JP2005261778A - Token detector and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure which enables the detection of not only tokens, some or none, but also foreign matters. <P>SOLUTION: The subject detector has a token path 14 so formed as to allow the token C to pass through, a light emitting part 26a for emitting light and a photodetecting part 26b for detecting the light emitted from the light emitting part 26a. It is also provided with a foreign matter detection part 36 which detects the existing foreign matters other than the tokens C when a prescribed photodetection level is obtained with the photodetecting part 26b between a first photodetection level gained by the photodetecting part 26b when the tokens C passing through the token path 14 are positioned on the photodetecting part 26b and a second photodetection level gained by the photodetecting part 26b when the tokens C are not positioned on the photodetecting part 26b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin detection device and a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a coin detection device is provided in a gaming machine such as a slot machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this coin detection device, a plurality of sensors are provided at positions where inserted coins can pass. By detecting the coins inserted by each of these sensors, the coin detection device allows the inserted coins to be appropriate coins when the timing of the detection result output from each sensor satisfies a predetermined condition. It is determined as

  For example, when a sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit is provided at a position where a coin can pass, light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected on the coin, and the light reflected by the light receiving unit is received. To do. The light receiving unit synchronizes with the light emission of the light emitting unit and receives and demodulates the light emitted by the light emitting unit, whereby the inserted coin is detected. After that, when the coin moves on another sensor, each sensor outputs a detection signal. Therefore, the coin detection device can detect the interval between the detection signals input from the sensors (for example, a coin). It is determined whether or not it is time to pass over each sensor). For example, when the interval between the detection signals is a preset time, the coin detection device determines that the inserted coin is appropriate, and the interval between the detection signals is not the preset time. Is determined that the inserted coin is inappropriate.

As a result, even if an unauthorized light-emitting element is inserted from the insertion port by an unauthorized person and the unauthorized light-emitting element blinks at a specific timing in the vicinity of each sensor, the timing of light emission by the unauthorized light-emitting element and light reception by the light receiving unit Since the signal corresponding to the light received by the light receiving unit is not demodulated, the coin detecting device seems to be able to have a structure that can exclude fraudsters.
JP-A-8-24434

  However, even in the above-described coin detection device using modulation / demodulation, the light from the unauthorized light emitting element is not emitted to the light receiving unit, but the regular light from the light emitting unit is reflected by a foreign object other than the coin and received. When the light is received by the unit, there is a problem that the coin detection device determines that an appropriate coin has been inserted. Specifically, it is as follows.

  FIG. 19 is an external view showing the foreign object 100. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an illegal act is performed. FIG. 21 is a view showing the periphery of the photosensors 26 and 27 provided in the coin detection device. As shown in FIG. 19, the foreign object 100 includes a main body 110 that includes a power source and a switch that accepts an operation instruction from an unauthorized person, and a shutter unit that can display one of a reflected image and a non-reflected image. S1 and S2, and a guide member 120 for guiding the shutter portions S1 and S2 from the coin insertion slot 2 (see FIG. 20) to the photosensors 26 and 27 provided in the coin detection device. Here, the shutter portions S1 and S2 are made of liquid crystal.

  The shutter portions S1 and S2 are transparent in a normal state. As shown in FIG. 20A, for example, a small amount of light L3 out of the light L1 emitted from the light emitting portion 26a is reflected by the outer surface of the transparent shutter portion S1, and most of the other light L2 is the shutter portion. S1 is transmitted. The intensity of each of these lights has a relationship of L1> L2 >> L3. On the other hand, the shutter portions S1 and S2 are not only the outer surfaces of the shutter portions S1 and S2 in a reflective state in which a reflected image (for example, a non-transparent image such as white or silver) is displayed according to an instruction from the main body 110. Since the reflected image also reflects light, more light is reflected than in the normal state.

  Therefore, in the normal state, the amount of light received by the light receiving portions 26b and 27b is very small, so the coin detection device determines that there are no coins on the photosensors 26 and 27. On the other hand, since the amount of light received by the light receiving portions 26b and 27b is sufficient in the reflective state, the coin detection device determines that there is a coin on the photosensors 26 and 27.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21A, the foreign object 100 is inserted from the coin insertion slot 2 to a place where the photo sensors 26 and 27 are arranged by an unauthorized person. In this case, the shutter portions S1 and S2 provided on the front end side of the foreign object 100 are disposed at positions facing the photosensors 26 and 27, respectively. In the state shown in FIG. 21A, the light emitted from the light emitting portions 26a and 27a passes through the transparent shutter portions S1 and S2 without being substantially reflected by the shutter portions S1 and S2, as described above. In other words, only a few lights L3 and L22 of the light L1 emitted from the light emitting parts 26a and 27a reach the light receiving parts 26b and 27b, respectively. Therefore, if these slight lights L3 and L22 do not exceed a predetermined reference level, the coin detection device determines that no coin exists on the photosensors 26 and 27.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 21B, when a reflected image is displayed on the shutter unit S1 and no reflected image is displayed on the shutter unit S2, light from the light emitting unit 26a provided in the photosensor 26 is shuttered. Since the light is reflected by the reflected image on the part S1 and received by the light receiving part 26b, the coin detection device determines that a coin is present. On the other hand, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit 27a provided in the photosensor 27 is only slightly reflected by the outer surface of the shutter unit S2, and the light receiving unit 27b can receive only a small amount of light, the coin detecting device has no coin. Judge that.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), at the timing when the coin passes over the photosensors 26 and 27, the reflected image displayed on the shutter unit S1 is not displayed (transparent), and the reflected image is displayed on the shutter unit S2. Is displayed, the light from the light emitting unit 26a provided in the photosensor 26 is slightly reflected by the outer surface of the shutter unit S1, and the light receiving unit 26b can receive only a small amount of light. Judge that no coin exists. On the other hand, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit 27a provided in the photosensor 27 is reflected by the reflected image on the shutter unit S2 and received by the light receiving unit 27b, the coin detection device determines that a coin is present. To do.

