JP2006192124A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the cheating action of fraudulently feeding tokens. <P>SOLUTION: A distribution path member 51 wherein a distribution path 75 is formed is turned and the distribution path 75 is made to communicate with either one of a first inflow path 69 and a second inflow path 70. The distribution path member 51 when the distribution path 75 is made to communicate with the first inflow path 69 is detected by a first photo interrupter 54, and the distribution path member 51 when the distribution path 75 is made to communicate with the second inflow path 70 is detected by a second photo interrupter 55. In the case that a cheating instrument 125 inserted from a token feeding port 30 is clamped for instance, since the turned distribution path member 51 is not detected, the distribution path member 51 is tentatively turned to an original position. Then, the distribution path member 51 is turned to a target position again, however, when the turned distribution path member 51 is not detected, error processing is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that is installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor, and relates to a gaming machine that prevents illegal insertion of medals.

  Slot machines that are installed and used in amusement halls such as pachinko parlors are called pachislot machines, and given a certain value to the medals that serve as the game media, various medals earned by playing games (games) Can be exchanged for a free gift. In addition to the medals, the game media include coins, pachinko balls, cards dedicated to slot machines, and the like. In the present specification, explanation will be given using medals as an example. In addition, in addition to inserting a medal from a medal slot, the insertion of a medal includes a case where a credited medal is used. In this specification, “inserting a medal” An explanation will be given by taking as an example the case of loading from the loading slot.

  In such a slot machine, when a medal is inserted from a medal insertion slot, a determination is made as to whether or not the inserted medal is appropriate (authenticity determination), and an improper medal is provided in a medal tray provided in the slot machine. To be discharged. For this authenticity determination, for example, coin sensors are arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions at intervals in a medal passage communicating with a medal slot, and a passing time is measured based on detection signals from these coin sensors. Possible (Patent Document 1). In this case, the ratio of the passing time is calculated from the passing time between the coin sensors obtained from the output of the detection signal from each coin sensor, and it is determined whether or not the calculated value matches the theoretical value. As a result, when the calculated passing time ratio matches the theoretical value, it is determined that the inserted medal is an appropriate medal. On the other hand, if the calculated ratio does not match the theoretical value of the ratio, it is determined that the inserted medal is not an appropriate medal. In response to this authentication, the threshold plate provided on the downstream side of the medal passage is switched. For example, when the inserted medal is not an appropriate medal, the medal is discharged to the medal tray.

Recently, a medal sorting device called a selector is provided inside the slot machine, and generally the authenticity of medals inserted by the selector is selected. This selector is provided with a medal passage bent in a substantially L shape. For example, when the inserted medal is an appropriate medal, the inside of the medal passage is guided and guided into the storage tank of the hopper device. At this time, it is detected by a photoelectric sensor provided in the selector. On the other hand, if the inserted medal is a medal with a different size from the appropriate medal, or a medal inserted at an improper timing, it deviates from the medal passage provided in the selector, and finally the medal tray Will be paid out.
Japanese Patent No. 2865113

  By the way, in recent years, a so-called goto action, in which a medal is inserted by a method different from a regular method, may be performed. As one of the goto actions, for example, a goto device in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in series at the front end of a plate bent in a substantially L shape is inserted from the medal insertion slot along the bending direction of the medal passage. Can be mentioned. In this case, after the plurality of LEDs face the photoelectric sensor, the LEDs are blinked. Note that the plurality of LEDs perform blinking control at different timings to cause the photoelectric sensor to erroneously detect that a medal has passed. As a result, no medal is actually inserted from the medal slot, but a medal is inserted inside the slot machine. For example, by performing the above action a plurality of times, medals are credited, and a player who inserts a medal using a goto device draws out the credited medal or plays a game with the inserted medal. Profits can be gained illegally by such actions.

