JP4797348B2 - Inserted coin detection method, inserted coin detection device, and game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection method for preventing unauthorized insertion of coins such as medals and coins used in gaming machines such as slot machines, for example, and more specifically, an inserted coin detection method with improved measures for preventing illegal insertion coins, The present invention relates to an inserted coin detection device and a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a coin sorting device (coin selector) for counting authenticity of coins and counting the number of inserted coins is built in the slot machine. For this coin sorting device, there is known an illegal operation generally called `` thread hanging '' that increases the value (coin count) of coins by reciprocating a coin-attached coin on a coin detection sensor. ing. As a countermeasure against fraud, normally, as shown in FIG. 25, two optical axes of the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 are arranged along the coin passage 253, and the coin 254 blocks each optical axis to block the coin 254. 26, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 26, the output time of both sensors 251, 252 and the phase difference (detection times T261 to T264 and the time determined by addition / subtraction) are detected, Authenticity determination / counting number of passing coins is used.

  However, a resin long and narrow cell plate 255 having a special tip shape as shown in FIG. 27, which is generally called “cell”, is inserted from the insertion port, and coins are passed through the cell plate 255 from the upstream side to the downstream side. The optical axis of both the sensors 251 and 252 arranged in parallel in the coin passage 253 is shielded by moving as if it were moved, and then moved to a non-shielded position off the optical axis, and then the cell plate 255 is pulled back. Thus, there is a problem of an illegal act of imitating the sensor output shown in the time chart of FIG. 26 and increasing the coin count without inserting coins.

  As an example of disclosure for preventing such an illegal act, as shown in Patent Document 1, a protrusion member is provided for projecting and retracting a tip portion toward a position where an appropriate coin passing through a coin passage is restrained, and its movement is detected. A device that detects the insertion of a fraudulent device such as a cell plate is known. In this case, an unauthorized device such as a cell plate is inserted for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) or longer, and it is illegal to detect that the protruding member has been in the “immersive state” for a long time from the “protruding state”. It is determined.

  However, the current situation is that such a fraud prevention structure alone cannot still cope sufficiently. For example, in the case where the tip of the protruding member is bifurcated and protrudes into the coin passage to detect the passage of the coin, the cell plate is inserted in a short time range and both protrusions of the protruding member are detected. If one of the ends is immersed, both protruding ends are immersed together and erroneously detected as the passage of coins, and cheating becomes possible.

  In addition, in recent years, fraudulent devices have also appeared that have a fraudulent function in which an infrared LED is installed at the tip of a cell and the LED is turned on / off periodically to cause the sensor to be erroneously detected. This is a big problem because it does not require skill to carry out fraud and the coin count increases in a short time.

  For this reason, in order to prevent the use of unauthorized devices that directly access the sensor, not only measures against insertion of unauthorized devices, but also the fact that the actual coins are being passed when counting coins that have been inserted are accurately measured. The detection structure to be monitored and its detection control are necessary.

Japanese Patent No. 3441803

  Therefore, the present invention has a detection structure and detection control for detecting that an actual coin has been inserted to improve detection accuracy when the coin passes, and further has a detection structure for invalidating fraud. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inserted coin detection method, an inserted coin detection device, and a gaming machine that do not cause erroneous counting.

According to the present invention, a coin path that rolls coins inserted into an insertion slot one by one by its own weight and guides the coins inward, and at least on both sides in a longitudinal direction of a cross section in the coin path perpendicular to the coin path, provided by multiple parallel each independently a detection piece having branches into the second branch piece located outside of the coin passage and the first branch piece to face externally of the passage, a plurality of first said each independent A sensor for detecting that the two branch pieces are all displaced from a position where the optical axis between the light projecting element and the light receiving element is shielded from a position where light is transmitted , The plurality of second branch pieces are all moved to the position where the optical axis of the sensor is transmitted in conjunction with the passage of the plurality of first branch pieces withdrawn from the coin passage as it passes. throw of the coin when the sensor detects Characterized in that it is a inserted coin detection method for detecting a.

  Here, the detection piece is for detecting that a coin has been inserted. For example, the detection piece is configured by biasing a lever pivotally supported by a spring so that the tip of the lever faces the coin path. Can do. The direction in which the detection piece faces may be a direction facing the passage space on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section orthogonal to the coin passage, and it is suitable to face the coin thickness direction that is easy to attach.

  According to the present invention, with a part of the detection piece facing the passage space of the coin passage, when the coin is inserted, the detection piece comes into contact with the inserted and lowered coin to displace the coin. Detect that it has been inserted. In this case, by detecting the detection pieces on at least both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section orthogonal to the coin passage, it is possible to construct a detection region that can detect all over the spatial region in the longitudinal direction of the cross section.