  As described above, when the coin passes over the photosensors 26 and 27, the reflection image is displayed / hidden on each of the shutter portions S1 and S2, so that the coin detection device is inserted with an appropriate coin. Sometimes it was determined.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a coin detection device and a gaming machine that can have a structure capable of detecting not only the presence or absence of a coin, but also a foreign object. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to the present application has a coin passage portion (for example, the substrate 11, the push plate 12, and the guide member 13) formed to allow coins to pass therethrough, and a light emitting portion that emits light (for example, A light emitting unit 26a), a light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 26b) that receives light from the light emitting unit, and a coin detection unit (for example, a control circuit) that detects coins passing through the passage according to the light reception level by the light receiving unit. ), A first light receiving level obtained by the light receiving portion when the coin passing through the coin passage portion is located on the light receiving portion, and a light receiving portion when the coin is not located on the light receiving portion. When a predetermined light reception level between the second light reception level obtained by the above is obtained by the light receiving unit, a foreign object detection unit (for example, a foreign material detection unit 29) that detects the presence of foreign objects other than coins is provided. And wherein the door.

  According to the present invention as described above, the first light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit when the coin passing through the coin passage unit is positioned on the light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit obtained when the coin is not positioned on the light receiving unit. When a predetermined light receiving level between the second light receiving level and the second light receiving level is obtained by the light receiving unit, a foreign object detection unit that detects the presence of foreign objects other than coins is provided, so that the coin detection device It is possible to detect not only the presence or absence of foreign matter but also a foreign substance described later. That is, even if the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are conventionally light modulation type, when a foreign object having a reflection function is inserted from the coin insertion slot, regular light from the light emitting unit is transmitted to the light receiving unit by the reflection function. It was reflected and forced coin detection was done. In the present invention, even if the light from the light emitting unit is reflected to the light receiving unit by the foreign matter due to the reflection function, the light attenuates and the light receiving level at the light receiving unit is between the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level. In some cases, it is detected that there is a foreign object, so the coin detection device can detect the foreign object more accurately than the conventional device, and as a result, a fraudster who forcibly recognizes the coin. Can be eliminated.

  In the above invention, the light emitting unit modulates light oscillation to emit light, and the light receiving unit synchronizes with the light emission of the light emitting unit, and receives and demodulates the light emitted by the light emitting unit. The unit may detect that there is a foreign object other than a coin when the light receiving level of the light demodulated by the light receiving unit is between the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level. In this case, even if a light-emitting foreign object is emitted in the vicinity of the light receiving unit, if the signal corresponding to the received light is not demodulated, it is not determined that a proper coin has been inserted in the first place. The apparatus can have a structure that can eliminate even a fraudster who forcibly recognizes a coin by a foreign object having a light emitting function.

  A plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units may be provided along the coin passing direction. Thereby, the coin detection apparatus can detect the detection signal input from each light receiving part. Therefore, the coin detection device determines whether or not a predetermined condition (for example, the interval between the detection signals is a preset time) is satisfied based on the detection signal input from each light receiving unit. By determining, an appropriate coin can be determined more reliably.

  When a foreign object is detected by the foreign object detection unit, notification means (for example, a decoration device capable of lighting a lamp, a speaker capable of outputting sound, and a display device capable of displaying an image) ) May be provided. In this case, when it is detected by the foreign object detection unit that there is a foreign object, the fact is notified so that the coin detecting device can have a structure that can further reduce fraud.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to have a structure capable of detecting a foreign object as well as detecting the presence or absence of a coin.

(Configuration of coin detection device)
1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view of the coin detection device 10. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the pressing plate 12 is separated from the substrate 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the push plate 12. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 1 showing the opening / closing mechanism of the push plate 12. FIG. 12, which will be described later, is a diagram showing the appearance of the slot machine 1. The coin detection device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided inside the slot machine 1 shown in FIG. As will be described later, the coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 2 of the slot machine 1 enters the coin passage 14 from the entrance 31 shown in FIG. 3 and moves toward the exit 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the coin detection device 10 includes a coin passage 14 (coin passage portion) formed on one surface of a substantially rectangular substrate 11 so that a coin can pass by a push plate 12 and a guide member 13. ing. As shown in FIG. 3, the coin passage 14 includes a vertical path 14 a and an inclined path 14 b from the inlet 31 to the outlet 32.

  The coin C inserted from the coin insertion slot 2 (see FIG. 12) is selected according to the outer diameter while moving through the coin passage 14, and an appropriate coin C (hereinafter simply referred to as “appropriate coin”) is selected. , It passes through the ramp 14b and is discharged from the outlet 32. Such an appropriate coin is detected by two photosensors 26 and 27 described later, and this detection signal is input to a control circuit (not shown) of the slot machine, whereby a counter (not shown) inside the slot machine. Is counted. When a non-magnetic coin is used as a proper coin, the coin detection device 10 detects unauthorized use of the magnetic coin as will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing plate 12 is rotatably mounted around a shaft 22 that can be attached to and detached from the bearings 28, 29 of the substrate 11, and a part of the pressing plate 12 is usually applied to the substrate 11 by a spring 24. It is energized to touch. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the pressing plate 12 is mounted on the substrate 11, an opening 12a corresponding to the inclined path 14b of the coin path 14 is formed.

