JP2008132245A - Token dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a token dispenser, including a token receiving tray not obstructing opening of a lower door of a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: This token dispenser 2, which is installed between two adjacent game machines 1, includes: a token storing part 44 for temporarily storing fed tokens; a token transfer port 66 for discharging the tokens stored in the token storing part 44 toward a token feed port 10 of the game machine 1a to which the tokens are supplied; a discharge opening 92 for discharging the tokens stored in the token storing part 44 toward the direction different from the token transfer port 66; a token receiving tray 100 for receiving the tokens discharged from the discharge opening 92; a token receiving tray moving part 110 for moving the token receiving tray 100 between the retreat position which is the position not interfering with the lower door 13B of the game machine 1b and the position to enable receiving of tokens discharged from the discharge opening 92; and a token receiving tray moving control means 340 for controlling the operation of the token receiving tray moving part 110. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal lending machine installed adjacent to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that uses medals.

Conventionally, in gaming machines that use medals as game media, such as slot machines, there has been a request to play an efficient game and a request to play a game without touching the medals as much as possible.
Here, by placing an automatic insertion mechanism on the front of the main body, including a medal receiving portion that can receive medals to be manually inserted in batches and a conveying device that separates and sends out medals one by one, a hand is placed on the medal. There has been devised a medal lending machine that requires less touching, saves the trouble of manually inserting medals one by one, and can play games efficiently (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, a gaming machine (slot machine or the like) installed adjacent to the medal lending machine has a side transfer passage at the medal slot, and a medal paid out from the medal lending machine is transferred to the medal lending machine transfer passage ( It is configured to be inserted into a gaming machine (slot machine or the like) through a medal carry-out nozzle.
JP 2005-192721 A

However, in the medal lending machine having the automatic insertion mechanism as described above, the automatic insertion mechanism or the like protrudes from the front of the main body of the medal lending machine. When opening the front door of another gaming machine installed on the opposite side of the front door, the front door may collide with the automatic loading mechanism, and the front door may not be opened sufficiently. In this regard, if the front door of the gaming machine is divided into two parts vertically and only the lower door is opened at the time of replenishing medals, the lower end portion of the automatic insertion mechanism is arranged above the lower door. This problem can be solved.
On the other hand, in the above medal lending machine, in response to a request to easily and surely take out medals remaining in the automatic insertion mechanism, a cancellation outlet is provided below the automatic insertion mechanism, and a receiving tray is provided below the cancellation outlet. It is conceivable that a medal or the like to be received is provided. However, in the case of forming in this way, the height dimension of the protruding portion on the front of the medal lending machine including the automatic insertion mechanism and the tray is inevitably long, so that the player inserts the medal while sitting down. In view of this, if the position of the saucer cannot be set too high and the position of the saucer is set to an optimum height, the saucer located below the automatic loading mechanism inevitably falls below the upper end of the lower door. In this case, even if the front door is divided into the upper door and the lower door, the tray of the adjacent medal lending machine collides with the lower door. However, if there is a gap between the medal lending machine and the gaming machine so that the tray and the lower door do not interfere with each other, the installation area of the gaming machine becomes large and the number of gaming machines is limited. There is a point.

In view of the above situation, the present invention aims at the following points.
(Claim 1)
That is, the invention according to claim 1 is a medal storage unit for temporarily storing medals inserted in a medal lending machine installed between two adjacent gaming machines, and a medal stored in the medal storage unit. For discharging the medals stored in the medal storage part in a direction different from the medal transfer port. The opening, the medal tray for receiving the medal discharged from the discharge opening, and the medal tray are discharged from the retreat position that does not interfere with the lower door when the lower door of the gaming machine is opened, and the discharge opening. And a medal tray moving part for moving between the protruding position, which is a position where the received medal can be received, and when the medal stored in the medal lending machine is taken out, it is discharged from the discharge opening. Is When the medal tray is moved to the protruding position where the medal can be stored and when the lower door of the adjacent gaming machine is opened, the medal tray can be moved to the retracted position. To provide a medal lending machine that can reduce the installation area of an adjacent gaming machine without causing the medal tray to become an obstacle when the lower door of the gaming machine is opened when it is in the retracted position. With the goal.

(Claim 2)
That is, the invention described in claim 2 includes a remaining medal detection unit that detects whether or not a medal is present in the medal tray in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, and the remaining medal detection unit is retracted. In the position, when it is detected that a medal is present in the medal tray, the medal tray is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position so that the medal is present in the medal tray without being taken out. Therefore, even when the medal tray reaches the retracted position, the medal tray can be moved again to the protruding position, and the medal lending machine capable of preventing forgetting to remove the medal remaining in the medal tray is provided. For the purpose.

(Claim 3)
That is, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 counts the number of movements of the medal tray, and a movement number counter that resets the count value when a predetermined time is reached. When the number of movements of the medal tray counted by the movement counter reaches a predetermined number, forgetting to remove a medal in the medal tray by providing a notifying means that performs a notification operation in a predetermined manner, An object of the present invention is to provide a medal lending machine capable of notifying a player, an employee, or the like of a defect related to movement of a medal tray in a medal lending machine.

(Claim 4)
That is, in the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the medal lending machine projects the storage switch for moving the medal tray to the retracted position and the medal tray. A protrusion switch for moving to the position, and when the storage switch is operated, the medal tray is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position, and when the protrusion switch is operated, the medal tray is moved from the retracted position. By moving to the protruding position, the medal tray can be moved for the convenience of a player or an operator, and an object is to provide a convenient medal lending machine.

The invention described in each claim is made to achieve the above-mentioned object. In addition, a code | symbol shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Claim 1)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 is a medal lending machine 2 installed between two adjacent gaming machines 1, each of the two gaming machines 1 having an opening on the front side. The casing 5, the upper door 13A that covers the upper part of the opening of the casing 5 so that it can be opened and closed, the lower door 13B that covers the lower part of the opening of the casing 5 so that it can be opened and closed, and the upper door 13A or the lower door A medal slot 10 that is provided in at least one of 13B and into which a medal can be inserted, and of the two gaming machines 1, a medal supplied by the medal lending machine 2 is a first gaming machine 1a. The other machine is a second gaming machine 1b, and the medal lending machine 2 includes an acceptance input unit 48 for receiving medals, and a medal storage unit 44 for temporarily storing medals inserted from the reception input unit 48. The medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 are discharged toward the medal slot 10 of the first gaming machine 1a. The medal transfer port 66 and the discharge opening 92 for discharging the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66 and the medal storage unit 44 A medal transfer section for discharging the medal from the medal transfer port 66, a discharge transfer section for discharging the medal stored in the medal storage section 44 from the discharge opening 92, and discharging from the discharge opening 92. A medal tray 100 for receiving the received medal, a retreat position where the medal tray 100 does not interfere with the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b when the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b is opened, and for discharging The medal tray moving unit 110 for moving the medal tray 100 and the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 between the protruding position that is a position where the medal discharged from the opening 92 can be received, To discharge from the discharge opening 92 When the discharge conveyer unit is operated so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the extended position, characterized in that a medal receiving tray movement control means 340 for controlling the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110.

Here, the “medal lending machine 2” is installed between two adjacent gaming machines 1. The medal lending machine 2 is for supplying medals to a gaming machine 1 such as a slot machine 1 that uses medals as game media.
“Game machine 1” refers to a slot machine or the like that uses medals as game media.
The gaming machines 1 each include a housing 5, an upper door 13A, a lower door 13B, and a medal slot 10. The housing 5 has an opening on the front side. Further, the upper door 13A is formed so as to be able to open and close the upper part of the opening of the housing 5. The lower door 13B is formed so as to close the lower part of the opening of the housing 5 so as to be openable and closable. The medal slot 10 is provided on at least one of the upper door 13A and the lower door 13B. That is, the medal slot 10 may be provided on the upper door 13A of the gaming machine 1, may be provided on the lower door 13B, or may be provided on both the upper door 13A and the lower door 13B. Also good.

Of the two gaming machines 1, the one to which medals are supplied by the medal lending machine 2 is the first gaming machine 1a. Of the two gaming machines 1, the other one to which no medal is supplied by the medal lending machine 2 is defined as a second gaming machine 1b.
In addition, the medal lending machine 2 is provided with an acceptance input unit 48, a medal storage unit 44, a medal transfer port 66, and a discharge opening 92.
The “accepting input unit 48” is for accepting medals. Further, if the receiving and inserting unit 48 is formed so as to be able to receive medals, the place where it is particularly provided is not specified. Specifically, for example, by forming the receiving insertion portion 48 so as to have the drop hole 271 opening upward, the medal can be received toward the inside of the medal lending machine 2.

Further, the “medal storage unit 44” is for temporarily storing medals inserted from the receiving input unit 48. Specifically, for example, when the receiving insertion portion 48 is formed to have a drop hole 271 opening upward, the medal storage portion 44 is formed at a position below the receiving insertion portion 48. The medals inserted from the receiving input unit 48 can be stored.
In addition, the medal lending machine 2 may be formed so that the medal inserted from the accepting / inserting unit 48 directly reaches the medal storage unit 44, or to the medal storage unit 44 via a passage through which medals can pass. Alternatively, it may be formed so as to reach the medal storage unit 44 using a transport device using a belt 53 or the like that transports the medal inserted from the receiving input unit 48.

  The “medal transfer port 66” is for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 toward the medal insertion port 10 of the first gaming machine 1a. Therefore, the medal transfer port 66 is provided at a position suitable for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 toward the medal insertion port 10 of the first gaming machine 1a. Further, for example, the medal transfer port 66 can be formed so that medals discharged from the medal transfer port 66 directly enter the medal insertion port 10 of the first gaming machine 1a. In addition, when a groove or the like for guiding a medal is formed in the medal insertion slot 10, the medal transfer opening is set so that the medal discharged from the medal transfer opening 66 is inserted into the gaming machine 1 through the groove. 66 may be formed.

  The “discharge opening 92” is for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage section 44 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66. Accordingly, the discharge opening 92 is provided at a position suitable for discharging in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66. Specifically, for example, a discharge mechanism 80 having an opening / closing hole 85 is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom of the medal storage section 44. Further, the opening / closing hole 85 is formed so that a part of the bottom of the medal storage part 44 is opened. In this case, a discharge opening 92 is provided at a position below the opening / closing hole 85 of the discharge mechanism 80. Thereby, the medals stored in the medal storage part 44 can be discharged from the discharge opening 92 through the opening / closing hole 85 of the discharge mechanism 80. At this time, if the medal transfer port 66 is provided at a position different from the discharge opening 92 formed in this way, the discharge opening 92 discharges the medal in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66. can do.

The medal lending machine 2 includes a medal transfer unit and a discharge transfer unit.
The “medal transfer unit” is for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 from the medal transfer port 66. Specifically, for example, the medal lending machine 2 includes a medal transport device 50 that transports medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 to the medal transfer port 66 using the belt 53 or the like, thereby providing the medal storage unit 44 with the medal storage unit 44. The stored medals can be discharged from the medal transfer port 66. In this case, a medal transfer unit can be configured by the medal transport device 50.
Further, for example, the medal lending machine 2 is provided with an insertion passage through which the medal can flow between the medal storage unit 44 and the medal transfer port 66, thereby transferring the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 to the medal. It can be discharged from the mouth 66. In this case, the medal transfer section can be configured by the insertion passage.

In addition, for example, by providing a combination of the medal transport device 50 and the insertion passage 60, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 can be discharged from the medal transfer port 66. In this case, the medal transfer unit can be configured by the medal transport device 50 and the insertion passage 60.
In addition, if the medals transferred by the medal transport device 50 or the insertion passage 60 are gaining momentum when reaching the medal transfer port 66, the medal transfer port 66 is opened to leave the medal transfer port 66 as it is. It can be discharged. Further, an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing the opening may be provided in the opening of the medal transfer port 66.
Further, the “discharge transfer part” is for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage part 44 from the discharge opening 92.

  Further, as in the above-described example, the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 is provided with the discharge mechanism 80 at the bottom of the medal storage unit 44, and the discharge mechanism 92 includes the opening / closing hole 85 provided in the discharge mechanism 80. In this case, this discharge mechanism 80 can constitute a discharge transfer unit. Further, when the medal transport unit of the medal lending machine 2 includes the medal transport device 50 that transports the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 to the medal transport port 66 using the belt 53 or the like, the medal transport belt By urging 53 to rotate in the reverse direction (rotation in the opposite direction to the rotation for discharging the medal from the medal transfer port 66), prompting the discharge of the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 from the discharge mechanism 80 is promoted. You can also. In this case, in addition to the discharge mechanism 80, the medal transport device 50 also constitutes a discharge transfer unit. In other words, the discharge mechanism 80 and the medal transport device 50 can constitute a discharge transfer unit.

In addition, the discharge transfer unit includes a discharge passage through which the medal can flow between the medal storage unit 44 and the discharge opening 92, so that the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 can be removed. It can also be formed so as to be discharged from. In this case, the discharge transfer part can be constituted by the discharge passage.
Further, for example, by providing a combination of the discharge mechanism 80, the medal transport device 50, and the discharge passage, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 can be discharged from the discharge opening 92. In this case, a discharge transfer unit can be configured by the discharge mechanism 80, the medal transport device 50, and the discharge passage.

The medal lending machine 2 is provided with a medal tray 100.
The “medal tray 100” is for receiving medals discharged from the discharge opening 92. Further, for example, when the discharge opening 92 is formed to open downward as described above, the medal tray 100 is formed so as to be provided at a position below the discharge opening 92. The medal discharged from the opening 92 can be received.
Further, for example, the medal tray 100, the tray bottom plate portion 101, the tray front plate portion 102 formed by standing upward from the front end portion of the tray bottom plate portion 101, and the left and right sides of the tray bottom plate portion 101 Two saucer side plates formed upright from the end, respectively, and a saucer back formed upright from the rear end of the saucer bottom plate 101 The plate portion 103 can be formed.