  Accordingly, all the detection pieces operate only when an object having a size close to the diameter of the coin passes, and the size of the passing object can be known by detecting the operation state of all the detection pieces. For this reason, if all the detection pieces are detected, it can be detected that a coin is inserted only when an actual coin is inserted. Even if an illegal device such as a cell is inserted, the detection piece can be detected. All of the above cannot be operated, and an illegal act that increases the coin count can be accurately prevented.

  In particular, the size of the fraudulent device must be the same as or larger than the interval between multiple detection pieces installed in the width direction (coin diameter direction) in the passage, and a large fraudulent device is inserted. It is extremely difficult to insert and move it in the mouth.

According to another configuration of the present invention, a coin path that rolls coins inserted into the insertion slot one by one by its own weight and guides the coins inward, and at least both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin path perpendicular to the coin path In addition, a plurality of detection pieces each having a first branch piece branched for coin contact and a second branch piece branched for light shielding are arranged independently in parallel, and each of the first branch pieces is connected to the coin path. outward towards the passage space to face the movable deaths out from the coin passage Rutotomoni is biased projecting toward the passage space, the biasing means is positioned outside of the second branch piece the coin passage The second branch pieces are projected and received in a state where the second branch pieces are sandwiched between the light projecting element and the light receiving element from the direction intersecting the parallel direction in which the second branch pieces are arranged in parallel, and the second branch pieces are rotated. and a sensor for detecting the optical that the said first When at least one of the branch pieces is in the passage space of the coin passage, the second branch piece shields the optical axis between the light projecting element and the light receiving element, and the first branch piece is more than the passage space of the coin passage. An inserted coin detecting device comprising detecting means for detecting that each of the second branch pieces transmits the optical axis of the light projecting element and causes the light receiving element to receive light when all of the second branch pieces are retracted. It is.

  According to the present invention, the mechanical detection structure in which all of the plurality of detection pieces facing the coin passage are retracted and rotated with the passage of the coin passing through the coin passage is arranged in the space in the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the coin passage. In order to detect the passage of coins, it is determined that the coin passing through here is valid when all the detection pieces are pushed away and retreated and rotated, and it can be confirmed that the coin has passed. Thus, it is the structure which detects only passage of the thing which has the size of a coin.

  Therefore, even if an unauthorized device is used, the entire detection piece cannot be retracted and rotated, and even if an unauthorized device such as an elongated cell is used, only some of the detection pieces are retracted and rotated, so that the coin count number is increased. It cannot be increased, and it is possible to invalidate various tricks (goat action) from the slot and to prevent illegal acts accurately.

In another configuration of the present invention, a first detection unit configured by the detection unit, a second detection unit that is disposed at a passage position downstream of the first detection unit and detects passage of a coin, and the first Detection information based on a time difference obtained by comparing the detection time detected by the detection means and the detection time detected by the second detection means, or the number of detections detected by the first detection means and the number of detections detected by the second detection means And a determining means for determining the presence or absence of fraud from detection information based on the difference in the number of times obtained by comparing the

  According to the present invention, since the first detection means for detecting the movements of the plurality of detection pieces as a whole detection area is provided with the passage space in the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin passage perpendicular to the coin passage. It is possible to detect whether or not an actual coin has been inserted by distinguishing whether a coin that has passed through the entire detection area is inserted or an unauthorized device that has partially passed through the detection area. Further, depending on the presence / absence of detection of the preceding detection position of the coin passage detected by the first detection means and the subsequent detection position detected by the second detection means, and the passage length from the previous detection position to the subsequent detection position. By monitoring the passing time, it can be accurately determined whether or not it is a coin. In this way, in addition to the detection information of the first detection means, the detection information of the second detection means is added, so that the passage of coins, the insertion of a fraudulent device such as a cell or string suspension, or the infrared ray that directly accesses the sensor A fraudulent device such as an LED can be distinguished with high accuracy. Furthermore, even if various illegal acts are attempted, since the illegal acts are completely eliminated and the coin count is not erroneously detected, a highly reliable anti-fraud function can be maintained.

  In another configuration of the present invention, the detection piece is urged and protruded independently from the outside of the coin passage toward the passage space in the coin thickness direction of the coin passage, and orthogonal to the coin passage. It is characterized by facing in parallel on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin passage.

  According to the present invention, when the mechanical detection region for the internal space of the coin passage is configured, the detection pieces are faced in parallel on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin passage. Can detect all the detection areas in the passage, and the minimum detection configuration is obtained. In addition, since the coin is circular when it passes, it has a detection structure in which both sides avoiding the center of the circle are in contact at the same time, and the detection operation in which both detection pieces are pushed by the coin and rotated is synchronized accurately. become.