  On the passage surface 20 of the coin passage 14 shown in FIG. 1, as will be described later, a first protrusion member that discharges an improper coin C having a smaller diameter than the appropriate coin (hereinafter simply referred to as “inappropriate coin”) to the near side. A pair of upper and lower projecting ends 16, 17 formed as the tip portion of 15 projects. The first protrusion member 15 is provided on a surface 30 (see FIG. 2) opposite to the passage surface 20 formed on one surface of the substrate 11, and one end portion thereof is formed in a bifurcated manner. The front end portion is a pair of protruding ends 16 and 17. The protruding ends 16 and 17 according to the present embodiment are provided with arcuate slopes 16a and 17a that are inclined in the coin moving direction in order to facilitate the discharge of inappropriate coins.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first projecting member 15 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis 61 supported by bearings 67, 68 provided on the substrate 11, and usually the first projecting member 15 by a spring 62. A pair of upper and lower projecting ends 16, 17 of the bifurcated tip end portion is urged so as to project from the passage surface 20. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the upper protruding end 16 protrudes from the passage surface 20 rather than the lower protruding end 17, thereby facilitating the discharge of the coin C.

  As will be described later, the coin C having a diameter smaller than the appropriate coin is discharged together with the shapes of the protruding ends 16 and 17 of the first protruding member 15 by the biasing force of the spring 62. The spring 62 has an elastic force such that the protruding ends 16 and 17 are pushed and pulled by the coin C when an appropriate coin passes through the coin passage 14.

  Here, a mechanism for discharging the coin C when the coin C or a foreign object is jammed in the coin passage 14 in spite of a regular game in the present embodiment will be described.

This mechanism operates in conjunction with the coin return button 3 of the slot machine 1 shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lower end of the coin return button 3 is arranged in the vicinity of a substantially triangular rotation or turning member 81, and the coin return button 3 itself is provided by a spring or the like (not shown). Always energized upward.

  When the operator presses the coin return button 3, as shown in FIG. 5, the turning member 81 rotates around the horizontal shaft 82 attached to the bearing 86 formed integrally with the substrate 11, and the turning member 81 One end moves to push up the push plate 12. Accordingly, the push plate 12 rotates around the shaft 22 and the gap between the push plate 12 and the passage surface 20 of the substrate 11 is widened, so that the clogged coins C and foreign matters are discharged in the discharge direction (right side in FIG. 5).

  7 to 9 are diagrams showing means for detecting the passage of a proper coin. When the coin passes, the projecting ends 16 and 17 of the first projecting member 15 are pushed by the coin C and rotate about the vertical axis 61. In this case, the rear end portion 66 of the first projecting member 15 is detected by the first detection. The transmissive photosensor 63 outputs a detection signal because it crosses the optical path between the light emitting portion 64 and the light receiving portion 65 of the transmissive photosensor 63 (see FIG. 2), which is a detector. This detection signal is sent to, for example, a control circuit (not shown) of the slot machine 1 shown in FIG. 12, so that the coin detection device 10 detects that the coin C has passed through the coin path 14.

  When a coin clogging or the like occurs in the coin passage 14 or an unauthorized operation is performed, the time during which the protruding ends 16 and 17 of the first projecting member 15 are pushed becomes longer, and the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the detection signal is predetermined. Since it becomes longer than time, the coin detection apparatus 10 detects abnormality.

  Further, when the proper coin is a non-magnetic material, when a magnetic coin that becomes an inappropriate coin is inserted, a magnet 19 disposed in the vicinity of the projecting ends 16 and 17 of the passage surface 20 as shown in FIG. As a result, the magnetic coin is captured, and the projecting ends 16 and 17 are pulled from the passage surface 20. As a result, the length of the detection signal changes in the same manner as described above, and such an improper coin is detected.

  The coin receiving mechanism 40 is arranged on the surface 30 side (see FIG. 2) of the substrate 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the coin receiving mechanism 40 is attracted by excitation of the columnar solenoid 41 provided on the surface 30 opposite to the passage surface 20 of the substrate 11 and excitation of the solenoid 41, and is integrated with the substrate 11. The rotating member 43 is rotated with the supporting member 42 formed as a fulcrum, and when the rotating member 43 is sucked, the one end 52 is pushed by one end 44 thereof, and the substrate 11 is formed integrally. A movable guide plate 51 that rotates about a shaft 55 attached to the bearings 58 and 59 and rotates so that the projection 53 (see FIG. 1) is pulled from the passage surface 20, and a rotation member 43 is a solenoid. The protrusion 72 (see FIG. 1) that has been pushed so as to protrude to the passage surface 20 due to contact with the other end 45 of the rotating member 43 when not sucked by the 41 is caused by the weight of the other end 73. Bearing integrally formed with 11 8, 79 rotate about the shaft 74 which is supported on, and a second projecting member 71 which can be submerged from the passage surface 20.