  If some players gain profits illegally due to such a goth act, the profits of the game hall will be lost, and the players will lose interest in games because they cannot play fair games. I will let you. As a result, preventing goto acts is one of the biggest challenges not only for game hall managers, but also for manufacturers that provide slot machines for playgrounds. The fact is that no effective countermeasures have been taken.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a go-to action for illegally inserting medals.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a medal insertion slot for inserting medals and a selector for distributing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot, and the medals distributed within the selector. In a gaming machine that enables a game start operation by detecting the upstream side passage forming member provided with an upstream side passage communicating with the medal slot, and provided between the upstream side passage forming member and the selector. A downstream side passage forming member having a downstream side passage composed of a plurality of inflow passages and an outflow passage where the inflow passages merge with each other, and the upstream side passage and any of the plurality of inflow passages. And a moving device that moves at least one of the upstream-side passage forming member and the downstream-side passage forming member so as to be in a state. The distribution of medals means, for example, whether or not the inserted medals are appropriate medals, and the game starts by detecting only the appropriate medals among the medals distributed by the selector. It shall be possible to operate. Examples of the game start operation include a press operation of a 1 bet button and a MAX bet button, an operation of a start lever, and the like.

  In addition, when the upstream side passage and any one of the plurality of inflow passages are in communication with each other, the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member that is moved by the moving device is formed. It is preferable that a position detecting means for detecting the position of the member is provided.

  Further, it is preferable that a payout operation unit for operating a payout device for paying out credited medals is provided, and the moving device is operated when the payout operation unit is operated.

  In addition, it is preferable that the moving device operates when the game start operation is performed. Note that the game start operation is an operation of any one of the 1 bet button, the MAX bet button, and the start lever.

  In addition, it is preferable that a counter for counting the number of credited medals is provided, and the moving device operates when the value of the counter reaches a predetermined number. Note that the predetermined number includes a predetermined number or a set number selected from a plurality of set numbers.

  Further, it is preferable that a medal detection unit for detecting a inserted medal is provided at the medal insertion port, and the moving device operates when a detection signal is not output from the medal detection unit.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the operation timing of the moving device is irregularly performed.

  Further, when the passage forming member moved by the position detecting means is not detected, the moving device immediately before moving the moved passage forming member among the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member. After returning to the position, it is preferable that the moved passage forming member is moved again to the position where it is intended to move.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the gaming machine includes a medal insertion slot for inserting medals and a selector that distributes medals inserted from the medal insertion slot, and detects the medals distributed within the selector. A plurality of inflow passages provided between the upstream passage forming member having an upstream passage communicating with the medal slot and the upstream passage forming member and the selector. And a downstream side passage forming member having a downstream side passage composed of an outflow passage where these inflow passages merge with each other, and the upstream side passage and a plurality of inflow passages are in communication with each other, And a moving device that moves at least one of the upstream-side passage forming member and the downstream-side passage forming member. If any of the passage forming members moves and the goto device is inserted, the goto device is sandwiched between the upstream side passage forming member and the downstream side passage forming member, and the goto device cannot be operated. , Can prevent goto acts.

  In addition, when the upstream side passage and any one of the plurality of inflow passages are in communication with each other, the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member that is moved by the moving device is formed. Since the position detecting means for detecting the position of the member is provided, for example, when a detection signal from the position detecting means cannot be obtained, it means that the upstream passage and the inflow passage are not in communication, and the upstream passage forming member and the downstream The medal is clogged when the medal is sandwiched by the side passage forming member, or the goto device is inserted from the medal slot. For example, a warning signal is reproduced or a warning signal is sent to the hall computer of the game hall. By performing error processing such as output, it is possible to prevent goto action when, for example, goto equipment is inserted

  In addition, when a payout operation unit for operating a payout device for paying out a credited medal is provided, and when the payout operation unit is operated, the moving device is operated, and therefore, a goto device is inserted from a medal slot A goto device will be sandwiched between them. When a player who performs an illegal act using a goto device wants to avoid such a state, it is necessary to pull out the goto device from the medal slot when operating the payout operation unit. The action of removing the goto equipment from the medal slot is different from the action at the time of playing the game, so it is very conspicuous from the surroundings, so it is easy to discover that cheating using the goto equipment is being performed, so goto It has the effect of making it difficult to cheat using instruments.

  Also, since the moving device is activated when the game start operation is performed, for example, when a game start operation is performed, the insertion of medals from the medal slot is invalid, By moving one of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member in this state, it is possible to prevent clogging of medals due to insertion of medals.

