EP3070687B1 - Coin inserting device - Google Patents
Coin inserting device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3070687B1 EP3070687B1 EP16160295.8A EP16160295A EP3070687B1 EP 3070687 B1 EP3070687 B1 EP 3070687B1 EP 16160295 A EP16160295 A EP 16160295A EP 3070687 B1 EP3070687 B1 EP 3070687B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- coin
- opening
- slit
- inserting direction
- receiving
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F1/00—Coin inlet arrangements; Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
- G07F1/02—Coin slots
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F1/00—Coin inlet arrangements; Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
- G07F1/04—Coin chutes
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for inserting coins.
- the present invention relates to a device for inserting coins that is advantageously but not exclusively usable in a gaming machine.
- a gaming machine is defined as an entertainment apparatus that can be for profit, such as the so-called slot machines, or not for profit, such as for example the machines usually installed in games rooms.
- Such gaming machines are designed to activate a gaming session when a user inserts a means of payment into the machine, which can be a bank note, a prepaid card or one or more coins, coins being defined both as money and as a medal or token of any shape.
- gaming machines comprise a device for inserting coins that comprises an inserting slit through which a user can insert the coins one at a time, which are received in a coin receiving block arranged inside the gaming machine.
- This coin receiving block typically comprises a coin collecting channel which is connected to the coin insertion slit by a wall tilted downwards, such that a coin inserted into the slit can be guided as it falls through the tilted wall to be finally supplied to a coin receiving element, also known as a coin box, positioned inside the gaming machine and suitable for recognising the coin and communicating this recognition to a game controller, which can accordingly enable or not enable the gaming session.
- the device for inserting coins can comprise a coin insertion block fixed protruding to a front panel of the gaming machine.
- a coin insertion block of known type can be fixed near a button panel and comprises a coin abutting wall that extends upwards from a rear side of the coin insertion slit.
- the latter typically lies in a horizontal plane to enable a user to drop the coin vertically down after pushing the coin until the coin rests on the abutting wall.
- the coin insertion block can be simplified and provide only the coin insertion slit obtained in the front panel of the gaming machine.
- One of the problems of known coin insertion devices is linked to the fact that it is not possible to insert a coin at a short distance of time from the previous one because coins inserted in rapid succession risk being jammed in the coin collecting channel, as each coin can fall in a disorderly manner and block the descent of the next coin. Further, even if the coins did not jam one another, coins inserted in rapid succession might not be recognised correctly by the coin box and thus the game might not be enabled.
- Another problem of coin insertion devices of known type is due to the fact that a user, after a certain period of gaming and thus after the insertion of a certain number of coins in succession, may have a sore forearm because the same repeated movement over time.
- the support surface of the button panel is usually designed ergonomically so as to enable the forearms to be supported during the gaming session, inserting a coin requires a specific movement of the wrist with the forearm raised, which can cause the wrists to ache in the long term, forcing a user to take an undesired break from the game.
- US 2005/087423 discloses a selecting device for automatic dispensing machines, which provides a plurality of coin insertion slits, each arranged for activating the selection of a specific product when a coin is inserted into the respective slit. Each slit is associated with a respective coin detecting sensor. All the coin insertion slits convey the coins via respective channels to a coin funnel that receives the coins and supplies the coins to a coin accepting mechanism inside the automatic dispensing machine.
- US 5924542 discloses a coin insertion mechanism that is able to accept two coins simultaneously.
- the coin insertion mechanism is provided with generally opposite slits with mechanisms for detecting each of the two coins.
- Such mechanisms comprise ratchets that cooperate with a front portion and a rear portion, the ratchets being mounted in such a manner that only one ratchet cooperates with each portion of the toothed wheel.
- One object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art.
- Another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables coins to be inserted in a controlled manner in succession, such that the coins cannot jam together.
- a further object is to make a device for inserting coins that enables the insertion of coins to be controlled in such a manner that the latter are always recognised by the coin box even if they are inserted in succession.
- Still another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to insert coins over time without fatigue.
- a different object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to vary over time and according to need or preference the movement of the forearm that inserts the coins.
- a gaming machine is indicated, in particular a gaming machine with a vertical extent, which is usable by a user to engage in a gaming session, which is activatable by a coin 2 ( figures 2 and 3 ), or, as said previously, by a medal or a token of any shape.
- the gaming machine 1 of figure 1 is a slot machine and reference will be made to this machine to illustrate the invention, without loss of generality.
- the gaming machine 1 comprises a body 3, which mainly extends along a longitudinal axis A which is vertical.
- the body 3 defines an inner space (not shown) that is suitable for containing mechanisms for running the gaming machine (not shown) such as for example a gaming session controller, a coin hopper, and a coin receiving element, which is also commonly known as a coin box.
- the gaming machine 1 further comprises a main front door 4 that is able to rotate around a side hinge (not shown) between a closed gaming position and an open position that enables the inside of the gaming machine 1 to be accessed and thus the running mechanisms to be accessed.
- the main front door 4 is provided with an upper screen 5 and with a lower screen 6 (one or both of which can be of the touchscreen type) intended for displaying the images of the game. According to an alternative embodiment of the gaming machine, just one display screen is present.
- the button panel 7 protrudes from the body 3 toward a user and is tiltable with respect to the body 3 to the lower part of the gaming machine.
- the button panel 7 makes a resting structure for a forearm of a user.
- the main front door 4 further comprises an outer panel 9 that acts as a connection and extends from the lower end of the lower screen 6 to the button panel 7.
