第２球払出装置４１ｂが駆動されることで、上球皿や下球皿にパチンコ球が給出される。
【００３６】
ここで、前記設置部材３４は、前記閉成位置に傾動した前記カバー部材５１の係止フック５４と、該設置部材３４の係合部３４ｂとを係合するだけで前記第１状態に保持し得るから、簡単な操作で当該設置部材３４を第１状態に保持できると共に、該係合部位は作業者側に露出しているから、作業者は目視しながら容易に操作できる。また、前記設置部材３４とカバー部材５１とは、側部に設けた第１係止片３７ａ,３７ａと第２係止片５５,５５とが係合することでも、該設置部材３４の回動を規制しているから、より確実に設置部材３４を第１状態に保持することができる。更に、前記設置部材３４を第１状態に保持した際に、該設置部材３４と前記球通出ユニット２７との間の距離は、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの上下の長さ寸法と略同等に設定してあるから、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂをガタツクことなく安定して載置面３５ａに載置保持できる。また、球払出装置４１ａ,４２ａの球通出ユニット２７との間の隙間を小さくしてあるから、該隙間で球詰まり等することなく、第１および第２球送出路２８,２９から対応する第１および第２球通路４６,４７に、パチンコ球を良好に流通させ得る。
【００３７】
更にまた、前記設置部材３４に載置した前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの夫々は、前記側壁部３７,３７および後壁部３６により背面側および左右両側が抱持されているから、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの後および左右方向への移動が規制される。また、前記突起部３８に第２球払出装置４１ｂの延出部４５が後方から当接して両球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの前方への移動が規制され、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを前記設置部材３４から脱落させることなく、確実に所定位置に保持し得る(図６参照)。更に、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの移動を規制することで、前記球通出ユニット２７の第１および第２球送出路２８,２９の夫々に、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの球通路４６,４７を常に整列させ得るから、球詰まりや球の払い出し不良等の不具合を生ずることはなく、パチンコ球を安定して払い出すことができる。なお、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂの前面部４３は、前記カバー部材５１で被覆されているので、第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの前方移動をより確実に防止し得ると共に、カバー部材５１を閉成位置に傾動した際に、当該カバー部材５１に形成した突部５２ｂが該第２球払出装置４１ｂの前記第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂに挿通されるので、第２球払出装置４１ｂの左右方向の移動もより確実に防止できる。
【００３８】
次に、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを交換するに際して、前記カバー部材５１の係止フック５４と設置部材３４の係合部３４ｂとの係合を解除し、該カバー部材５１を閉成位置から前記開放位置に傾動すると、当該設置部材３４は自重により回動して、前記案内部３４ａが球通出経路部２５に当接して斜め下方に傾斜する第２状態に保持され、前記球通出ユニット２７と設置部材３４の前端部との間が大きく離間して開放される(図７参照)。このため、先ず前記第２球払出装置４１ｂを上方に持ち上げて、前記設置部材３４の突起部３８と該第２球払出装置４１ｂの延出部４５との係合を解除することで、該設置部材３４から容易に取り外すことができる。ここで、前述の如く前記カバー部材５１と設置部材３４との係合部位は作業者側に露出しているから、作業者は目視しながら容易に操作可能である。なお、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂを上方に持ち上げた際に、前記第１球払出装置４１ａの下方に位置する第１凹部４３ａに、該第２球払出装置４１ｂの円形突部４２ａが挿通されているから、該第１球払出装置４１ａの前側も上方に持ち上げられて傾斜することになるが、前記球通出ユニット２７との間が大きく開放しているので、取り外し作業が阻害されることはない。
【００３９】
また、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂを前記設置部材３４から取り外すと、図７に示す如く、前記第１球払出装置４１ａが該設置部材３４の傾斜に沿って前方に移動するが、前記突起部３８に延出部４５が当接することで脱落は防止される。また、前記第２球払出装置４１ｂを取り外せば、後側(奥側)に位置する前記第１球払出装置４１ａが作業者側に近接移動し、効率的に作業を行なうことが可能となる。
【００４０】
なお、前記第１および第２球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを取付けるに際しては、両球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを前後に重ね合わせた状態で、第１球払出装置４１ａの円形突部４２ａを前記設置部材３４の隙間３９に挿通すると共に、第２球払出装置４１ｂの延出部４５を設置部材３４の突起部３８の後方に位置させて載置面３５ａに載置する。このとき、前記球通出ユニット２７と設置部材３４の前端部との間が大きく離間して開放しているから、該開放部位の前側から前記球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを挿入して前記載置面３５ａに容易に載置することが可能である。そして、前記設置部材３４を持ち上げて回動すると共に、前記カバー部材５１を傾動させて、前記係止フック５４を係合部３４ｂに係合させることで、当該設置部材３４を第１状態に保持することができる。
【００４１】
このように、ネジ等を使用することなく、前記カバー部材５１の係止フック５４と設置部材３４の係合部３４ｂとを係合または係合解除することで、該設置部材３４を第１状態と第２状態との間で回動し、前記第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂの夫々を着脱することができるから、部品点数を減少させて作業性の向上を図り得る。また、前記係止フック５４と係合部３４ｂとの係合部位を作業者側に設けてあるので、両部材５４,３４ｂの係合・解除操作を容易になし得る。
【００４２】
また実施例では、前後方向の縦列状態で相互に密着して組付けた第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂの何れか一方が故障した場合、故障した球払出装置４１ａ(４１ｂ)のみを新品に交換し、故障していない他方の球払出装置４１ｂ(４１ａ)はそのまま継続使用することができるので、保守・管理費用を低減し得る。第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂは、前記各円形突部４２ａと第１および第２凹部４３ａ,４３ｂとを正しく整合させるだけで、夫々の球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを同一向きで正確に組付けることができ、位置決めの容易化および正確化を図り得る。また、第１球払出装置４１ａおよび第２球払出装置４１ｂを前後方向の縦列状態に相互に密着させて重ねて組付けるようにすることにより、一方の球払出装置４１ａ(４１ｂ)に球詰まりが発生した場合は、他方の球払出装置４１ｂ(４１ａ)の作動時の振動が伝わって、球詰まりを好適に解消し得る。そして、第１球払出装置４１ａと第２球払出装置４１ｂとは同一の構成とすることで、部品を共通化して製造コストを低廉に抑えることができる。
【００４３】
なお、前記設置部材３４の本体部３５と後壁部３６との間に形成した隙間２９に、該設置部材３４の載置面３５ａに載置した前記第１球払出装置４１ａの円形突部４２ａを挿入するよう構成したから、当該設置部材３４の前後方向の寸法を小さくすることができる。また、前記隙間２９に前記円形突部４２ａを挿通することで、該第１球払出装置４１ａの上方移動を規制して安定した球の払い出しが可能である。
【００４４】
【変更例】
なお、球払出装置を載置する設置部材の構成としては、実施例のものに限らず、種々の変更が可能である。例えば、実施例では、前記設置部材の載置面に、第１規制部を突設して球払出装置の手前側への移動を規制するようにしたが、その他構成を採用することもできる。例えば、図８(a)に示すように、設置部材３４の本体部３５に、前方から後方に向かうにつれて上方に傾斜する爪部６１を備えて上下方向に弾性変形可能なフック部６０を形成するよう構成しても、該爪部６１に第２球払出装置４１ｂの延出部４５が当接することで所定位置に位置規制し得る。また、図８(b)に示すように、球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを前方から移動すると、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂの円形突部４２ａが前記爪部６１に当接した際に該爪部６１が下方に押圧されて、前記フック部６０が下方に弾性変形するため、該球払出装置４１ａ,４１ｂを載置面３５ａに容易に載置させることができる。なお、図８において、実施例と同一の部材には、同一の符号を付してある。また、弾性変形するフック部６０に換えて、前記爪部６１をバネ等の弾性部材で上下に変位するよう構成してもよい。
