JP2004344225A - Premium counting device in premium dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a premium counting device in a premium dispenser capable of correctly counting the number of premiums stored in the premium dispenser. <P>SOLUTION: The premium counting device 100 comprises a moving mechanism 110 comprising a detection sensor 83a (83b), a moving shaft 81 and a moving board 82, and a premium number calculating part 120 for calculating the number of premiums. The detection sensor 83a (83b) is moved at a constant speed by a lift mechanism 20 in the direction of mounting premiums. The number of premiums is counted up when a reflection member 90 is detected at least for a prescribed period of time by either one of the detection sensor 83a or 83b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a prize dispensing machine that stores a prize used as a special prize such as a pachinko machine in a storage section inside the machine body and pays out the prize for a designated number based on a payout instruction. The present invention relates to a prize counting device in a prize dispensing machine that can accurately count the number of stored prizes.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, a player can exchange for a special prize (hereinafter, simply referred to as “prize”) according to the number of balls obtained in a game of pachinko. Conventionally, as a prize dispensing machine that pays out prizes, a prize dispensing machine that stores a plurality of prizes in a loaded state in a cassette in the machine and pays out a predetermined number of prizes based on a payout instruction is known. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
According to the prize dispensing machine disclosed as the conventional example, the prize is stored in a cassette in the machine, and a plurality of prizes loaded on a lift plate are moved up to a feeding device arranged upward by a lift mechanism. As a result, the sheet is fed by a predetermined number of sheets by the feeding mechanism. The prize fed out by the feeding mechanism is temporarily held in the holding section, and rises to the position of the payout mechanism by the elevating mechanism, and the payout by the payout mechanism completes the prize payout process.
[0004]
Here, in the prize dispensing machine in the amusement store, in the daily work items, “(1) prize receipt” → “(2) prize payout (delivery)” → “(3) prize replenishment” → “ (4) prize inventory (counting) management "is being performed sequentially. In particular, in recent years, from the viewpoint of fraud prevention, inventory management that accurately counts the quantity of a plurality of prizes stored in a prize dispensing machine. Is an important management item.
[0005]
As a method of counting the number of such prizes, (1) a moving distance when the prize is moved to an upper position by a lift motor in a state where no prizes are loaded on the lift plate, A method of calculating the number of prizes by measuring the distance to the upper position in a state in which prizes are loaded, and dividing the difference by the thickness of the prize, (2) The clerk of the game store remains in the prize dispensing machine (3) A method of paying out all the prizes stored in the machine by using the payout function of the prize payout machine, and confirming the quantity by a display on the operation device. And so on.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-28915
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional prize counting method using a prize dispenser has the following problems. That is, in the case of (1), there is a problem that an error occurs in the count value due to molding variations due to molding of the premium, backlash of a gear transmitting drive of the lift motor, elongation of the drive belt, and the like. . In the case of (2) and (3), there is a problem in efficiency because the counting work is troublesome and time-consuming, and in addition, the prize is accurately stored in the prize dispensing machine in a state where the prize is stored. There is a problem that cannot be counted.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the related art, and a prize that can accurately count the number of prizes stored in a prize dispensing machine by detecting the number of prizes by a prize counting device. A prize counting device in a dispensing machine is provided.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 stores a plurality of prizes in a storage unit and pays out a required number of the prizes, A lift mechanism for raising the prizes loaded in the section upward, a feeding mechanism for feeding out prizes from above the storage section corresponding to the lift mechanism, and a prize counting device for calculating the number of prizes loaded in the storage section. In the prize counting device in the provided prize dispensing machine, the prize counting device is disposed in proximity to the storage section, and is provided in the moving means capable of moving in the loading direction of the prize, and provided in the moving means, Detecting means for detecting a reflection member provided on the prize in the storage unit in accordance with the movement of the moving means; and a scene for counting the number of prizes based on a detection result detected by the detecting means. Characterized in that it and a number calculating means.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of prizes are stored in a storage unit, and a payout unit that pays out a required number of the prizes, and a prize loaded in the storage unit are raised upward. In a prize counting device in a prize dispensing machine including a lift mechanism, a payout mechanism for feeding out prizes from above a storage unit corresponding to the lift mechanism, and a prize counting device for calculating the number of prizes loaded in the storage unit, The prize counting device is fixed at a position close to the storage unit, and detects a reflection member provided on the prize in the storage unit in accordance with movement of the prize by the lift mechanism. Prize number calculation means for counting the number of prizes in the storage section based on the detected result.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the reflection member is provided at one of right and left ends of an end face of the prize, and the detecting means includes the prize. And a pair of detecting means for detecting a reflecting member provided on one of the left and right ends, and the prize number calculating means is provided on one of the pair of detecting means. The present invention is characterized in that when the reflection member is detected by the detection means, the number of prizes is counted.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the prize dispensing machine includes a holding unit for temporarily holding the prize fed out by the payout mechanism, and the prize counting device includes: , Provided in the holding unit.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the width dimension of the reflection member is selected to be approximately half the thickness dimension of the premium. It is characterized by.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of a prize counting device in a prize dispensing machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the configuration of a prize exchange management system and a prize dispensing machine to which the prize counting device in the prize dispensing machine of the present invention is applied will be briefly described. FIG. 1 is an overall functional block diagram showing the premium exchange management system.