The medal lending machine 2 includes a medal tray moving unit 110 for moving the medal tray 100. Further, the “medal tray moving unit 110” is for moving the medal tray 100 between the retracted position and the protruding position. Here, the “retracted position” is a position where the medal tray 100 does not interfere with the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b when the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b is opened. The “protruding position” is a position where a medal discharged from the discharge opening 92 can be received.
Specifically, for example, the medal tray 100 has the tray bottom plate portion 101, the tray front plate portion 102, the two tray side plate portions, and the tray back plate portion 103 as described above. When formed, the medal tray moving unit 110 is rearward from the back of the medal tray driving motor, the pinion gear 132 provided at the tip of the rotating shaft of the medal tray driving motor, and the tray back plate portion 103 of the medal tray 100, for example. It can be constituted by a rod-shaped rack shaft 130 attached so as to extend substantially perpendicularly to the rear surface of the medal tray 100 in the direction. A rack gear 135 that meshes with the pinion gear 132 is formed on the rack shaft 130. The rack gear 135 can be formed by providing a plurality of teeth extending linearly in the left-right direction on the lower surface of the rack shaft 130. Further, the teeth of each rack gear 135 are formed to be parallel to each other. Further, the rack gear 135 is formed so that the rack shaft 130 can be moved in the front-rear direction by meshing with the pinion gear 132. Specifically, the medal tray driving motor and the rack shaft 130 are provided so that the pinion gear 132 attached to the rotation shaft of the medal tray driving motor meshes with the rack gear 135 provided on the rack shaft 130, and the medal tray driving is performed. When the pinion gear 132 attached to the rotation shaft of the motor is rotated in one direction (for example, counterclockwise when viewed from the right side), the rack shaft 130 can be moved forward. . Thereby, the medal tray 100 attached to the front end of the rack shaft 130 can be moved forward. Further, when the pinion gear 132 is rotated in the other direction (for example, clockwise rotation when viewed from the right side), the rack shaft 130 can be moved in the backward direction. Thereby, the medal tray 100 attached to the front end of the rack shaft 130 can be moved backward. Further, for example, when the medal tray 100 is moved forward, the medal tray moving unit 110 is formed so that the medal tray 100 reaches the protruding position. Specifically, for example, as described above, when the discharge opening 92 is formed to open downward, the medal tray 100 is discharged from the discharge opening 92 when moved forward. The medal tray moving part 110 is formed so that the medal tray 100 reaches a position below the discharge opening 92 where the medal can be received. Further, for example, the medal tray moving unit 110 is formed so that when the medal tray 100 is moved backward, the medal tray 100 reaches the retracted position. Specifically, for example, even when the medal tray 100 reaches the inside of the medal lending machine 2, even if the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b is opened, the medal tray 100 is lowered to the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b. When the medal tray 100 is moved backward, the medal tray 100 remains on the lower door of the second gaming machine 1b even if the lower door 13B of the second gaming machine 1b is opened. The medal tray moving unit 110 is formed so that the medal tray 100 reaches the inside of the medal lending machine 2 at a position where it does not interfere with 13B.

In addition, as described above, when the opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the medal transfer port 66 is provided, the medal transfer unit transfers the medal by the opening / closing mechanism when the medal is discharged from the medal transfer port 66. It forms so that the opening part of the opening | mouth 66 may be open | released.
Further, the medal lending machine 2 is provided with a medal tray movement control means 340 for controlling the operation of the medal tray movement section 110.
In addition, the “medal tray movement control means 340” is configured to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position when the discharge transfer unit is operated so that the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 are discharged from the discharge opening 92. The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to be moved to the protruding position.

  Specifically, for example, when the discharge mechanism is constituted by the discharge mechanism 80, the medal tray movement control means when the opening / closing hole 85 of the discharge mechanism 80 opens a part of the bottom of the medal storage part 44. 340 controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. Further, when the discharge mechanism is configured by the discharge mechanism 80 and the medal transport device 50, the opening / closing hole 85 of the discharge mechanism 80 opens a part of the bottom of the medal storage portion 44, and the medal transport device 50 When the belt 53 is reversely rotated, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position.

(Claim 2)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 2 limits the invention described in claim 1 and is characterized by the following points.
That is, the invention described in claim 2 includes the remaining medal detection unit 150 that detects whether or not a medal is present in the medal tray 100 in addition to the invention described in claim 1, and the medal tray movement control means 340 includes: When the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects that a medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. It is characterized by doing.

  Here, the “remaining medal detection unit 150” detects whether or not there are medals in the medal tray 100. For example, the medal tray 100 is formed of a transparent material, and the medal tray 100 alone transmits light. Further, when a medal is present in the medal tray 100, an optical sensor is provided that can detect the presence of the medal in the medal tray 100 by blocking the light from the medal. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not a medal is present in the medal tray 100. Specifically, the optical sensor as the remaining medal detection unit 150 includes a light emitting unit 151 that emits light and a light receiving unit 152 that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 151. When no medal is present in the medal tray 100, the light emitting unit of the remaining medal detection unit 150 is configured such that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 of the remaining medal detection unit 150 passes through the medal tray 100 and reaches the light receiving unit 152. 151 and light receiving unit 152 are provided. In addition, when a medal is present in the medal tray 100, the remaining medal detection unit prevents the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 from reaching the light receiving unit 152 by blocking the light from the medal in the medal tray 100. 150 light emitting units 151 and light receiving units 152 are provided. Thereby, the remaining medal detection unit 150 can detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100.

Further, as the remaining medal detection unit 150, a weight sensor capable of measuring the weight of the medal tray 100 and the contents of the medal tray 100 may be used. In this case, the weight value of the medal tray 100 including the contents measured by the weight sensor as the remaining medal detection unit 150 becomes a value obtained by adding the weight of the medal to the weight of the single medal tray 100. It is possible to detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100.
Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 moves the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position when the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects that a medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position. The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled. Specifically, for example, when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medals remaining in the medal tray 100 block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 of the remaining medal detection unit 150 and receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151. The light emitting unit does not block the light emitted by the light emitting unit 151 of the remaining medal detection unit 150 even if there is a medal remaining in the medal tray 100, except when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position. The light emitting unit 151 and the light receiving unit 152 as the remaining medal detection unit 150 are provided at a position where the light emitted from the 151 reaches the light receiving unit 152. Thereby, it is possible to detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position.

Further, for example, when the remaining medal detection unit 150 is formed so as to detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100 regardless of the position where the medal tray 100 exists (retracted position, protruding position, etc.) A medal tray detection unit that detects that the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position is provided. Then, when the medal tray detection unit detects that the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, and when the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects that a medal is present in the medal tray 100, the medal tray The movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position.
(Claim 3)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 3 limits the invention described in claim 1 or 2, and is characterized by the following points.

  That is, in addition to the invention of claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 is a medal tray movement detection unit for detecting that the medal tray 100 has moved, and repeatedly measures a certain length of time. The time measurement is started based on a predetermined condition, and when a certain time has elapsed from the start of the measurement, the time measurement is temporarily stopped and the time measurement is started again. This is for counting the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the detected movement detection timer 118 and the detection result by the medal tray movement detection unit, and is counted each time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring time. The movement number counter 119 that is configured to reset the value once, and when the count value of the movement number counter 119 reaches a predetermined value, a notification operation is performed in a predetermined manner. Characterized in that it comprises a notifying means for performing.

  Here, the “medal tray movement detection unit” detects that the medal tray 100 has moved. For example, the medal tray movement detection unit can use an optical sensor that detects the position and movement of the medal tray 100 by detecting that the light is blocked. Specifically, the medal tray movement detection unit includes two optical sensors, a rear optical sensor that detects that the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position and a front optical sensor that detects that the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position. And an optical sensor. Each optical sensor as each medal tray movement detection unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. Further, the rear optical sensor as the medal tray movement detection unit is configured such that when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medal tray 100 and the medal tray movement unit 110 block the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the rear optical sensor. By doing so, it is formed so as to detect that the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position. Further, the front optical sensor as the medal tray movement detection unit is configured such that when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, the medal tray 100 and the medal tray movement unit 110 block the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the front optical sensor. By doing so, it is formed so as to detect that the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position. Further, the medal tray movement detection unit is configured so that the front optical sensor and the rear optical sensor indicate that the position of the medal tray 100 is changed from the retracted position or the position of the medal tray is changed from the protruding position to the retracted position. By detecting this, it is detected that the medal tray 100 has moved.

Further, for example, the medal tray movement detection unit can be formed so that a movement detection signal is output to the movement number counter 119 every time it is detected that the medal tray 100 has moved.
The “movement detection timer 118” is for repeatedly measuring a certain length of time. Further, the movement detection timer 118 starts measuring time based on a predetermined condition. Further, the movement detection timer 118 is configured to once stop measuring time and start measuring time again when a certain time has elapsed from the start of measurement.
Here, “a certain length of time” repeatedly measured by the movement detection timer 118 can be arbitrarily determined. Specifically, for example, assuming that “a certain length of time” is 40 seconds, the movement detection timer 118 repeatedly measures a time of 40 seconds.

  Further, a “predetermined condition” for the movement detection timer 118 to start measuring time can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, when the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, or when the medal tray 100 moves either one of them. The movement detection timer 118 can be formed so as to start measuring time. Further, for example, the movement detection timer 118 may be formed so as to start measuring time when the power of the medal lending machine 2 is turned on. Specifically, time measurement is started when the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, and when the measurement time has passed 40 seconds, the time measurement is once stopped and the time measurement is again performed. The movement detection timer 118 can be formed so as to start. In this case, the movement detection timer 118 starts measuring the time when the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position. When the measured time reaches 40 seconds, the movement detecting timer 118 ends the time measurement. The time measurement is started again from the initial value (“0”). Then, after 40 seconds have elapsed since the time measurement is started again, the time measurement is ended, and the time measurement is started again from the initial value (“0”). Then, the movement detection timer 118 is formed so as to repeat such measurement.

Further, for example, the movement detection timer 118 can be formed so that the measurement of the time is once stopped and a reset signal is output to the movement number counter 119 when a certain time has elapsed from the start of the measurement.
The “movement number counter 119” counts the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the detection result by the medal tray movement detection unit.
For example, when the medal tray movement detection unit is configured to output a movement detection signal to the movement number counter 119 every time it detects that the medal tray 100 has moved, the movement number counter 119 is the movement number counter 119. By receiving the movement detection signal output from 119, the number of movements of the medal tray 100 can be counted. Specifically, the movement number counter 119 is formed to increase the count value by “1” every time a movement detection signal output from the medal tray movement detection unit is received.

  Further, the movement number counter 119 is formed so that the count value is once reset every time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring time. Specifically, for example, when the movement detection timer 118 is configured to stop measuring the time once a certain time has elapsed from the start of measurement and to output a reset signal to the movement number counter 119, the movement detection timer 118 The count value is reset when the power is turned on, and when the movement detection timer 118 receives a reset signal output to the movement number counter 119, and the count value is the initial value ("0"). Form to return. Further, the movement number counter 119 is incremented by “1” every time a movement detection signal is output every time the medal tray movement detection unit detects movement of the medal tray 100 after the count value is reset. To form.

Further, for example, the movement number counter 119 can be configured to output a maximum movement number detection signal to the notification means when the count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, “6”).
The notification means is for performing a notification operation in a predetermined manner when the count value of the movement number counter 119 reaches a predetermined number. Specifically, for example, a notification unit 241 that performs a notification operation in a predetermined mode and a notification control unit 370 that controls the operation of the notification unit 241 can be provided as the notification unit.
Here, for example, an LED can be used as the notification unit 241. In this case, an LED serving as the notification unit 241 is provided at a position where the player can visually recognize from the outside, and the LED serving as the notification unit 241 is turned on as a notification operation in a predetermined mode. Thereby, the notification unit 241 as a notification unit can perform a notification operation in a predetermined mode. For example, as the notification unit 241, a light bulb other than an LED, a liquid crystal screen, a speaker, or the like can be used.

Further, for example, the notification control means 370 is formed to control the operation of the notification unit 241. Further, the notification control unit 370 controls the operation of the notification unit 241 so that the notification operation is performed in a predetermined manner when the count value of the movement number counter 119 reaches a predetermined value.
Specifically, for example, when the movement number counter 119 is formed so that the maximum movement number detection signal is output to the notification unit when the count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, “6”), the notification control unit 370 Controls the operation of the notification unit 241 to perform the notification operation in a predetermined manner when the maximum movement number detection signal is received. Thereby, the notification means can perform the notification operation in a predetermined manner when the number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

(Claim 4)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 4 limits the invention described in claim 1, 2, or 3, and has the following features.
That is, the invention according to claim 4 is the storage switch for moving the medal tray 100 to the retracted position and the mesa tray 100 for moving to the protruding position in addition to the invention according to claim 1, 2 or 3. The medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 moves from the projecting position to the retracted position when the storage switch is operated. When the switch is operated, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled such that the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position.

Here, the “storage switch” is for moving the medal tray 100 to the retracted position. The “protrusion switch” is for moving the medal tray 100 to the projecting position. For example, a push button switch can be used as the storage switch and the protrusion switch.
In addition, a storage protrusion switch 116 that combines the functions of the storage switch and the protrusion switch can be used.
Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position when the storage switch is operated. In addition, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that when the protrusion switch is operated, the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position. In this case, specifically, for example, when a push button type switch is used as the storage switch, the push button type switch as the storage switch is operated (pressed) when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position. The medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position. Further, for example, when a push button type switch is used as the protrusion switch, when the push button type switch as the protrusion switch is operated (pressed) when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medal tray 100 The medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so as to move the token from the retracted position to the protruding position.

  Further, for example, when a push button type switch is used as the storage protrusion switch 116 that combines the storage switch and the protrusion switch, when the medal tray 100 is in the protrusion position, the push button as the storage protrusion switch 116 is used. When the expression switch is operated (pressed), the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position. Further, when the push button type switch as the storage protrusion switch 116 is operated (pressed) when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruded position. The tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110.

(Claim 1)
According to invention of Claim 1, there exist the following effects.
That is, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged such that when the lower door of the second gaming machine is opened, the medal tray is located at a position where the medal tray does not interfere with the lower door of the second gaming machine, and the medal discharged from the discharging opening. A medal tray moving unit for moving the medal tray between the projecting positions that can be received and a discharge transfer unit for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit from the discharge opening The medal tray movement control means controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit so that the medal tray moves from the retracted position to the protruding position when the is operated.

Thereby, when taking out the medals stored in the medal lending machine, the medal tray can be moved to the protruding position, and when opening the lower door of the adjacent gaming machine, Since the medal tray can be moved to the retreat position, the medal tray of the medal lending machine does not get in the way when opening the lower door of the gaming machine, and the installation area of the adjacent gaming machine can be saved. It is possible to provide a medal lending machine that can be planned.
(Claim 2)
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the following effect is obtained.