【００４５】
また、前記球払出装置を前記設置部材に載置した際に、前記第１規制部の背面側に第２球払出装置の係止部が離間して位置するよう構成し、設置部材を第２状態に回動した際に、両球払出装置が作業者側に移動するよう構成すれば、手前側に位置する第２球払出装置の取り外し作業をよりスムーズに行な得るようになる。更に、実施例のように、球払出装置の手前側への移動を規制する他部材(実施例ではカバー部材)を備える場合には、前記第１規制部を省略することも可能である。なお、前記設置部材に載置する球払出装置の個数は、２つに限られるものではなく、１つあるいは３つ以上であってもよい。
【００４６】
そして、前記設置部材に載置した球払出装置を、第２規制部および第３規制部で抱持して、該球払出装置の背面側および左右両側への移動を規制するよう構成したが、位置規制可能な構成であれば、従来公知の各種手段を採用することができる。なお、前記設置部材の第２規制部に形成する開口部の形状としては、前記球払出装置に形成した第１の位置決め部が挿通可能な形状であれば、各第１の位置決め部と前後に整列する部位を凹設させることでもよい。また、前記設置部材を回動可能に支持する回動支持手段として、該設置部材に形成される軸部と、機構セット盤に形成した軸孔とから構成するようにしたが、設置部材に軸孔を形成し、機構セット盤に軸部を形成して枢支してもよく、当該設置部材を第１状態と第２状態との間で回動し得るよう構成すればよい。
【００４７】
なお、前記設置部材を第１状態に保持する保持手段としては、実施例の如くカバー部材に限られるものでなく、該設置部材を第１状態に解除自在に保持し得る構成であれば何れの手段であっても採用できる。このときに、球払出装置の移動を規制する移動規制手段は、前記設置部材または保持手段の何れに形成してもよい。そして、前記保持手段を配設する部位としては、前記球貯留排出経路部に限られず、該設置部材に配設して球貯留排出経路部と接続可能にしてもよく、更には球通出経路部に配設して、当該設置部材を下側から支持して第１状態に保持するようにしてもよい。また、前記球通出経路部に前記設置部材が当接して第２状態に保持されるよう構成したが、該第２状態に設置部材を解除自在に保持し得る第２の保持手段を備えるよう構成することもできる。
【００４８】
【発明の効果】
以上に説明したように、本発明の請求項１に係る遊技機によれば、カバー部材により設置部材を第１状態に保持することで、良好に遊技球の払い出しを行ない得ると共に、該カバー部材を解除して設置部材を第２状態に回動させることで、球貯留排出経路部と設置部材との間が離間して、球払出装置を容易に着脱することができるから、作業効率の向上を図り得る。更に、球払出装置の移動を規制して確実な遊技球の払い出しを行ない得る。更にまた、球払出装置に突設した第１の位置決め部を、設置部材の開口部に挿通することで、前後方向の寸法を小さくして小型化することができる。そして、カバー部材を傾動させることで、設置部材を解除可能に第１状態に保持でき、解除操作が容易となる。また、カバー部材の第１の係合部と設置部材の第２の係合部とを係脱可能としたので、煩雑な作業を要することなく該設置部材を第１状態に解除可能に保持できる。更に、設置部材を第１状態に保持した際に、該球払出装置の第２の位置決め部にカバー部材の突部が挿通されて、当該球払出装置をより確実に所定位置に保持させ得るようになる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例に係る設置部材を第１状態に保持した状態で示す斜視図である。
【図２】実施例に係る遊技機を示す背面図である。
【図３】実施例に係る機構セット盤に設置部材を取り付け、該機構セット盤から球通出ユニットを取り外すと共に、２基の球払出装置を前後方向の縦列状態に組付けた状態を示す斜視図である。
【図４】実施例に係る設置部材を示す斜視図である。
【図５】実施例に係る第１および第２球払出装置を示す斜視図である。
【図６】実施例に係るカバー部材を閉成位置に傾動して設置部材を第１状態に保持した状態を示す縦断側面図である。
【図７】実施例に係るカバー部材を開放位置に傾動して設置部材を第２状態に保持した状態を示す縦断側面図である。
【図８】変更例に係る設置部材を示す縦断側面図であり、(a)は載置面に第１および第２球払出装置を載置した状態を示し、(b)は設置部材のフック部が、第１球払出装置の円形突部により押圧されて下方に弾性変形した状態を示す。
【符号の説明】
１４球貯留排出経路部
２４球送出路部
２５球通出経路部
２８ａ第１球送出口(球送出口)
２９ａ第２球送出口(球送出口)
３１通出規制部材
３１ａ把持部
３４設置部材
３４ａ案内部
３４ｂ係合部(第２の係合部)
３５本体部
３６後壁部
３７側壁部
３８突起部(第１規制部)
３９隙間(開口部)
４０回動支持手段
４１ａ第１球払出装置
４１ｂ第２球払出装置
４２後面部(第１の外壁面)
４２ａ円形突部(第１の位置決め部)
４３前面部(第２の外壁面)
４３ａ第１凹部(第２の位置決め部)
４３ｂ第２凹部(第２の位置決め部)
４５延出部(係止部)
４６第１球通路(球通路)
４７第２球通路(球通路)
５１カバー部材
５２平面部
５２ａ窓部
５２ｂ突部
６１爪部(第１規制部)
Ｇ機構セット盤[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more specifically, a ball payout device is provided downstream of a ball storage / discharge path portion provided in a mechanism set panel on the back side of the machine, and a game from the ball storage / discharge path portion is provided. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a ball is allowed to pass through a ball exit path.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A pachinko machine, which is an example of a typical game machine, is configured to launch a pachinko ball as a game medium in a game area provided on the front side of the machine to perform a required pachinko game. A mechanism set board is disposed on the back side of this type of pachinko machine, and various control devices such as a main controller for controlling the entire pachinko machine on the mechanism set board, and pachinko machines used for pachinko games. A sphere storage / discharge path portion or the like that functions as a circulation path of the sphere is attached. In addition, a ball payout device is disposed below the ball storage / discharge path portion of the mechanism set board so that a ball inlet communicates with the ball passage of the ball storage / discharge path portion. Is established (a safe ball is generated), the ball dispensing device is driven, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls (game balls) stored in the ball storage / discharge path portion are moved to the upper ball tray or the lower ball plate provided on the front side. It is configured to dispense. In pachinko machines of the type that can lend pachinko balls in the ball storage and discharge path using a card for lending and card units (generally also called “card-type pachinko machines”), Separately, the ball payout device is driven in response to a ball lending operation by a player, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls (game balls) are dispensed from the ball storage / discharge route portion to the upper ball tray as a lending ball.