  The above-mentioned movable guide plate 51 can change the interval of the guide grooves 80 between the coin accepting state (see FIG. 10) and the coin not accepting state (see FIG. 11) by the control circuit. This coin acceptable state is a state in which the movable guide plate 51 is in a position where the interval in the thickness direction of the coin C in the coin passage 14 is slightly larger than the thickness of the appropriate coin. The coin unacceptable state is a state in which the movable guide plate 51 is at a position where the interval in the thickness direction of the coin C in the coin passage 14 is larger than the thickness of the appropriate coin. Here, the reason that the coin cannot be accepted is that the inserted coin C is not sent to the inside of the gaming machine when the gaming machine such as the slot machine is not ready or when the gaming machine side is not in an operating state. It is for returning to.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a coin accepting state of the coin accepting mechanism 40. In this case, the solenoid 41 is excited. The rotating member 43 is attracted by the solenoid 41, and the other end 45 of the rotating member 43 does not press the second projecting member 71. Accordingly, the second projecting member 71 rotates around the shaft 74 attached to the bearings 78 and 79 formed on the substrate 11 by the weight of the other end 73, and the projecting portion 72 is submerged from the passage surface 20. .

  Further, the interval between the passage surface 20 and the guide end 54 of the movable guide plate 51 is narrowed to the minimum interval through which an appropriate coin can pass (in this case, a guide groove 80 is formed). The protrusion 53 is also in a state of being submerged from the passage surface 20. In this state, when an appropriate coin is inserted as shown in FIG. 1, the appropriate coin passes through the inclined path 14 b while pushing the projecting ends 16, 17 of the first projecting member 15, and is played from the exit 32. Move to an internal mechanism such as a machine.

  In this embodiment, two photo sensors 26 and 27 as second detectors are arranged in the vicinity of the outlet 32 of the passage surface 20 so as to be close to each other in the coin moving direction. In this case, the first photosensor 26 is in a position where the coin C passes earlier than the second photosensor 27.

  The reason why the second detector is provided is that the number of coins C passing through the coin detection device 10 is counted as an accurate number, and for some reason (including coin clogging and illegal operation) This is because when C performs an abnormal operation, the abnormal operation is accurately detected. For example, when the following predetermined condition is satisfied, an abnormal signal is output to a control circuit such as a gaming machine.

  Specifically, the predetermined condition is 1. 1. When the sensor 27 is turned on before the photosensor 26 is turned on, 2. When the photo sensor 27 does not turn on after a predetermined time (for example, 200 msec) after the photo sensor 26 is turned on; 3. When the photosensor 27 does not turn off after a predetermined time (for example, 200 msec) after the photosensor 26 is turned on; For example, after the photosensor 26 is turned off, the photosensor 27 is not turned off after a predetermined time (for example, 200 msec) has elapsed.

  Further, when a coin C having a smaller diameter than the appropriate coin is inserted in the above-described coin accepting state, the upper end of the coin C having the smaller diameter is not caught in the guide groove 80 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), so that it is inclined. It abuts against the projecting ends 16 and 17 of the first projecting member 15 having a shape cut into an arc shape, and is urged and ejected in the ejecting direction (the front side in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the coin receiving mechanism 40 is in a state where coins cannot be received, the insertion is performed by the protruding portion 53 of the movable guide plate 51 and the protruding portion 72 of the second protruding member 71 protruding into the coin passage 14. All the coins C are discharged to the left side of FIG. 11 and returned to the coin return slot 4 of the slot machine 1 of FIG. 12, for example. The protrusion 53 of the movable guide plate 51 is provided so as to protrude vertically from the passage surface 20 so that the coin C is never allowed to pass to the outlet 32 side. The projecting portion 72 of the second projecting member 71 includes an inclined surface 72a that is obliquely cut into an arc shape like the projecting ends 16 and 17 in order to bias the coin C in the ejecting direction.

(Operation of coin detection device)
The operation of the coin detection device 10 according to the present embodiment described above is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the inserted coin C enters from the entrance 31, passes through the ramp 33 and reaches the exit 32.

  In the above-described coin accepting state, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable guide plate 51 has a guide groove 80 formed between the guide end 54 and the passage surface 20, and the projection 72 of the second projection member 71 and the movable guide. The protrusion 53 of the plate 51 is in a state of being submerged from the passage surface 20. Among the coins C entered from the entrance 31, the coin C having an outer diameter smaller than that of the appropriate coin is biased by the spring 62 and protrudes from the passage surface 20 by the projecting ends 16 and 17 of the first projecting member 15. 14 is discharged.

  When the coin C having an appropriate outer diameter enters, the end of the coin C is constrained in the guide groove 80, so that the protruding ends 16 and 17 of the first projecting member 15 have the coin C as shown in FIG. And the rear end portion 66 of the first projecting member 15 cuts the optical axis of the photosensor 63 as the first detector. Accordingly, a detection signal is output to the control circuit (not shown) of the slot machine of FIG. 12, and it is detected that the coin C has passed.

  The movable guide plate 51 is variably driven between a coin accepting state (see FIG. 10) and a coin not accepting state (see FIG. 11). In the coin accepting state, the guide groove 80 is formed as described above. The projecting portion 72 of the second projecting member and the other end 53 of the movable guide plate 51 are in a state of being submerged from the passage surface 20. In this case, the proper coin can move to the exit 32 of the coin passage 14.

  On the other hand, when the movable guide plate 51 is in a state where coins cannot be received (see FIG. 11), the movable guide plate 51 does not guide the coin C with a larger distance from the passage surface 20 than in the case of FIG. The coin C is discharged. In addition, since the protruding portion 72 of the second protruding member 71 and the protruding portion 53 of the movable guide plate 51 protrude from the passage surface 20, the coin C can be reliably discharged.