  Also, a counter is provided for counting the number of credited medals, and when the counter value reaches a predetermined number, the moving device moves one of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member. Therefore, when a goto device is inserted from the medal slot, the goth device is pinched by moving one of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member every time the medal is paid out. Therefore, when a player who performs an illegal act using goto equipment tries to avoid this, every time the player operates the payout operation unit to pay out an illegally credited medal, It is necessary to pull out the goto tool from the inlet. Performing this act frequently is very conspicuous from the surroundings, and it is easy to be found that a got act using a goto device is performed.

  Further, a medal detection means for detecting the inserted medal is provided at the medal insertion slot, and when the detection signal from the medal detection means is not output, the moving device operates. Since movement of one passage forming member of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member is not performed, clogging of medals can be prevented.

  In addition, since the movement timing of one of the upstream-side passage forming member or the downstream-side passage forming member in the moving device is irregularly performed, the timing for inserting the goto device is recognized for a player who is trying to cheat. As a result, it is possible to prevent goto acts as a result.

  Further, when the passage forming member moved by the position detecting means is not detected, the moving device immediately before moving the moved passage forming member among the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member. After returning to the position, the moved passage forming member is moved again to the position to be moved, so that when one of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member is moved, the medal is jammed. In the case of being jammed, the jammed medals can flow down to the inflow passage by returning to the original position, and the medal jam can be eliminated. On the other hand, when a foreign object such as a goth tool is inserted, the detection signal from the position detecting means is not output even if it is moved back to the original position and then moved again. It is possible to notify that the fraudulent act has been done by performing error processing such as outputting a warning signal to the hall computer at the venue, so it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts using goto equipment in advance. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 2 includes a first reel 10, a second reel 11, and a reel 3 in a housing 3 including a storage box 4 and a front door 5 provided on the front surface of the storage box 4. The third reel 12, the hopper device 35 (see FIG. 2), the power supply device 36 (see FIG. 2) and the like are arranged.

  The front door 5 is composed of two doors, an upper door 6 and a lower door 7. A display window 8 is provided on the upper door 6. A first reel 10, a second reel 11, and a third reel 12 are disposed in the back of the display window 8. As is well known, on the outer circumference of the first reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12, for example, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged at regular intervals. When these reels are stopped, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 8, and when all the reels of the first reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12 are stopped, a total of nine symbols are displayed. The symbol is displayed through the display window 8.

  A liquid crystal display device 15 is provided on the side of the display window 8. The liquid crystal display device 15 performs an effect using an animation display when a game is executed, or performs a demonstration display when the game is not performed.

  Various operation buttons such as a single bet button 20, a MAX bet button 21, and a payout button 22 that are operated at the start of the game are provided on the upper portion of the lower door 7. Since the functions of these buttons are well known, details thereof are omitted. Also, in the vicinity of these buttons, a start lever 23 that is operated after a medal bet is placed, a first stop button 25 that stops a rotating reel, a second stop button 26, and a third stop button 27 are provided. . Note that the medal bet is a state in which the 1-bet button 20 or the MAX bet button 21 is pressed after the medal 120 (see FIG. 8) is inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 or using the credited medal 120. Is to be done.

  In addition to the buttons and levers described above, a medal slot 30 for inserting a medal 120 is provided at the upper part of the lower door 7. In addition, a lower portion of the lower door 7 is provided with a payout port 31 from which a medal 120 is paid out when a winning is obtained, and a medal tray 32 for storing the medal 120 paid out from the payout port 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the lower door 7 is opened, a hopper device (dispensing device) 35, a power supply device 36, and the like provided at the lower portion of the storage box 4 are exposed. The hopper device 35 operates when a prize is won in a game in the slot machine 2 and pays out the medals 120 corresponding to the prize. A storage tank 37 for storing medals 120 is provided on the upper portion of the hopper device 35, and appropriate medals that have passed a medal selector 40 described later are stored in the storage tank 37.

  On the other hand, on the rear surface of the opened lower door 7, the medal selector 40, the medal 120 determined to be inappropriate by the medal selector 40, and the discharge passage (the medal 120 discharged from the hopper device 35) are guided ( (Not shown) is provided. Since the medal selector 40 is well known, only the function of the medal selector 40 will be described below, and the configuration and description thereof will be omitted.