[0003]
By the way, as a mounting means for attaching the ball dispensing device to the mechanism set panel, a plurality of through holes are formed so as to penetrate the respective corners of the ball dispensing device in the front-rear direction, and screws are inserted into the respective through holes from the rear side. There is known a means for inserting and screwing the screw into a screw hole formed in the mechanism set board (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, as another mounting means for assembling the ball payout device to the mechanism set board, a plurality of engagement protrusions are provided on the rear side of the installation portion of the ball payout device in the mechanism set board, and the ball payout apparatus On the surface facing the mechanism set board, the engagement pieces that are detachably engaged with the engagement protrusions are formed at the corresponding locations, and the engagement protrusions and the engagement pieces are engaged with each other. A means for attaching the ball dispensing device to the mechanism set board has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-340581 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-17701 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the ball dispensing device is fixed to the mechanism set board with screws, both members can be securely fixed, and the ball inlet of the ball dispensing device can be well aligned with the ball passage of the ball storage / discharge path portion. There are advantages. However, when the ball dispensing device is attached to and detached from the mechanism set board, it is necessary to use a tool such as a screwdriver to tighten and loosen the screws separately, and the replacement operation of the ball dispensing device is very complicated. There is a drawback. Here, as described above, such a disadvantage arises when the configuration in which the ball paying device is attached by engaging / disengaging the engaging protrusion of the mechanism setting board and the locking piece of the ball paying device is employed. Absent. However, since each of the engaging protrusion and the locking piece is formed on the opposing surface side of the mechanism set board and the ball dispensing device, the operator can work while confirming the engagement state of both members. It is difficult to do and has the disadvantage of poor working efficiency. For this reason, problems are pointed out that it takes a long time to attach and detach the ball dispensing device, and the engaging protrusions and locking pieces are excessively damaged and damaged.
[0006]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in the prior art described above, the present invention has been proposed to suitably solve this problem, and provides a gaming machine in which a ball payout device can be easily attached and detached. Objective.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose suitably,Claim 1The gaming machine according to the invention is
  On the downstream side of the ball storage and discharge path section (14) that is arranged on the mechanism set board (G) on the back side of the machine and guides the game balls throughBetween the ball delivery path part (24) provided and the ball delivery path part (25) provided separately on the lower side of the ball delivery path part (24), the ball delivery path part (24) A ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) in which a ball passage (46, 47) communicating with a ball outlet (28a, 29a) and a ball outlet path portion (25) opened at the lower part is detachably disposed, It circulates from the ball delivery outlet (28a, 29a) of the ball delivery path (24) to the ball passage (46, 47).Game ballsThe ball dispensing device (41a, 41b)The ball is routed through the ball path (25) in a predetermined number of units.I didIn gaming machines,
  Between the ball delivery path (24) and the ball delivery path (25)On the mechanism set board (G)The main body (35) on which the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) is placed is provided via the rotation support means (40).Pivotally supported,The ball passage (46, 47) of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) placed on the main body portion (35) with the main body portion (35) positioned horizontally passes through the ball of the ball delivery path portion (24). A first state communicating with the delivery port (28a, 29a), and a front end portion of the main body portion (46, 47) that is separated from the pivotal support portion by the rotation support means (40) is inclined obliquely downward and the main body portion; The ball path (46, 47) of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) placed on (35) is rotatable between a second state in which the ball outlet (28a, 29a) is not in communication with the ball delivery port (28a, 29a).An installation member (34);
  A rear wall portion (36) that is formed on the back surface side of the main body portion (35) of the installation member (34) close to the mechanism set board (G) and restricts the position of the back surface side of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b). )When,
  Side wall portions (37, 37) that are formed on the left and right sides of the main body portion (35) of the installation member (34) and hold the left and right sides of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) to restrict the position;
  The mechanism set board (G) of the ball paying device (41a, 41b) is opened on the rear wall portion (36) and the ball paying device (41a, 41b) is placed on the main body portion (35). An opening (39) for restricting the upward movement of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) through which the first positioning portion (42a) protruding from the first outer wall surface (42) opposite to the first outer wall surface (42) is inserted;
  In the ball delivery path (24), it is tiltably disposed on the front side away from the mechanism set board (G), and on the front side in the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) placed on the installation member (34). The second outer wall surface (43) to be opened is closed and tilted to a closed position for regulating the position of the front side of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b). A first engagement portion (54) that removably engages with the two engagement portions (34b) to hold the installation member (34) in the first state, the first engagement portion The second state of the installation member (34) is released by releasing the engagement between (54) and the second engagement portion (34b) and tilting to the open position where the second outer wall surface (43) is opened. A cover member (51) that is allowed to rotate to,
  A second positioning portion (projecting from a facing surface facing the second outer wall surface (43) in the closed position of the cover member (51) and recessed in the second outer wall surface (43) ( 43a, 43b) and a protrusion (52b) that regulates the vertical and horizontal positions of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) by being removably inserted.It is characterized by that.
[0008]
  The invention according to claim 2 is provided so as to protrude from the mounting surface (35a) of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) in the main body (35) of the installation member (34), and the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b). ), The first restricting portion (38) for restricting the movement of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) to the front side is brought into contact with the engaging portion (45) formed on the mounting surface. It is characterized by providing.
[0009]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first restricting portion is inclined upward as it goes from the front side separated from the rear wall portion (36) toward the rear side close thereto, and is moved upward and downward by the elastic member (61 ), And the latching portion (45) of the ball paying device (41a, 41b) is in contact with the claw portion (61) from the rear side so that the position is regulated.
[0010]
  In the invention according to claim 4, the first restricting portion (38, 61) protrudes from the mounting surface (35a) of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) in the main body portion (35) of the installation member (34). The ball passageway (46, 47) is placed on the installation member (34) in the first state, and the ball outlet (28a, 29a) and the ball outlet passage portion (25) of the ball delivery passage portion (24). The first restricting portion (38, 61) is set to be separated from the front side with respect to the engaging portion (45) formed on the mounting surface of the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) communicating with the When the installation member (34) is rotated to the second state, the ball dispensing device (41a, 41b) is positioned so that the locking portion (45) contacts the first restricting portion (38, 61). It is comprised so that it may move to the front side.