  If a gaming machine equipped with the inserted coin detection device configured as described above is used, it can be operated as a highly reliable gaming machine because it has a high fraud prevention function.

  According to the present invention, since it has a high detection structure of anti-fraud technology that invalidates fraud to the internal space of the slot that illegally increases the coin count, illegal acts against the slot are completely prevented. Can be used with high reliability.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The drawing shows a slot machine installed in a game hall as an example of a gaming machine. In FIG. 1, this slot machine 11 has a panel 12 and a reel part 13 at the front upper part as a customer service surface, and in the width direction of the front center. It has three stop buttons 14 arranged in parallel, a start lever 15 and a multiplier setting button 16 on the left side, and a clearing button 17 and an insertion slot 18 for inserting coins (medals) C one by one on the right side. And have a lower plate 20 at the lower part of the front surface.

  When the player uses the slot machine 11 for a game, coins C are inserted into the insertion slot 18 one by one. The inserted coins C are sorted inside, regular coins C selected as valid are taken into the inside, and coins of a nonconforming size selected as invalid are passed through a coin return passage 26 (see FIG. 2). It has a sorting function to return to the lower plate 20 via. The coin C is also returned to the lower plate 20 when the player presses the clearing button 17 to stop the game.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the door in which the front door 11a of the slot machine 11 is opened in a single-opening manner. The position of the pattern on the outer peripheral surface is rotated and stopped on the side of the opened slot machine main body 11b. I do. For example, three rows of reel portions 13 are installed at the top, a coin payout device 21 for taking in and paying out coins is installed at the bottom center, a power supply device 22 is installed on the left side, and an overflow tank 23 is installed on the right side. is doing.

  On the other hand, the front door 11a has a reel cover 24, a coin sorting device (coin selector) 25 for sorting coins, a coin return passage 26, and a return slot 27 in this order from the upper part to the lower part of the inner surface. ing.

  3 and 4, the coin selector 25 described above includes a U-shaped substrate 28 in plan view and an opening / closing plate 29, and the support shaft 30 on the opening / closing plate 29 side serves as a bearing portion on the substrate 28 side. The opening / closing plate 29 is always urged toward the substrate 28 by a spring 32 and is supported by the springs 32, and a coin passage 33 is formed by both the substrate 28 and the opening / closing plate 29.

  The coin passage 33 is formed in an L shape having an inlet 34 corresponding to the insertion port 18 and a lower outlet 35, and has a vertical side L1 extending downward from the inlet 34 and an outlet 35 extending obliquely downward. And a curved portion L3 that connects the side portions L1 and L2 in a curved shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, there is provided a movable guide plate 37 that can swing with a support shaft 36 on the back side of the substrate 28 as a fulcrum, and the guide portion 38 of the movable guide plate 37 is opened from the opening 39 of the substrate 28 in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, it is arranged on the upper part of the coin passage 33, and the guide portion 38 is configured to guide the upper end side of the coin C in the transport direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a blocker 40 as a discharge member located on the back side of the substrate 28 is integrally bent and formed on the movable guide plate 37, and a lower end block portion 40a of the blocker 40 is formed downstream of the coin passage 33. The coin passage 33 can be projected and retracted from the opening 33a.

  A movable plate 42 driven by a solenoid 41 is provided on the back side of the above-described substrate 28, and the free end 42 a of the movable plate 42 is opposed to the upper end 37 a of the movable guide plate 37, so that the movable plate 42 is turned on when the solenoid 41 is turned on. The upper end 37a of the movable guide plate 37 is pressed by the free end 42a, and the upper end side of the coin C is conveyed and guided by the guide portion 38, and the lower end block portion 40a of the blocker 40 is back from the opening portion 33a of the coin passage 33. The legitimate coins selected as valid are transported to the coin payout device 21, and coins of incompatible sizes selected as invalid are ejected from the outlet 29a of the opening / closing plate 29 and returned to the outside. It is configured to return to the mouth 27.

  When the solenoid 41 is turned off, the conveyance guide on the upper end side of the coin C is released by the guide portion 38, and the lower end block portion 40a of the blocker 40 is protruded from the opening portion 33a of the coin passage 33 toward the coin passage 33 to stop the acceptance. I am letting.

  The lateral side portion L2 of the coin passage 33 is a coin having a small diameter due to the parallel spacing between the movable guide plate 37 provided above and below the lateral side portion L2 and the guide plate 33b that forms the lower surface of the passage. Is selected so that only regular-size coins are allowed to pass through and counted.