[0015]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the prize exchange management system includes a prize management device A for performing prize inventory management, outgoing management, and the like relating to the management of the entire prize. A prize dispensing machine 1 having a function of paying out prizes for the number of pieces, and a ball counter B for counting the number of balls obtained by a game by a player are provided.
[0016]
The inside of the prize dispensing machine 1 includes a lift mechanism 20, a feeding mechanism 30, an elevating mechanism 50, a dispensing mechanism 60, and a slide mechanism 70. Each mechanism includes a driving motor 23, 33, 52, 61, 71. Each is provided. Reference numeral 130 denotes a control unit that controls the entire premium payout machine 1. The prize counting device 100 includes detection sensors 83a and 83b, a moving mechanism 110, and a prize number calculation unit 120.
[0017]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the premium payout machine 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the prize dispensing machine 1 including a plurality of payout units 2 therein, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the payout unit 2.
[0018]
Here, the right side of FIGS. 2 and 3 is the front side of the prize dispensing machine 1, and a player receiving the prize paid out from the prize dispensing machine 1 is located at this position, and the left side of FIGS. This is the rear side of the payout machine 1, at which a clerk of a game store operating the prize payout machine 1 is located.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the prize dispensing machine 1 is buried in a prize exchange counter 3, and a plurality of (in this example, seven) payout units 2 are provided inside the prize dispensing machine 1. Have been. The plurality of payout units 2 are housed in the cabinet 4 in a state of being arranged in a line on the left and right, and can be detached from the cabinet 4 when the opening / closing door 5 is opened.
[0020]
Further, the payout unit 2 holds a plurality of (in this example, four) cassettes 6 (storage portions) capable of storing a plurality of premiums loaded therein, and holds the cassettes 6 in a horizontal line. A cassette carrier 7 is provided, and the cassette 6 and the cassette carrier 7 are housed in a housing 8 constituting the outer shape of the payout unit 2. Here, of the seven payout units 2 in the prize dispensing machine 1, for example, three sets are loaded with a prize of 5,000 yen, two sets are loaded with a prize of 2500 yen, and the remaining two sets are loaded and used with a prize of 1,000 yen. You.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the upper surface of the cabinet 4, there is provided an upper plate portion 10 on which a premium paid out from the payout unit 2 is placed. A slide lid 12 corresponding to each payout unit 2 is disposed at the center position of the slide lid 11 with a space left and right.
[0022]
At positions corresponding to the respective slide lids 12, prize passages 13 penetrating the upper plate portion 10 and extending downward are formed, and payout mechanisms 60 are provided corresponding to the respective prize passages 13. . As will be described later, the prize can be paid out by sliding the slide lid 12 back and forth by the operation of the payout mechanism 60.
[0023]
The operation device 11 has a display section 11a facing the clerk side and a display section 11b facing the player side. The display section 11a for the clerk has a type of prize, the number of prizes to be paid out, and a stored prize. In addition to the number of stocks (remaining amount), trouble information and the like are displayed, and the type, number, total payout amount, and the like of the paid-out prizes are displayed on the customer display section 11b.