[0011]
  In the invention according to claim 5, when a guide portion (34a) is formed on the lower surface of the main body portion (35) of the installation member (34), and the installation member (34) is rotated to the second state, The guide portion (34a) abuts on the upper end portion of the ball passage path portion (25), and the installation member (34) is restricted in rotation in the second state.
[0012]
  In the invention according to claim 6, a window portion (52 a) is established in the flat surface portion (52) capable of covering the second outer wall surface (43) of the ball dispensing device (41 a, 41 b) in the cover member (51). When the cover member (51) is tilted to the open position, an edge portion that defines the window portion (52a) is an outflow restricting member (31) disposed in the ball delivery path portion (24). ) And the cover member (51) is held in the open position.
[0013]
  The invention according to claim 7 is to release the engagement between the first engagement portion (54) and the second engagement portion (34b) and to move the cover member (51) from the closed position to the open position. The installation member (34) is configured to rotate to the second state by its own weight when tilted.
[0017]
[Action]
According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the installation member held in the first state is rotated to the second state, whereby the ball storage / discharge path portion and the installation member are separated from each other, and the ball dispensing device is attached / detached. Work becomes easy. Further, by restricting the movement of the ball payout device placed on the installation member, it is possible to pay out the game ball reliably. Furthermore, by inserting the positioning portion projecting from the ball dispensing device into the opening of the installation member, the size in the front-rear direction can be reduced and the size can be reduced. Then, by simply tilting the cover member as the holding means, the installation member can be held in the first state so as to be released, and the release operation is facilitated. Further, since the first engagement portion of the holding means and the second engagement portion of the installation member can be engaged and disengaged, the installation member can be held in the first state without requiring a complicated operation. Furthermore, when the installation member is held in the first state, the projection of the cover member is inserted into the positioning portion of the ball dispensing device, so that the ball dispensing device can be held more securely at a predetermined position.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of preferred embodiments. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine will be described as an example of the gaming machine, but the gaming machine may be an arrange ball machine, a pachinko slot machine, or the like.
[0020]
(About pachinko machines)
First, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment has a basic schematic configuration in which the middle frame B is attached to and detached from the front side of the opening of the outer frame A using connection support means E and locking means (not shown). It is assembled so that it can be opened. And on the inner and outer parts of the middle frame B, there is a front frame assembled with a side-opening glass door, and a front side of an opening / closing set plate that can be detachably attached to the middle frame B at the lower part of the glass door. A ball tray is assembled, and an electric ball feeder (not shown) or the like is set behind the opening / closing set plate. In addition, a lower ball tray and a hitting ball launching device H are installed at the lower part of the middle frame B, and a mechanism set board G for attaching various components of the pachinko machine P to the back side is equipped. A game board constituting a required game area is set inside the front of the holding frame 10 provided on the rear side in a detachable and replaceable manner. On the other hand, a ball lending unit K required for lending payout control is installed on the side of the pachinko machine P (adjacent part of the outer frame A) and connected to each electronic control unit.
[0021]
(About the mechanism set board)
The mechanism set board G is detachably mounted on the back side of the game board set holding frame 10 located on the back side of the middle frame B, and the center of the main body resin-molded into a square size that can correspond to the holding frame 10 A check window 12 on the back side of the game board is opened in the section, and a ball storage / discharge route section 14 and the like are arranged in an outer peripheral part extending from the upper part of the window 12 to the right side. An electrically controlled first and second ball paying device 41 a and 41 b in the form of a cassette are disposed below the ball storing and discharging path portion 14 via an installation member 34. Further, below the first and second ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b, a ball outlet path portion 25 (see FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) communicating with the upper ball tray or the lower ball tray is formed. A predetermined number of pachinko balls (game balls) stored in the ball storage / discharge path portion 14 are supplied to the ball outlet path portion 25 as rental balls or prize balls by the operation of the ball payout devices 41a and 41b. ing.
[0022]
As other components of the mechanism set board G, a ball removing device, a prize ball full detection device, a ball rental detection switch (none of which are not shown) and the like are installed below the window 12, respectively. A terminal board 15 (also referred to as a concentrated base) is installed at the upper corner end of the terminal. Further, on the lower back side of the window 12, a main control device 16 that houses a main board that controls the pachinko machine P as a whole, a firing control device 17 that controls the hitting ball launching device H, the first and second balls Various components such as the payout control device 18 for controlling the payout devices 41a and 41b are installed and fixed. In the following description, front / rear and left / right refer to the pachinko machine P as seen from the back side as shown in FIG.
[0023]
(About the ball storage and discharge route)
The ball storage and discharge path section 14 includes a ball container 22 (also referred to as a “ball tank”) installed in an upper opening state on the upper part of the mechanism set board G, and a ball outlet opened at the downstream end of the bottom surface of the ball container 22. An inclined rail-shaped rectifying path portion 23 attached to a lower portion (not shown) and a sphere formed in a meandering manner on the left and right sides and attached to communicate with the downstream end of the rectifying path portion 23. The delivery path section 24 is configured so that a considerable amount (for example, about 500) of pachinko balls can be temporarily stored as storage balls. Further, in the pachinko machine P according to the embodiment, the ball delivery path portion 24 is divided into an upper ball guide member 26 and a lower ball passing unit 27 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. It is detachably attached to the set board G independently.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the rectifying path portion 23 is configured such that the pachinko balls are aligned in two rows by the partition plate 21 projecting upward at the center in the width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. The first rectification path 23a and the second rectification path 23b that are fed and guided to the front and rear are configured in a “two-row type”. Further, the ball delivery path section 24 extends from the ball guide member 26 to the ball delivery unit 27 to the first ball delivery path 28 and the second rectification path 23b that communicate with the first rectification path 23a. A communicating second ball delivery path 29 is defined in parallel in the front and rear direction. That is, the pachinko balls that have flowed down the first rectification path 23 a and the second rectification path 23 b flow into the corresponding first sphere delivery path 28 and second sphere delivery path 29 while being aligned, The first ball delivery port 28a and the second ball delivery port 29a (see FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) that are open to the outside are passed through. The first sphere delivery path 28 and the second sphere delivery path 29 are formed in a meandering shape on the left and right sides, and a ball removal path 30 is formed in the middle of the path between the both sphere delivery paths 28 and 29 in the sphere delivery unit 27. Then, it communicates with the outside through a ball hole (not shown).