  As described above, the proper coins inserted in the coin accepting state pass through the coin passage 14 and move from the exit 32 into the slot machine. In this case, the passage of the coin C is detected by the two photosensors 26 and 27 provided on the passage surface 20 as the second detector. When this detection signal is input to a control circuit (not shown) of the slot machine, if the above-described coin C is not abnormal, the number of appropriate coins passing through the coin detection device 10 is reliably detected.

  The projecting ends 16, 17, 72 of the first projecting member 15 and the second projecting member 71 are provided with arc-shaped slopes 16 a, 17 a, 72 a that are inclined in the coin moving direction in order to facilitate the discharge of inappropriate coins. It is formed in a shape, and in combination with the urging force of the first projecting member 15 and the second projecting member 71, the coin C is expelled.

  The pressing plate 12 is normally pressed against the substrate 11 by a spring 24. When a coin jam occurs, when the player presses the coin return button 3 (see FIG. 12) with a finger, the turning member 81 rotates around the horizontal axis 82 and one end of the turning member 81 is pushed. It moves to push up the plate 12. Therefore, since the push plate 12 rotates about the shaft 22 and the interval between the passage surface 20 of the substrate 11 (interval in the coin thickness direction) is widened, the jammed coin C is discharged in the discharge direction (right side in FIG. 5). Is done.

  When a non-magnetic material is used as a proper coin, the magnet 19 is arranged on the passage surface 20 in the vicinity of the first projecting member 15, so that the inappropriate coin of the magnetic material is captured by the magnetic force of the magnet 19. . Thereby, since the time of the detection signal from the photosensor 63 by the first projecting member 15 changes, the coin detection device 10 can detect an improper coin.

(Operation and effect by coin detection device)
As described above, according to the present invention, since the coin passage is formed so as to be able to pass by the dead weight of the coin C, the operation time can be shortened without reducing the passing speed of the coin C as in the prior art. The coin detecting device 10 can have a structure that can prevent the coin C from being swallowed. In addition, a coin passage 14 is formed from the substrate 11, the push plate 12, and the guide member 13, and mechanical means such as a movable guide plate and a first projection member perform sorting of the coins C. Compared to a device using electrical means such as a conventional magnetic sensor, the structure can be manufactured at a low cost. Further, when the second projecting member is additionally provided, the proper coins are reliably counted, and the coin C that has not been ejected due to the malfunction of the first projecting member is also reliably ejected.

  Further, when the first detector for detecting the movement of the tip end portion of the first projecting member protruding from the coin passage 14 is provided, the coin detector 10 detects the detection signal output by the detector. An abnormal state can be detected from the change. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent an act of playing illegally by inserting a plate-like tool called a cell into the coin passage.

  In addition, when a plurality of detectors are sequentially arranged near the exit of the coin passage 14 as the second detector, abnormal operation can be detected by the on / off order of each detector or a change in time. The detection device 10 can have a structure that can prevent an illegal act using the thread hanging coin C or the like.

  Furthermore, when a non-magnetic material is used as a proper coin, a magnetic coin C that becomes an inappropriate coin is attracted to the magnet by disposing a magnet near the first detector in the coin path. Since it stops or the moving speed of the coin C changes, the coin detection device 10 can detect an improper coin by the change of the output signal from the first detector.

(First change example)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the following modifications can be added. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the reflection type photosensors 26 and 27 are used, but in addition to this, the light reception level specifying unit 35 and the foreign matter detection unit 36 may be used. In this modification, the photo sensor 26 and the photo sensor 27 are the same, and therefore only the photo sensor 26 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, a photosensor 26, a light reception level specifying unit 35, and a foreign object detection unit 36 are provided. The photosensor 26 includes a light emitting unit 26a that emits light and a light receiving unit 26b that receives light from the light emitting unit 26a. Here, the control circuit (not shown) detects the coin C passing through the coin passage 14 according to the light receiving level by the light receiving unit 26b.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a. As shown in FIG. 14, the light emitting unit 26 a and the light receiving unit 26 b are disposed in the vicinity of the passage surface 20. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the coin C does not pass over the light emitting unit 26a and the light receiving unit 26b, the light L emitted from the light emitting unit 26a does not travel to the light receiving unit 26b. Proceed forward with a predetermined tilt angle. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the coin C passes over the light emitting unit 26a and the light receiving unit 26b, the light L emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is reflected by the coin C, Light is received by the light receiving unit 26b.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a when the foreign object 100 is inserted. As shown in FIG. 15, when the shutter part S1 arranged at the tip of the foreign object 100 is disposed at a position facing the light emitting part 26a and the light receiving part 26b, and the shutter part S1 is non-transparent, the light emitting part Of the light emitted from 26a, a part of the light L11 is transmitted through the shutter part S1, and the other light L12 is reflected to the light receiving part 26b.

  The light reception level specifying part 35 specifies the light reception level by the light receiving part 26b. The light reception level specifying unit 35 can specify the light reception level by the light receiving unit 26b in a stepwise (analog) manner, and converts the analog light reception level specified by the A / D converter into a digital light reception level.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the received light level received by the received light level specifying unit 35. As shown in FIG. 16, when the coin C is on the light receiving unit 26b, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is reflected by the coin C and received by the light receiving unit 26b. In this case, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is reflected as it is to the light receiving unit 26b, the light receiving level (first light receiving level) is close to the maximum value. On the other hand, when the coin C is not on the light receiving unit 26b, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is diffused, so that the light receiving level (second light receiving level) is close to the lowest value. . Here, even if the shutter part S1 provided at the tip of the foreign object 100 is transparent, a part of the light from the light emitting part 26a is transmitted and the others are reflected, so the light reception level (predetermined light reception level) is It is located between the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level (see FIG. 16).