[0024]
Here, the prize used in the prize dispensing machine 1 has a slightly thick (about 2 to 3 mm) resin card shape, and a bar code or a hologram is printed on the surface thereof. Several types (for example, 5000 yen, 2500 yen, and 1000 yen) are prepared according to exchangeable prices (amounts). Further, the present invention is characterized by the form of the prize, and a reflection member 90 for detection is attached to the corner of the prize by embedding. Details of the prize will be described later.
[0025]
Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the premium payout machine 1 will be described in detail again with reference to FIGS. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, inside the payout unit 2, a pair of lift mechanisms 20 for raising the premium to the upper position, a pair of payout mechanisms 30 for feeding the premium raised by the lift mechanism 20, A holding unit 40 for temporarily holding the prize fed out by the feeding mechanism 30, an elevating mechanism 50 for raising the prize held in the holding unit 40 to the position of the payout mechanism 60, and an external (upper plate unit) 10) and a payout mechanism 60 for paying out.
[0026]
In addition, a slide mechanism 70 for positioning each cassette 6 to a payable position in accordance with a payout instruction is provided on the bottom side of the housing 10. As will be described later, any two cassettes 6 out of the four cassettes 6 are positioned at positions where they can be dispensed by the operation of the slide mechanism 70. The slide mechanism 70 can move the cassette 6 by operating a rack member and a lock member fixed to the lower surface of the cassette carrier 7 by driving a slide motor 71.
[0027]
The lift mechanism 20 is provided at intervals in the direction in which the cassettes 6 are arranged, and has a lift plate 21 that can move up and down with premiums loaded inside the cassettes 6. The lift mechanism 20 includes pulleys arranged vertically, a drive belt 22 wound between the pulleys, and a lift motor 23 (stepping motor) for driving. The lift plate 21 is attached to the drive belt 22 while being connected to the pulley at the position.
[0028]
For this reason, the prizes loaded on the lift plate 21 are driven by the lift motor 23 so that the cassette 6 Can be moved up and down between a standby position located at a lower position of the position and an ascending position close to the feeding mechanism 30 disposed above. In addition, as described later, in this example, the prize is detected by the detection sensors 83a and 83b using the drive system of the lift motor 23.
[0029]
The feeding mechanism 30 includes a pair of feeding sections 31, and the feeding sections 31 are respectively provided at positions above the cassette 6 corresponding to the lift mechanism 20. Further, the feeding section 31 includes a feeding moving plate 32 having a stepped portion, and the feeding moving plate 33 is reciprocated by the driving of the feeding motor 32 to feed the prize from the highest prize to the holding section 40 one by one. It is configured as follows.
[0030]
The holding unit 40 has a function of receiving the prize fed by the feeding unit 31 and temporarily holding the prize. Specifically, on the bottom plate member 51 located in the holding section 40, a plurality of (by type) premiums delivered from the delivery units 2 by the delivery mechanism 30 are accumulated.
[0031]
The elevating mechanism 50 has a bottom plate member 51 for accumulating a plurality of types of prizes, and has a function of raising the prizes held in the holding section 40 to the upper side. The bottom plate member 51 is raised and lowered by a lifting motor 52 from a standby position in the holding section 40 to a highest position.
[0032]
The payout mechanism 60 includes a drive belt 62 driven by a payout motor 61 and a prize pushing member 63 connected to the drive belt 62. The drive of the payout motor 61 starts the rotation of the drive belt 62, and the rotation of the drive belt 62 causes the prize pushing member 63 to move in the lateral direction (left direction in FIG. 2).
[0033]
Accordingly, the slide lid 12 connected to the prize pushing member 63 also moves, and the upper part of the prize passage 13 is opened. Next, when the lifting / lowering mechanism 50 is driven to raise the bottom plate member 51, the prizes that have been reserved appear outside. Subsequently, when the payout motor 61 is driven to move the slide lid 12 forward, the prizes loaded on the bottom plate member 51 are pushed out onto the upper plate portion 10, and the upper part of the elevating passage 13 is closed, The payout process by the premium payout machine 1 is completed.