[0025]
Further, the pachinko balls are put out at positions facing the first ball delivery port 28a opened at the bottom surface of the first ball delivery channel 28 and the second ball delivery port 29a opened at the bottom surface of the second ball delivery channel 29, respectively. A flow regulating member 31 that can regulate the flow of pachinko balls is installed at a branch point between the ball delivery paths 28 and 29 and the ball removal path 30; It is comprised so that switching operation can be performed from the front side by the holding part 31a, 32a of each member 31,32. Among these, the passage restricting member 31 always opens the first and second ball delivery ports 28a, 29a to allow the pachinko ball to pass, and by switching the passage restricting member 31, Part of the first sphere delivery path 28 and the second sphere delivery path 29 is closed to simultaneously restrict pachinko balls from passing out. Further, the passage switching member 32 restricts the passage of the pachinko balls that flow down the ball passage unit 27 to the ball removal passage 30 and allows the pachinko balls to pass toward the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b. In addition to guiding, the ball switching path 32 is opened by the switching operation of the flow switching member 32, and the ball discharging device 41a, 41b is controlled to be discharged to the pachinko ball through the ball hole. Is configured to be discharged outside the aircraft. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, support portions 27a and 27a are formed in the front lower side position of the ball passing unit 27 so as to be separated in the left-right direction, and a cover member (holding means) 51 described later is provided. It is pivotably supported.
[0026]
(About installation members)
As shown in FIG. 4, the installation member 34 includes a flat plate-like main body portion 35 on which the first and second ball payout devices 41a and 41b are placed, and the ball payout device 41a placed on the main body portion 35. , 41b and movement restricting means 36, 37, 38 for restricting movement in the front-rear and left-right directions, and the mechanism set board G via the rotation support means 40 (see FIG. 6 or 7). (See FIG. 6 or FIG. 7). The rotation support means 40 includes a shaft portion 40a (shown only on the right side in FIG. 4) projecting toward the left and right sides in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the main body portion 35, and the mechanism setting panel. A shaft hole (not shown) that is formed in G and pivotally supports the shaft portion 40a, and the installation member 34 is positioned horizontally around the shaft portions 40a, 40a; Further, it can be rotated between a second state inclined obliquely downward (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The front portion of the installation member 34 is an engagement portion (second engagement portion) 34b that can be detachably engaged with a locking hook (first engagement portion) 54 of a cover member 51 described later. The installation member 34 is held in the first state by engaging the locking hook 54 and the engagement portion 34b. Further, when the installation member 34 is held in the first state, a placement surface 35 a for placing the first and second ball dispensing devices 41 a and 41 b on the installation member 34, and the ball delivery unit 27 The distance from the lower surface is set to be slightly larger than the length in the vertical direction of the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b. That is, when the installation member 34 is rotated to the second state, the rear end portions of the payout devices 41 a and 41 b are configured not to contact the bottom surface of the ball delivery unit 27.
[0027]
The main body 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and each of the first ball delivery port 28a and the second ball delivery port 29a of the ball delivery unit 27 when the installation member 34 is held in the first state. The first ball passage hole 35b and the second ball passage hole 35c are formed at positions vertically aligned with each other, and the ball passage path portion is provided below the first ball passage hole 35b and the second ball passage hole 35c. 25 is on the way. Further, a guide for guiding a pachinko ball that has passed through the second ball passage hole 35c toward the ball passage path portion 25 at a portion corresponding to the second ball passage hole 35c on the lower surface of the main body portion 35. When the portion 34a is formed and the installation member 34 is rotated to the second state, the guide portion 34a comes into contact with the upper end of the ball passage path portion 25, and the installation member 34 is in the second state. The rotation is restricted by (see FIG. 7). The engaging portion 34b is formed on the front side of the guide portion 34a.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4, side wall portions (third restriction portions) 37, 37 extending upward are formed at the left and right side edges of the main body portion 35, and the rear ends of the side wall portions 37, 37 are formed. On the part side (the back side close to the mechanism set board G in the main body part 35), a rear wall part (second restricting part) 36 is installed at the upper position thereof, and the ball payout placed on the mounting surface 35a is provided. It is comprised so that the back side and left-right both sides of apparatus 41a, 41b may be held. A gap (opening) 39 is formed between the rear wall 36 and the main body 35, and a circular protrusion (described later) of the first ball dispensing device 41a placed on the main body 35. The first positioning portion 42a can be inserted. Further, first locking pieces 37a and 37a extending forward at the upper positions of the front side edges of the side wall portions 37 and 37 hold the installation member 34 in the first state by the cover member 51. When this occurs, the cover member 51 is engaged with and supported by second locking pieces 55 and 55 (described later). Further, an extension portion (locking portion) 45 (to be described later) of the second ball dispensing device 41b comes into contact with the mounting surface 35a of the main body portion 35 from the rear side at a position close to the side wall portions 37. Protrusions (first restricting portions) 38, 38 are provided so as to project.
[0029]
(Ball dispenser)
The first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b are formed in the same structure that can be superposed on the front and back, and are made of a synthetic resin formed in a substantially rectangular box shape as shown in FIG. In this case, an unillustrated electric ball dispensing mechanism and the like are accommodated so that each of the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b can be handled as a single unit. Here, the first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b are configured such that the rear surface portion (first outer wall surface) 42 of the second ball paying device 41b is replaced with the front surface portion (second second face) of the first ball paying device 41a. The rear surface portion (first outer wall surface) 42 of the first ball dispensing device 41 a is close to the mechanism set panel G (opposite the rear wall portion 36 of the installation member 34) in a posture superimposed on the outer wall surface 43. It is mounted on the mounting surface 35 a of the installation member 34.
[0030]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, two lower corners and one upper corner of the four corners of the first and second ball payout devices 41a and 41b are provided at each ball payout device. A first concave portion (second positioning portion) 43a extending from the front end portion of 41a, 41b to the vicinity of the rear end portion is recessed, and the remaining corner portion positioned above has a required length from the front. A second concave portion (second positioning portion) 43b extending rearward is provided. That is, an extension portion 45 extending toward the first recess 43a is formed at a rear position of the first recess 43a in the first and second ball paying devices 41a and 41b. Further, in the vicinity of the four corners of the rear surface portion 42 of the first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b, each recess is located at a position aligned with each of the first recess 43a and the second recess 43b. Circular protrusions 42a that can be inserted into 43a and 43b are respectively provided.
[0031]
That is, the first and second ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b are provided with a circular protrusion 42a as a first positioning portion at a required position on the rear surface portion 42 side, and the circular protrusion 42a on the other front surface portion 43 side. When the first and second recesses 43a and 43b that can be aligned with the portion 42a are provided in a recessed manner, and the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b are brought into close contact with each other in the same direction in the longitudinal direction, the first and second The recesses 43a and 43b and the circular protrusions 42a are engaged to perform vertical and horizontal positioning. When the first and second ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b are placed on the installation member 34, the protrusions 38 and 38 formed on the installation member 34 are extended to the extension formed on the second ball dispensing device 41b. When the projecting portion 45 abuts from the rear to restrict the position to the front side, the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b are prevented from falling off when the installation member 34 is rotated to the second state.