  The foreign object detection unit 36 sets the light reception level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the first state as the first light reception level, and receives light when the slot machine 1 is in the second state. It is a light reception level setting part which sets the light reception level obtained by the part 26b as said 2nd light reception level. This first state includes a state where the coin C passing through the coin passage 14 is positioned on the light receiving portion 26b. The second state includes a state where the coin C is not positioned on the light receiving unit 26b, a state when the slot machine 1 is turned on, a state where acceptance of the coin C is not permitted, and a predetermined time has elapsed. Or a state when a game corresponding to the coin C is not being executed.

  Further, the foreign object detection unit 36 has a foreign object other than the coin C when the above-described predetermined light reception level is obtained by the light reception unit 26b between the set first light reception level and the second light reception level. This is a foreign matter detection unit for detecting this.

  According to this modified example, the first light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the coin C passing through the coin passage 14 is positioned on the light receiving unit 26b, and the coin C is not positioned on the light receiving unit 26b. When a predetermined light receiving level between the second light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b is sometimes obtained by the light receiving unit 26b, the foreign object detecting unit 36 for detecting the presence of the foreign object 100 other than the coin C is provided. By being provided, the coin detection device 10 can detect not only the presence or absence of the coin C but also the foreign object 100. That is, conventionally, the light emitting unit 26a and the light receiving unit 26b are of a light modulation type, and when the foreign object 100 having a reflection function is inserted from the insertion port, regular light from the light emitting unit 26a is received by the reflection function. It was reflected to 26b, and the forced coin C was detected. In the present invention, even if the light from the light emitting part 26a is reflected to the light receiving part 26b by the foreign substance 100 due to the reflection function, the light is attenuated and the light receiving level at the light receiving part 26b is the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level. Since the presence of the foreign material 100 is detected, the coin detection device 10 can detect the foreign material 100 more accurately than the conventional device, and consequently recognizes the coin C. Forced fraudsters can be eliminated.

  Further, the light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the first state is set as the first light receiving level, and is obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the second state. Since the foreign object detector 36 that sets the received light level as the second received light level is provided, the first received light level and the second received light level can be finely set according to the first state and the second state. Aging of the light-receiving part 26a or the light-receiving part 26b occurs (for example, dust adheres to the light-emitting part 26a or the light-receiving part 26b, or the light-emitting part 26a or the light-receiving part 26b is scratched). Even if this occurs, the coin detection device 10 can detect not only the presence or absence of the coin C but also the foreign object 100 more appropriately.

  Even if the light-emitting foreign object 100 is emitted in the vicinity of the light receiving unit 26b, it is not determined that a proper coin C has been inserted unless the signal corresponding to the received light is demodulated. The apparatus 10 can eliminate not only a foreign object 100 having a reflection function but also an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the coin C by the foreign object 100 having a light emitting function.

  In the present modification, the foreign object detection unit 36 sets the light reception level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the first state as the first light reception level, and the slot machine 1 is in the second state. In this case, the light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b is set as the second light receiving level. However, the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level are not limited to this, but are set in advance. There may be.

  In this modification, the foreign object detection unit 36 is obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the first state (a state where the coin C passing through the coin passage 14 is positioned on the light receiving unit 26b). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the foreign matter detection unit 36 detects the light receiving unit 26b when the previously inserted coin C is positioned on the light receiving unit 26b. The light receiving level obtained by the above or the average value of the light receiving levels obtained by the light receiving unit 26b in the past may be used as the first light receiving level. Further, when the light reception level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the first state is within ± 10% with respect to a preset reference value, the foreign object detection unit 36 The light reception level may be set as the first light reception level. Furthermore, when the light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit 26b when the slot machine 1 is in the second state is within ± 10% with respect to a preset reference value, the foreign object detecting unit 36 The light reception level may be set as the second light reception level.

  A plurality of light emitting units 26a and light receiving units 26b may be provided along the coin C passing direction. Thereby, the coin detection apparatus 10 can detect the detection signal input from each light-receiving part 26b. Therefore, the coin detection device 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (for example, the interval between the detection signals is a preset time) is satisfied based on the detection signal input from each light receiving unit 26b. By determining whether or not, an appropriate coin C can be determined more reliably.

  When the foreign object detection unit 36 detects the presence of the foreign object 100, notification means for notifying that effect (for example, a decoration device that can turn on the lamp, a speaker that can output sound, and an image can be displayed. Display device). In this case, when the foreign object detection unit 36 detects the presence of the foreign object 100, the coin detection device 10 has a structure capable of further reducing fraud by notifying that effect. it can.

(Second modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the first modified example, but can be modified as described below. In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, the reflection type photosensors 26 and 27 are used, but instead of this, the light modulation type photosensors 26 and 27 may be used. In this modification, the photo sensor 26 and the photo sensor 27 are the same, and therefore only the photo sensor 26 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection relationship of the light modulation type photosensor 26. As shown in FIG. 17, the photosensor 26 includes a light emitting unit 26a and a light receiving unit 26b. The light emitting unit 26a includes the above-described light emitting element 261a and a signal generating circuit 262a.