- the main front door 4 is further provided with a concave coin-collecting tray 10 arranged for receiving the coins supplied by the gaming machine from a coin outlet (not shown) when for example change in coins has to be returned to a user or when the user completes the gaming session with a win.
- the coin collecting tray 10 is arranged at a lower end of the main front door 4.
- the gaming machine 1 further comprises a secondary front door 11, which is also open to access the inner space, and a footrest 12 for the greater ease of a user sitting in front of the gaming machine.
- the gaming machine further comprises a device for inserting coins 13 according to the invention, shown in detail in figures 2 to 10 .
- the device for inserting coins 13 comprises a coin insertion block 14, which is external and is fixed in the embodiment shown in figure 1 to the outer connecting panel 9. It is understood, without loss of generality, that the coin insertion block 14 can be fixed to any outer panel of the gaming machine 1, other than the connecting panel 9 for example to an outer panel of the button panel 7. In the case in point, the outer panel 9 is slightly concave but according to an embodiment that is not shown can also be substantially flat and have a concave zone for collecting the coins still to be played. According to still another embodiment that is not shown, the outer panel 9 can be concave and the coin insertion block 14 can be arranged in the bottom zone of the panel.
- the coin insertion block 14 comprises a first slit 15, arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, the first inserting direction D1 being perpendicular to the plane on which the first slit 15 lies.
- the coin insertion block 14 is in particular protruding in relation to the outer panel 9.
- the coin insertion device 13 further comprises a coin receiving block 16, shown in figures 6 to 10 , which is arranged inside the gaming machine 1, in particular is contained in the inner space, is provided with a receiving opening 17 and is arranged for receiving the coin 2 inserted from the first slit 15 through the receiving opening 17.
- the coin insertion block 14 comprises a second slit 18 arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, the second inserting direction D2 being perpendicular to the plane on which the second slit 18 lies.
- the coin receiving block 16 is arranged for receiving through the receiving opening 17 also the coin 2 inserted from the second slit 18 so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receive coins 2 both in the first inserting direction D1 and in the second inserting direction D2.
- the second inserting direction D2 is transverse to the first inserting direction D1.
- the second inserting direction D2 is in particular perpendicular to the first inserting direction D1, inasmuch as the first inserting direction D1 is vertical (the first slit 15 lies in a horizontal plane) whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal (the second slit 18 lies in a vertical plane).
- the second slit preferably faces a user frontally and lies in a frontal vertical plane in such a manner that during insertion of the coin 2 into the second slit 18, a face of the coin 2 remains resting on the outer panel 9.
- the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line, can be skewed in relation to one another and are both perpendicular to the common straight line.
- the first slit 15 and the second slit 18 are in this case staggered.
- the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line but the first inserting direction D1 is transverse to the common straight line whereas the second inserting direction is perpendicular to the common straight line.
- the first inserting direction D1 can be transverse (in particular form an acute angle) in relation to the vertical axis A whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal, for example, inasmuch as the first slit 15 lies on a plane that is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane.
- the coin insertion block 14 comprises a front wall 14a and an upper wall 14b, which in the embodiment illustrated in the figures are substantially perpendicular to one another.
- the upper wall 14b is horizontal and comprises the first slit 15 that thus lies in a horizontal plane
- the front wall 14a is vertical and comprises the second slit 18, which thus lies in a frontal vertical plane.
- the coin insertion block 14 can further comprise, as in the embodiment shown, a first abutting wall 19 of the coins 2 inserted into the first slit 15.
- the first abutting wall 19 extends upwards from a rear edge of the first slit 15, in such a manner that a face of the coin 2 presses against the first abutting wall 19 during insertion of the coin 2 through the first slit 15.
- a lower edge 20 of the front wall 14a is shaped and has a recessed portion 20a.
- the second slit 18 is bounded by both the recessed portion 20a and by a portion of the outer panel 9, when the coin insertion block 14 is fixed to the outer panel 9.
- a lower edge of the second slit 18 is then made by the portion of the outer panel 9. In this manner, during insertion of the coin 2 through the second slit 18, a face of the coin 2 rests on the outer panel 9.
- the front wall 14a comprises the second slit 18 and a second abutting wall of the coins extends from a lower edge of the second slit.
- the second abutting wall of the coins can be superimposed on the outer panel 9 when the coin insertion block 14 is fixed to the outer panel 9.
- a coin return button 21 is further present in the coin insertion block 14.
- the coin receiving block 16 further comprises a distributing opening 22 arranged for making the inserted coins exit from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18 and for supplying the coins to internal mechanisms of the gaming machine, for example to an inner channel, not shown, of the gaming machine 1 that receives the inserted coins from both the first slit 15 and the second slit 18.
- the coin receiving block 16 comprises a first conduit 23, for guiding a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1, which extends from the receiving opening 17 to the distributing opening 22 and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin 2 at the distributing opening 22 in a first distributing direction T1, that can also be different from the first inserting direction D1.
- the first conduit 23 has a first inlet opening 23a and a first outlet opening 23b, the first inlet opening 23a opening from the receiving opening 17, the first outlet opening 23b opening on the distributing opening 22.
- the coin receiving block 16 further comprises a second conduit 24, for guiding a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2, which extends from the receiving opening 17 to the distributing opening 22 and is also shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin 2 at the distributing opening 22 in a second distributing direction T2, which may be different from the second inserting direction D2.
- the second conduit 24 has a second inlet opening 24a and a second output opening 24b, the second inlet opening 24a opening from the receiving opening 17, the second output opening 24b opening on the distributing opening 22.