[0032]
In addition, when the installation member 34 on which the first and second ball paying devices 41a and 41b are placed is held in the first state, the first ball passage 46 formed in the first ball paying device 41a includes: The second ball passage 47 formed in the second ball dispensing device 41b communicates with the first ball delivery port 28a of the ball delivery unit 27 and the first ball delivery hole 35b of the installation member 34, respectively. The second ball outlet port 29a of the outlet unit 27 and the second ball passage hole 35c of the installation member 34 communicate with each other. That is, when the first ball payout device 41a is driven in response to a prize ball payout control signal from the payout control device 18, the pachinko ball passing through the first ball delivery path 28 is paid out as a prize ball. When the second ball paying device 41b is driven in accordance with the ball lending payout control signal, the pachinko ball passing through the second ball delivery path 29 is paid out as a lending ball.
[0033]
(Cover material)
The cover member 51 releasably holds the installation member 34 in the first state, and covers the front surface portion 43 of the second ball dispensing device 41b as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. A shaft having a substantially rectangular plate-like flat portion 52 obtained by extending side surface portions 53, 53 orthogonal to the side edge portions from the parallel left and right side edge portions and projecting in the vicinity of the end portions of the both side surface portions 53, 53. A portion (not shown) is pivotally attached to the support portions 27 a and 27 a of the ball passing unit 27. That is, the cover member 51 hangs downward to cover the front surface portion 43 of the second ball dispensing device 41b, and closes to the closed position (see FIG. 6) for holding the installation member 34 in the first state. It is tilted between an open position (see FIG. 7) that is lifted to open the front surface portion 43. In addition, a window portion 52a through which the grip portion 31a of the passage restriction member 31 of the ball passage unit 27 can be inserted is formed in the flat portion 52 of the cover member 51, and the cover member 51 is opened to the open position. When tilted, the edge portion defining the window portion 52a is configured to fit into the grip portion 31a and hold in the open position (not shown).
[0034]
A locking hook 54 that can be elastically deformed is formed at an edge portion of the cover member 51 that is separated from the shaft portion. When the cover member 51 is tilted to the closed position, the cover member 51 is detachably engaged with the engaging portion 34b of the installation member 34, and the locking hook 54 and the engaging portion 34b are engaged. , The installation member 34 is held in the first state. Further, the end portions of the both side surface portions 53, 53 that are separated from the shaft portion of the cover member 51 are located below the first locking pieces 37a, 37a of the installation member 34 when tilted to the closed position. Second engaging pieces 55, 55 that are engageable with the first engaging pieces 37a, 37a and the second engaging pieces 55, 55 are formed toward the rear (mechanism setting board G side). By being engaged, the installation member 34 is configured to be supported. It should be noted that the first and second of the second ball paying device 41b are provided on the back surface of the flat portion 52 of the cover member 51 (the opposite surface that faces the second ball paying device 41b when rotated to the closed position). Projections 52b projecting rearward are formed at positions aligned with the recesses 43a and 43b (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and each projection 52b is a first and second recess in the closed position. 43a and 43b are inserted into the second ball paying device 41b to restrict the vertical and horizontal positions of the second ball paying device 41b.
[0035]
[Effect of the embodiment]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. With the first ball paying device 41 a and the second ball paying device 41 b placed on the installation member 34, the installation member 34 is held in the first state, and the flow restricting member 31 of the ball paying unit 27 is The unit 27 is operated to cancel the passage restriction of the first sphere delivery path 28 and the second sphere delivery path 29 of the unit 27. In this state, the pachinko balls supplied to the ball container 22 from the outside of the machine pass through the first rectification path 23a and the second rectification path 23b of the sphere rectification path section 23, and the ball guide member 26 and the sphere are passed out. Sequentially flows into the unit 27 and is stored in a path to the first and second ball delivery devices 41a and 41b via the first and second ball delivery paths 28 and 29. Then, the first ball payout device 41a is driven in accordance with the prize ball payout control signal from the payout control device 18, and the second ball payout device 41b is driven in response to the ball payout control signal. Pachinko balls are fed to the upper and lower ball dishes.
[0036]
Here, the installation member 34 is held in the first state only by engaging the locking hook 54 of the cover member 51 tilted to the closed position and the engaging portion 34b of the installation member 34. Therefore, the installation member 34 can be held in the first state by a simple operation, and the engaging portion is exposed to the operator side, so that the operator can easily operate it while observing. Further, the installation member 34 and the cover member 51 can be rotated by the engagement of the first locking pieces 37a, 37a and the second locking pieces 55, 55 provided on the side portions. Therefore, the installation member 34 can be more reliably held in the first state. Furthermore, when the installation member 34 is held in the first state, the distance between the installation member 34 and the ball delivery unit 27 is the vertical length of the first and second ball delivery devices 41a and 41b. Since the ball payout devices 41a and 41b can be mounted and held stably on the mounting surface 35a without rattling, since the ball payout devices 41a and 41b are set substantially equal to the size. Further, since the gap between the ball dispensing devices 41a and 42a and the ball delivery unit 27 is made small, the first and second ball delivery paths 28 and 29 correspond to the ball without clogging with the gap. Pachinko balls can be circulated well in the first and second ball passages 46 and 47.
[0037]
Furthermore, each of the first and second ball delivery devices 41a and 41b placed on the installation member 34 is held on the back side and the left and right sides by the side wall portions 37 and 37 and the rear wall portion 36. Therefore, the rearward and leftward movements of the ball payout devices 41a and 41b are restricted. Further, the extending portion 45 of the second ball paying device 41b comes into contact with the protruding portion 38 from the rear, and the forward movement of both the ball paying devices 41a and 41b is restricted, and the ball paying devices 41a and 41b are installed as described above. Without being dropped from the member 34, it can be reliably held at a predetermined position (see FIG. 6). Further, by restricting the movement of the first and second ball delivery devices 41a and 41b, the ball delivery devices 41a and 41b are provided in the first and second ball delivery paths 28 and 29 of the ball delivery unit 27, respectively. Since the ball passages 46 and 47 of 41b can always be aligned, problems such as ball clogging and ball dispensing failure do not occur, and pachinko balls can be dispensed stably. Since the front surface portion 43 of the second ball paying device 41b is covered with the cover member 51, the front movement of the first and second ball paying devices 41a and 41b can be prevented more reliably, and the cover When the member 51 is tilted to the closed position, the protrusion 52b formed on the cover member 51 is inserted into the first and second recesses 43a and 43b of the second ball dispensing device 41b. The movement of the dispensing device 41b in the left-right direction can be more reliably prevented.