  The medal selector 40 is provided for sorting whether or not the medal 120 inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is an appropriate medal. When the medal 120 inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is an appropriate medal, it passes through the medal selector 40 and is stored in the storage tank 37 of the hopper device 35. In this case, the medal 120 is counted by detecting the medal 120 inserted by the medal sensor 94 (see FIG. 6) provided in the medal selector 40. On the other hand, when the medal 120 inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is an improper medal, it is distributed inside the medal selector 40 and discharged to the medal tray 32 through the discharge passage described above.

  Further, when the medal 120 is inserted at an inappropriate timing such as in the middle of a game, for example, the medal selector 40 discharges the inserted medal 120 to the medal tray 32 through the discharge passage. Further, when three or more medals 120 are inserted when the credit function is not used, the medals 120 inserted after the fourth one are discharged to the medal tray 32. When the credit function is on, medals 120 inserted after the fourth are detected by the optical sensor, and are counted up to, for example, 50. In this case, the inserted medal 120 is stored in the storage tank 37 of the hopper device 35.

  A substantially rectangular parallelepiped passage unit 45 is disposed between the medal slot 30 and the medal selector 40. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the passage unit 45 includes a unit main body 50, a distribution passage member (upstream passage formation member) 51, a cover 52, a solenoid (moving device) 53, and a photo interrupter (hereinafter referred to as PI). 54, 55 and the like.

  The unit body 50 includes a holding frame 60 and a base member (downstream passage forming member) 61. The holding frame 60 and the base member 61 are assembled together by screws 62 or the like. The holding frame 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The upper surface of the holding frame 60 protrudes from its substantially center, and a medal feeding opening 63 is formed in the protruding portion. The medal feeding port 63 communicates with the medal feeding passage 64, and the medal 120 inserted from the medal insertion port 30 flows down through the medal feeding passage 64 through the medal feeding port 63. The medal feeding passage 64 is formed so that the width in the thickness direction of the passing medal 120 becomes wider toward the downstream side.

  The holding frame 60 includes a storage portion 65 in which a distribution passage member 51 described later is stored. An opening 65 b into which a pin 51 a provided in a distribution passage member 51 described later is inserted is provided in the inner wall surface 65 a of the storage portion 65. Below the opening 65b, a guide hole 65c made of an arc-shaped long hole is provided. The guide pin 51b of the distribution path member 51 is inserted into the guide hole 65c, and when the distribution path member 51 rotates, the guide pin 51b is moved along the guide hole 65c. Reference numeral 66 denotes a positioning pin inserted through an opening 52 c provided in the cover 52.

  The base member 61 has a substantially rectangular shape. A first inlet 67 and a second inlet 68 are provided on the upper surface of the base member 61. Among these inflow ports, the first inflow port 67 communicates with the first inflow passage (downstream side passage) 69, and the second inflow port 68 communicates with the second inflow passage (downstream side passage) 70. The first inflow passage 69 and the second inflow passage 70 merge at the downstream side thereof to become an outflow passage (downstream side passage) 71. Reference numeral 72 denotes a delivery port provided on the bottom surface of the base member 61.

  The distribution passage member 51 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A distribution path (upstream path) 75 is formed from the upper surface to the lower surface of the distribution path member 51. The distribution passage 75 is provided such that the cross section at both ends thereof is wider in the thickness direction of the medal 120 than the cross section at the center of the passage.

  A pin 51 a and a guide pin 51 b are provided on one side surface of the distribution path member 51. A pin 51c and a guide pin 51d are provided on the side surface that is the back side of the side surface on which these pins are provided. The pins 51a and 51c are arranged such that their central axes are the same axis. The pin 51 a is inserted into an opening 65 b provided in the storage portion 65 of the holding frame 60. Further, the pin 51 c is inserted into an opening 52 a provided in the cover 52. The guide pin 51 b is inserted into a guide hole 65 c provided in the storage portion 65 of the holding frame 60, and the guide pin 51 d is inserted into a guide hole 52 b provided in the cover 52. Thereby, the distribution passage member 51 rotates around the pins 51a and 51c as the central axis. Further, the guide pin 51b is inserted into the guide hole 65c and the guide pin 51d is inserted into the guide hole 52b, so that the amount of rotation is restricted when the sorting passage member 51 is rotated about the pins 51a and 51b. .