That is, in the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, when the medal tray movement control means detects that a medal is present in the medal tray at the retracted position, The operation of the medal tray moving unit is controlled so as to move the medal tray from the retracted position to the protruding position.
As a result, even if the medal tray is moved to the retracted position in the state where the medal is present in the medal tray without taking out the medal in the medal tray, the medal tray is moved again to the protruding position. It is possible to provide a medal lending machine that can prevent the remaining medal from being forgotten.

(Claim 3)
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the following effect can be obtained.
That is, in addition to the invention of claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 counts the number of movements of the medal tray based on the detection result by the medal tray movement detection unit, and the movement detection timer measures the time. A movement number counter configured to reset the count value once every time the operation is completed, and a notification unit that performs a notification operation in a predetermined mode when the count value of the movement number counter reaches a predetermined value. I prepared.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a medal lending machine capable of notifying players, employees, and the like of forgetting to take a medal in the medal tray of the medal lending machine and a malfunction related to the movement of the medal tray in the medal lending machine. .
(Claim 4)
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, 2, or 3, the following effect is obtained.
That is, in the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the medal tray movement control means moves the medal tray from the protruding position to the retracted position when the storage switch is operated. Thus, the operation of the medal tray moving unit is controlled so that when the protrusion switch is operated, the medal tray moving unit is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position.

  Thereby, the medal tray of the medal lending machine can be moved for the convenience of a player or an operator, and a medal lending machine with good convenience can be provided.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best embodiment representing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine 1 as a gaming machine 1 as an example.
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 15 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a stot machine 1 and a medal lending machine 2 which are gaming machines 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the medal slot 10 of the slot machine 1 which is the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the medal lending machine 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the medal transport device 50 of the medal lending machine 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the medal transport device 50 of the medal lending machine 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial external perspective view of the medal feeder 40 in the present embodiment with the cover member 61 open. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the medal feeder 40 according to the present embodiment with the cover member 61 open. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation for releasing clogging of medals in the insertion passage 60 in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of the charging passage 60 in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operating state of the medal feeder 40 in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the discharge mechanism 80 and the medal tray 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing medal tray moving unit 110 and medal tray 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of medal lending machine control device 300 in the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the movement of the medal tray 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between the slot machine 1 and the medal lending machine 2 in the present embodiment.

The gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is a slot machine 1.
In addition, the medal lending machine 2 in the present embodiment is installed adjacent to the gaming machine 1 (slot machine 1), and is provided so as to correspond to one gaming machine 1 (slot machine 1) one by one. Yes.
Here, “front”, “front”, or “forward” or “front” means that the replacement operator (or player) has the gaming machine 1 in front of the front side of the gaming machine 1. This means the direction from the back to the front as seen from the replacement operator (or player) when sitting or standing. Therefore, the forward direction and the forward direction mean a direction from the back of the gaming machine 1 toward the front.

In addition, “rear”, “rearward direction”, and “backward direction” are cases where the replacement operator (or player) is positioned facing the gaming machine 1 on the front side of the gaming machine 1 This means the direction from the near side to the back side when viewed from such an exchange operator (or player). Therefore, the backward direction means a direction from the front of the gaming machine 1 toward the back (back). In addition, the left and right directions such as “left direction” and “right direction” in this specification also mean the right direction and the left direction when viewed from the person facing the front of the gaming machine 1. To do.
(Game machine 1, slot machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a slot machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a square box-like casing 5 having an opening on the front side, and a front door 13 attached to the front side of the casing 5. The front door 13 includes an upper door 13A that covers an upper part of the opening so as to be openable and closable, and a lower door 13B that closes a lower part of the opening so as to be opened and closed. Further, a symbol display window 14 is formed on the front side of the upper door 13A so that the symbol of a rotating reel (not shown) can be visually recognized. Further, below the symbol display window 14 and in the approximate center of the slot machine 1 is an operation unit 16 provided with operation means such as a start switch and a stop switch. A medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided at the front right end of the operation unit 16. Although not particularly illustrated, a medal selector for determining the authenticity of the medal and counting the inserted medals is provided below the medal insertion slot 10. Further, a lower plate 15 capable of storing a payout medal is provided at the lower part of the slot machine 1.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal insertion slot 10 has an upper insertion opening 11 into which medals can be inserted one by one from above, and a side communicating with the upper insertion opening 11 in a concave groove shape. Direction transfer passage 12. This side transfer passage 12 is a bowl-shaped passage extending from the upper insertion opening 11 to the front right side (medal lending machine 2 side), and is sent from a medal transfer port 66 of the medal lending machine 2 described later. The medals are received and transferred to the upper insertion opening 11.
Then, a medal is inserted from the medal slot 10, the rotating reel is rotated by operating the start switch, and the rotating reel is stopped by operating the stop switch. At this time, the symbols displayed on the plurality of rotating reels are at predetermined positions. When the mode is stopped, a prize is awarded and a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

(Medal lending machine 2)
The medal lending machine 2 is installed between the slot machines 1 that are two adjacent gaming machines 1. Each slot machine 1 that is a gaming machine 1 includes a housing 5 having an opening on the front side, an upper door 13A that covers an upper portion of the opening of the housing 5 so as to be openable and closable, A lower door 13B that covers the lower part of the opening so as to be openable and closable, and a medal slot 10 that is provided in at least one of the upper door 13A or the lower door 13B and into which medals can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the medal slot 10 is provided in the lower door 13B.
In the present embodiment, of the two gaming machines 1, the one to which medals are supplied by the medal lending machine 2 is the first gaming machine 1a, and the other is the second gaming machine 1b. In the present embodiment, the first gaming machine 1a is the first slot machine 1a, and the second gaming machine 1b is the second slot machine 1b.

The medal lending machine 2 is a box-type device that is installed adjacent to the side surface of the first slot machine 1a. The medal lending machine 2 lends medals in exchange for money, and rents medals and medals that are inserted by players. Is inserted into the medal slot 10 of the first slot machine 1a.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the medal lending machine 2 includes an outer box 20, a bill counter 22 that detects and stores inserted bills, and a medal lending unit 25 that lends medals according to the inserted bills (specifically, Specifically, a rental medal payout device 23), a medal transfer mechanism 3 for transferring medals to the first slot machine 1a, located on the front side of the outer box 20, and a discharge provided in the medal transfer mechanism 3 And a medal tray 100 that can store medals discharged from the opening 92.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a retreat space 120 for storing the medal tray 100 is formed at a position above the banknote counter 22 and at a position behind the medal tray 100.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the retreat space 120 includes a bottom plate 122, a front plate 126 erected almost vertically from the front end of the bottom plate 122, and a rear plate 122 substantially upward from the rear end of the bottom plate 122. A vertically installed back plate 128, a top plate 124 provided substantially parallel to the bottom plate 122 from the upper end of the back plate 128 to the front direction, and an upward direction from the left and right ends of the bottom plate 122 It is formed by two side plates (not shown) erected vertically. The retreat space 120 is formed so that the medal tray 100 can be stored. In the present embodiment, a later-described retreat position is formed in the retreat space 120. Further, the front plate 126 that forms the retreat space 120 is formed with a movement hole 170 that allows the medal tray 100 to move between the retreat position and the protruding position.

Further, in the evacuation space 120 of the medal lending machine 2, a medal tray moving unit 110 that moves the medal tray 100 between the retracted position and the protruding position, and whether or not there are medals in the medal tray 100 are detected. A remaining medal detection unit 150 and a medal tray movement detection unit that detects that the medal tray 100 has moved are provided.
In the present embodiment, the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects whether or not a medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position.
Here, the retracted position means a position where the medal tray 100 does not interfere with the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b when the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b is opened. In the present embodiment, the retreat position is provided in the retreat space 120.

Further, the protruding position refers to a position where a medal discharged from a discharge opening 92 described later can be received. Further, in the present embodiment, when the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 provided in the medal transfer mechanism 3 is transferred to the discharge opening 92 by the discharge transfer unit described later, the medal tray 100 protrudes. Move to position.
The medal lending machine 2 is provided with a medal lending machine control device 300 for controlling the operation of the medal lending machine 2, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the medal lending machine control device 300 has a medal feeding device control means 310 that controls the operation of the medal feeding device 40 described later and a medal tray that controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 described later. The movement control means 340 is for repeatedly measuring a certain length of time, starts measuring time based on a predetermined condition, and measures the time when a certain time elapses from the start of measurement. The movement detection timer 118 configured to start the time measurement once again, the medal tray operation timer 117 for measuring the time when the medal tray 100 has moved, and the medal tray movement Count the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the detection result by the detection unit, and reset the count value every time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring time A mobile number counter 119 formed, and a notification control unit 370 for controlling the operation of the notification unit 241.

In addition, the medal feeder control unit 310 includes a drive control unit 280 that controls the operation of the medal transport device 50 described later, and a discharge mechanism control unit 360 that controls the operation of the discharge mechanism 80 described later.
Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 moves the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position when transferring the medal stored in the medal reservoir 44 so as to be discharged from the discharge opening 92. , Control the movement of the medal tray moving unit 110 (bank note counter 22)
The bill counter 22 is for reading a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot 21 provided at the lower front of the outer box 20 and causing the lending medal dispensing device 23 to pay out a predetermined number of medals.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bill counter 22 includes a bill sensor 24 that detects a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 21 and outputs a bill detection signal. The medal lending unit 25, specifically, the lending medal dispensing device 23, is for lending medal to the player with the input of the banknote detection signal from the banknote sensor 24 as an opportunity.
The medal lending machine 2 may have a coin insertion slot, a coin counter, a change dispensing slot, and the like in addition to the banknote insertion slot 21 and the banknote counter 22. Moreover, you may have a prepaid card slot and a card reader.
(Lending medal dispensing device 23)
The lending medal dispensing device 23 as the medal lending unit 25 is for lending a medal to the player with the input of the bill detection signal from the bill sensor 24 as a trigger. This rented medal payout device 23 is a so-called hopper device for paying out medals, and although not particularly shown, a tank for storing medals and a medal stored in this tank can be discharged one by one. And a feeding disc. The feed disc is rotatably supported by a drive motor and has a hole into which a medal can enter. And it forms in the mechanism which can discharge | emit the medal which entered this hole one by one outside the apparatus with rotation. The rental medal payout device 23 is provided with a sensor for counting medals discharged from the loan medal payout device 23, and is configured to stop the drive motor when a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

(Medal transfer mechanism 3)
The medal transfer mechanism 3 is used for batch-inserting medals paid out from the lending medal payout device 23 and medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 10 of the slot machine 1.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the medal transfer mechanism 3 is roughly divided into a main body cover 30 attached to the front surface of the outer box 20 of the medal lending machine 2, and the inside of the main body cover 30. A medal feeding device 40 for transferring medals, and an insertion passage 60 for discharging the medals transferred by the medal feeding device 40 toward the medal slot 10 of the first slot machine 1a.

In addition, the medal feeder 40 is provided with an acceptance insertion unit 48 for receiving medals and a medal storage unit 44 for temporarily storing medals inserted from the acceptance insertion unit 48.
Further, in the medal transfer mechanism 3, a medal transfer port 66 for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 toward the medal insertion port 10 of the first slot machine 1a and a medal storage unit 44 are stored. A discharge opening 92 for discharging the medals in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66 is provided.
In addition, the medal transfer mechanism 3 is provided with a payout passage 42a for receiving a medal lent out from the rented medal payout device 23 and guiding it to the medal storage unit 44.

(Main unit cover 30)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body cover 30 is a box shape that protrudes from the front center of the outer box 20 of the medal lending machine 2 toward the front side (the front side when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front side). A collective opening 31 that is a member and opens upward is formed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a medal feeding device 40 is built inside.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a counter-like overhanging portion 32 having a flat portion on the upper surface is formed on the front side of the collective charging opening 31. The projecting portion 32 projects toward the front side and the side of the collective charging opening 31, and is formed in a substantially U shape when viewed from above. Further, a standing portion 272 is formed around the collective charging opening 31 so as to stand in a U shape extending from both sides to the front as viewed from above. The collective throwing opening 31 is set to be positioned above a drop hole 271 provided in a receiving throw part 48 of the main body block 41 described later, and as a result, an upright part 272 around the drop hole 271 is provided. Is formed to be positioned.

  Further, on the front side of the overhanging portion 32, a contact sensor 274 as a belt operation switch 273 made of a conductive metal for operating and stopping the medal transport device 50 is provided. Then, by touching the contact sensor 274 of the overhanging portion 32, a drive motor 55 of the medal conveying device 50 described later is driven, and by releasing the hand touching the contact sensor 274 of the overhanging portion 32, the medal conveying device. 50 drive motors 55 stop driving. Specifically, when the belt operation switch 273 is operated for less than a predetermined time, when three medals are sent to the side transfer passage 12, the belt operation switch 273 is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more. More than three medals are discharged from the medal transfer port 66 so as to be fed out to the side transfer passage 12 of the slot machine 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a display surface 70 erected upward is provided at the rear end of the collective loading opening 31 in the main body cover 30. In addition, the display surface 70 is provided with a notification unit 241 that can indicate to the player the state of the medal lending machine 2, such as a defect related to the movement of the medal tray 100.
In addition, a storage protrusion switch 116 is provided on the left side of the notification unit 241 on the display surface 70.
The storage protrusion switch 116 is for moving the medal tray 100 to the retracted position and the protruding position. Specifically, when the storage protrusion switch 116 is operated while the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruded position. When the medal tray 100 is in the projecting position and the storage projecting switch 116 is operated, the medal tray 100 moves from the projecting position to the retracted position.

(Notification unit 241)
The notification unit 241 performs a notification operation in a predetermined manner in order to notify information related to the state of the medal lending machine 2. The operation of the notification unit 241 is controlled by the notification control means 370.
Here, the information regarding the state of the medal lending machine 2 refers to information such as whether or not the movement of the medal tray 100 is repeated during a predetermined time.
In the present embodiment, the notification unit 241 uses a red LED that emits red light. And the alerting | reporting part 241 is provided in the position which a player can visually recognize from the front side of the medal lending machine 2, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3. In addition, the notification unit 241 notifies information such as whether or not the movement of the medal tray 100 is repeated during a predetermined time by turning on the red LED that is a notification operation of a predetermined mode. It is.