[0038]
Next, when exchanging the first and second ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b, the engagement between the locking hook 54 of the cover member 51 and the engaging portion 34b of the installation member 34 is released, and the cover member 51 is released. Is tilted from the closed position to the open position, the installation member 34 is rotated by its own weight, and the guide portion 34a is held in a second state in which the guide portion 34a abuts on the ball passage path portion 25 and is inclined obliquely downward. The ball outlet unit 27 and the front end portion of the installation member 34 are opened with a large distance (see FIG. 7). For this reason, first, the second ball paying device 41b is lifted upward to release the engagement between the protruding portion 38 of the installation member 34 and the extending portion 45 of the second ball paying device 41b. It can be easily removed from the member 34. Here, as described above, since the engaging portion between the cover member 51 and the installation member 34 is exposed to the operator side, the operator can easily operate while visually checking. When the second ball paying device 41b is lifted upward, the circular protrusion 42a of the second ball paying device 41b is inserted into the first recess 43a located below the first ball paying device 41a. Therefore, the front side of the first ball dispensing device 41a is also lifted upward and tilted. However, since the space between the first ball dispensing device 27 and the ball dispensing unit 27 is largely open, the removal operation is hindered. There is no.
[0039]
When the second ball paying device 41b is removed from the installation member 34, the first ball paying device 41a moves forward along the inclination of the installation member 34 as shown in FIG. Drop-out is prevented by the extension portion 45 coming into contact with 38. Further, when the second ball paying device 41b is removed, the first ball paying device 41a located on the rear side (back side) moves close to the worker side, and the work can be performed efficiently.
[0040]
When the first and second ball paying devices 41a and 41b are attached, the circular protrusion 42a of the first ball paying device 41a is placed on the installation member in a state where the both ball paying devices 41a and 41b are overlapped in the front and rear. 34, and the extended portion 45 of the second ball paying device 41b is positioned behind the protruding portion 38 of the installation member 34 and placed on the placement surface 35a. At this time, since the ball delivery unit 27 and the front end of the installation member 34 are separated from each other and opened, the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b are inserted from the front side of the open part. It can be easily placed on the surface 35a. Then, the installation member 34 is lifted and rotated, and the cover member 51 is tilted to engage the locking hook 54 with the engagement portion 34b, thereby holding the installation member 34 in the first state. can do.
[0041]
As described above, the engaging member 34 is engaged with or released from the engaging hook 34 of the cover member 51 and the engaging portion 34b of the installing member 34 without using a screw or the like, so that the installing member 34 is in the first state. And the second ball delivery device 41b can be attached and detached, and the number of parts can be reduced to improve workability. Further, since the engaging portion between the locking hook 54 and the engaging portion 34b is provided on the operator side, the engaging / releasing operation of both the members 54, 34b can be easily performed.
[0042]
Further, in the embodiment, when any one of the first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b assembled in close contact with each other in a longitudinal state in the front-rear direction fails, the failed ball paying device 41a (41b) Only the new one is replaced with a new one, and the other ball dispensing device 41b (41a) that has not failed can be continuously used as it is, so that maintenance and management costs can be reduced. The first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b are configured so that each of the ball paying devices 41a and 41b is in the same direction only by correctly aligning the circular protrusions 42a and the first and second recesses 43a and 43b. Can be assembled accurately, and positioning can be facilitated and accurate. Further, the first ball paying device 41a and the second ball paying device 41b are assembled in close contact with each other in a longitudinal state in the front-rear direction so that one of the ball paying devices 41a (41b) is clogged. When this occurs, vibration during the operation of the other ball dispensing device 41b (41a) is transmitted, and the ball clogging can be preferably eliminated. And the 1st ball paying device 41a and the 2nd ball paying device 41b are made into the same composition, and can use parts in common and can keep manufacturing cost low.
[0043]
A circular protrusion 42a of the first ball paying device 41a mounted on the mounting surface 35a of the installation member 34 in a gap 29 formed between the main body portion 35 and the rear wall portion 36 of the installation member 34. Therefore, the dimension of the installation member 34 in the front-rear direction can be reduced. Further, by inserting the circular protrusion 42a through the gap 29, the upward movement of the first ball dispensing device 41a is restricted, and stable ball dispensing is possible.
[0044]
[Example of change]
In addition, as a structure of the installation member which mounts a ball dispensing apparatus, not only the thing of an Example but a various change is possible. For example, in the embodiment, the first restricting portion is provided on the placement surface of the installation member so as to restrict the movement of the ball dispensing device toward the front side, but other configurations may be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), a hook portion 60 that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction is formed on the main body portion 35 of the installation member 34 with a claw portion 61 that is inclined upward from the front to the rear. Even if comprised in this way, the extension part 45 of the 2nd ball paying-out apparatus 41b can contact | abut to this nail | claw part 61, and position control can be carried out to a predetermined position. Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the ball paying devices 41a and 41b are moved from the front, when the circular protrusions 42a of the ball paying devices 41a and 41b come into contact with the claw portion 61, the claw portions Since 61 is pressed downward and the hook portion 60 is elastically deformed downward, the ball dispensing devices 41a and 41b can be easily placed on the placement surface 35a. In FIG. 8, the same members as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, instead of the hook portion 60 that is elastically deformed, the claw portion 61 may be configured to be displaced up and down by an elastic member such as a spring.
[0045]
In addition, when the ball dispensing device is placed on the installation member, the engaging portion of the second ball dispensing device is positioned apart from the back side of the first restricting portion, and the installation member is a second member. If the both ball dispensing devices are configured to move to the worker side when rotated to the state, the second ball dispensing device located on the near side can be removed more smoothly. Further, as in the embodiment, in the case where another member (a cover member in the embodiment) that restricts the movement of the ball dispensing device toward the front side is provided, the first restricting portion can be omitted. The number of ball payout devices placed on the installation member is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.
[0046]
And the ball paying device placed on the installation member is held by the second restricting portion and the third restricting portion so as to restrict the movement of the ball paying device to the back side and the left and right sides. Conventionally known various means can be adopted as long as the position can be regulated. In addition, as a shape of the opening part formed in the 2nd control part of the said installation member, if the 1st positioning part formed in the said ball dispensing apparatus is a shape which can be penetrated, each 1st positioning part and back and front The part to be aligned may be recessed. Further, the rotation support means for rotatably supporting the installation member is constituted by a shaft portion formed in the installation member and a shaft hole formed in the mechanism set board. A hole may be formed, and a shaft portion may be formed on the mechanism set board for pivotal support, and the installation member may be configured to be able to rotate between the first state and the second state.