- the first distributing direction T1 and the second distributing direction T2 are substantially parallel, or define an angle which is comprised between 0 and 20°, in particular preferably between 0 and 10°, so as to make the inserted coins exit from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18 that are parallel to one another and thus ordered.
- the receiving opening 17 is configured for enabling a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block 16.
- the first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 is obstructed by a coin 2 guided through the receiving opening 17 in the second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 and the second inlet opening 24a is vice versa obstructed by a coin 2 guided through the receiving opening 17 in the first inlet opening 23a.
- Both the first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 and the second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 in fact both open from the receiving opening 17 and a coin 2 inserted from the coin insertion block 14, from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18, obstructs the receiving opening 17 before being received in the first inlet opening 23a or in the second inlet opening 24a.
- the coin receiving block 16 comprises a shaped separator 25 interposed between the first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24 and moreover a first guiding element 26.
- the first conduit 23 is defined between the first guiding element 26 and the separator 25 and the curving profile of the first conduit 23, which, as said previously, is such as to receive a coin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, guiding the coin until it is made to exit in a first distributing direction T1, is determined by a first wall 25a of the separator 25, in particular a lower wall 25a, and by a wall 26a of the first guiding element 26, which is arranged facing the wall 25a of the separator 25.
- the coin receiving block 16 also comprises a second guiding element 27.
- the second conduit 24 is defined between the second guiding element 27 and the separator 25 and the curving profile of the second conduit 24, which, as said previously, is such as to receive a coin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, guiding the coin 2 until the coin is made to exit in a second distributing direction T2, is determined by a second wall 25b of the separator 25, in particular an upper wall 25b, and by a wall 27a of the second guiding element 27 arranged facing the wall 25b of the separator 25.
- the first guiding element 26, the separator 25 and the second guiding element 27 are arranged in sequence and i.e. the first guiding element 26 is arranged near the main front door 4 whereas the second guiding element 27 is arranged in a distal position from the main front door 4.
- an upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 is flat and is arranged coplanar with an upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 to make an inner support for the coin inserted into the second slit 18.
- the first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 is defined between the upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 and the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25.
- the upper wall 26b and the upper corner 25c are further coplanar with the lower edge of the second slit 18 and thus with the outer panel 9 or, as explained previously, with the second guide wall, if present.
- the second guiding element 27 has an upper end wall 27b.
- the second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 is defined between the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 and the upper end wall 27b.
- the coin receiving block 16 can comprise fixing means comprising at least one fixing plate 28 of the first guiding element 26 and/or of the second guiding element 27 and/or of the separator 25.
- fixing means comprising at least one fixing plate 28 of the first guiding element 26 and/or of the second guiding element 27 and/or of the separator 25.
- one fixing plate 28 and a further fixing plate 29 can be noted that contain laterally the separator 25, the first guiding element 26 and the second guiding element 27 and to which the separator 25, the first guiding element 26 and the second guiding element 27 are fixed.
- the fixing plate 28 and the further fixing plate 29 are shaped, for example as an "L", for stable positioning of the coin receiving block 16 inside the inner space of the body 3 of the gaming machine 1.
- the first guiding element 26, the second guiding element 27 and the separator 25 are made by a plurality of laser-cut metal sheets and connected together by known locking means.
- the first guiding element 26, the second guiding element 27 and the separator 25 are made by a plurality of laser-cut metal sheets and connected together by known locking means.
- a user starts a gaming session by inserting a coin 2 into the insertion device 13, selecting according to preference an insertion via the first slit 15 or the second slit 18 of the coin insertion block 14.
- the user If the user prefers to insert the coin into the first vertical inserting direction D1, the user takes a face of the coin 2 resting on the abutting wall 19 of the coin insertion block 14 and drops the coin down into the first conduit 23 through the first slit 15.
- the user takes the coin 2 with a face resting on the outer panel 9 and slides the coin 2 on the outer panel 9 until it is inserted into the second slit 18, from which it falls into the second conduit 24. If the user uses a collecting zone (not shown) of the outer panel 9 as a rest for coins 2 still to be played, the coin 2 can be guided by sliding from the collecting zone to the second slit 18 and then be dropped into the second slit 18.
- the coin 2 When the coin is inserted into the second slit 18, the coin 2 first advances resting on the outer panel 9 and on the upper wall 26b of the first guiding element 26, then also on the upper corner 25c of the separator 25 and then falls subsequently into the second conduit 24, when it is advanced further.
- the first inserted coin 2 temporarily obstructs during the fall the receiving opening 17 and is thus positioned in the first conduit 23 between the upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 and the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 at the first inlet opening 23a, thus preventing the second coin 2 from being able to fall into the coin receiving block 16.
- the second coin 2 cannot in fact advance resting on the upper corner 25c of the separator 25 inasmuch as the first inlet opening 23a contains the coin 2.
- the second inserted coin 2 falls into the second conduit 24 only when the receiving opening 17 is freed, i.e. when the first coin 2 is completely received in the first conduit 23.
- the first inserted coin 2 and the second inserted coin 2 have respective substantially parallel distributing directions T1 and T2 and there is therefore no risk that the coins may jam in the coin receiving block 16.
- a user can thus select at will the preferred insertion direction for the coins, varying over time the insertion from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18, without tiring the forearm. It is added that as it is only the coin receiving block 16 that receives the coins from a sole coin insertion block 14 with a double slit 15 and 18, the device for inserting coins is compact and enables resting space to be left for the user without compromising the ergonomics of the gaming station.