  Therefore, from the outlet 35, only a coin C of a proper size having a disk shape of a certain size provided exclusively for the gaming machine is accepted. A first sensor S1 and a second sensor S2 that detect and count coins C passing through the lateral side portion L2 of the coin passage 33 are formed on the passage wall of the substrate 28 forming the coin passage 33 immediately before the outlet 35. Are sequentially attached in the direction of this passage.

  These sensors S1 and S2 can be constituted by optical detection sensors that project and receive light and detect the passage of the coin C. The coin C moves downstream along the coin path 33, and the coin C is detected by both sensors. The passage of the coin C is detected by blocking the optical axes of S1 and S2 in this order. Specifically, it detects the advancing direction of the coin, detects the sensor output time, phase difference, output order, etc., and determines the authenticity of the coin and counts the number of coins passed. Two sensors S1 and S2 are arranged to be small.

  By the way, in the vertical side portion L1 extending downward from the entrance 34 of the coin passage 33 that guides the coins C inserted into the insertion slot 18 one by one by their own weight, the inserted coins that also serve as anti-tampering means are provided. A detection device 43 is provided.

  The inserted coin detection device 43 is shown in FIGS. 4 is a front view showing the inner surface of the substrate 28, and FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the outer surface of the substrate 28. As shown in FIG. Among these, the AA arrow sectional drawing of FIG. 5 is represented in FIG. 6, and the BB arrow sectional drawing of FIG. 5 is represented in FIG.

As described above, the left and right independent detection levers 44 and 45 arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, the coil spring 46 that urges both the detection levers 44 and 45, and the third movement are detected. It is configured in combination with the sensor S3.
The detection levers 44 and 45 support the upper ends of the detection levers 44 and 45 on a support shaft 47 installed horizontally along the back side of the vertical side portion L1 of the substrate 28, and the lower end of the lever is provided at the lower end. A passage of the coin passage 33 inside the left and right opening windows 48 and 49 that are urged by a coil spring 46 so as to freely rotate and open the wall surface of the vertical side portion L1 of the coin passage 33 corresponding to the detection levers 44 and 45. Energizing and protruding toward the space.

  In this case, the tip end portions of the detection levers 44 and 45 are urged by the coil spring 46 so that they always urge and protrude lightly obliquely downward from the outer side (back side) of the substrate 28 toward the inner coin path 33. The leading end is received in contact with the inner surface of the opposing opening / closing plate 29.

  When the coin C is inserted into the insertion slot 18, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, FIG. 8 is a front view showing the inner surface of the substrate 28 into which the coin is inserted. A sectional view taken along line AA is shown in FIG. 9, and a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8 is shown in FIG.

  At this time, the left and right independent detection levers 44 and 45 receive the descending force of the coin C descending from the insertion slot 18 and are pushed back to the outside of the coin passage 33 to retreat and rotate substantially vertically. The coin C to be passed is allowed to pass. After the coin C has passed, the two detection levers 44 and 45 are rotated back to the original protruding position where the leading end faces the coin passage 33 and can come into contact with the next passing coin by the biasing force of the coil spring 46.

  A coil spring 46 is wound around the support shaft 47. One end of the coil spring 46 is locked to one detection lever 44 with the support shaft 47 as a reference, and an urging force is applied, and the other end is connected to the other detection lever 45. The urging force is given by being locked to. Thereby, both the detection levers 44 and 45 are set to the same urging force, and are urged and supported on the coin passage 33 side. The biasing force of the coil spring 46 at this time is set so that both detection levers 44 and 45 are retracted outward from the passage by the descending force when the coin passes, and the load (torque) is the mass of the coin C.・ Determine based on speed.

  Further, the detection levers 44 and 45 arranged in parallel have an inverted V-shape composed of the first branch pieces 44a and 45a and the second branch pieces 44b and 45b, respectively. The inverted V-shaped first branch pieces 44a and 45a that are pivotally supported by the support shaft 47 face the inside of the passage for coin contact detection, and the second branch pieces 44b and 45b are outside the passage for light shielding. 28 extends to the back side. Then, when the coin C passes, the first branch pieces 44a and 45a are pushed back, and at the same time, the second branch pieces 44b and 45b rotate in the same direction, and based on the movements of these second branch pieces 44b and 45b. An optical axis of a third sensor S3 for lever detection described later is provided so as to perform a light shielding operation.

  In the third sensor S3, the light projecting element S31 is disposed at one position sandwiching the second branch pieces 44b and 45b, and the light receiving element S32 is disposed at the other position to move the second branch pieces 44b and 45b. Is detected optically. In this case, when the first branch pieces 44a and 45a face the coin passage 33, the rotation angle at which the optical axis from the light projecting element S31 is shielded by the second branch pieces 44b and 45b is set. . On the other hand, in the retracted state in which the first branch pieces 44a and 45a are pushed back outward from the coin passage 33, the second branch pieces 44b and 45b are retracted from the light shielding position of the optical axis and moved from the light projecting element S31. Is set to a rotation angle at which the light receiving element S32 receives light.