  The cover 52 is provided to cover the storage portion 65 of the holding frame 60. The cover 62 includes positioning holes 52c and 52d in addition to an opening 52a through which the pin 51c of the sorting passage member 51 is inserted and a guide hole 52b formed by an arc-shaped long hole through which the guide pin 51d is inserted. ing. A pin 66 provided on the side surface of the holding frame 50 is inserted into the positioning hole 52c, and a pin 76 provided on the side surface of the base member 61 is inserted into the positioning hole 52d. The cover 52 can be fixed to the unit main body 50 by an appropriate method such as fixing using a screw or the like, or fixing using an adhesive.

  The solenoid 53 is provided to rotate the distribution path member 51. Since the configuration of the solenoid 53 is well known, the details thereof are omitted. However, by supplying power to the solenoid 53, the driving iron core 80 moves in the direction A in FIG. 3 and is drawn into the bobbin 81. On the other hand, when the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the driving iron core 80 moves in the direction B in FIG. 3 by the restoring force of the compression spring 82 and is pulled out from the bobbin 81. The driving iron core 80 of the solenoid 53 is connected to the guide pin 51d of the distribution path member 51. When the power supply to the solenoid 53 or the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the distribution path member 51 is moved in the direction C in FIG. Alternatively, it rotates in the D direction.

  The solenoid 53 is controlled by the control device 90 to supply power. Hereinafter, when the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the distribution passage 75 provided in the distribution passage member 51 is the first inflow passage 69. In the following description, it is assumed that the distribution path 75 communicates with the first inflow path 70 when power is supplied to the solenoid 53. Note that either the first inflow passage 69 or the first inflow passage 70 communicates with the sorting passage 75 to form a medal passage.

  PI (position detecting means) 54 and 55 are disposed at both ends of the guide hole 65 c and are provided to detect the guide pin 51 b of the distribution path member 51 moved by the solenoid 53. For example, the guide pin 51b is detected by inserting the guide pin 51b of the distribution passage member 51 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the PI (hereinafter referred to as first PI) 54 disposed at one end of the guide hole 65c. In this case, when the sorting passage member 51 is rotated in the direction E in FIG. 5 by the solenoid 53, the guide pin 51b moves from one end of the guide hole 65c toward the other end. When the guide pin 51b reaches the other end of the guide hole 65c by this movement, it is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the PI (hereinafter referred to as second PI) 55 disposed on the other end side of the guide hole 65c. The guide pin 51b is detected by the second PI 55.

  Similarly, the guide pin 51b is detected by inserting the guide pin 51b of the distribution passage member 51 between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the second PI 54 disposed at one end of the guide hole 65c (FIG. 5). When the distribution path member 51 is rotated in the direction F in FIG. 5 by the solenoid 53, the guide pin 51b moves toward the other end of the guide hole 65c. When the guide pin 51b reaches the other end of the guide hole 65c by this movement, it is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the first PI 54 disposed on the other end side of the guide hole 65c. The guide pin 51b is detected. By detecting the guide pin 51b by any one of these PIs 54 and 55, it is possible to grasp where the distribution passage member 51 is located.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. Game control of the slot machine 2 is performed by the control device 90. The control device 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, and a RAM 93. When power is supplied to the slot machine 2, the CPU 91 reads the activation program stored in the ROM 92 and executes the program. Further, when an ON signal is input from the medal sensor 94, the bet program stored in the ROM 92 is read out, bet processing is performed, and credit processing is performed. Further, upon receiving a game start signal from the start switch sensor 95 disposed on the start lever 23, the CPU 91 reads out the game control program stored in the ROM 92 and starts the game process.

  Indexes 10a, 11a, and 12a are provided at the reference positions of the first reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12, respectively, and the photosensors 96, 97, and 98 are used for each rotation, respectively. The passage of the indexes 10a, 11a, 12a is photoelectrically detected. Detection signals from the photosensors 96, 97, and 98 are output to the CPU 91 as a reset signal for each reel. Note that the drive shafts of the stepping motors 100, 101, and 102 are press-fitted into the first reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12, respectively. The reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12 rotate. In FIG. 6, for convenience, the first reel 10 and the stepping motor 100, the second reel 11 and the stepping motor 101, and the third reel 13 and the stepping motor 102 are surrounded by solid lines. Reference numerals 105, 106, and 107 denote drivers that drive the stepping motors 100, 101, and 102, respectively.