- the coin receiving block 16 in which a sole receiving opening 17 is present from which both the first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24 opens, prevents the coins 2 jamming when they are inserted and enables the coins 2 to be correctly guided when they exit the coin receiving block 16.
- the receiving opening 17 is configured for enabling a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block 16, it is guaranteed that two coins are inserted in a controlled manner sequentially over time and are accordingly supplied in a controlled manner to the internal mechanisms of the gaming machine.
- a minimum controlled interval of time is guaranteed between one possible insertion of a coin and the next insertion, which ensures secure recognition of the coins by the coin box, even if the coins are inserted in rapid succession.
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a device for inserting coins. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for inserting coins that is advantageously but not exclusively usable in a gaming machine.
- Generally, a gaming machine is defined as an entertainment apparatus that can be for profit, such as the so-called slot machines, or not for profit, such as for example the machines usually installed in games rooms. Such gaming machines, both for profit and not for profit, are designed to activate a gaming session when a user inserts a means of payment into the machine, which can be a bank note, a prepaid card or one or more coins, coins being defined both as money and as a medal or token of any shape.
- Typically, gaming machines comprise a device for inserting coins that comprises an inserting slit through which a user can insert the coins one at a time, which are received in a coin receiving block arranged inside the gaming machine. This coin receiving block typically comprises a coin collecting channel which is connected to the coin insertion slit by a wall tilted downwards, such that a coin inserted into the slit can be guided as it falls through the tilted wall to be finally supplied to a coin receiving element, also known as a coin box, positioned inside the gaming machine and suitable for recognising the coin and communicating this recognition to a game controller, which can accordingly enable or not enable the gaming session.
- The device for inserting coins can comprise a coin insertion block fixed protruding to a front panel of the gaming machine.
- For example, a coin insertion block of known type can be fixed near a button panel and comprises a coin abutting wall that extends upwards from a rear side of the coin insertion slit. The latter typically lies in a horizontal plane to enable a user to drop the coin vertically down after pushing the coin until the coin rests on the abutting wall.
- Alternatively, the coin insertion block can be simplified and provide only the coin insertion slit obtained in the front panel of the gaming machine.
- One of the problems of known coin insertion devices is linked to the fact that it is not possible to insert a coin at a short distance of time from the previous one because coins inserted in rapid succession risk being jammed in the coin collecting channel, as each coin can fall in a disorderly manner and block the descent of the next coin. Further, even if the coins did not jam one another, coins inserted in rapid succession might not be recognised correctly by the coin box and thus the game might not be enabled.
- Another problem of coin insertion devices of known type is due to the fact that a user, after a certain period of gaming and thus after the insertion of a certain number of coins in succession, may have a sore forearm because the same repeated movement over time.
- Although the support surface of the button panel is usually designed ergonomically so as to enable the forearms to be supported during the gaming session, inserting a coin requires a specific movement of the wrist with the forearm raised, which can cause the wrists to ache in the long term, forcing a user to take an undesired break from the game.
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US 2005/087423 discloses a selecting device for automatic dispensing machines, which provides a plurality of coin insertion slits, each arranged for activating the selection of a specific product when a coin is inserted into the respective slit. Each slit is associated with a respective coin detecting sensor. All the coin insertion slits convey the coins via respective channels to a coin funnel that receives the coins and supplies the coins to a coin accepting mechanism inside the automatic dispensing machine. -
US 5924542 discloses a coin insertion mechanism that is able to accept two coins simultaneously. The coin insertion mechanism is provided with generally opposite slits with mechanisms for detecting each of the two coins. Such mechanisms comprise ratchets that cooperate with a front portion and a rear portion, the ratchets being mounted in such a manner that only one ratchet cooperates with each portion of the toothed wheel. - One object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art.
- Another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables coins to be inserted in a controlled manner in succession, such that the coins cannot jam together.
- A further object is to make a device for inserting coins that enables the insertion of coins to be controlled in such a manner that the latter are always recognised by the coin box even if they are inserted in succession.
- Still another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to insert coins over time without fatigue.
- A different object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to vary over time and according to need or preference the movement of the forearm that inserts the coins.
- Such objects, and still others, are achieved by the device for inserting coins according to one or more of the claims set out below.
- The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example.
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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine comprising a device for inserting coins according to the present invention. -
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the device for inserting coins offigure 1 when, in use, a coin is inserted into a first vertical inserting direction. -
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the device for inserting coins offigure 1 when, in use, a coin is inserted into a second horizontal inserting direction. -
Figure 4 is an enlarged top view of the device for inserting coins offigure 1 . -
Figure 5 is another perspective view of the device for inserting coins offigure 1 , some parts of the gaming machine being removed for clarity. -
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device for inserting coins of the present invention, comprising a coin insertion block and a coin receiving block, some parts of the gaming machine being removed for clarity. -
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the front of the coin receiving block offigure 6 , some parts of the device for inserting coins being removed for clarity. -
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear of the coin receiving block offigure 7 . -
Figure 9 is a frontal view of the rear of the coin receiving block offigure 7 . -
Figure 10 is a section view along the axis IX-IX of the coin receiving block offigure 9 . - In this description, identical elements common to the various illustrated embodiments have been indicated by the same numbering.