  By providing such a third sensor S3, when the coin C is inserted into the insertion slot 18, the first branch pieces 44a and 45a are pushed back by the coin C, and the second branch pieces 44b, The third sensor S3 detects that the coin 45 has been inserted by detecting that the 45b has been displaced and changed from the light shielding state to the light transmitting state.

  In this case, by detecting the detection levers 44 and 45 on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin passage 33 orthogonal to the coin passage 33, detection for detecting the size of the coin over the entire space area in the longitudinal direction of the cross section. Building an area. Accordingly, it is detected that both detection levers 44 and 45 are moved simultaneously only when an object having a size close to the diameter of the coin C passes. For this reason, it can be detected that a coin is inserted only when an actual coin is inserted.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, FIG. 11 is a front view showing the inner surface of the substrate 28 into which the unauthorized device 50 is inserted, and among these, a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 12, and a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11 is shown in FIG.

  For example, even if a fraudulent device 50 such as a cell plate having an L shape is used, in the drawing, only the left detection lever 44 in the drawing is operated, and the right detection lever 45 is operated. As a result, only the detection lever 44 on the left side allows the third sensor S3 to transmit light, and the detection lever 45 on the right side remains in a light-shielded state. For this reason, even if the fraudulent device 50 is operated, the coin count cannot be increased, and it is conceivable to use the fraudulent device 50 having the same dimension as the coin diameter. The device 50 cannot move. Therefore, even if the special fraud apparatus 50 is used, fraud can be prevented accurately.

Furthermore, by adding the following configuration to the inserted coin detection device 43, it is possible to further increase the anti-fraud effect.
FIG. 14 shows a coin take-in route from the coin selector 25 to the coin payout device 21, and this coin take-in route connects the outlet 35 of the coin selector 25 and the coin hopper 51 of the coin payout device 21 with an exit chute 52. The exit chute 52 has a U-shaped groove that is curved by about 90 degrees for direction change and has an open upper surface, and the coins C are rolled up in a standing position one by one. In this case, the coin C is conveyed to the coin hopper 51 and stored in a direction Y that is turned about 90 degrees with respect to the traveling direction X in the coin selector 25.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the coin chute detecting device 53 for detecting the coin taken in by the coin selector 25 is disposed on the outlet chute 52. The coin take-in detection device 53 includes a horizontal detection lever 54, a coil spring 55, and a fourth sensor S4.

  The lateral detection lever 54 has a U-shape, and a central horizontal portion of the U-shape is pivotally supported by a support shaft 56 in the horizontal direction, and a first horizontal piece 54a extending to one side is provided as a side opening of the exit chute 52. A second horizontal piece 54b extending perpendicularly to the passage from 57 and extending to the other side is pivotally supported in the horizontal direction so that the vertical optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 can be shielded.

  Normally, in the standby state, the first horizontal piece 54 a biases one end of the coil spring 55 wound around the support shaft 56 in a direction perpendicular to the passage of the outlet chute 52. As shown in FIG. 16, the biasing force of the coil spring 55 at this time is such that when the coin C passes, the first horizontal piece 54a is pushed by the coin due to the descending force of the coin, and outward from the passage of the exit chute 52. It is set so as to retract, and the load (torque) is determined by the mass / speed of the coin C and the like.

  For this reason, the movement of the horizontal detection lever 54 is rotated out of the passage against the biasing force of the coil spring 55 when receiving the downward force of the coin C that has been rolling up in the passage of the exit chute 52. The coin C is allowed to pass. After the coin C has passed, the horizontal detection lever 54 is restored again by the biasing force of the coil spring 55, and the first horizontal piece 54a is rotated back to the original protruding position that intersects the next coin perpendicularly in the exit chute 52. To do.

  The configuration of the coin take-in detection device 53 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the optical axis holes 173 and 174 are separated in a direction intersecting with the U-shaped groove passage 172 of the exit chute 171. Thus, the light projecting element S171 and the light receiving element S172 are provided in a pair, the optical axis is provided between these elements S171 and S172, and the optical axis is detected by the coin so that the passage of the coin C is detected. Can be configured. In addition, a U-shaped photo sensor, a micro switch, a proximity sensor, or the like can be used as the type of sensor.