[0047]
The holding means for holding the installation member in the first state is not limited to the cover member as in the embodiment, and any configuration can be used as long as the installation member can be releasably held in the first state. Even means can be employed. At this time, the movement restricting means for restricting the movement of the ball dispensing device may be formed on either the installation member or the holding means. And as a site | part which arrange | positions the said holding | maintenance means, it is not restricted to the said ball | bowl storage discharge path part, You may arrange | position to this installation member so that it can connect with a ball | bowl storage discharge path part, and also a ball | bowl outflow path | route It may be arranged in the section, and the installation member may be supported from below and held in the first state. In addition, the installation member is configured to abut against the ball passage path portion and is held in the second state, but the second state includes a second holding unit capable of releasably holding the installation member. It can also be configured.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the claims of the present invention1According to the gaming machine concerned,Cover memberBy holding the installation member in the first state, the game ball can be paid out well, and theCover memberIs released and the installation member is rotated to the second state.,ballSince the storage / discharge path portion and the installation member are separated from each other and the ball dispensing device can be easily attached and detached, the work efficiency can be improved. More,ballBy restricting the movement of the payout device, the game ball can be paid out reliably. Furthermore,ballProjected to the dispensing deviceFirstBy inserting the positioning portion through the opening of the installation member, the size in the front-rear direction can be reduced and the size can be reduced. And, MosquitoBy tilting the bar member, the installation member can be released and kept in the first state.HaveThe release operation becomes easy. Also, Cover memberFirst engaging portion and installation memberofSince the second engaging portion can be engaged and disengaged, the installation member can be releasably held in the first state without requiring complicated work. More, SettingWhen the mounting member is held in the first state,SecondThe protrusion of the cover member is inserted into the positioning portion, so that the ball dispensing device can be more reliably held at a predetermined position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an installation member according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first state.
FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the gaming machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which an installation member is attached to the mechanism set board according to the embodiment, a ball passing unit is removed from the mechanism set board, and two ball dispensing devices are assembled in a longitudinal state in the front-rear direction. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an installation member according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing first and second ball dispensing devices according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side view showing a state in which the installation member is held in the first state by tilting the cover member according to the embodiment to the closed position.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a state in which the installation member is held in the second state by tilting the cover member according to the embodiment to the open position.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are longitudinal side views showing an installation member according to a modified example, in which FIG. 8A shows a state where the first and second ball dispensing devices are placed on the placement surface, and FIG. 8B shows a hook of the installation member; The part is pressed by the circular protrusion of the first ball dispensing device and is elastically deformed downward.
[Explanation of symbols]
  14 Ball storage and discharge route
  24 ball delivery path
  25 ball traffic route
  28a First ball outlet (ball outlet)
  29a Second ball outlet (ball outlet)
  31 Traffic control member
  31a Gripping part
  34 Installation members
  34a Guide
  34b engagement part (second engagement part)
  35 Body
  36 Rear wallPart
  37 side wallsPart
  38 Protrusion(No.(1 Regulatory Department)
  39 Clearance (opening)
  40 Rotating support means
  41a First ball dispensing device
  41b Second ball dispensing device
  42 Rear surface (first outer wall surface)
  42a Circular protrusion (first positioning part)
  43 Front (second outer wall)
  43a 1st recessed part (2nd positioning part)
  43b 2nd recessed part (2nd positioning part)
  45 Extension part (locking part)
  46 1st ball passage(Ball passage)
  47 Second ball passage(Ball passage)
  51 Cover partMaterial
  52 Plane section
  52a Window
  52b Projection
  61 Claw(No.(1 Regulatory Department)
  G mechanism set board

Claims

A ball delivery path section provided on the downstream side of a ball storage / discharge path section that is disposed on a mechanism set board on the back side of the machine and guides and passes game balls, and a ball provided separately below the ball delivery path section A ball delivery device that forms a ball delivery port that opens at a lower portion of the ball delivery path and a ball passage that communicates with the ball delivery path is detachably disposed between the ball delivery path and the ball delivery path. the game ball flowing from the sphere outlet of the road section to the ball passage, the gaming machine so as to out through the path section out ball through a predetermined number of units by spherical dispensing device,
A main body portion on which the ball dispensing device is placed is rotatably supported via a rotation support means on the mechanism set board between the ball delivery path portion and the ball outlet path portion, and the main body portion A first state in which the ball passage of the ball dispensing device placed horizontally on the main body portion is communicated with the ball outlet of the ball discharge passage portion, and a pivotal support portion by the rotation support means in the main body portion. An installation member that is rotatable between a second state in which the front end portion that is separated is inclined obliquely downward and the ball passage of the ball dispensing device placed on the main body portion is not in communication with the ball delivery port ; ,
A rear wall portion that is formed on the back surface side of the main body portion of the installation member that is close to the mechanism set board and regulates the position of the back surface side of the ball dispensing device;
Side wall portions that are formed on the left and right sides of the main body portion of the installation member, and hold the left and right sides of the ball dispensing device to regulate the position;
A first positioning portion that is provided on the rear wall and protrudes from a first outer wall surface facing the mechanism set board of the ball dispensing device when the ball dispensing device is placed on the main body; An opening that is inserted and restricts upward movement of the ball dispensing device;
A second outer wall surface that is disposed in a tiltable manner on the front side of the ball delivery path portion that is separated from the mechanism set board and opens to the front side of the ball dispensing device placed on the installation member is closed to the ball. In a state where the front side of the dispensing device is tilted to a closed position where the position is regulated, the second engagement portion formed on the installation member is detachably engaged to hold the installation member in the first state. A first engagement portion, and by disengaging the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion and tilting to an open position to open the second outer wall surface, A cover member that is allowed to rotate to the second state;
By projecting on the facing surface facing the second outer wall surface in the closed position of the cover member, and being detachably inserted into a second positioning portion recessed in the second outer wall surface. A gaming machine characterized by comprising a protrusion that regulates the vertical and horizontal positions of the ball dispensing device .

Projecting on the mounting surface of the ball dispensing device in the main body portion of the installation member, and by contacting a locking portion formed on the mounting surface of the ball dispensing device from the rear side, the ball dispensing device of the ball dispensing device The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a first restricting portion that restricts movement toward the front side .

The first restricting portion includes a claw portion that is inclined upward as it moves from the front side that is separated from the rear wall portion toward the rear side and that is displaced up and down by an elastic member, and the claw portion is associated with the ball dispensing device. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the stop portion is configured to be regulated by contacting from a rear side .

A first restricting portion protrudes from the mounting surface of the ball dispensing device in the main body portion of the installation member, and the ball passage is mounted on the installation member in the first state so that the ball passage is the ball outlet and ball of the ball delivery path portion. The first restricting portion is set so as to be spaced apart from the locking portion formed on the mounting surface of the ball dispensing device communicating with the passage path portion, and the installation member is in the second state. the ball dispensing device upon pivoting into the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein configured to move to the front to a position where the locking portion comes into contact with the first restricting portion.

A guide portion is formed on the lower surface of the main body portion of the installation member, and when the installation member is rotated to the second state, the guide portion abuts on an upper end portion of the ball passage path portion, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the rotation of the member is restricted in the second state .

A window portion is formed in a flat surface portion of the cover member that can cover the second outer wall surface of the ball dispensing device, and an edge portion that defines the window portion when the cover member is tilted to the open position. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover member is held in an open position by being fitted to a grip portion of a passage restricting member disposed in the ball delivery path portion .

When the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is released and the cover member is tilted from the closed position to the open position, the installation member rotates to the second state by its own weight. the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1-6 configured to dynamic.