- As shown in
figure 1 , with 1 overall a gaming machine is indicated, in particular a gaming machine with a vertical extent, which is usable by a user to engage in a gaming session, which is activatable by a coin 2 (figures 2 and 3 ), or, as said previously, by a medal or a token of any shape. The gaming machine 1 offigure 1 is a slot machine and reference will be made to this machine to illustrate the invention, without loss of generality. - The gaming machine 1 comprises a
body 3, which mainly extends along a longitudinal axis A which is vertical. Thebody 3 defines an inner space (not shown) that is suitable for containing mechanisms for running the gaming machine (not shown) such as for example a gaming session controller, a coin hopper, and a coin receiving element, which is also commonly known as a coin box. - The gaming machine 1 further comprises a main
front door 4 that is able to rotate around a side hinge (not shown) between a closed gaming position and an open position that enables the inside of the gaming machine 1 to be accessed and thus the running mechanisms to be accessed. - The
main front door 4 is provided with anupper screen 5 and with a lower screen 6 (one or both of which can be of the touchscreen type) intended for displaying the images of the game. According to an alternative embodiment of the gaming machine, just one display screen is present. - A
button panel 7, provided withbuttons 8 for controlling the game, is also fixed to themain front door 4. Thebutton panel 7 protrudes from thebody 3 toward a user and is tiltable with respect to thebody 3 to the lower part of the gaming machine. Thebutton panel 7 makes a resting structure for a forearm of a user. - The
main front door 4 further comprises anouter panel 9 that acts as a connection and extends from the lower end of thelower screen 6 to thebutton panel 7. - The
main front door 4 is further provided with a concave coin-collectingtray 10 arranged for receiving the coins supplied by the gaming machine from a coin outlet (not shown) when for example change in coins has to be returned to a user or when the user completes the gaming session with a win. Thecoin collecting tray 10 is arranged at a lower end of the mainfront door 4. - The gaming machine 1 further comprises a
secondary front door 11, which is also open to access the inner space, and afootrest 12 for the greater ease of a user sitting in front of the gaming machine. - The gaming machine further comprises a device for inserting
coins 13 according to the invention, shown in detail infigures 2 to 10 . - The device for inserting
coins 13 comprises acoin insertion block 14, which is external and is fixed in the embodiment shown infigure 1 to the outer connectingpanel 9. It is understood, without loss of generality, that thecoin insertion block 14 can be fixed to any outer panel of the gaming machine 1, other than the connectingpanel 9 for example to an outer panel of thebutton panel 7. In the case in point, theouter panel 9 is slightly concave but according to an embodiment that is not shown can also be substantially flat and have a concave zone for collecting the coins still to be played. According to still another embodiment that is not shown, theouter panel 9 can be concave and thecoin insertion block 14 can be arranged in the bottom zone of the panel. - With reference to
figures 2 to 6 , it is observed that thecoin insertion block 14 comprises afirst slit 15, arranged for inserting acoin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, the first inserting direction D1 being perpendicular to the plane on which thefirst slit 15 lies. Thecoin insertion block 14 is in particular protruding in relation to theouter panel 9. - The
coin insertion device 13 further comprises acoin receiving block 16, shown infigures 6 to 10 , which is arranged inside the gaming machine 1, in particular is contained in the inner space, is provided with a receivingopening 17 and is arranged for receiving thecoin 2 inserted from thefirst slit 15 through the receivingopening 17. - The
coin insertion block 14 comprises asecond slit 18 arranged for inserting acoin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, the second inserting direction D2 being perpendicular to the plane on which thesecond slit 18 lies. Thecoin receiving block 16 is arranged for receiving through the receivingopening 17 also thecoin 2 inserted from thesecond slit 18 so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receivecoins 2 both in the first inserting direction D1 and in the second inserting direction D2. - It should be noted that the second inserting direction D2 is transverse to the first inserting direction D1.
- In the embodiment of the invention shown in
figures 1-10 , the second inserting direction D2 is in particular perpendicular to the first inserting direction D1, inasmuch as the first inserting direction D1 is vertical (thefirst slit 15 lies in a horizontal plane) whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal (thesecond slit 18 lies in a vertical plane). - The second slit preferably faces a user frontally and lies in a frontal vertical plane in such a manner that during insertion of the
coin 2 into thesecond slit 18, a face of thecoin 2 remains resting on theouter panel 9. - According to a first embodiment of the coin insertion block that is not shown, the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line, can be skewed in relation to one another and are both perpendicular to the common straight line. The
first slit 15 and thesecond slit 18 are in this case staggered. - According to a second alternative embodiment of the coin insertion block that is not shown, the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line but the first inserting direction D1 is transverse to the common straight line whereas the second inserting direction is perpendicular to the common straight line. For example, the first inserting direction D1 can be transverse (in particular form an acute angle) in relation to the vertical axis A whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal, for example, inasmuch as the
first slit 15 lies on a plane that is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane. - The
coin insertion block 14 comprises afront wall 14a and anupper wall 14b, which in the embodiment illustrated in the figures are substantially perpendicular to one another. In detail, theupper wall 14b is horizontal and comprises thefirst slit 15 that thus lies in a horizontal plane whereas thefront wall 14a is vertical and comprises thesecond slit 18, which thus lies in a frontal vertical plane. - It should be noted that the
coin insertion block 14 can further comprise, as in the embodiment shown, a first abuttingwall 19 of thecoins 2 inserted into thefirst slit 15. The first abuttingwall 19 extends upwards from a rear edge of thefirst slit 15, in such a manner that a face of thecoin 2 presses against the first abuttingwall 19 during insertion of thecoin 2 through thefirst slit 15. - A