In addition, the notification control unit 370 operates the notification unit 241 so that the notification operation is performed in a predetermined manner when the number of movements of the medal tray 100 counted by the movement counter 119 described later reaches a predetermined value. Control. That is, in the present embodiment, the notification unit 241 and the notification control unit 370 constitute a notification unit that performs a notification operation in a predetermined manner when the number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined number. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the count value of the movement number counter 119, which will be described later, reaches six times, the notification control unit 370 notifies the red LED that is the notification unit 241 to light. The operation of the unit 241 is controlled.
(Storage protrusion switch 116)
The storage protrusion switch 116 is provided on the display surface 70 as shown in FIGS. The storage protrusion switch 116 is provided on the left side of the notification unit 241 on the display surface 70.

The storage protrusion switch 116 is for moving the medal tray 100 to the retracted position or the protruding position. Specifically, the storage protrusion switch 116 moves the medal tray 100 to the protruding position when a predetermined operation is performed when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, and when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position. When a predetermined operation is performed, the medal tray 100 is moved to the retracted position.
Further, a push button type switch is used as the storage protrusion switch 116. Specifically, when a push button type switch as the storage protrusion switch 116 is pressed, the storage protrusion switch 116 is configured to output a medal tray operation signal to a medal tray movement control means 340 described later. ing.

Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 receives a medal tray operation signal when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, and a medal tray moving unit 110 described later so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. When the medal tray operation signal is received when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position.
(Medal feeder 40)
The medal feeder 40 is for taking medals into the medal lending machine 2 and discharging the taken medals toward the medal slot 10 of the slot machine 1.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the medal feeder 40 is a box-shaped main body block 41 provided inside the main body cover 30, and a medal for transferring a medal taken into the main body block 41. A transport device 50 and a discharge mechanism 80 for discharging medals and the like remaining in the medal storage unit 44 are provided below the medal transport device 50 on the back side.
In addition, a receiving input portion 48 that opens upward is provided at a substantially central portion in the length direction of the main body block 41. A medal storage part 44 for temporarily storing medals inserted from the receiving input part 48 or the payout passage 42a is formed below the receiving input part 48.
The medal feeder 40 also has a medal storage unit 44. The medal storage unit 44 discharges medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 from the medal transfer port 66 through the insertion passage 60 and is stored in the medal storage unit 44. The medals are formed so as to be discharged from the discharge opening 92.

Further, in the present embodiment, the medal transport device 50 and the insertion passage 60 constitute a medal transfer portion, and the medal transport device 50 and the discharge mechanism 80 constitute a discharge transfer portion.
(Main body block 41)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the main body block 41 has a receiving input portion 48 that opens upward at a substantially central portion in the length direction. The receiving and inserting portion 48 is provided with a drop hole 271 that opens in a square shape and allows a medal to fall. On the back side of the receiving and throwing portion 48, a receiving and throwing path 42b that opens upward and communicates with the payout path 42a is provided. As a result, a medal for lending is inserted from the lending medal payout device 23 through the receiving and inserting passage 42b.

A medal storage part 44 for temporarily storing medals inserted from the receiving input part 48 or the payout passage 42a is formed below the receiving input part 48. In addition, a medal transport device 50 that transfers medals stored in the medal storage section 44 is built in the lower front portion of the main body block 41. A discharge mechanism 80 having an openable opening / closing hole 85 is provided at the bottom of the inner wall that forms the receiving / inserting passage 42b and on the bottom surface of the medal storage 44.
The acceptance input unit 48 is for accepting medals into the medal lending machine 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the receiving insertion portion 48 is an opening for receiving medals inserted from the collective insertion opening 31, and is provided with a drop hole 271 that is opened in a square shape and drops medals. It is formed by. Further, the drop hole 271 as the receiving input portion 48 is provided to open upward at a substantially central portion in the length direction of the main body block 41. Further, the drop hole 271 as the receiving and inserting portion 48 is formed so as to be able to receive medals inserted from the collective inserting opening 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, a partition bar 96 provided in the lateral direction is provided at the substantially central portion of the opening width of the receiving input portion 48. This is to align the inserted medals in the same direction as much as possible. In other words, the presence of the partitioning rod 96 prevents the medal from being inserted vertically into the receiving insertion portion 48 (the orientation in which the front and back surfaces of the medal are the left and right directions). Then, it is dropped in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the front and back sides of the medal are in the front-rear direction). In such a case, since the medals are aligned, the medals can be stored in the medal storage unit 44, which is a space located below the receiving insertion unit 48, so that the medals can be stacked. The feeding device 40 makes it easy to transfer.

The medal storage unit 44 is for temporarily storing medals inserted from the receiving input unit 48. Further, a movement adjustment valve 43 that is divided into a medal storage unit 44 and a medal return unit 45 is attached at a position closer to the front side than the medal storage unit 44. The movement adjustment valve 43 prevents the movement of medals from the medal storage unit 44 to the medal return unit 45, and allows the movement of the medals from the medal return unit 45 to the medal storage unit 44 as appropriate. It is for making the transfer of the smooth.
(Medal transport device 50)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the medal transport device 50 is built in the lower front portion of the main body block 41, and the medal inserted or paid out into the medal storage unit 44 is placed in a horizontal state (the front and back surfaces of the medal are This is for feeding one sheet at a time in the up-down state, that is, the state where the front or back surface of the medal faces upward or downward. Specifically, the medal transport device 50 includes a pair of rollers 51 (a front roller 51a and a back roller 51b), a belt 53 stretched between the front roller 51a and the back roller 51b, A reverse rotation roller 52 installed with a delivery gap 54 above the front side of the belt 53, a drive motor 55 for rotating the rollers 51, 52, and rotation of the motor shaft of the drive motor 55 to the rollers 51, 52 The transmission means 56 (refer FIG. 4) for transmitting.

The rollers 51 are provided in parallel in the front-rear direction as viewed from the front side. The belt 53 is a flat belt stretched around two rollers 51a and 51b, and the surface thereof is covered with rubber or the like so as to increase the frictional resistance with the medal. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the front roller 51a is mounted at a slightly higher position than the back roller 51b, so that the upper surface of the belt 53 is inclined slightly upward toward the front. By rotating the roller 51 in the direction of the black arrow shown in FIG. 3 (the arrow whose inside is painted black), the upper surface of the belt 53 is moved to the front side.
The roller 51 and the reverse roller 52 are rotated simultaneously by the transmission means 56. The transmission means 56 is a drive shaft of the drive motor 55, a gear provided on each of the front roller 51a and the reverse roller 52, and a belt connecting these gears. The reverse roller 52 is in the same direction as the roller 51. Since it rotates, the traveling direction of the upper surface of the belt 53 and the moving direction of the lower surface of the reverse rotation roller 52 are reversed. Further, the rotation speed of the reverse rotation roller 52 is formed to be faster than the rotation speed of the roller 51 by adjusting the transmission means 56 (a combination of gears having different diameters).

As shown in FIG. 3, a feeding gap 54 is formed between the lower end of the reverse rotation roller 52 and the upper surface of the belt 53, which is larger than the thickness of one medal and smaller than the thickness of two medals. Yes. For this reason, when a plurality of medals are stacked on the reversing roller 52 and conveyed to the reversing roller 52 side, the medal above the second one is reversed, leaving the bottom one medal. It is kicked back by the reverse rotation roller 52. As a result, the medals on the upper surface of the belt 53 are sent to the front side one by one, and the medals located above the belt 53 and behind the reverse rotation roller 52 are kicked out to the medal return unit 45. Yes.
As shown in FIG. 5, the reverse rotation roller 52 in the present embodiment is formed with a stirring groove 58 having a substantially trapezoidal cross section along the axial direction. The stirring groove 58 plays a role of effectively kicking up the medals stacked above the belt 53 backward so as to hook the medals at the end of the groove.

The front side of the belt 53 is close to the medal receiving port 67 of the insertion passage 60. Then, the medals on the upper surface of the belt 53 are transported from the medal receiving port 67 to the insertion passage 60 through the sending gap 54.
Although not particularly illustrated, a projecting body projecting from the side wall surface of the belt 53 toward the belt 53 after passing through the attachment position of the reverse rotation roller 52 in the middle of feeding from the belt 53 to the charging passage 60 is provided. It may be formed. This projecting body projects the effective width that the belt 53 can convey so as to match the diameter of the medal used. When the medals on the belt 53 come into contact with the protruding body, the medal transport position can be set to a predetermined position.

The medal transport device 50 rotates the belt 53 in the forward direction (forward rotation, that is, in the direction of the black arrow in FIG. 3) to reversely move the belt 53 in the reverse direction (reverse rotation, that is, in FIG. 3). (In the reverse rotation direction of the black arrow direction), the medal can be transferred in any direction of the reverse feeding direction in which the medal is fed back to the medal storage part 44 on the opposite side to the insertion passage 60. . That is, when the belt 53 is rotated forward, the medal transport device 50 transfers the material on the belt 53 to the input passage 60, and when the belt 53 is reversed, the material on the belt 53 is discharged from the discharge mechanism 80 described later. It is formed so as to be transferred to the opening / closing hole 85.
When the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 is reversely rotated, the reverse rotation roller 52 is formed so as not to rotate by an internal mechanism.

The operation of the medal transport device 50 is controlled by drive control means 280 described later.
(Input passage 60)
The insertion path 60 is for guiding the medals transferred from the medal transport device 50 to the medal transfer port 66.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 8, the medal lending machine 2 according to the present embodiment includes a base member 62 attached to the lower portion on the front side of the main body cover 30, and a front side of the base member 62. A fixed plate 251, a movable movable plate 250 positioned on the front side of the fixed plate 251, and a lower side of the fixed plate 251, and a width slightly larger than the thickness of one medal on the near side. As shown in FIG. 9, a protruding projecting portion 252, a cover member 61 that is glued so as to cover the front surface of an input passage 60 described later, via a hinge 63 provided at the lower end of the base member 62, A charging passage light emitting section 220 capable of irradiating light toward the medal to be transferred through the charging passage 60 is provided.

In addition, the input passage 60 is formed between the fixed plate 251, the movable plate 250, and the protruding portion 252.
A medal receiving port 67 for receiving medals is provided at the entrance of the insertion passage 60, and the exit of the insertion passage 60 transfers a medal one by one to the medal insertion port 10 of the first slot machine 1a. Mouth 66.
As a result, the insertion path 60 can discharge the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 transferred by the medal transport device 50 from the medal transfer port 66 toward the medal insertion port 10 of the first slot machine 1a. it can. Thus, in the present embodiment, the medal transport device 50 and the insertion passage 60 constitute a medal transfer unit.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 8, a protrusion 252 is sandwiched between the fixed plate 251 and the movable plate 250 so that the thickness is slightly larger than the thickness of one medal. And having a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of the medal, the insertion passage 60 capable of transferring the medal is formed. That is, the insertion passage 60 is formed with a medal transfer slit through which the medal can pass by the fixed plate 251, the movable plate 250, and the protrusion 252.
The insertion passage 60 is bent in a substantially L shape from the medal receiving port 67 toward the slot machine 1 and has an end serving as a medal transfer port 66 (see FIG. 9). That is, the insertion passage 60 receives medals transferred from the medal transport device 50 from the medal receiving port 67 and discharges them one by one from the medal transfer port 66 toward the medal insertion port 10 side of the slot machine 1. Yes.

Further, the medal guided to the medal transfer port 66 by the insertion passage 60 is discharged from the medal transfer port 66 toward the side transfer passage 12. The medal discharged from the medal transfer port 66 passes through the side transfer passage 12 and reaches the upper insertion opening 11 of the first slot machine 1a.
As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion passage 60 is installed so that the medal transfer port 66 is aligned with the end of the side transfer passage 12 of the medal insertion port 10 of the slot machine 1. In this case, the medal transfer port 66 and the end portion of the side transfer passage 12 do not necessarily abut and coincide with each other, and the medal discharged from the medal transfer port 66 can be moved to the side transfer passage 12 or a high height. There may be an error.

(Fixed plate 251)
The fixed plate 251 is fixed to the front side of the base member 62 and is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed from the front.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the upper end portion of the fixed plate 251 is a curved portion 62 </ b> A that curves in the depth direction from below to above, and this curved portion 62 </ b> A forms a medal socket 67. To do.
Further, although not shown, the fixed plate 251 is provided with a reflection plate of a passage detection unit 231 described later at a predetermined position.
(Movable plate 250)
The movable plate 250 is located on the front side of the fixed plate 251 and forms a wall on the near side of the input passage 60. Further, the movable plate 250 that forms the charging passage 60 is entirely formed of a transparent resin. Thereby, the movement of medals in the insertion passage 60 can be visually recognized.

  As shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable plate 250 is slightly below the upper end of the side end of the movable plate 250 (specifically, at a position one fifth of the total height of the movable plate 250 from the upper end). A movable plate rotating shaft 253 that is pivotally supported is formed. The movable plate rotating shaft 253 is formed with a spring that pulls the upper end of the movable plate 250 toward the front side and biases the lower end toward the rear side. As shown in FIG. 8A, since the lower end of the movable plate 250 is in contact with the protruding portion 252 at all times, the movable plate 250 maintains a state in which it is erected in the vertical direction. Then, when a clogging release button 260, which will be described later, is pressed, the clogging release button 260 pushes the upper part of the movable plate 250 inward as shown in FIG. 8B, and the movable plate 250 rotates the movable plate. With the shaft 253 as the center of rotation, the upper end is rotated to the back side and the lower end is rotated to the front side. As a result, when medals are clogged inside the insertion passage 60 between the movable plate 250 and the fixed plate 251, as shown in FIG. 8B, the lower end of the movable plate 250 and the fixed plate A gap between the cover member 61 and the medal transfer port 68 is discharged to the outside.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable plate 250 is provided with a light sensor light emitting portion and a light sensor light receiving portion of a passage detection portion 231 that detects passage of a medal described later at a predetermined position near the center. It has been. In addition, the light sensor light emitting unit and the light sensor light receiving unit of the passage detection unit 231 are provided in a state of being embedded in the movable plate 250 or the like.
(Passage detection unit 231)
The passage detection unit 231 is for detecting the medal passing through the insertion passage 60.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the passage detection unit 231 is provided at a position near the center of the charging passage 60.