[0034]
FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for moving the cassette 6 by the slide mechanism 70. FIG. That is, two of the four cassettes 6 can be moved to the positions (two positions) where the lift mechanism 20 is provided by the slide mechanism 70. More specifically, a function of switching to payout to the next payout unit 2 when the prize stock in the payout unit 2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number due to the payout of the prize stored in each payout unit 2. Have. For example, if the types of prizes stored in the two cassettes 6 ((1) and (2)) corresponding to the lift mechanism 20 are the same, the two cassettes 6 ((1) in FIG. 4). , (2)), when the prize in one of the cassettes 6 is exhausted, the prize in the other cassette 6 is paid out, and when prizes of different types are stored in the cassette 6, the payout is performed. Depending on the type of prize based on the instruction, the target cassette 6 can be properly used each time.
[0035]
Also in the present embodiment, the prize counting device 100 utilizes the movement of the detection sensors 83a and 83b by the lift mechanism 20, so that the number of prizes in each cassette 6 is calculated based on the operation of the slide mechanism 70. It can be counted sequentially. The counting procedure by the prize counting device 100 will be described later.
[0036]
Here, the prize payout procedure by the prize payout machine 1 described above will be briefly described. When there is an instruction to pay out a prize of 43500 yen, for example, by the prize management device A (operation device 11), a prize of 5000 yen is stored. Eight prizes of 5000 yen from the payout unit 2 are paid out by the payout mechanism 30 and are accumulated on the bottom plate member 51 in the holding unit 40. Hereinafter, the payout units 2 to 2500 containing the prizes of 2500 yen are stored. One prize of one yen and one prize of 1,000 yen are paid out from the payout unit 2 for prize of 1,000 yen, and are similarly accumulated on the bottom plate member 51.
[0037]
When all the prizes (for 43500 yen) are accumulated on the bottom plate member 51, the lifting of the bottom plate member 51 is started by the elevating mechanism 50, and when the prize reaches the position of the payout mechanism 60, the prize is pushed out by the prize push-out unit 12. As a result, the prize on the bottom plate member 51 is pushed up to the upper plate portion 10 to complete the payout process. Thereafter, the bottom plate member 51 descends to the standby position in the holding section 40, and prepares for the next payout process.
[0038]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, details of the premium counting device 100 which is a feature of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A is a front view illustrating an arrangement position of the detection sensors 83a and 83b constituting the premium counting device 100, and FIG. 5B is a side view. The prize counting device 100 includes a moving mechanism 110 having detection sensors 83a and 83b, a moving shaft 81 and a moving plate 82, and a prize number calculation unit 120 (FIG. 1) for calculating the number of prizes. A reflection member 90 is attached to the corner of the prize. As described later, the pair of detection sensors 83a and 83b are moved at a constant speed in the direction in which the prizes are stacked, and when one of the detection sensors 83a and 83b detects the reflection member 90 for a predetermined time or more, , The number of prizes is counted up.
[0039]
That is, the feature of the prize counting device 100 of the present invention is that the prize (reflection member 90) loaded in the storage section 6a of each cassette 6 is detected by using the detection sensors 83a and 83b, thereby reducing the quantity of the prize. It is to calculate automatically. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a pair of moving shafts 81 constituting the moving mechanism 110 is disposed at a position adjacent to the driving belt 22 that moves the lift plate 21 up and down. A moving plate 82 to which a pair of detection sensors 83a and 83b are attached is fixed to the moving shaft 81.
[0040]
Here, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), it is assumed that it is arranged at a position facing the detection surface of the detection sensors 83a and 83b with respect to the reflection member 90 provided on the prize. In order to maintain sufficient accuracy by the 83b, the distance (gap) between the premium and the detection surfaces of the detection sensors 83a and 83b is preferably about 1 to 2 mm. In this example, a reflection type photosensor (photocoupler) including a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element (photodiode, phototransistor) is used as the detection sensors 83a and 83b.
[0041]
The driving of the moving shaft 81 (upward movement) by the moving mechanism 110 can be performed using the same drive system as the movement of the lift plate 21 by the lift mechanism 20. Thus, the moving plate 82 to which the detection sensors 83a and 83b are attached can detect the reflection member 90 attached to the prize as the movement shaft 81 moves (rises), and the detection sensors 83a and 83b , The number of prizes can be counted.