lower edge 20 of thefront wall 14a is shaped and has a recessedportion 20a. Thesecond slit 18 is bounded by both the recessedportion 20a and by a portion of theouter panel 9, when thecoin insertion block 14 is fixed to theouter panel 9. A lower edge of thesecond slit 18 is then made by the portion of theouter panel 9. In this manner, during insertion of thecoin 2 through thesecond slit 18, a face of thecoin 2 rests on theouter panel 9. - According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown, the
front wall 14a comprises thesecond slit 18 and a second abutting wall of the coins extends from a lower edge of the second slit. For example the second abutting wall of the coins can be superimposed on theouter panel 9 when thecoin insertion block 14 is fixed to theouter panel 9. - A
coin return button 21 is further present in thecoin insertion block 14. - The
coin receiving block 16 further comprises a distributingopening 22 arranged for making the inserted coins exit from thefirst slit 15 or from thesecond slit 18 and for supplying the coins to internal mechanisms of the gaming machine, for example to an inner channel, not shown, of the gaming machine 1 that receives the inserted coins from both thefirst slit 15 and thesecond slit 18. - The
coin receiving block 16 comprises afirst conduit 23, for guiding acoin 2 coming from thefirst slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1, which extends from the receivingopening 17 to the distributingopening 22 and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding thecoin 2 at the distributingopening 22 in a first distributing direction T1, that can also be different from the first inserting direction D1. - The
first conduit 23 has a first inlet opening 23a and a first outlet opening 23b, the first inlet opening 23a opening from the receivingopening 17, the first outlet opening 23b opening on the distributingopening 22. - The
coin receiving block 16 further comprises asecond conduit 24, for guiding acoin 2 coming from thesecond slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2, which extends from the receivingopening 17 to the distributingopening 22 and is also shaped, in particular curved, for guiding thecoin 2 at the distributingopening 22 in a second distributing direction T2, which may be different from the second inserting direction D2. - The
second conduit 24 has a second inlet opening 24a and asecond output opening 24b, the second inlet opening 24a opening from the receivingopening 17, thesecond output opening 24b opening on the distributingopening 22. - The first distributing direction T1 and the second distributing direction T2 are substantially parallel, or define an angle which is comprised between 0 and 20°, in particular preferably between 0 and 10°, so as to make the inserted coins exit from the
first slit 15 or from thesecond slit 18 that are parallel to one another and thus ordered. - In
figure 10 it can be noted that the curving profile of thefirst conduit 23 and of thesecond conduit 24 are decisive in determining the manner in which the first distributing direction T1 and the second distributing direction T2 at the distributingopening 22 can guide acoin 2 in the desired direction. - We wish to emphasise that the receiving
opening 17 is configured for enabling acoin 2 coming from thefirst slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and acoin 2 coming from thesecond slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in thecoin receiving block 16. In fact, as will be seen better below, the first inlet opening 23a of thefirst conduit 23 is obstructed by acoin 2 guided through the receivingopening 17 in the second inlet opening 24a of thesecond conduit 24 and the second inlet opening 24a is vice versa obstructed by acoin 2 guided through the receivingopening 17 in the first inlet opening 23a. - Both the first inlet opening 23a of the
first conduit 23 and the second inlet opening 24a of thesecond conduit 24 in fact both open from the receivingopening 17 and acoin 2 inserted from thecoin insertion block 14, from thefirst slit 15 or from thesecond slit 18, obstructs the receivingopening 17 before being received in the first inlet opening 23a or in the second inlet opening 24a. - The
coin receiving block 16 comprises a shapedseparator 25 interposed between thefirst conduit 23 and thesecond conduit 24 and moreover afirst guiding element 26. Thefirst conduit 23 is defined between the first guidingelement 26 and theseparator 25 and the curving profile of thefirst conduit 23, which, as said previously, is such as to receive acoin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, guiding the coin until it is made to exit in a first distributing direction T1, is determined by afirst wall 25a of theseparator 25, in particular alower wall 25a, and by awall 26a of the first guidingelement 26, which is arranged facing thewall 25a of theseparator 25. - The
coin receiving block 16 also comprises asecond guiding element 27. Thesecond conduit 24 is defined between thesecond guiding element 27 and theseparator 25 and the curving profile of thesecond conduit 24, which, as said previously, is such as to receive acoin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, guiding thecoin 2 until the coin is made to exit in a second distributing direction T2, is determined by asecond wall 25b of theseparator 25, in particular anupper wall 25b, and by awall 27a of thesecond guiding element 27 arranged facing thewall 25b of theseparator 25. - Considering an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A that extends from the main
front door 4 to a rear of the gaming machine 1, the first guidingelement 26, theseparator 25 and thesecond guiding element 27 are arranged in sequence and i.e. the first guidingelement 26 is arranged near the mainfront door 4 whereas thesecond guiding element 27 is arranged in a distal position from the mainfront door 4. - Preferably, an
upper end wall 26b of the first guidingelement 26 is flat and is arranged coplanar with anupper end corner 25c of theseparator 25 to make an inner support for the coin inserted into thesecond slit 18. The first inlet opening 23a of thefirst conduit 23 is defined between theupper end wall 26b of the first guidingelement 26 and theupper end corner 25c of theseparator 25. Theupper wall 26b and theupper corner 25c are further coplanar with the lower edge of thesecond slit 18 and thus with theouter panel 9 or, as explained previously, with the second guide wall, if present. - The
second guiding element 27 has anupper end wall 27b. The second inlet opening 24a of thesecond conduit 24 is defined between theupper end corner 25c of theseparator 25 and theupper end wall 27b. - The
coin receiving block 16 can comprise fixing means comprising at least one fixingplate 28 of the first guidingelement 26 and/or of thesecond guiding element 27 and/or of theseparator 25. In the embodiment shown infigures 6 to 9 , one fixingplate 28 and a further fixingplate 29 can be noted that contain laterally theseparator 25, the first guidingelement 26 and thesecond guiding element 27 and to which theseparator 25, the first guidingelement 26 and thesecond guiding element 27 are fixed. The fixingplate 28 and the further fixingplate 29 are shaped, for example as an "L", for stable positioning of thecoin receiving block 16 inside the inner space of thebody 3 of the gaming machine 1. - Preferably, as shown in