  The signal generation circuit 262a generates a light emission signal of 0.72 to 1.3 micrometers or the like, and is connected to the light emitting element 261a and the demodulation circuit 263b. The modulated light has a wavelength in the range of 0.72 to 1.3 μm, and a band different from the wavelength of visible light from 0.4 to 0.7 μm.

  The above-described light emitting element 261a blinks at a frequency corresponding to the light emission signal based on the light emission signal input from the signal generation circuit 262a. In order for the light receiving unit 26b described later to synchronize the timing of light emission in the light emitting element 261a and the timing of light reception in the light emitting element 261a, the signal generation circuit 262a generates a synchronization signal having the same wavelength and the same phase as the light emission signal. Also output.

  The light receiving unit 26b includes the above-described light receiving element 261b, an amplifier circuit 262b, and a demodulation circuit 263b. The amplifier circuit 262b amplifies a light reception signal corresponding to the light received by the light receiving element 261b, and is connected to the light receiving element 261b and the demodulation circuit 263b.

  When the light reception signal is input from the amplification circuit 262b and the synchronization signal is input from the signal generation circuit 262a, the demodulation circuit 263b outputs the light reception signal at a timing that matches the blinking of the light emitting element 261a corresponding to the frequency of the synchronization signal. It samples and demodulates the light emission signal. The demodulation circuit 263b is connected to a signal generation circuit 262a, an amplification circuit 262b, and a control circuit (not shown).

  As described above, the demodulation circuit 263b attenuates light in other bands such as visible light, and can detect infrared rays incident on the light receiving element 261b. When the amplitude of the light reception signal is small, the demodulation circuit 263b determines that infrared rays are not incident on the light receiving element 261b, and a signal indicating that the coin C has not passed through the coin path 14 is received. Output to. On the other hand, when the amplitude of the light reception signal is large, the demodulation circuit 263b determines that infrared light is incident on the light reception element 261b, and receives a signal indicating that the coin C has passed through the coin path 14 as the light reception level specifying unit 35. Output to.

  That is, the light emitting unit 26a modulates the oscillation of light to emit light, and the light receiving unit 26b synchronizes with the light emission of the light emitting unit 26a, and receives and demodulates the light emitted by the light emitting unit 24a. Detects whether the coin C has passed through the coin passage 14.

  As described above, the foreign matter detection unit 36 has the foreign matter 100 other than the coin C when the light receiving level of the light demodulated by the light receiving unit 26b is between the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level. Detect that.

  According to this modification, the light emitting unit 26a modulates the oscillation of light and emits light, and the light receiving unit 26b receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 26a in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting unit 26a. In order to detect the coin C passing through the coin passage 14 by demodulating, the coin detection device 10 (or the slot machine 1) inserts a light emitting element from the coin insertion slot 2, and the coin C is present. It is possible to have a structure that can eliminate fraudsters who are forced to recognize. Conventionally, since the coin detecting device detects the inserted coin C only by light reception or non-light reception by the light receiving unit, a light emitting unit different from the light emitting unit arranged in the coin passage 14 is inserted from the outside. It may be determined that the proper coin C is inserted. However, in the present invention, the coin detection device 10 determines that the appropriate coin C has been inserted unless the light receiving unit 26b receives light from the light emitting unit 26a and a signal corresponding to the received light is not demodulated. Therefore, it is possible to have a structure in which an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the coin C by the foreign object 100 having a light emitting function can also be excluded.

  Note that a control circuit (not shown) for determining that the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit 26b is receiving light from the light emitting unit 26a and is not synchronized with the light emission of the light emitting unit 26a is provided. Good. Thereby, even if the light emitting part inserted from the coin insertion slot 2 by the fraudulent person emits light in the vicinity of the light receiving part 26b provided in the coin passage 14, the light emitting part provided in the coin passage 14 has the timing of the light emission. Since it is different from the light emission timing of 26a, the light receiving unit 26b is not synchronized with the light emission of the inserted light emitting unit. Then, when the control circuit detects that the light receiving unit 26b does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit 26a, and determines that the current state is abnormal, the coin detecting device 10 more accurately determines the fraudster. can do.

  The coin detection device 10 detects the inserted coin C by detecting the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a as reflected by the coin C and received by the light receiving unit 26b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the coin detecting device 10 may detect the inserted coin C when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is shielded by the coin C and not received by the light receiving unit 26b. FIG. 18A shows a transmissive photosensor 26. FIG. 18B is a diagram showing the received light level specified by the received light level specifying unit 35. As shown to Fig.18 (a), the light emission part 26a arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the channel | path surface 20 and the light-receiving part 26b arrange | positioned at the push plate 12 in the position facing this light emission part 26a are provided. As shown in FIG. 18 (b), when the coin C is present between the light emitting unit 26a and the light receiving unit 26b, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is reflected by the coin C. The light reception level in the unit 26b is the lowest value (see the first light reception level shown in FIG. 18B). On the other hand, when the coin C is not present between the light emitting unit 26a and the light receiving unit 26b, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a travels to the light receiving unit 26b as it is, so that the light receiving level at the light receiving unit 26b is the maximum. (See the second light receiving level shown in FIG. 18B).