[0042]
Next, the structure of the premium will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A is a perspective view of the prize, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the prize loaded on the lift plate 21.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 6 (a), reflection members 90 are mounted by embedding processing at two positions at corners constituting a prize. As a material of the reflection member 90, for example, silver, aluminum, or the like can be used. In this example, if the thickness of the premium is W (for example, about 3 mm), the width (W₁) And the width of the blank portion (reflected portion) (W₂) Is set to be W / 2 (about 1.5 mm).
[0044]
As a result, the prize has a reflection member 90 (ON) detected by the detection sensor 83a (83b) and a blank portion alternately not detected (OFF) by the detection sensor 83a (83b). In this example, the prize can be counted as one at the timing when ON / OFF is alternately detected during a certain period (about 1.5 mm).
[0045]
FIG. 6B shows a state in which a plurality of prizes are stacked in one direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, in the case of the prize of this example, the prizes can be stacked in a state where the reflection members 90 are not close to each other. It has a configuration. For this reason, the detection of the reflection member 90 by the normal detection sensors 83a and 83b is based on the width dimension (W₁) ON and the blank width (W₂) Minutes are alternately detected, and one prize can be accurately counted by detecting ON / OFF for a certain period.
[0046]
7A and 7B show modified examples of the method of loading prizes, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, the direction (position) of each prize is changed to the front, back, left, or right position. Even in such a case, the reflecting members 90 of the premiums do not come close to each other, and a constant (about 1.5 mm) or more interval can be maintained between the reflecting members 90 at all times. Specifically, even if loading is performed without considering the direction of the prize, the detection sensors 83a and 83b and the reflection member 90 always detect ON / OFF for a certain period, so that the quantity of the prize can be accurately determined. Can be counted.
[0047]
Hereinafter, the details of the control processing in the premium counting apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a control process in the premium counting device. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the upward movement (movement) of the moving member 82 (the detection sensors 83a and 83b) is started by the prize counting start instruction (step S100) (step S110), a pair of detections is performed. It is determined whether one of the sensors 83a, 83b is ON / OFF by one of the detection sensors 83a, 83b (step S120).
[0048]
Here, the prize counting start instruction transmitted to the prize counting apparatus 100 is performed based on an operation by the clerk using the operation device 11 (FIG. 1) or an instruction by “prize stock confirmation” sent from the prize management apparatus A. .
[0049]
Hereinafter, as a result of determining whether or not the detection sensors 83a and 83b are ON / OFF in step S120, if one of the detection sensors 83a and 83b is ON (Yes in step S120), then the corresponding detection sensor 83a or 83b is used. It is determined whether the ON time has continued for a predetermined time (step S130).
[0050]
If it is determined in step S130 that one of the detection sensors 83a and 83b has an ON period for a predetermined time (Yes in step S130), a prize is counted (counted up) (N = N + 1). (Step S140). Next, it is determined whether or not the moving member 82 has reached the uppermost position (Step S150). If it is determined that the moving member 82 has reached the uppermost position (Yes at Step S150), the process ends. (End).
[0051]
Here, if it is determined in step S150 that the moving member 82 has not reached the uppermost position (No in step S150), the process returns to step S110 again. Specifically, after counting up the number of prizes in step S140, until the moving position of the moving member 82 reaches the uppermost position, the detection determination of the detection sensors 83a and 83b based on the movement of the moving member 82 is repeatedly performed. .
[0052]
On the other hand, if the reflection member 90 is not detected by any of the pair of detection sensors 83a and 83b (No at Step S120), the process proceeds to Step S150, and the moving position of the moving member 82 reaches the uppermost position. It is determined whether or not it has been performed.
[0053]
Here, in the present example, if the ON period of the predetermined time does not continue according to the determination in step S130 (No in step S130), it is assumed that the reflection member 90 attached to the prize has peeled or the detection sensors 83a and 83b themselves have failed. Therefore, it is determined that there is an abnormality (step S160). Specifically, the width dimension (W₁) Is about 1.5 mm, so if the OFF distance of the detection sensors 83a and 83b is 1.5 mm or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality.
[0054]
Next, a counting procedure by the premium counting apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, first, the cassette 6 ((1)) at the position where the lift mechanism 20 is disposed is moved up by the moving plate 82 and counted by the detection sensors 83a and 83b. . Next, similarly, the moving plate 82 is moved up for the cassette 6 ((2)), and counting is performed by the detection sensors 83a and 83b.