  The CPU 91 is provided with a pulse counter (not shown) for each stepping motor, and counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each stepping motor. As a result, every time a reset signal is input from the photosensors 96, 97, and 98, it is cleared and counted up again. By monitoring the count value of the pulse counter for each reel, the CPU 91 can identify, for example, which symbol has moved on the center winning effective line, and how much the reel should be rotated. It is possible to predict whether the target symbol will move on the winning line.

  A stop switch sensor is provided in each of the first stop button 25, the second stop button 26, and the third stop button 27. When an ON signal from each stop switch sensor is input to the CPU 91, the CPU 91 reads the ROM 92. Referring to a symbol table (not shown) stored in (1), a drive pulse is supplied to the corresponding stepping motor so that the target symbol is stopped from the display window 8.

  The ROM 92 stores a drive control program 110 in addition to the game control program. The drive control program 110 is a program for performing drive control of the solenoid 53 to rotate the sorting passage member 51 of the passage unit 45. When the rotation condition of the distribution path member 51 is established, the CPU 91 reads the drive control program 110 and supplies power to the solenoid 53 or stops supplying power to the solenoid 53.

  For example, when the first PI 54 detects the guide pin 51 b of the distribution path member 51 and the rotation condition of the distribution path member 51 is satisfied, power supply to the solenoid 53 is started. As a result, the driving iron core 80 of the solenoid 53 is drawn into the bobbin 81, so that the distribution path member 51 rotates and the second PI 55 detects the guide pin 51b. In this case, power supply to the solenoid 53 is continued until the rotation condition of the distribution path member 51 is satisfied again.

  When the second PI 55 detects the guide pin 51b of the distribution path member 51 and the rotation condition of the distribution path member 51 is satisfied, the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped. When power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the drive core 80 of the solenoid 53 is pulled out of the bobbin 81 by the urging of the compression spring 82, whereby the distribution passage member 51 is rotated, and the guide pin 51b is detected by the first PI 54. .

  On the other hand, if the guide pin 51b is not detected by the second PI 55 even if power is supplied to the solenoid 53, the CPU 91 temporarily stops supplying power to the solenoid 53 and the first PI 54 detects the guide pin 51b. Later, power is supplied to the solenoid 53 again. When power is supplied to the solenoid 53 again, if the guide pin 51b is not detected by the second PI 55, the CPU 91 determines that the goto tool 125 is inserted. Similarly, if the guide pin 51b is not detected by the first PI 54 after the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the CPU 91 determines that the medal is clogged, supplies power to the solenoid 53, and then returns to the solenoid 53 again. Stop power supply. When power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped again, if the guide pin 51b is not detected by the first PI 54, the CPU 91 determines that the goto tool 125 is inserted.

  In this case, the CPU 91 uses the error processing program 111 stored in the ROM 92 to cause the liquid crystal display device 15 to display a warning, to reproduce an alarm sound using a speaker (not shown), and to control light emission of a light source such as an LED. In addition, a warning signal is output to the hall computer 112 that manages the slot machines arranged in the game hall. Reference numeral 115 denotes a liquid crystal controller that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 15.

  Next, the effect | action of this embodiment is demonstrated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and FIGS. In the present embodiment, the rotation condition of the distribution path member 51 is described as being established when the start lever 23 is operated, for example.

  When the player directly inserts the medal 120 from the medal insertion slot 30, the inserted medal 120 flows down from the medal feeding opening 63 into the passage unit 45. The medal 120 flowing down into the passage unit 45 passes through the inside of the medal feeding passage 64 and flows down into the distribution passage 75. The downstream end portion of the medal feeding passage 64 has a width in the thickness direction of the medal 120 wider than the width of the medal feeding port 60, and the upstream end portion of the sorting passage 75 is also in the thickness direction of the medal 120. Is wider than the width of the central portion thereof, so that the medal 120 flowing down from the medal feeding passage 64 to the sorting passage 75 is not caught and flows down smoothly.

  Since the distribution passage 75 communicates with the first inflow passage 69, the medal 120 flowing down inside the distribution passage 75 flows down into the first inflow passage 69 through the first inflow port 67. Since the width in the thickness direction of the medal 120 is wider at the downstream end of the sorting passage 75 than the center portion, the medal 120 flowing down from the sorting passage 75 to the first inflow passage 69 is caught. It flows down smoothly.