  FIG. 18 shows a control circuit block diagram of the coin selector 25, and the control unit 181 is connected to the first to fourth sensors S 1 to S 4 and the timer T. And based on the detection information which combined some of 1st-4th sensors S1-S4 from which a detection position differs, and the progress information of the coin monitoring time by the timer T corresponding to this, the control part 181 is an appropriate coin. A distinction can be made between capture and fraud. Thereby, inappropriate detection information is completely eliminated, and only accurate coin detection information is acquired.

The coin counting process and the control operation executed together with the coin selecting operation of the coin selector 25 configured as described above will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 19 and the flowchart of FIG.
When the player inserts the coin C into the slot 18 of the slot machine 11, the inserted coin C is guided to the coin selector 25 below (step n1).

  The coin C guided to the coin selector 25 passes through the coin passage 33 constituted by the substrate 28 and the opening / closing plate 29 and passes through the position of the inserted coin detection device 43.

  In the inserted coin detection device 43, when there is no coin C, the left and right detection levers 44 and 45 do not operate, and the second branch pieces 44b and 45b of the detection levers 44 and 45 are connected to the optical axis of the third sensor S3. It stands by in a light-shielded high level (HI) state (see FIG. 19).

  When the coin C comes to the position of the inserted coin detection device 43, the first branch pieces 44a and 45a of both the detection levers 44 and 45 are rotated in a direction in which the first branch pieces 44a and 45a are pushed from the coin C and protruded into the coin passage 33. Move. At this time, the second branch pieces 44b and 45b also rotate and change from a high level (HI) state where the optical axis of the third sensor S3 is shielded to a low level (LO) state where light is transmitted.

  Subsequently, when the coin C passes the position of the inserted coin detection device 43, both the detection levers 44 and 45 are rotated and returned so as to protrude again into the coin passage 33 by the urging force of the coil spring 46, and the second branch piece 44b. 45b change from a low level (LO) state in which the optical axis of the third sensor S3 can transmit light to a high level (HI) state in which the light is shielded. Thus, it is possible to detect whether or not the coin C has passed by the output of the third sensor S3.

  Thereafter, the coin C passes while being guided by the upper and lower opposing distances between the movable guide plate 37 and the guide plate 33b, which are opposed to the upper and lower sides of the lateral side portion L2 provided for eliminating the small-diameter coin in the coin passage 33. The outline selection is performed to eliminate coins with a small diameter. Only regular-sized coins pass in the take-in direction. At this time, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 confirm the passage of the coins, and count the number of coins passed.

  In this case, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 arranged in the front-rear direction are arranged at an interval in which the two optical axes are smaller than the diameter of the coin (see FIGS. 25 and 26). For this reason, the first sensor S1 at a position close to the insertion slot 18 is detected first, and then the second sensor S2 at a position far from the insertion slot 18 is detected, and both detect the coin C. Next, only the second sensor S2 detects the coin C as it rolls, and finally confirms the order in which the detection of both the sensors S1 and S2 is completed. Judging.

  Further, the control unit 181 determines whether or not the time T1 detected only by the first sensor S1 and the time T2 detected by both the sensors S1 and S2 are a prescribed time. The prescribed time is determined from the flow-down speed of the coin C and the like, for example, T1> 5 (ms) and T2 <100 (ms). Based on this determined value, it can be determined whether or not it is a prescribed time (step n2).

  Here, even if the third sensor S3 of the inserted coin detection device 43 detects the flow of the coin C, the selection based on the outer diameter is performed until the subsequent first sensor S1 and second sensor S2. Since worn small coins are eliminated, they do not necessarily flow down to the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.

  Therefore, the control of the third sensor S3 is performed while the coin count number NC in the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 increases to a certain number β (for example, 10) (step n3). A case where there is no change in the high level (HI) state where the optical axis is shielded (the detection levers 44 and 45 do not operate) is regarded as abnormal (step n4).

  The control unit 181 increases the coin count number NC by 1 when the detection of the optical axis of the second sensor S2 is completed (detects the rise of the second sensor S2), and the coin count number NC reaches β. The optical axis of the third sensor S3 is monitored (step n5).

  If the optical axis of the third sensor S3 remains in the light-shielded state until the coin count number NC reaches β, it can be determined that the unauthorized device 50 using a cell or the like is being implemented.

  Further, even when the optical axis of the third sensor S3 is in a low level (LO) state where the light is transmitted, if the light transmission time TA exceeds a specified time α (for example, 5 seconds), a cell or the like It can be determined that the fraudulent device 50 is being used or that a coin jam or the like has occurred in the coin passage 33.

  When the control unit 181 determines that an abnormality has occurred, it can take measures such as notifying by an output means such as an alarm lamp, an alarm, or an error display, and stopping the operation of the slot machine 11 (step n6).