  When the foreign object 100 is inserted between the passage surface 20 and the push plate 12 and the shutter part S1 provided at the tip of the foreign object 100 is transparent, one of the light L11 emitted from the light emitting part 26a. The part L12 advances to the light receiving part 26b. For this reason, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 26a is attenuated even when the shutter unit S1 is in a transparent state, and not all of the light travels to the light receiving unit 26b. The specified light reception level is located between the first light reception level and the second light reception level (see the predetermined light reception level shown in FIG. 18B). Thereby, the foreign matter detection unit 36 can detect that there is a foreign matter other than the coin C because the light reception level is located between the first light reception level and the second light reception level.

  Note that the functions of the coin detection device 10 according to the present embodiment and the modification described above (for example, the function of selecting an appropriate coin C and an inappropriate coin C, the function of the photo sensors 26 and 27, etc.) are the coin detection device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the slot machine 1 may be provided.

It is a front view which shows the coin detection apparatus in this embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the coin detection apparatus in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which isolate | separated the press plate from the board | substrate in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the push plate in this embodiment. It is a VV line sectional view showing an opening and closing mechanism of a push board in this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the detection means by the 1st projection member in this embodiment. It is an AA line sectional view showing the state of the 1st projection member when the coin in this embodiment has not passed. It is an AA line sectional view showing the state where the coin in this embodiment contacted the 1st projection member. It is an AA line sectional view showing operation of the 1st projection member when a coin passes in this embodiment. It is a BB line sectional view showing the coin acceptance possible state of the coin acceptance mechanism in this embodiment. It is a BB line sectional view showing the coin acceptance impossible state of the coin acceptance mechanism in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the photosensor in the 1st modification. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the photosensor in the 1st modification (the 1). It is a figure which shows the optical path of the photosensor in the 1st modification (the 2). It is a figure which shows the light reception level specified by the light reception level specific | specification part in a 1st modification. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the photosensor in the 2nd modification (the 1). It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the photosensor in the 2nd modification, and the light reception level of a light reception level specific | specification part (the 2). It is a figure which shows the foreign material used illegally conventionally. It is a figure which shows a mode that the foreign material used conventionally illegally was inserted in the coin insertion slot (the 1). It is a figure which shows a mode that the foreign material used conventionally illegally was inserted in the coin insertion slot (the 2).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 2 ... Coin insertion port, 3 ... Coin return button, 4 ... Coin return port, 10 ... Coin detection apparatus, 11 ... Board | substrate, 12 ... Push plate, 12a ... Opening part, 13 ... Guide member, 14 ... Coin passage, 14a ... vertical passage, 14b ... slope, 15 ... projection member, 16 ... protruding end, 16a ... slope, 17 ... protruding end, 19 ... magnet, 20 ... passage surface, 22 ... shaft, 24 ... spring, 24a DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Light-emitting part, 26 ... Photosensor, 28 ... Bearing, 30 ... Surface, 31 ... Inlet, 32 ... Outlet, 33 ... Ramp, 35 ... Light reception level specific | specification part, 36 ... Foreign material detection part, 40 ... Coin reception mechanism, 40 ... Mechanism 41 ... Solenoid 42 ... Support member 43 ... Rotating member 44 ... One end 45 ... Other end 51 ... Movable guide plate 52 ... One end 53 ... Other end 53 ... Projection part 54 ... Guide End, 55 ... shaft, 58 ... bearing, 61 ... vertical axis 62 ... Spring, 63 ... Photo sensor, 63 ... Transmission type photo sensor, 64 ... Light emitting part, 65 ... Light receiving part, 66 ... Rear end part, 67 ... Bearing, 71 ... Second projection member, 72 ... Projection end, 72 ... Projection, 72a ... slope, 73 ... other end, 74 ... shaft, 78 ... bearing, 80 ... guide groove, 81 ... swivel member, 82 ... horizontal shaft, 86 ... bearing, 26a ... light emitting part, 26b ... light receiving part, 261a ... Light emitting element, 261b ... Light receiving element, 262a ... Signal generation circuit, 262b ... Amplifying circuit, 263b ... Demodulating circuit

Claims (3)

A coin passage portion formed to allow coins to pass therethrough, a light emitting portion that emits light, a light receiving portion that receives light from the light emitting portion, and a coin passage portion that passes through the coin passage portion according to a light reception level by the light receiving portion. A coin detection device comprising a coin detection unit for detecting coins,
A first light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit when the coin passing through the coin passage unit is positioned on the light receiving unit, and a second level obtained by the light receiving unit when the coin is not positioned on the light receiving unit. A coin detection device comprising: a foreign object detection unit that detects the presence of a foreign object other than coins when a predetermined light reception level between the light reception level is obtained by the light receiving unit. The light emitting unit emits light by modulating the oscillation of light, and the light receiving unit receives and demodulates light emitted by the light emitting unit in synchronization with light emission of the light emitting unit,
The foreign object detection unit detects that there is a foreign object other than a coin when the light receiving level of the light demodulated by the light receiving unit is between the first light receiving level and the second light receiving level. The coin detection device according to claim 1, wherein A coin passage portion formed to allow coins to pass therethrough, a light emitting portion that emits light, a light receiving portion that receives light from the light emitting portion, and a coin passage portion that passes through the coin passage portion according to a light reception level by the light receiving portion. A gaming machine comprising a coin detection unit for detecting coins,
A first light receiving level obtained by the light receiving unit when the coin passing through the coin passage unit is positioned on the light receiving unit, and a second level obtained by the light receiving unit when the coin is not positioned on the light receiving unit. A gaming machine comprising: a foreign object detection unit that detects that there is a foreign object other than a coin when a predetermined light reception level between the light reception level is obtained by the light receiving unit.