figures 6 to 9 , the first guidingelement 26, thesecond guiding element 27 and theseparator 25 are made by a plurality of laser-cut metal sheets and connected together by known locking means. Through this constructional technique, single-piece casts are avoided that would require costly specific surface treatments intended to create the curved walls of the first guidingelement 26, of thesecond guiding element 27 and of theseparator 25. The sheets in fact enable the curving profile of thefirst conduit 23 and of thesecond conduit 24 to be defined simply and cheaply. - In use, a user starts a gaming session by inserting a
coin 2 into theinsertion device 13, selecting according to preference an insertion via thefirst slit 15 or thesecond slit 18 of thecoin insertion block 14. - If the user prefers to insert the coin into the first vertical inserting direction D1, the user takes a face of the
coin 2 resting on the abuttingwall 19 of thecoin insertion block 14 and drops the coin down into thefirst conduit 23 through thefirst slit 15. - If, on the other hand, the second horizontal inserting direction D2 is preferred, the user takes the
coin 2 with a face resting on theouter panel 9 and slides thecoin 2 on theouter panel 9 until it is inserted into thesecond slit 18, from which it falls into thesecond conduit 24. If the user uses a collecting zone (not shown) of theouter panel 9 as a rest forcoins 2 still to be played, thecoin 2 can be guided by sliding from the collecting zone to thesecond slit 18 and then be dropped into thesecond slit 18. When the coin is inserted into thesecond slit 18, thecoin 2 first advances resting on theouter panel 9 and on theupper wall 26b of the first guidingelement 26, then also on theupper corner 25c of theseparator 25 and then falls subsequently into thesecond conduit 24, when it is advanced further. - Even if the user inserts two
coins 2 in rapid succession, using both the 15 and 18 and inserting theslits first coin 2 into the first inserting direction D1 and thesecond coin 2 into the second inserting direction D2, the first insertedcoin 2 temporarily obstructs during the fall the receivingopening 17 and is thus positioned in thefirst conduit 23 between theupper end wall 26b of the first guidingelement 26 and theupper end corner 25c of theseparator 25 at the first inlet opening 23a, thus preventing thesecond coin 2 from being able to fall into thecoin receiving block 16. Thesecond coin 2 cannot in fact advance resting on theupper corner 25c of theseparator 25 inasmuch as the first inlet opening 23a contains thecoin 2. The second insertedcoin 2 falls into thesecond conduit 24 only when the receivingopening 17 is freed, i.e. when thefirst coin 2 is completely received in thefirst conduit 23. - Exiting the
first conduit 23 and thesecond conduit 24, the first insertedcoin 2 and the second insertedcoin 2 have respective substantially parallel distributing directions T1 and T2 and there is therefore no risk that the coins may jam in thecoin receiving block 16. - Owing to the invention, a user can thus select at will the preferred insertion direction for the coins, varying over time the insertion from the
first slit 15 or from thesecond slit 18, without tiring the forearm. It is added that as it is only thecoin receiving block 16 that receives the coins from a solecoin insertion block 14 with a 15 and 18, the device for inserting coins is compact and enables resting space to be left for the user without compromising the ergonomics of the gaming station.double slit - Owing to the invention moreover, it is added that the
coin receiving block 16 in which a sole receivingopening 17 is present from which both thefirst conduit 23 and thesecond conduit 24 opens, prevents thecoins 2 jamming when they are inserted and enables thecoins 2 to be correctly guided when they exit thecoin receiving block 16. - Owing to the fact that the receiving
opening 17 is configured for enabling acoin 2 coming from thefirst slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and acoin 2 coming from thesecond slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in thecoin receiving block 16, it is guaranteed that two coins are inserted in a controlled manner sequentially over time and are accordingly supplied in a controlled manner to the internal mechanisms of the gaming machine. In particular, a minimum controlled interval of time is guaranteed between one possible insertion of a coin and the next insertion, which ensures secure recognition of the coins by the coin box, even if the coins are inserted in rapid succession.
Claims (13)
- Device for inserting coins (13) for a gaming machine (1) comprising:
a coin insertion block (14) which is fixed to an outer panel (9) of the gaming machine (1) and comprises a first slit (15) through which a user can insert a coin (2) in a first inserting direction (D1); a coin receiving block (16) provided with a coin receiving opening (17) which is inside the gaming machine (1) and is arranged for receiving the coin (2) inserted from the first slit (15) through the coin receiving opening (17); said coin insertion block (14) comprising a second slit (18) through which the user can insert a coin (2) in a second inserting direction (D2), wherein the coin receiving block (16) is arranged for receiving through the coin receiving opening (17) also the coin (2) inserted from the second slit (18) so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receive coins both in the first inserting direction (D1) and in the second inserting direction (D2), the coin receiving block (16) further comprising a distributing opening (22) arranged for emitting coins inserted from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1) or coins inserted from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2) and supplying the coins (2) to internal mechanisms of the gaming machine, said coin insertion device (13) being characterised in that the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a first conduit (23), for guiding a coin (2) that comes from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1), which extends from the receiving opening (17) to the distributing opening (22) and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin (2) at the distributing opening (22) in a first distributing direction (T1) that is optionally different from the first inserting direction (D1), and the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a second conduit (24), for guiding a coin (2) coming from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2), which extends from the receiving opening (17) to the distributing opening (22) and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin at the distributing opening (22) in a second distributing direction (T2) that is optionally different from the second inserting direction (D2). - Device according to claim 1, wherein the second inserting direction (D2) is transverse to the first inserting direction (D1), in particular the second inserting direction (D2) is perpendicular to the first inserting direction (D1) the first inserting direction D1 being vertical, as the first slit (15) lies in a horizontal plane, the second inserting direction (D2) being horizontal (D2), as the second slit (18) lies in a vertical plane.