[0055]
Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the position of the cassette 6 is moved in the horizontal direction (the right side in FIG. 4) by the operation of the slide mechanism 70, and the cassettes 6 not counted ((3), (4) ▼) is arranged at the position of the lift mechanism 20. Hereinafter, in the same manner as described above, counting by the detection sensors 83a and 83b is performed on the cassette 6 ((3) and (4)) by moving the moving plate 82 upward.
[0056]
Accordingly, the total number of prizes in the prize dispensing machine 1 is obtained by adding up the number of prizes in each cassette 6 (in this example, seven payout units 2) counted according to FIGS. (Inventory number) can be calculated. In this case, by using the type information of the prize set to be stored in advance for each payout unit 2, the stock quantity for each type of prize can be confirmed accurately.
[0057]
Here, in the embodiment described above, the pair of detection sensors 83a and 83b constituting the premium counting device 100 are provided in the lift mechanism 20, but the detection sensors 83a and 83b are You may make it provide in the holding | maintenance part 40 in which the delivered premium | prize is integrated. In this case, before the prize fed out by the feeding section 40 is transported to the payout mechanism 60, the number of prizes held in the holding section 40 (on the bottom plate member 51) can be counted in advance. As a result, it is possible to compare the number of prizes to be actually paid out with the number of prizes to be paid out, so that it is possible to determine a payout mistake due to a defective feeding.
[0058]
Further, in the holding section 40, since the bottom plate member 51 on which the prizes are loaded is a mechanism for ascending, the detection sensors 83a and 83b are fixed at positions facing the loaded prizes. Thereby, in the case of this example, the moving mechanism for the detection sensors 83a and 83b can be made unnecessary.
[0059]
Further, in the present invention, a reflection type photo sensor is used as a detection sensor for detecting a prize provided in the prize counting device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to such a photo sensor, and an existing optical sensor may be used. Can be used. For example, an image sensor (line sensor) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) can be employed as a sensor for detection. In this case, the prize detection (counting) is not performed one by one, but is performed consecutively (collectively) from the CCD characteristics.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a payout unit that stores a plurality of prizes in a storage unit and pays out a required number of the prizes, and a payout unit that is loaded in the storage unit Prize payout, comprising: a lift mechanism that raises the prize lifted upward, a payout mechanism that feeds out the prize from above the storage unit corresponding to the lift mechanism, and a prize counting device that calculates the number of prizes loaded in the storage unit. In the prize counting device in the machine, the prize counting device is disposed in proximity to the storage unit, and is provided in the moving means movable in the loading direction of the prize, and the moving means, Detecting means for detecting a reflection member provided on the prize in the storage unit with the movement, and prize number calculating means for counting the number of prizes based on a detection result detected by the detecting means; The prize can be optically counted without regard to mechanical elements such as deformation of the prize due to variations during molding of the prize and wear of the transmission gear and drive belt. The effect is that the number of prize stocks can be counted quickly and reliably. Further, since the counting operation by the prize counting device can be performed in a state where the prize is stored in the machine, there is an effect that work efficiency and security can be improved.
[0061]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of prizes are stored in the storage unit, and a payout unit that pays out a required number of the prizes, and a prize loaded in the storage unit are placed upward. A prize counting device in a prize dispensing machine including a lift mechanism for raising, a payout mechanism for feeding out prizes from above a storage unit corresponding to the lift mechanism, and a prize counting device for calculating the number of prizes loaded in the storage unit. , The prize counting device is fixed at a position close to the storage unit, and detecting means for detecting a reflection member provided on the prize in the storage unit with movement of the prize by the lift mechanism; and the detection means Prize number calculation means for counting the number of prizes in the storage section based on the detection result detected by the prize. Since the quantity of prizes can be optically counted without regard to mechanical elements such as deformation, transmission gears, and wear of drive belts, the number of prizes stocked in the machine can be counted quickly and reliably. In addition, there is an effect that the movement control of the detecting means becomes unnecessary.
[0062]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the reflection member is provided at any one of left and right ends on an end surface of the prize, and the detection unit includes: It is configured as a pair of detection means for detecting a reflection member provided at one of the right and left ends while being close to the left and right ends of the prize, and the prize number calculation means is one of the pair of detection means. Since the number of prizes is counted when the reflection member is detected by one of the detecting means, it is not necessary to consider a method of loading the prizes, so that an effect of improving the efficiency of storing (supplementing) prizes can be expected.