  Also, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 21, before the coin count number NC reaches β, the optical axis of the third sensor S3 changes to the light transmission (LO) state (step n7). If the output time TA is within the specified time α, the coin count number NC is reset (step n8).

  This makes it difficult to carry out fraudulent activities, and even if fraud is attempted, it can be invalidated. In particular, the inserted coin detection device 43 increases the detection function for the insertion of a foreign object by widening the detection area inside the passage. Therefore, as described above with reference to FIGS. When inserted, the fraudulent device 50 rotates so that only the left detection lever 44 is submerged from the coin passage 33, and the second branch piece 44b on the left side of the lever 44 moves the optical axis of the third sensor S3. Although it does not block, the other detection lever 45 on the right side still protrudes into the coin passage 33, and the second branch piece 45b on the right side of the lever 45 remains blocking the optical axis of the third sensor S3.

  For this reason, the size of the unauthorized device 50 needs to be equal to or larger than the installation interval between the detection levers 44 and 45 installed at both ends in the passage width direction (coin diameter direction). Is extremely difficult to insert and operate to the position of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.

Next, FIG. 22 shows a coin counting process and a control operation based on detection information using the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 of the coin selector 25 and the fourth sensor S4 of the coin take-in detection device 53. This will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 24 and the flowchart of FIG.
As described in steps n1 to n3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, the inserted coins C are counted by the coin selector 25 (steps n11 to n13).

  The coin C counted by the coin selector 25 and passed through the outlet 35 rolls in the passage of the outlet chute 52 and flows down to the detection position of the fourth sensor S4. At this time, the control unit 181 starts the timer from the point in time when the second sensor S2 detects the coin C and starts timing (step n14).

  When the coin C reaches the position of the fourth sensor S4, the first horizontal piece 54a of the horizontal detection lever 54 is pushed by the coin C, and the second horizontal piece 54b integrated therewith rotates. As a result, the optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 changes from the light transmitting (HI) state to the light shielding (LO) state.

  Subsequently, when the coin C passes through the fourth sensor S4, the first horizontal piece 54a of the horizontal detection lever 54 is rotated by the coil spring 55 so as to protrude again into the passage of the outlet chute 52, and the fourth sensor S4 is shielded from light. It changes from the (LO) state to the light transmitting (HI) state again. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the coin C has flowed down (step n15).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 22, the control of the fourth sensor S4 is performed for the monitoring time γ (for example, 3 seconds) of the fourth sensor S4 after confirming the passage of coins by the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2. In the meantime, the presence or absence of the optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 is monitored, and the number of coins passing through is not detected.

  When the detection of the optical axis of the second sensor S2 is completed (detection of rising of the second sensor S2), the coin count number NC is increased, the monitoring timer TD is reset, and the coin C is detected by the monitoring timer TD. The elapsed time from S2 to the fourth sensor S4 is measured (step n16), and the optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 is monitored until the monitoring timer TD reaches the monitoring time γ of the fourth sensor S4 (step n17). ).

  If the optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 is in a light shielding (LO) state before the monitoring time γ, the operation is normal (step n19). On the other hand, if the optical axis of the fourth sensor S4 remains in the light transmission (HI) state during the monitoring time γ, an abnormality such as fraud due to a cell or a coin jam at the exit chute 52 has occurred. It is possible to make a determination and take measures such as an alarm lamp, an alarm, an error display, etc., and stop the operation of the slot machine 11 (step n18).

  As a result, it is difficult to carry out fraud, and even if fraud is attempted, it is possible to invalidate the fraud and protect the coin counting function. In addition, when a fraud such as causing the fourth sensor S4 to malfunction by some method and always being in a light-shielded state is performed, in order to prevent such fraud, the detection time TB of the fourth sensor S4 is a specified value (detection). It is also possible to add a monitoring condition as to whether or not it is less than (time) δ to the above control.

  Here, the monitoring time γ of the fourth sensor S4 and the detection time δ of the fourth sensor S4 that are defined in advance are determined from the coin falling speed, the distance between the second sensor S2 and the fourth sensor S4, and the like. γ = 3 (ms) and δ = 150 (ms). Based on this determined value, it can be determined whether or not it is a prescribed time.

  As described above, when the inserted coin detection device is provided in the vicinity of the insertion slot and the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on the outlet side of the coin selector, both the detection means are separated from each other. It is possible to detect unauthorized devices in a wide range. In addition, when the coin take-up detection device is provided at the exit chute, the coins counted by the coin selector are not excluded by the external selection or the like, and therefore always flow down to the coin take-up detection device. Therefore, the coin counting information is accurate and the detection accuracy of the unauthorized device is improved.