- Device according to claim 1, or 2, wherein the second slit (18) faces a user frontally, a face of the coin (2) resting on the outer panel (9) during insertion into the second slit (18).
- Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first conduit (23) has a first inlet opening (23a) and a first outlet opening (23b), the first inlet opening (23a) opening from the receiving opening (17), the first outlet opening (23b) opening on the distributing opening (22).
- Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second conduit (24) has a second inlet opening (24a) and a second output opening (24b), the second inlet opening (24a) opening from the receiving opening (17), the second output opening (24b) opening on the distributing opening (22).
- Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first distributing direction (T1) and the second distributing direction (T2) are substantially parallel or define an angle comprised between 0 and 20°, in particular preferably between 0 and 10°.
- Device according to claim 5, or 6, as appended to claim 4, wherein the receiving opening (17) is configured for enabling a coin (2) coming from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1) and a coin (2) coming from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2) to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block (16), the first inlet opening (23a) being obstructed by a coin (2) guided through the receiving opening (17) in the second inlet opening (24a) and the second inlet opening (24a) being obstructed by a coin (2) guided through the receiving opening (17) in the first inlet opening (23a).
- Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises a shaped separator (25) interposed between the first conduit (23) and the second conduit (24).
- Device according to claim 8, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises a first guiding element (26), the first conduit (23) being defined between the first guiding element (26) and the separator (25).
- Device according to claim 8, or 9, and wherein the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a second guiding element (27), the second conduit (24) being defined between the second guiding element (27) and the separator (25).
- Device according to claim 10, as appended to claim 9, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises fixing means (28; 29) of the first guiding element (26) and/or of the second guiding element (27) and/or of the separator (25).
- Device according to claim 10, or 11, as appended to claim 9, wherein the first guiding element (26) and/or the second guiding element (27) and/or the separator (25) are made by shaped laser-cut sheets that are connected together by locking means.
- Gaming machine (1), comprising a device for inserting coins (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS20180925A RS57573B1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2016-03-15 | Coin inserting device |
| SI201630070T SI3070687T1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2016-03-15 | Coin inserting device |
| PL16160295T PL3070687T3 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2016-03-15 | Coin inserting device |
| HRP20181236TT HRP20181236T1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2018-07-31 | Coin inserting device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITMO2015A000058A ITMO20150058A1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2015-03-16 | COIN INSERTION DEVICE |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP3070687A1 EP3070687A1 (en) | 2016-09-21 |
| EP3070687B1 true EP3070687B1 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
Family
ID=53284354
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP16160295.8A Active EP3070687B1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2016-03-15 | Coin inserting device |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3070687B1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK3070687T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2682955T3 (en) |
| HR (1) | HRP20181236T1 (en) |
| HU (1) | HUE039853T2 (en) |
| IT (1) | ITMO20150058A1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL3070687T3 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT3070687T (en) |
| RS (1) | RS57573B1 (en) |
| SI (1) | SI3070687T1 (en) |
| TR (1) | TR201810991T4 (en) |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5924542A (en) | 1994-05-03 | 1999-07-20 | Machine-O-Matic Limited | Coin mechanism |
| US7204360B2 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2007-04-17 | Stu Rasmussen | Coin or token actuated multiple choice selector |
-
2015
- 2015-03-16 IT ITMO2015A000058A patent/ITMO20150058A1/en unknown
-
2016
- 2016-03-15 PT PT161602958T patent/PT3070687T/en unknown
- 2016-03-15 TR TR2018/10991T patent/TR201810991T4/en unknown
- 2016-03-15 HU HUE16160295A patent/HUE039853T2/en unknown
- 2016-03-15 DK DK16160295.8T patent/DK3070687T3/en active
- 2016-03-15 SI SI201630070T patent/SI3070687T1/en unknown
- 2016-03-15 ES ES16160295.8T patent/ES2682955T3/en active Active
- 2016-03-15 EP EP16160295.8A patent/EP3070687B1/en active Active
- 2016-03-15 RS RS20180925A patent/RS57573B1/en unknown
- 2016-03-15 PL PL16160295T patent/PL3070687T3/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-07-31 HR HRP20181236TT patent/HRP20181236T1/en unknown
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| None * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SI3070687T1 (en) | 2018-09-28 |
| HUE039853T2 (en) | 2019-02-28 |
| TR201810991T4 (en) | 2018-08-27 |
| ES2682955T3 (en) | 2018-09-24 |
| EP3070687A1 (en) | 2016-09-21 |
| PL3070687T3 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
| RS57573B1 (en) | 2018-11-30 |
| HRP20181236T1 (en) | 2018-10-05 |
| DK3070687T3 (en) | 2018-08-13 |
| PT3070687T (en) | 2018-08-01 |
| ITMO20150058A1 (en) | 2016-09-16 |
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