[0063]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the prize dispensing machine includes a holding unit for temporarily holding the prize delivered by the delivery mechanism, Since the prize counting device is provided in the holding unit, it is possible to count the number of prizes held in the holding unit in advance, so that it can be compared with the number of prizes to be paid out instructed to be paid out. There is an effect that a payout mistake can be easily confirmed.
[0064]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the width of the reflecting member is reduced to about half the thickness of the premium. Since the prize is selected, it is not necessary to consider the method of loading the prize, and the prize counting process (counting) by the detection sensor can be performed without error.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall configuration of a prize exchange management system to which a prize counting device in a prize dispensing machine according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram schematically showing a prize dispensing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a payout unit provided in the premium payout machine of FIG. 2;
4A is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the movement of the cassette by the slide mechanism; FIG.
FIG. 5A is a front view illustrating the arrangement position of a detection sensor, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a side view.
6A is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a prize, and FIG. 6B is a side view illustrating an example of a method of loading prizes (one-way arrangement).
FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views showing another example of a method of loading prizes.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure by the premium counting device.
[Explanation of symbols]
A prize management device
B Ball counter
1 prize dispensing machine
2 Payout unit
3 Premium exchange counter
4 cabinets
5 Opening / closing door
6 cassettes
8 Case
10 Upper plate
11 Operating device
11a Display for salesclerk
11b Display for customer
12 Slide lid
13 Premium Passage
20 Lift mechanism
21 Lift plate
23 Lift motor
30 Feeding mechanism
31 Feeding part
32 Feeding moving plate
33 Feeding motor
40 Reservation department
50 lifting mechanism
51 Bottom plate member
52 lifting motor
60 Dispensing mechanism
61 Dispensing motor
63 Prize extrusion member
70 Slide mechanism
71 Slide motor
81 Moving axis
82 Moving plate
83a, b detection sensor
90 Reflecting member
100 prize counting device
110 Moving mechanism
120 prize calculation unit
130 control unit

Claims (5)

A payout unit that stores a plurality of prizes in the storage unit and pays out a required number of the prizes, a lift mechanism that raises the prizes loaded in the storage unit upward, and a storage corresponding to the lift mechanism. A prize counting device for a prize dispensing machine including a payout mechanism for feeding out a prize from above the unit and a prize counting device for calculating the number of prizes loaded in the storage unit.
The prize counting device,
Moving means arranged in proximity to the storage section and movable in the loading direction of the premium,
Detecting means that is provided on the moving means and detects a reflecting member provided on a premium in the storage unit with the movement of the moving means,
Based on the detection result detected by the detection means, a prize number calculation means for counting the number of prizes,
A prize counting device for a prize dispensing machine, comprising: A payout unit that stores a plurality of prizes in the storage unit and pays out a required number of the prizes, a lift mechanism that raises the prizes loaded in the storage unit upward, and a storage corresponding to the lift mechanism. A prize counting device for a prize dispensing machine including a payout mechanism for feeding out a prize from above the unit and a prize counting device for calculating the number of prizes loaded in the storage unit.
The prize counting device,
A detection unit fixed to a position close to the storage unit, and detecting a reflection member provided on the prize in the storage unit along with movement of the prize by the lift mechanism,
Based on a detection result detected by the detection unit, a prize number calculation unit that counts the number of prizes in the storage unit,
A prize counting device for a prize dispensing machine, comprising: The reflection member is provided at one of the left and right ends of the end face of the prize, and the detection unit is configured to move the reflection member provided at one of the left and right ends while being close to the left and right ends of the prize. It is configured as a pair of detecting means for detecting, wherein the prize number calculating means counts the number of prizes when any one of the pair of detecting means detects the reflecting member. A prize counting device in the prize dispensing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The prize payout machine includes a holding unit that temporarily holds the prize fed by the feeding mechanism,
4. The prize counting device in the prize dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the prize counting device is provided in the holding unit. 5. The prize counting device for a prize dispensing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a width dimension of the reflection member is selected to be approximately half a thickness dimension of the prize.

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