The passage detection unit 231 includes a proximity sensor (switch) that detects the proximity of a medal and the presence or absence of a nearby detection target in a non-contact manner. It can detect presence information that exists without
Here, the passage detection unit 231 uses a photoelectric proximity switch as a proximity sensor (switch). The photoelectric proximity switch includes an optical sensor light emitting unit that emits light, a reflective plate (not shown) that reflects light from the optical sensor light emitting unit, and light from the optical sensor light emitting unit that is reflected by the reflective plate. And an optical sensor light receiving unit for receiving light. In addition, the light sensor light emitting part and the light sensor light receiving part of the passage detection part 231 are provided at a position near the center of the insertion path 60. Further, the reflection plate that reflects the light emitted from the photosensor light emitting unit is provided at a position of the fixed plate 251 that faces the photosensor light emitting unit across the input passage 60. The medal passing through the insertion path 60 blocks the optical path from the light sensor light emitting part to the light sensor light receiving part. As a result, when the medal is positioned between the optical sensor light emitting unit and the reflecting plate, the passage detection unit 231 detects the medal by blocking the light emitted from the optical sensor light emitting unit by the medal.

In addition, as a proximity switch used as the passage detection unit 231, an inductive proximity switch may be used, or another type of proximity switch may be used. The passage detection unit 231 can also use a contact-type sensor that detects a contact by directly contacting a medal such as a limit switch.
Here, the photoelectric proximity switch as the passage detection unit 231 is formed to transmit a medal detection signal to the drive control unit 280 every time the medal shields light emitted from the photoelectric proximity switch. Yes. Further, the drive control means 280 can detect the number of medals discharged from the medal transfer port 66 by the medal detection signal.

(Cover member 61)
The cover member 61 is rotatable about a hinge 63 below the cover member 61 and covers the front surface of the input passage 60.
The hinge 63 can pivotally support the cover member 61 and the base member 62 in a rotatable manner. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 8, locking means for locking the cover member 61 to the base member 62 side so that both the cover member 61 and the base member 62 are not opened. 290. As shown in FIG. 7, the locking means 290 is located on the lower surface side of the main body cover 30 above the input passage 60 and the anchor claw-shaped locking portion 291 provided on the upper back side of the cover member 61. An anchor claw-like portion of the locking portion 291 is formed from a non-locking portion 292 that can be locked. As shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portion 291 is formed with an insertion piece opening 294 that opens near the center in the width direction. And this latching | locking part 291 is formed from soft resin, and is formed so that elastic deformation is possible.

On the clogging release button 260 (to be described later) of the cover member 61, as shown in FIG. 6, an unlocking hole 293 that opens on the front and back sides and releases the locking state of the locking means 290 is formed. Has been. By inserting a strip plate-like insertion piece such as a key or a rod-like screwdriver into this locking release hole 293, this insertion piece pushes the upper surface of the above-mentioned insertion piece opening 294 downward. As a result, the inserted insertion piece elastically deforms the locking portion 291 downward, and the anchor claw-shaped locking portion 291 is disengaged from the non-locking portion 292. As a result, the locked state of the locking means 290 can be released.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 8, the cover member 61 is provided with a plurality of long-hole slit-shaped through holes 210 that penetrate the front and back surfaces of the cover member 61 at predetermined positions. The through hole 210 is formed so that the insertion passage 60 in the back of the cover member 61 can be seen from the outside.

In the present embodiment, the through hole 210 is formed in the shape of a long hole slit, but is not particularly limited thereto. Specifically, the cover member 61 corresponding to the front side of the charging passage 60 may be formed of a transparent member such as glass or transparent resin, or may be formed to have a large number of small holes. good.
A clogging release button 260 for moving the movable plate 250 is formed on the upper portion of the cover member 61.
The clog release button 260 pushes the upper part of the movable plate 250 to rotate the movable plate 250 when a medal is jammed in the insertion passage 60, and removes the medal jammed in the insertion passage 60 from the clogged medal transfer port 68 below. It is for discharging.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the clogging release button 260 is maintained in a state of protruding to the near side without any operation by the player when the medal normally flows through the insertion passage 60. To do. The clogging release button 260 is applied with a biasing force of a spring in a direction protruding toward the near side by a biasing means including an internal spring. Therefore, it is formed so as to automatically return to the front side even if it is pushed in by the hand.
When a plurality of medals are jammed inside the insertion passage 60, for example, at the medal receiving port 67, the player pushes the clogging release button 260 toward the back side. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the clogging release button 260 is pushed toward the back side, and the back end of the clogging release button 260 is positioned above the movable plate 250. Will be pushed toward the back. As a result, the movable plate 250 rotates around the horizontal movable plate rotation shaft 253 (see FIG. 9) at the center of the side end and is opened downward as shown in FIG. 8B. It becomes. Then, medals jammed between the movable plate 250 and the fixed plate 251 fall downward and are discharged from the jammed medal transfer port 68 to the outside. As a result, the clogging of medals in the insertion passage 60 can be easily released.

A clogged medal transfer port 68 that opens downward is formed in the lower part of the cover member 61. The clogged medal transfer port 68 is opened to move the movable plate 250 when the clogging release button 260 is pressed and to discharge the clogged medal between the movable plate 250 and the fixed plate 251 to the outside. is there.
(Input passage light emitting part 220)
The insertion passage light emitting unit 220 emits light toward the medal passing through the insertion passage 60. Further, the insertion passage light emitting unit 220 is formed so as to be able to irradiate light toward the medal transferred by the medal transfer mechanism 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the charging passage light emitting unit 220 is composed of an LED fixed to the base member 62 and can emit blue light. Then, the insertion passage light emitting section 220 emits blue light under a predetermined condition, and the emitted light is formed so as to be able to be emitted toward the medal transferred by the medal transfer mechanism 3. The medal is formed so as to be visible by the light irradiated from the insertion passage light emitting unit 220. Thereby, the player can see a medal passing through the insertion passage 60 inside the cover member 61.

(Discharge mechanism 80)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the discharge mechanism 80 is provided at a lower position in the vicinity of the rear portion of the medal storage portion 44.
Further, the discharge mechanism 80 is for discharging the medals in the medal storage section 44 from the discharge opening 92. This also allows the discharge mechanism 80 to discharge the medals in the medal storage unit 44 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66.
The discharge mechanism 80 includes a solenoid 81 that moves up and down a substantially cylindrical movable shaft 83 that protrudes upward in accordance with an energized state, and one end that is pivotally supported by the movable shaft 83 and is fixed to the main body block 41. Further, an opening / closing plate 82 is formed so as to be swingable in the vertical direction with the fixed shaft 84 as a fulcrum. Then, the opening / closing hole 85 is formed to be openable / closable by rotating the opening / closing plate 82 about the fixed shaft 84.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the opening / closing plate 82 is closed when the movable shaft 83 is positioned downward, and the opening / closing plate 82 is opened when the movable shaft 83 is positioned upward. It is formed so that. Then, by opening the opening / closing plate 82 by the operation of the solenoid 81, a part of the bottom near the rear portion of the medal storage portion 44 is opened, and the opening / closing hole 85 is formed. Then, medals, foreign objects, etc. stored in the medal storage part 44 can be discharged from an opening / closing hole 85 formed in the bottom surface near the rear part of the medal storage part 44.
The operation of the discharge mechanism 80 is controlled by a discharge mechanism control means 360 described later. Further, the operation of the discharge mechanism 80 is controlled by the discharge mechanism control means 360 so that the opening / closing plate 82 is opened when the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 is reversed.

Specifically, for example, when the storage protrusion switch 116 or the like is operated, the discharge mechanism control unit 360 operates the discharge mechanism 80 so that the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 reverses and the opening / closing plate 82 opens. Is controlled.
(Discharge opening 92)
The discharge opening 92 is for discharging medals stored in the medal storage section 44 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the discharge opening 92 is provided at the position of the bottom surface in the vicinity of the rear portion of the medal transfer mechanism 3. Further, the discharge opening 92 is provided at a position below the back side of the medal storage section 44. The discharge opening 92 is provided at a position below an opening / closing hole 85 formed by opening the opening / closing plate 82 of the discharge mechanism 80. As a result, medals, foreign objects, etc. stored in the medal storage section 44 go downward from the opening / closing hole 85 and are discharged from the discharge opening 92. Further, since the discharge opening 92 is provided at a position near the rear of the bottom surface of the medal transfer mechanism 3, the discharge opening 92 opens in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66. Thereby, the discharge opening 92 can discharge the medals stored in the medal storage section 44 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66.

Further, a medal tray 100 described later is provided at a position below the discharge opening 92 and is formed so as to receive a medal discharged from the discharge opening 92.
(Acceptance input passage 42b)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the acceptance insertion path 42 b is for receiving a medal lent out from the rented medal payout device 23 of the medal lending machine 2 and guiding it to the medal storage unit 44. The upper end of the receiving input passage 42b communicates with the lower end of the dispensing passage 42a. Further, the bottom surface of the receiving and introducing passage 42b is inclined downward from the back side toward the front side, and an opening / closing hole 85 that can be opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 82 is formed at the front end portion of the inclination. When the opening / closing plate 82 closes the opening / closing hole 85, medals lent out from the rented medal payout device 23 are stored in the medal storage unit 44.

(Medal tray 100)
The medal tray 100 is for receiving medals, foreign objects, etc. discharged from the discharge opening 92.
Further, the medal tray 100 has a retracted position where the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b does not interfere when the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b is opened by the medal tray moving unit 110 described later. It is formed so as to be able to move between a protruding position, which is a position where a medal discharged from the discharge opening 92 can be received.
When the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 12, the position below the discharge opening 92 provided on the bottom surface of the medal transfer mechanism 3. It is provided to come to. Further, the medal tray 100 is provided so as to come to a position in the retreat space 120 when it is in the retreat position.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11 and 12, the medal tray 100 includes a tray bottom plate portion 101, a tray front plate portion 102, two tray side plates, and a tray back plate portion 103. ing. The saucer bottom plate portion 101 is formed so as to bend upward as it goes forward. The saucer front plate portion 102 is formed so as to stand upward from the front end of the saucer bottom plate portion 101. Further, although not shown, the two saucer side plate portions are formed so as to stand upward from the left and right ends of the saucer bottom plate portion 101, respectively. Further, the tray back plate portion 103 is formed so as to stand upward from the rear end of the tray bottom plate portion 101. Thereby, the medal can be stored in the medal tray 100. Further, a rack shaft 130 of a medal tray moving unit 110, which will be described later, is attached to the back surface of the tray back plate 103 so as to extend rearward. Further, the medal tray 100 is formed to be movable between a retracted position and a protruding position when the rack shaft 130 moves in the front-rear direction.

The medal tray 100 is formed using a transparent resin. Further, the medal tray 100 is formed using a transparent resin so that light (for example, light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 of the remaining medal detection unit 150 described later) can be transmitted.
(Medal tray moving part 110)
The medal tray moving unit 110 is discharged from the retreat position where the medal tray 100 does not interfere with the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b when the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b is opened, and the discharge opening 92. The medal tray 100 can be moved between a protruding position where the medal can be received.

The medal tray moving unit 110 is provided in the retreat space 120 of the medal lending machine 2 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
Further, the medal tray moving unit 110 includes a rack shaft 130, a medal tray driving motor (not shown), and a motor support base 134.
A pinion gear 132 is provided at the tip of the rotating shaft of the medal tray driving motor. In addition, the medal tray driving motor is formed such that the rotation shaft rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. Accordingly, the pinion gear 132 provided at the tip of the rotating shaft of the medal tray driving motor can also be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The rack shaft 130 is formed on the basis of a rectangular cross section, and a rack gear 135 is formed on the lower surface. A medal tray 100 is attached to the front end of the rack shaft 130.

The rack gear 135 is formed by a plurality of teeth. Each tooth is formed on a straight line so as to extend in the left-right direction. In addition, each tooth is formed at equal intervals so that the teeth are parallel to each other.
The rack gear 135 and the pinion gear 132 are formed so as to mesh with each other. The medal tray driving motor is attached to the motor support base 134. Further, the medal tray driving motor is attached such that a pinion gear 132 provided at the tip of the rotating shaft meshes with the rack gear 135. Further, the pinion gear 132 and the rack gear 135 are formed so as to be able to move the rack shaft 130 in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 12 by meshing with each other.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the medal tray driving motor rotates counterclockwise, the pinion gear 132 rotates counterclockwise, and the rack shaft 130 moves forward. In addition, this allows the medal tray 100 attached to the front end of the rack shaft 130 to be moved to the protruding position (the position where the medal tray 100 and the like in FIG. 12 are indicated by a solid line). Has been. Further, when the medal tray driving motor rotates in the clockwise direction, the pinion gear 132 rotates in the clockwise direction, and the rack shaft 130 moves in the backward direction. Accordingly, the medal tray 100 attached to the front end of the rack shaft 130 can be moved to the retracted position (the position where the medal tray 100 and the like in FIG. 12 are indicated by a two-dotted line). Has been.

The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled by the medal tray moving control means 340. In addition, the medal tray moving unit 110 moves the medal tray 100 to the protruding position when moving the medal tray 100 forward, and moves the medal tray 100 to the retracted position when moving the medal tray 100 backward. The operation of the medal tray movement control means 340 is controlled.
(Remaining medal detection unit 150)
The remaining medal detection unit 150 detects whether or not there are medals in the medal tray 100.

Further, the remaining medal detection unit 150 is provided in the retreat space 120 as shown in FIG. In addition, the remaining medal detection unit 150 uses an optical sensor that detects the presence of a medal by detecting light blockage caused by the presence of the medal. The optical sensor as the remaining medal detection unit 150 includes a light emitting unit 151 that emits light, and a light receiving unit 152 that receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151. In addition, the remaining medal detection unit 150 includes a light emitting unit 151 on the upper surface of the bottom plate 122 of the retreat space 120, and includes a light receiving unit 152 on the lower surface of the top plate 124 where light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 strikes. .
Further, since the medal tray 100 is formed using a transparent resin material, it is possible to transmit light. Therefore, even if the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 12 (the position where the medal tray 100 or the like in FIG. The light emitted from the section 151 passes through the medal tray 100 and reaches the light receiving section 152.