In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the configuration of the above-described embodiment,
The detection piece and the first detection means of the present invention correspond to the left detection lever 44 and the right detection lever 45 of the embodiment, and the third sensor S3.
Similarly,
The detection means and the determination unit correspond to the control unit 181,
The second detection means corresponds to the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2,
The gaming machine corresponds to the slot machine 11,
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

  For example, the inserted coin detection device 43 can be configured at the position of the coin take-in detection device 53.

The front view which shows a slot machine. The perspective view which shows the inner surface state which opened the front door of the slot machine. The external appearance perspective view of a coin selector. The front view which shows the inner surface of the board | substrate of a coin selector. The rear view which shows the outer surface of the board | substrate of a coin selector. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5. The front view which shows the inner surface of the board | substrate at the time of coin insertion. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 8. The front view which shows the inner surface of a board | substrate when an unauthorized device is inserted. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11. The perspective view which shows the positional relationship of an exit chute. The perspective view which shows the standby state of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. The perspective view which shows the coin detection state of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. The perspective view which shows the other Example of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. The control circuit block diagram of an inserted coin detection apparatus. A time chart for each sensor of the inserted coin detection device. The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the insertion coin detection apparatus. The time chart which monitors the number of sheets according to the sensor of an inserted coin detection apparatus. The time chart according to the sensor of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. The flowchart which shows the processing operation of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. The time chart which monitors the number of sheets according to the sensor of a coin taking-in detection apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the detection operation | movement by the conventional parallel sensor structure. The time chart by the conventional sensor structure. Explanatory drawing which shows the use condition of the unauthorized device with respect to the conventional sensor structure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Slot machine 18 ... Insertion port 25 ... Coin selector 33 ... Coin passage 43 ... Inserted coin detection apparatus 44, 45 ... Detection lever 44a, 45a ... 1st branch piece 44b, 45b ... 2nd branch piece S1 ... 1st sensor S2 ... second sensor S3 ... third sensor C ... coin

Claims (5)

A coin aisle that rolls coins inserted into the insertion slot one by one by its own weight and leads inwardly;
At least both sides of the cross-sectional longitudinal direction of the coin passage perpendicular to the coin path branches into the second branch piece located outside of the coin passage and the first branch piece to face externally of the coin passage a detection piece having each independently comprise by multiple parallel,
A sensor for detecting that each of the plurality of independent second branch pieces has been displaced from a position where the optical axis between the light projecting element and the light receiving element is respectively shielded from a position where light is transmitted ;
The plurality of second branch pieces transmit the optical axis of the sensor in conjunction with the retraction of the plurality of first branch pieces from the coin passage as the coins inserted into the insertion slot pass. An inserted coin detection method for detecting that a coin has been inserted when the sensor detects that the entire position has been moved. A coin aisle that rolls coins inserted into the insertion slot one by one by its own weight and leads inwardly ;
At least both sides of the cross-sectional longitudinal direction of the coin passage perpendicular to the coin path, each independently detection piece and a second branch piece which is branched for shielding the first branch piece which is branched for coin contact Multiple in parallel,
Wherein each first branch piece to face the movable deaths out towards the passage space from the outside of the coin path, Rutotomoni is projected urged toward the passage space of the coin path, said each of said second branch piece Urging means located outside the coin passage;
Projecting and receiving light in a state where each second branch piece is sandwiched between a light projecting element and a light receiving element from a direction crossing a parallel direction in which the second branch pieces are arranged in parallel, and each second branch piece is rotated. the a sensor for detecting the optical,
When at least one of the first branch pieces is in the passage space of the coin passage, the second branch piece shields the optical axis between the light projecting element and the light receiving element, and the first branch piece is in the coin passage. An inserted coin detection device comprising detection means for detecting that each of the second branch pieces transmits the optical axis of the light projecting element and causes the light receiving element to receive light when all of the second branch pieces are retracted from the passage space . A first detection means comprising the detection means according to claim 2 ;
Second detection means disposed at a passage position downstream of the first detection means for detecting the passage of coins;
Detection information based on a time difference obtained by comparing the detection time detected by the first detection means and the detection time detected by the second detection means, or the number of detections detected by the first detection means and the second detection means Determination means for determining the presence or absence of fraud from detection information based on the difference in the number of times obtained by comparing the number of detected detections.
The inserted coin detection device according to claim 2 . The detection piece is urged and protruded independently from the outside of the coin passage toward the passage space in the coin thickness direction of the coin passage, and the longitudinal direction of the cross section in the coin passage orthogonal to the coin passage The coin-inserted coin detection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coin coins are faced in parallel on both sides.   A gaming machine comprising the inserted coin detection device according to claim 2.

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