  In addition, when a medal remains in the medal tray 100, the medal shields the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 so that the light is not transmitted so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 does not reach the light receiving unit 152. Is formed. As described above, the remaining medal detection unit 150 is configured to be able to detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100 by blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 from the medals present in the medal tray 100. ing. Thereby, the remaining medal detection unit 150 can detect the presence of medals in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position. Further, when the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects the presence of a medal in the medal tray 100, the remaining medal detection unit 150 outputs a remaining medal detection signal to the medal tray movement control means 340.

When receiving the remaining medal detection signal, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position.
(Medal tray movement detector)
The medal tray movement detection unit is for detecting whether the medal tray 100 has moved from the retracted position to the protruding position or from the protruding position to the retracted position.
The medal tray movement detection unit is provided in the evacuation space 120 (not shown). In addition, the medal tray movement detection unit uses an optical sensor that detects the position and movement of the medal tray 100 by detecting light blocking. In addition, the medal tray movement detection unit has two optical sensors, a rear optical sensor and a front optical sensor. Each optical sensor as each medal tray movement detection unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit.

Further, the front optical sensor shields light emitted from the light emitting part of the front optical sensor near the front end of the rack shaft 130, and the light emitted from the light emitting part of the front optical sensor does not reach the light receiving part of the front optical sensor. Thus, it is detected that the medal tray 100 attached to the tip of the rack shaft 130 is in the protruding position. Therefore, when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the front optical sensor does not block the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the front optical sensor when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position. The rack shaft 130 is provided at a position that blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion of the front optical sensor.
Further, the rear optical sensor blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part of the rear optical sensor near the rear end of the rack shaft 130, and the light emitted from the light emitting part of the rear optical sensor reaches the light receiving part of the rear optical sensor. By disappearing, it is detected that the medal tray 100 attached to the tip of the rack shaft 130 is in the retracted position. Therefore, the rear optical sensor does not block the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the rear optical sensor when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, but when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, The rack shaft 130 is provided at a position that blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion of the rear optical sensor.

In addition, the medal tray movement detector detects light emitted from the light emitting part of the front optical sensor from the vicinity of the rear end of the rack shaft 130 from the state where the light emitted from the light emitting part of the rear optical sensor blocks the light near the rear end of the rack shaft 130. It is detected that the medal tray 100 has moved from the retracted position to the protruding position by detecting that the state has shifted to a state where the light is shielded from light.
In addition, the medal tray movement detector detects light emitted by the light emitting part of the rear optical sensor from the vicinity of the rear end of the rack shaft 130 from the state where the light emitted by the light emitting part of the front optical sensor is shielded by the vicinity of the front end of the rack shaft 130. It is detected that the medal tray 100 has moved from the protruding position to the retracted position by detecting that the state has shifted to a state where the light is shielded from light.

  In addition, the medal tray movement detection unit outputs a movement detection signal toward a predetermined means every time it detects that the medal tray 100 has moved. Specifically, when the medal tray movement detection unit detects that the medal tray 100 has moved from the retracted position to the protruding position, the medal tray movement control unit 340, the medal tray, Output toward the operation timer 117, the movement detection timer 118, and the movement counter 119. Further, when the medal tray movement detection unit detects that the medal tray 100 has moved from the protruding position to the retracted position, the medal tray movement control means 340, the medal tray operation timer 117 , Output to the movement detection timer 118 and the movement number counter 119.

(Medal lending machine control device 300)
The medal lending machine control device 300 is for controlling the operation of the medal lending machine 2. Further, the medal lending machine control device 300 is provided inside the medal lending machine 2 as shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the medal lending machine control device 300 includes a medal feeding device control means 310 for controlling the operation of the medal feeding device 40 and a medal tray movement control means 340 for controlling the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110. Is to repeatedly measure a certain length of time, starts measuring the time based on a predetermined condition, and once the time has elapsed from the start of the measurement, the time measurement is temporarily stopped At the same time, the movement detection timer 118 that is configured to start measuring time again, the medal tray operation timer 117 that measures time triggered by the movement of the medal tray 100, and detection by the medal tray movement detection unit This is for counting the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the result, and resets the count value every time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring time. A mobile number counter 119 being urchin formed, and a notification control unit 370 for controlling the operation of the notification unit 241.

In addition, the medal feeder control unit 310 includes a drive control unit 280 that controls the operation of the medal transport device 50 and a discharge mechanism control unit 360 that controls the operation of the discharge mechanism 80.
(Medal feeder control means 310)
The medal feeder control means 310 is for controlling the operation of the medal feeder 40.
The medal feeder control unit 310 includes a drive control unit 280 that controls the operation of the medal transport device 50, and a discharge mechanism control unit 360 that controls the operation of the discharge mechanism 80.
Further, in the present embodiment, the medal feeder control unit 310 is a medal transfer unit control unit that controls the operation of the medal transfer unit, and a discharge transfer unit control unit that controls the operation of the discharge transfer unit.

(Drive control means 280)
This is for controlling the medal transport device 50. That is, the drive control means 280 has a function as a medal transfer part control means for controlling the medal transfer part. Specifically, the drive control means 280 is for controlling the rotational drive of the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50.
The drive control means 280 controls the medal transport device 50 based on the operation of the belt operation switch 273. This drive control means 280 enables the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 to be operable by contact with a contact sensor 274 as a belt operation switch 273 by a player.

When the belt control switch 273 is operated (ie, a player's finger or the like continuously touches the contact sensor 274) for less than a predetermined specific time t3, the drive control means 280 is confirmed by the contact sensor 274. A number of medals are formed to be sent out to the insertion passage 60. Then, the drive control means 280 confirms with the contact sensor 274 when the belt operation switch 273 is continuously operated for a predetermined time t3 or more (that is, the player's finger or the like continuously contacts the contact sensor 274). The number of medals exceeding the predetermined number is continuously sent out to the side transfer passage 12.
Further, the drive control means 280 receives the medal passage signal output from the passage detection unit 231 toward the drive control means 280, thereby determining the number of medals sent out from the medal transfer port 66 toward the side transfer passage 12. It is formed so that it can be detected.

  Here, the predetermined specific time t3 means that a predetermined number of medals (three medals that can be inserted in one game) as a condition for starting the game are transferred to the side transfer passage 12. It means the time required. This time is measured and stored in advance. Accordingly, when the player touches the contact sensor 274 for a time shorter than the specific time t3, the drive control means 280 transfers the maximum number of inserted medals from the medal transfer mechanism 3 to the side transfer passage 12. . Then, when the player touches the contact sensor 274 for the specific time t3 or longer, the drive control means 280 transfers more than three medals to the side transfer passage 12. Specifically, when the player touches the contact sensor 274 for the specified time t3 or longer, the drive control means 280 further receives a medal from the medal transport device 50 only while the player touches the contact sensor 274. It is configured to be transported.

Further, the drive control means 280 is formed so as to start the transfer by the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 in response to the input of the bill detection signal from the bill sensor 24. That is, when a bill detection signal is input from the bill sensor 24, the drive control means 280 starts to rotate the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50.
Further, in addition to these, the drive control means 280 is configured to stop the transfer of the medal transport device 50 when a predetermined time t1 elapses after the lending from the medal lending unit 25 is completed. Specifically, after the drive control means 280 detects the discharge of medals by the passage detection unit 231 of the insertion passage 60, the predetermined specific time t1 elapses without detecting the subsequent discharge of medals. This means that the transfer of the medal transport device 50 is stopped (the rotation driving of the belt 53 is stopped). Therefore, the drive control means 280 determines that the medal is the last medal and stops the rotation of the belt 53 when the specific time t1 has elapsed after the passage detection unit 231 detects the passage of the medal. .

Further, in addition to these, the drive control means 280 provides the medal transport device from the time when the power supply of the medal lending machine 2 is turned on to the predetermined time t4 (specifically, for example, 12 seconds). 50 belts 53 are formed to be reversed. Further, while the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 is reversely rotated at the specific time t4, the discharge mechanism 80 is formed to move the solenoid 81 and open the opening / closing hole 85. At the game hall, when the power is switched on in the morning when the business starts on the day, the dust collected on the belt 53 from yesterday to the morning is discharged into the discharge storage section 93 of the medal removal tray 90. It is to do.
Furthermore, in addition to these, the drive control means 280 provides a medal transfer mechanism from the time when the power supply of the medal lending machine 2 is turned off to the predetermined time t5 (specifically, for example, 15 seconds). The third belt 53 is formed to be reversed.

The drive control means 280 is directed toward the drive control means 280 when the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. When the output medal tray protruding position movement signal is received, the operation of the medal transport device 50 is controlled so that the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 is reversed.
In the present embodiment, while the drive control means 280 reverses the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50, the drive control means 280 outputs a discharge mechanism release signal to the discharge mechanism control means 360 and discharges it. The opening / closing hole 85 is opened by moving the solenoid 81 of the mechanism 80.
(Discharge mechanism control means 360)
The discharge mechanism control means 360 is for controlling the operation of the discharge mechanism 80. The discharge mechanism 80 is provided in the medal feeder 40 and discharges medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 from the discharge opening 92 in a direction different from the medal transfer port 66.

Specifically, the discharge mechanism control means 360 controls the operation of the discharge mechanism 80 to move the movable shaft 83 up and down by outputting an electric signal to the solenoid 81 of the discharge mechanism 80. The discharge mechanism 80 can close the open / close plate 82 of the discharge mechanism 80 by positioning the movable shaft 83 downward (see FIG. 3), and the movable shaft 83 is positioned upward. Thus, the opening / closing plate 82 of the discharge mechanism 80 can be opened (see FIG. 11). Further, when the opening / closing plate 82 is closed, the discharging mechanism 80 is in a state where the opening / closing hole 85 is closed. Further, in the discharge mechanism 80, when the opening / closing plate 82 is opened, the opening / closing hole 85 is opened.
Further, the discharge mechanism control means 360 controls the operation of the discharge mechanism 80 so that the opening / closing hole 85 is opened while receiving the discharge mechanism release signal output from the drive control means 280.

(Medal tray movement control means 340)
The medal tray movement control means 340 is for controlling the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110. Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the medal tray 100 when the discharge transport control means controls the operation of the discharge transfer section so that the medal stored in the medal storage section 44 is discharged from the discharge opening 92. The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to move from the retracted position to the protruding position and stop at that position (projecting position).
In addition, the medal tray movement control means 340 receives a retraction position movement signal as a movement detection signal output from a medal tray movement detection unit described later, thereby confirming that the medal tray 100 has moved from the protruding position to the retraction position. recognize. In addition, the medal tray movement control means 340 receives the protruding position movement signal as a movement detection signal output from the medal tray movement detection unit described later, and thereby the medal tray 100 has moved from the retracted position to the protruding position. Recognize

  Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 is configured so that the medal tray 100 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position when the medal tray 100 is stopped at the protruding position for a predetermined time (5 minutes). The operation of the moving unit 110 is controlled. Specifically, when the medal tray movement control means 340 receives a predetermined time lapse signal output from the medal tray movement timer 117 to the medal tray movement control means 340, the medal tray movement 100 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position. Thus, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled. As a result, the medal tray 100 does not stop at the protruding position for a predetermined time (5 minutes) or longer, and the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 is transferred from the medal transfer port 66 to the first slot machine 1a. In the case of discharging toward the medal slot 10, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position.

  In addition, the medal tray movement control means 340 moves the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position when the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects that a medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position. The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled. Specifically, when the retreat position movement signal output from the medal tray movement detection unit is received, it is recognized that the medal tray 100 has moved from the protruding position to the retraction position, and the remaining medal detection unit 150 When the medal tray movement control means 340 receives the remaining medal detection signal output from, the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 is controlled so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position.

  In addition, the medal tray movement control means 340 operates the medal tray moving unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position or from the retracted position to the protruding position when the storage protrusion switch 116 is operated. To control. More specifically, the medal tray movement control means 340 detects that the medal tray 100 has moved from the retracted position to the projecting position, and then operates the storage projecting switch 116 to operate the storage projecting switch. When the medal tray operation signal output from 116 is received, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so that the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position. Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 outputs from the storage protrusion switch 116 when the storage protrusion switch 116 is operated (pressed) after detecting that the medal tray 100 has moved from the protruding position to the retracted position. When the medal tray operation signal is received, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so that the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position.

  Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 operates the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the medal tray 100 stops at the protruding position when the number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined value within a predetermined time. Control. Specifically, when a maximum movement number detection signal output from a movement number counter 119 described later is received, when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position. The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled. Further, when the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so that the medal tray 100 stops at the protruding position. As described above, when the number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined value within a predetermined time, the notification means is configured to perform a notification operation in a predetermined manner.

The medal tray movement control means 340 directs the medal tray protrusion position movement signal to the drive control means 280 when the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 is controlled to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. Are configured to output.
Further, when receiving the medal tray protrusion position movement signal, the drive control means 280 controls the operation of the medal transport device 50 so as to reverse the belt 53 of the medal transport device 50 and ejects it toward the discharge mechanism control means 360. A mechanism opening signal is output and the opening / closing hole 85 is opened. Thus, when the discharge transfer unit operates to discharge the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 from the discharge opening 92, the medal tray moving control means 340 moves the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. The movement of the medal tray moving unit 110 can be controlled so as to be moved.

(Notification control means 370)
The notification control means 370 is for controlling the operation of the notification unit 241. The notification control means 370 is configured to notify the notification unit 241 in a predetermined manner when the number of movements between the retracted position and the protruding position of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Control the behavior. Specifically, the notification control unit 370 controls the operation of the notification unit 241 so that the red LED that is the notification unit 241 is turned on when a maximum movement number detection signal output from the movement number counter 119 described later is received. To do.
(Medal tray operation timer 117)
The medal tray operation timer 117 measures time in response to the movement of the medal tray 100. Specifically, the medal tray operation timer 117 starts measuring time when it receives a protruding position movement signal as a movement detection signal output from the medal tray movement detection unit. When a predetermined time (5 minutes) elapses, a predetermined time elapse signal is output to the medal tray movement control means 340.

(Movement detection timer 118)
The movement detection timer 118 is for repeatedly measuring a certain length of time. In addition, the movement detection timer 118 is configured to start time measurement based on a predetermined condition, and once the time has elapsed from the start of measurement, the time measurement is once stopped and the time measurement is started again. It is what has been. Specifically, the movement detection timer 118 is formed to have an initial value (“0”) when the medal lending machine 2 is powered on. Further, when the movement detection timer 118 receives the retreat position movement signal as the movement detection signal output from the medal tray movement detection unit, the movement detection timer 118 starts measuring time.

Then, when the measured time reaches the fixed time of 40 seconds, the movement detection timer 118 once ends the time measurement, and starts again the time measurement from the initial value (“0”). Then, after starting the time measurement again, when the measured time has passed a certain time of 40 seconds, the time measurement is finished and the time measurement is again set to the initial value (“0”). Start with The movement detection timer 118 is formed so as to repeat such measurement.
In addition, the movement detection timer 118 outputs a reset signal to the movement number counter 119 every time the time measurement ends.

(Movement counter 119)
The movement number counter 119 counts the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the detection result by the medal tray movement detection unit. Further, the movement number counter 119 is formed so that the count value is once reset (initialized) every time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring time. Specifically, when the movement detection timer 118 receives a reset signal output to the movement number counter 119, the movement number counter 119 is configured to reset the count value and return to the initial value (“0”). ing. Further, the movement number counter 119 is formed so that the count value becomes the initial value (“0”) when the power of the medal lending machine 2 is turned on. The movement number counter 119 is configured to increase the count value by “1” when receiving a retracted position movement signal or a protruding position movement signal as a movement detection signal output by the medal tray movement detection means. When the count value reaches “6”, the movement number counter 119 outputs a maximum movement number detection signal to the notification control unit 370 and the medal tray movement control unit 340.

(Medal transfer)
The medal transfer process in the medal transfer mechanism 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when medals are inserted from the collective insertion opening 31, the medals fall so as to be stacked on the rear upper surface of the belt 53 and the upper surface of the opening / closing plate 82, and are stored in the medal storage unit 44, as shown in FIG. The When a bill is inserted into the medal lending machine 2, the medal is paid out from the lending medal payout device 23 and stored in the medal storage unit 44 through the payout passage 42a. Next, when the contact sensor 274 as the belt operation switch 273 of the overhang portion 32 of the medal transfer mechanism 3 is touched by hand, the medal transport device 50 constituting the medal transfer mechanism 3 starts operating. That is, the drive motor 55 is driven, and the belt 53 starts to rotate forward.

When the belt 53 starts to move, the medals riding on the upper surface of the rear part of the belt 53 move forward, and the medals stored above it are also dragged and dive below the movement adjustment valve 43 to the medal return unit 45. Moving. Here, the movement adjusting valve 43 does not rotate forward (on the medal return unit 45 side) by coming into contact with the stopper, so that the medals stored in the upper part of the medal storage unit 44 are moved to the medal return unit 45 at once. It is possible to prevent a snow crumble.
Of the medals transferred forward by the belt 53, the medals riding on the upper surface of the belt 53 pass through the feeding gap 54 between the belt 53 and the lower surface of the reverse rotation roller 52 as shown in FIG. Are transferred to the input passage 60 one by one. On the other hand, the medals overlying the belt 53 are brought into contact with the reverse rotation roller 52 and caught by the stirring groove 58 provided in the reverse rotation roller 52, and are kicked back by the medal return portion 45 at the upper rear part. Since the reverse roller 52 rotates at a higher speed than the roller 51, the medal can be kicked out efficiently.

Here, if the amount of medals staying in the medal return portion 45 is large, it may hinder kicking backward by the reverse rotation roller 52, and there is a possibility that the clogging of the medals occurs in the delivery gap 54. However, since the movement adjustment valve 43 is pivotably attached to the rear (medal storage unit 44 side), the medals in the medal return unit 45 are placed in the medal storage unit 44 as shown in FIG. The space flows backward and a space is formed above the medal return portion 45. Thereby, kicking out of medals by the reverse rotation roller 52 is performed smoothly.
The medals sent out from the medal transport device 50 enter the medal receiving port 67 while being guided by the curved portion 62A of the insertion passage 60, and are discharged from the medal transfer port 66 through the insertion passage 60. Since the medal transfer port 66 is aligned with the side transfer passage 12 of the medal insertion port 10 of the slot machine 1, the medal passes through the side transfer passage 12 of the slot machine 1 and passes through the medal insertion port 10 of the slot machine 1. Is introduced into the upper introduction opening 11 of the.

Further, when a clogging of medals occurs, the clogging of medals can be easily eliminated by pressing the clogging release button 260 and opening the movable plate 250 downward as shown in FIG.
(Movement of medal tray 100)
The movement of the medal tray 100 in the present embodiment will be described using the flow shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows the movement of the medal tray 100 when the medal tray 100 is initially in the protruding position.
In this flow, first, the medal tray 100 is in the protruding position, and is in a state where it is possible to receive the medal discharged from the discharge opening 92.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the storage protrusion switch 116 has been operated by the player. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a push button switch as the storage protrusion switch 116 has been pressed. If the storage protrusion switch 116 is not operated, the process proceeds to the next step 102.
In step 102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed with the medal tray 100 in the protruding position. Specifically, the medal tray operation timer 117 starts measuring time from when the medal tray 100 moves to the protruding position, and determines whether or not a predetermined time (5 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (5 minutes) has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 104.

In step 104, the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position. Specifically, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position. When the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position, the process proceeds to the next step 106.
In step 106, it is determined whether or not medals remain in the medal tray 100.
That is, when the medal tray 100 is in the retracted position, it is determined whether or not medals remain in the medal tray 100. Specifically, the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects whether or not there are medals in the medal tray 100. When the remaining medal detection unit 150 detects that a medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position, the remaining medal detection unit 150 outputs a medal remaining signal to the medal tray movement control means 340. When the medal remains in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position, the process proceeds to the next step 108.

In step 108, the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position. Specifically, the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled by the medal tray movement control means 340 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 110.
In step 110, it is determined whether or not the medal tray 100 has been moved a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the movement of the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position has been performed a predetermined number of times (six times) during a predetermined time (40 seconds). The Specifically, when the count value of the number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches a predetermined value, the movement number counter 119 outputs a maximum movement number detection signal to the medal tray movement control means 340 and the notification control means 370. To do. If the predetermined number of movements of the medal tray 100 reaches the predetermined number within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to the next step 112.

In step 112, the operation of the medal tray 100 is stopped. Specifically, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so that the movement of the medal tray 100 is stopped. Then, when the operation of the medal tray 100 is stopped, the process proceeds to the next step 114.
In step 114, the player is notified. That is, when it is determined that the number of movements of the medal tray 100 counted by the movement number counter 119 has reached a predetermined value, the notification unit performs a notification operation in a predetermined manner. Specifically, the notification control means 370 notifies the player by turning on the red LED as the notification unit 241.

When the process of notifying the player in step 114 is finished, the movement of the medal tray 100 shown in FIG. 14 is finished.
If it is determined in step 100 that the storage protrusion switch 116 has been operated by the player, the process skips step 102 and proceeds to step 104.
If it is determined in step 102 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the state is maintained as it is.
If it is determined in step 106 that no medal is present in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position, step 108 to step 114 are skipped, and the movement of the medal tray 100 shown in FIG.

(Interference between medal tray 100 and lower door 13B)
In the medal lending machine 2 according to the present embodiment, when the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 are discharged from the discharge opening 92 to the medal tray 100, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 12, The tray 100 is moved to the protruding position so that medals and the like discharged from the discharge opening 92 can be received.
In addition, when the medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 are not discharged from the discharge opening 92 but are discharged from the medal transfer port 66 toward the medal insertion port 10 of the first slot machine 1a, etc. The saucer 100 is moved to the retracted position.

By moving the medal tray 100 to the retracted position in this way, the space below the main body cover 30 is widened, and the second slot machine 1b installed next to the slot machine 1 with the medal lending machine 2 interposed therebetween. When the door 13B is opened, the lower door 13B and the medal tray 100 are prevented from interfering with each other.
This point will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 15B, when the second slot machine 1b installed adjacent to the first slot machine 1a with the medal lending machine 2 interposed therebetween, the lower door 13B is opened. The medal lending machine 2 is disposed with a certain gap so that the medal transferring mechanism 3 protruding to the front side of the medal lending machine 2 and the lower door 13B do not interfere with each other. On the other hand, in the state where the medal tray 100 of the medal lending machine 2 is moved to the protruding position, as shown in FIG. Since it protrudes forward to about half the depth length of 3, when the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b is opened as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15 (B), it collides with the lower door 13B. End up. However, if the medal tray 100 is moved to the retracted position, interference with the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b can be avoided (see the solid line in FIG. 15B).

  Here, in order to avoid contact between the medal tray 100 and the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b, it is conceivable to widen the installation gap between the medal lending machine 2 and the second slot machine 1b. Then, the installation site of the slot machine 1 is widely required, and as a result, the number of slot machines 1 that can be installed in the store is reduced. On the other hand, if the medal tray 100 is installed at a position higher than the highest point on the upper surface of the lower door 13B, the medal tray 100 and the lower door 13B of the second slot machine 1b will not interfere with each other. However, when formed in this way, the medal can be suitably transferred to the side transfer passage 12 through the medal transfer port 66 of the medal transfer mechanism 3 or discharged from the discharge opening 92 of the medal transfer mechanism 3. It is necessary to move the medal transfer mechanism 3 itself above the medal lending machine 2 in order to secure a distance that the medal can fall and move to the medal tray 100. In this case, the position of the collective throwing opening 31 is also increased, and it is difficult for a player who is sitting and playing a game to insert the medals into the collective throwing opening 31.

Therefore, if the medal tray 100 is to be provided while maintaining the optimum height position of the batch insertion opening 31, the medal tray 100 is necessarily positioned below the upper surface of the lower door 13B, and the adjacent first In order to avoid interference with the lower door 13B of the two-slot machine 1b, it is preferable that the medal tray 100 can be moved to the retracted position as described above.
(Action / Effect)
In the present embodiment, when the medal stored in the medal storage unit 44 is discharged from the discharge opening 92 by operating the storage protrusion switch 116, the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position. As described above, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110, and other medals stored in the medal storage unit 44 are sent from the medal transfer port 66 to the medal of the first slot machine 1a. When discharging toward the insertion slot 10, etc., the operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so that the medal tray 100 is moved to the retracted position.

Thereby, when taking out the medal stored in the medal lending machine 2, the medal tray 100 can be moved to the protruding position, and the lower door 13B of the adjacent second gaming machine 1b In the case of opening, etc., the medal tray 100 can be moved to the retracted position, so that the medal tray 100 is prevented from being used in place of the trash can, and the second gaming machine 1b When the door 13B is opened, the medal tray 100 of the medal lending machine 2 does not get in the way, and the installation area of the adjacent gaming machine 1 can be saved.
Further, in the present embodiment, when medals remain in the medal tray 100 at the retracted position, the medal tray movement control means 340 moves the medal tray so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. The operation of the unit 110 is controlled.

Thereby, even if the medal tray 100 moves to the retracted position in the state where the medal is present in the medal tray 100 without taking out the medal in the medal tray 100, the medal tray 100 is moved again to the protruding position. Forgetting to remove medals remaining in the medal tray 100 can be prevented.
In the present embodiment, the movement counter is configured to count the number of movements of the medal tray 100 based on the detection result of the medal tray movement detection unit and reset the count value once each time the movement detection timer 118 finishes measuring the time. The notification control means 370 includes a 119, and when the count value of the number of movements of the medal tray 100 counted by the movement counter 119 reaches a predetermined value, the notification control unit 370 turns on the red LED that is the notification unit 241. The operation of the notification unit 241 is controlled.

Thereby, it is possible to notify a player, an employee, or the like of forgetting to take a medal in the medal tray 100 of the medal lending machine 2 or a malfunction related to the movement of the medal tray 100 in the medal lending machine 2.
Further, in the present embodiment, when the storage protrusion switch 116 is operated, the medal tray movement control means 340 of the medal tray movement unit 110 is configured to move the medal tray 100 between the retracted position and the protruding position. The operation is controlled.
As a result, the medal tray 100 can be moved to the retracted position for the convenience of the player, worker, etc., and convenience can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
(Explanation of drawings)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the medal tray moving unit 110 and the medal tray 100 in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a partial front view showing the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 in the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the movement of the medal tray 100 in the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the movement of the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position in the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the movement of the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position in the second embodiment.

In the medal lending machine 2 in the first embodiment, the front plate 126 that forms the retreat space 120 is formed with a movement hole 170 that allows the medal tray 100 to move between the retreat position and the protruding position. A member for closing the moving hole 170 was not provided.
On the other hand, in the medal lending machine 2 according to the second embodiment, the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 for closing the moving hole 170 are provided. The medal lending machine 2 according to the second embodiment is provided with a shutter driving device that drives the shutter A160 and the shutter B165. Further, the medal lending machine 2 according to the second embodiment is provided with shutter drive control means for controlling the shutter drive device.

The shutter drive control means is configured to control the operation of the shutter drive device so as to open and close the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 in a predetermined case.
The second embodiment includes the shutter A160, the shutter B165, a shutter drive device that drives the shutter A160 and the shutter B165, and a shutter drive control unit that controls the shutter drive device. This is almost the same as the embodiment.
The difference between the medal lending machine 2 according to the first embodiment and the medal lending machine 2 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

(Shutter A160)
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the shutter A160 includes a shutter A upper portion 161 and a shutter A lower portion 162. The shutter A upper portion 161 and the shutter A lower portion 162 are formed using a plate material. Although not shown, rack gears are provided on a part of the back surfaces of the shutter A upper portion 161 and the shutter A lower portion 162 so as to extend in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the teeth of the rack gear provided on the back surfaces of the shutter A upper portion 161 and the shutter A lower portion 162 are formed to extend in the left-right direction. Further, the rack gear formed on the shutter A upper portion 161 is formed so as to mesh with a pinion gear of a shutter A upper drive motor which is a shutter A driving device described later. The rack gear formed on the shutter A lower portion 162 is formed so as to mesh with a pinion gear of a shutter A lower drive motor which is a shutter A driving device described later.

(Shutter B165)
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the shutter B165 includes a shutter B upper part 166 and a shutter B lower part 167. The shutter B upper part 166 and the shutter B lower part 167 are formed using a plate material. Although not shown, rack gears are provided on a part of the rear surfaces of the shutter B upper part 166 and the shutter B lower part 167 so as to extend in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the teeth of the rack gear provided on the back surfaces of the shutter B upper part 166 and the shutter B lower part 167 are formed to extend in the left-right direction. The rack gear formed on the shutter B upper portion 166 is formed so as to mesh with a pinion gear of a shutter B upper drive motor which is a shutter B drive device described later. Further, the rack gear formed on the shutter B lower portion 167 is formed so as to mesh with a pinion gear of a shutter B lower drive motor which is a shutter B drive device described later.

Further, the upper part 166 of the shutter B is provided with a notch for an upper moving hole in the central part of the lower end. In addition, the lower portion 167 of the shutter B is provided with a lower moving hole notch in the central portion of the upper end. When the shutter B165 is closed, a movable sealing hole 175 is formed by the upper moving hole notch and the lower moving hole notch as shown in FIG.
Further, the rack shaft 130 is formed so as to be inserted into the movable sealing hole 175 when the medal tray 100 is moved to the protruding position and the shutter B165 is closed.
(Shutter drive device)
Although not shown, the shutter drive device is for driving the shutter A160 and the shutter B165. The shutter driving device has a shutter A driving device for driving the shutter A160 and a shutter B driving device for driving the shutter B165.

The shutter A driving device includes a shutter A upper drive motor for driving the shutter A upper portion 161 and a shutter A lower drive motor for driving the shutter A lower portion 162. Further, the shutter B drive device includes a shutter B upper drive motor for driving the shutter B upper portion 166 and a shutter B lower drive motor for driving the shutter B lower portion 167.
The shutter A upper drive motor, the shutter A lower drive motor, the shutter B upper drive motor, and the shutter B lower drive motor each have a pinion gear at the tip of the rotating shaft.

Further, the teeth of the pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft of the shutter A upper drive motor are formed so as to mesh with the teeth of the rack gear provided on the shutter A upper portion 161. The shutter A upper drive motor is provided at a position where a pinion gear provided on the rotation shaft meshes with a rack gear provided on the shutter A upper portion 161.
Further, the teeth of the pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft of the shutter A lower drive motor are formed so as to mesh with the teeth of the rack gear provided on the shutter A lower portion 162. The shutter A lower drive motor is provided at a position where the pinion gear provided on the rotation shaft meshes with the rack gear provided on the shutter A lower 162.

Further, the teeth of the pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft of the shutter B upper drive motor are formed so as to mesh with the teeth of the rack gear provided on the shutter B upper 166. The shutter B upper drive motor is provided at a position where the pinion gear provided on the rotation shaft meshes with the rack gear provided on the shutter B upper 166.
Further, the teeth of the pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft of the shutter B lower drive motor are formed so as to mesh with the teeth of the rack gear provided on the shutter B lower 167. The shutter B lower drive motor is provided at a position where a pinion gear provided on the rotation shaft meshes with a rack gear provided on the shutter B lower 167.

  The shutter A upper drive motor is formed so that the shutter A upper portion 161 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the rotation shaft. The shutter A lower drive motor is formed so that the shutter A lower part 162 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the rotation shaft. The shutter B upper drive motor is formed so that the shutter B upper portion 166 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the rotation shaft. The shutter B lower drive motor is formed so that the shutter B lower portion 167 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the rotation shaft.

Further, the operation of the shutter driving device is controlled by a shutter driving control means described later. Upon receiving the shutter A opening signal output from the shutter driving means, the shutter driving device moves the shutter A upper portion 161 upward and moves the shutter A lower portion 162 downward to open the shutter A160. To work.
Further, when the shutter driving device receives the shutter A closing signal output from the shutter driving means, the shutter A upper 161 is moved downward, and the shutter A lower 162 is moved upward, thereby moving the shutter A160. Operates to close.

Further, when the shutter driving device receives the shutter B opening signal output from the shutter driving means, the shutter B upper portion 166 is moved upward, and the shutter B lower portion 167 is moved downward, so that the shutter B165 is moved. Operates to open.
Further, when the shutter driving device receives the shutter B closing signal output from the shutter driving means, the shutter B upper portion 166 is moved downward, and the shutter B lower portion 167 is moved upward, whereby the shutter B165 is moved. Operates to close.
(Shutter drive control means)
The shutter drive control means is for controlling the operation of the shutter drive unit.

The shutter drive control means is configured so that the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 are opened and closed when the medal tray 100 moves from the retracted position to the protruding position, or when the medal tray 100 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position. Control the operation of the drive.
The shutter drive control means controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to open the shutter A160, and controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to close the shutter A160. When controlling the shutter A closing signal, and when controlling the operation of the shutter driving device so as to open the shutter B165, when controlling the shutter B opening signal and when controlling the operation of the shutter driving device so as to close the shutter B165, The shutter B closing signal is output to the medal tray movement control means 340 and the shutter driving device.

Further, the medal tray movement control means 340 in the second embodiment moves the medal tray movement based on the shutter A opening signal, the shutter A closing signal, the shutter B opening signal, and the shutter B closing signal output by the shutter drive control means. It is formed so as to control the operation of unit 110.
(Operation of shutter A160 and shutter B165)
The operation of the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 in the second embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the movement of the medal tray 100 in the second embodiment of FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, the processing of moving the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position in step 104 and the processing of moving the medal tray 100 in the step 108 from the retracted position to the protruding position are the operations of the shutter A160 and the shutter B165. Is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it is a subroutine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 when the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position.
First, in step 300, the shutter drive control means controls the operation of the shutter drive device so that the shutter B165 is opened (in this case, the shutter A160 is already opened). Specifically, the shutter drive control means outputs a shutter B release signal for opening the shutter B165 to the shutter drive device, and controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to open the shutter B165. When the shutter B165 is opened, the process proceeds to the next step 301.

In step 301, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position. Specifically, when the medal tray movement control means 340 receives the shutter B release signal output from the shutter drive control means, a medal tray is received after a predetermined time (time required for the shutter B165 to be fully opened). The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to move 100 from the protruding position to the retracted position. When the medal tray 100 is moved from the protruding position to the retracted position, the process proceeds to the next step 302.
In step 302, the shutter drive control means controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to close the shutter A160 (in this case, the shutter B165 is already open). Specifically, the shutter drive control means outputs a shutter A closing signal for closing the shutter A160 to the shutter driving device, and controls the operation of the shutter driving device so as to close the shutter A160.

When the shutter A160 is closed, the movement process from the protruding position of the medal tray 100 shown in FIG. 19 to the retracted position ends.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the shutter A160 and the shutter B165 when the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position.
First, in step 400, the shutter drive control means controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to open the shutter A160 (in this case, the shutter B165 is already open). Specifically, the shutter drive control means outputs a shutter A opening signal for opening the shutter A160 to the shutter driving device, and controls the operation of the shutter driving device so as to open the shutter A160. When the shutter A160 is opened, the process proceeds to the next step 401.

In step 401, the medal tray movement control means 340 controls the operation of the medal tray movement unit 110 so as to move the medal tray 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. Specifically, when the medal tray movement control means 340 receives the shutter A opening signal output from the shutter drive control means, a medal tray is received after a predetermined time (time required for the shutter A160 to be completely opened). The operation of the medal tray moving unit 110 is controlled so as to move 100 from the retracted position to the protruding position. When the medal tray 100 is moved from the retracted position to the protruding position, the process proceeds to the next step 402.
In step 402, the shutter drive control means controls the operation of the shutter drive device so as to close the shutter B165 (in this case, the shutter A160 is already open). Specifically, the shutter drive control means outputs a shutter B closing signal for closing the shutter B165 toward the shutter driving device, and controls the operation of the shutter driving device so as to close the shutter B165.

When the shutter B165 is closed, the movement process from the retracted position to the projecting position of the medal tray 100 shown in FIG.
This also allows the rack shaft 130 to be inserted into the movable sealing hole 175 formed by the shutter B165, thereby preventing entry of tools and the like from the outside.
(Action / Effect)
According to the second embodiment, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
Further, according to the second embodiment, when the medal tray 100 is moved to the retracted position, the shutter A160 closes the moving hole 170, and when the medal tray 100 is moved to the protruding position, the shutter B165 is moved to the moving hole 170. Is formed to close.

  Thereby, according to 2nd Embodiment, in addition to the effect in 1st Embodiment, the tool to the retreat space 120 from the outside by having the movement hole 170 for moving the medal tray 100 is provided. It is possible to prevent entry of foreign matters such as.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the stot machine and medal lending machine which are the game machines in 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the medal slot of the slot machine which is the gaming machine in the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the medal lending machine in 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the medal conveyance apparatus of the medal lending machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a section perspective view of a medal conveyance device of a medal lending machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a partial appearance perspective view in the state where a cover member of a medal feeder in a 1st embodiment was opened. It is a fragmentary sectional view in the state where the cover member in the medal feeding device in a 1st embodiment was opened. It is a figure which shows the releasing operation | movement of the medal clogging of the insertion channel | path in 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of the making channel in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation state of the medal feeder in 1st Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the discharge | emission mechanism and medal tray in 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the medal tray moving part and medal tray in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a medal lending machine control device in a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the movement of the medal tray in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the slot machine and medal lending machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a medal saucer moving part and medal saucer in a 2nd embodiment. It is a partial front view which shows the shutter A and the shutter B in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the movement of the medal tray in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the movement from the protrusion position of the medal tray in 2nd Embodiment to a retracted position. It is a flowchart which shows the movement to the protrusion position from the retracted position of the medal tray in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine
1a 1st slot machine (1st game machine)
1b Second slot machine (second gaming machine)
2 Medal lending machine 3 Medal transfer mechanism
5 Enclosure
10 Medal slot 11 Upper slot
12 Side transfer passage 13 Front door
13A Upper door 13B Lower door
14 Symbol display window 15 Lower plate
16 Operation unit
20 Outer box 21 Bill slot
22 Bill counter 23 Lending medal dispensing device
24 Banknote sensor 25 Medal rental department
30 Main unit cover 31 Collective opening
32 Overhang
40 Medal feeder 41 Body block
42a Discharge passage 42b Acceptance input passage
43 Movement adjustment valve
44 Medal storage 45 Medal return
48 Acceptance input department
50 Medal transport device 51 Roller
51a Front roller 51b Back roller
52 Reverse roller 53 Belt
54 Delivery gap 55 Drive motor
56 Transmission means 58 Stirring groove
60 Input passage
61 Cover member 62 Base member
62A Curved part 63 Hinge
66 Medal transfer port 67 Medal receiving port
68 Clogged medal transfer port 70 Display surface
80 Discharge mechanism
81 Solenoid 82 Open / close plate
83 Movable shaft 84 Fixed shaft
85 Open / close hole 92 Discharge opening
96 Divider
100 medal tray 101 saucer bottom plate
102 Saucer front plate 103 Saucer back plate
110 Medal tray moving part
116 Storage protrusion switch 117 Medal tray operation timer
118 Movement detection timer 119 Movement frequency counter
120 evacuation space
122 Bottom plate 124 Top plate
126 Front plate 128 Back plate
130 Rack shaft
132 Pinion gear 134 Motor support
135 Rack gear
150 Remaining medal detector
151 Light emitter 152 Light receiver
160 Shutter A
161 Upper part of shutter A 162 Lower part of shutter A
165 Shutter B 166 Upper part of Shutter B
167 Lower part of shutter B 170 Moving hole
175 Moving sealing hole
210 Through hole 220 Input passage light emitting part
231 Passage detector
241 Notification unit 250 Movable plate
251 Fixed plate 252 Projection
253 Movable plate rotating shaft 260 Clogging release button
271 Drop hole 272 Standing part
273 Belt operation switch 274 Contact sensor
280 Drive control means
290 Locking means 291 Locking part
292 Non-locking part 293 Unlocking hole
294 Insertion piece opening
300 Medal lending machine control device 310 Medal feeding device control means
340 Medal tray movement control means 360 Discharge mechanism control means
370 Notification control means

Claims (4)

A medal lending machine installed between two adjacent gaming machines,
Each of the two gaming machines has a housing having an opening on the front side, an upper door that covers the upper portion of the opening of the housing so that it can be opened and closed, and a lower portion of the opening of the housing. A lower door that can be closed, and a medal insertion slot that is provided in at least one of the upper door and the lower door and into which a medal can be inserted,
Of the two gaming machines, the one to which medals are supplied by the medal lending machine is the first gaming machine, the other is the second gaming machine,
The medal lending machine
An acceptance input section for accepting medals,
A medal storage unit for temporarily storing medals inserted from the receiving input unit;
A medal transfer port for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit toward the medal insertion port of the first gaming machine;
A discharge opening for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage part in a direction different from the medal transfer port;
A medal transfer unit for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit from the medal transfer port;
A discharge transfer section for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage section from the discharge opening;
A medal tray for receiving medals discharged from the discharge opening;
A retracted position where the medal tray does not interfere with the lower door of the second gaming machine when the lower door of the second gaming machine is opened, and a protruding position where the medal discharged from the discharging opening can be received A medal tray moving unit for moving the medal tray between
Controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit so that the medal tray moves from the retracted position to the protruding position when the discharge transfer unit operates to discharge the medal stored in the medal storage unit from the discharge opening. And a medal tray movement control means. A remaining medal detection unit for detecting whether or not a medal is present in the medal tray;
The medal tray moving control means operates the medal tray moving unit so as to move the medal tray from the retracted position to the protruding position when the remaining medal detecting unit detects that a medal is present in the medal tray at the retracted position. The medal lending machine according to claim 1, wherein the medal lending machine is controlled. A medal tray movement detection unit for detecting that the medal tray has moved;
It is for repeatedly measuring a certain length of time, and starts measuring time based on a predetermined condition. A movement detection timer configured to start measuring time;
The counter is for counting the number of movements of the medal tray based on the detection result by the medal tray movement detection unit, and is configured to reset the count value once every time the movement detection timer finishes measuring time. A movement counter,
3. The medal lending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for performing a notification operation in a predetermined manner when the count value of the movement number counter reaches a predetermined value. A storage switch for moving the medal tray to the retracted position;
A protrusion switch for moving the medal tray to the protruding position;
The medal tray movement control means controls the operation of the medal tray moving unit so that the medal tray moves from the protruding position to the retracted position when the storage switch is operated, and when the protruding switch is operated, the medal tray moving control means The medal lending machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the operation of the medal tray moving unit is controlled so that the sword moves from the retracted position to the protruding position.

Images