  The medal 120 flowing down the first inflow passage 69 flows down the discharge passage 71 and then flows into the medal selector 40 through the delivery port 72. Inside the medal selector 40, the medals 120 that have flowed down are sorted according to whether or not they are appropriate medals. For example, in the case of an appropriate medal, it is sent to the hopper device 35 as it is. In the middle of being sent to the hopper device 35, the medal 120 is detected by the medal sensor 94 provided inside the medal selector 40. On the other hand, if the medal 120 inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is an inappropriate medal, the medal is distributed inside the medal selector 40 and then discharged to the medal tray 32.

  When the player stops inserting the medal 120 and presses the 1 bet button 20 or the MAX bet button 21, the bet process for the medal 120 is performed. When the start lever 23 is operated after the betting process, the CPU 91 reads the game control program from the ROM 92 and executes the read game control program. In response to this, each of the first reel 10, the second reel 11, and the third reel 12 starts rotating.

  The CPU 91 executes the game control program, reads the drive control program 110 stored in the ROM 92, and executes the read drive control program 110. For example, when the power supply to the solenoid 53 has never been performed, the guide pin 51 c of the distribution path member 51 is detected by the first PI 54. In this case, the CPU 91 starts power feeding to the solenoid 53. When power is supplied to the solenoid 53, the driving iron core 80 of the solenoid 53 moves in the direction A in FIG. 3 and is drawn into the bobbin 81.

  Since the drive iron core 80 is connected to the guide pin 51d of the distribution path member 51, the distribution path member 51 rotates in the G direction in FIG. 8 when the drive iron core 80 is drawn into the bobbin 81. . At this time, the guide pin 51b moves along the guide hole 65c, and the guide pin 51d moves along the guide hole 52b. When the guide pin 51b comes into contact with the other end of the guide hole 65c and the guide pin 51d comes into contact with the other end of the guide hole 52b, the rotation of the sorting passage member 51 is stopped. When the rotation of the distribution path member 51 stops, the guide pin 51b is detected by the second PI 55, and the detection signal is output to the CPU 91. At this time, the distribution passage 75 and the second inflow passage 70 communicate with each other, so that a medal passage is formed. Note that power supply to the solenoid 53 is continued.

  When the start lever 23 is operated, the medal 120 inserted thereafter is invalidated. Therefore, after the start lever 23 is operated, the player does not insert the medal 120. It is common. Thereby, even if the sorting passage member 51 is rotated, the medal clogging does not occur. Therefore, the medal clogging does not need to be generated when the medal 120 is inserted, and troublesomeness at the time of medal insertion can be prevented. it can.

  For example, there is a case where the medal 120 is erroneously inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 after the start lever 23 is operated. As shown in FIG. 9, the medal feeding passage 61 and the sorting passage 75 are always in communication regardless of whether or not the feeding passage forming member 51 is rotated, so that the inserted medal 120 is placed inside the sorting passage 75. Will flow down. For example, when the medal 120 flows into the first inflow passage 69 and is sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the distribution passage member 51 and the inner wall surface of the first inflow passage 69, the distribution passage member 51 is rotated halfway. The guide pin 51b of the distribution path member 51 is not detected by the second PI 55.

  In this case, the CPU 90 once stops power supply to the solenoid 53. When the power supply to the solenoid 53 is stopped, the driving iron core 80 is moved in the direction B in FIG. By pulling out the driving iron core 75, the sorting passage member 51 rotates in the H direction in FIG. Then, the guide pin 51b comes into contact with one end of the guide hole 65c and the guide pin 51d comes into contact with one end of the guide hole 52b, whereby the rotation of the sorting passage member 51 is stopped. At this time, since the width of the communication portion between the sorting passage 75 and the first inflow passage 69 is widened, the inserted medal 120 flows down to the first inflow passage 69. When the rotation of the distribution path member 51 is stopped, the guide pin 51d is detected by the first PI 54. Therefore, the CPU 91 supplies power to the solenoid 53 again, so that the distribution path member 51 is shown in FIG. Rotate in the G direction. In this case, since there is no inserted medal 120, the guide pin 51d of the moved sorting passage member 51 is detected by the second PI 55, and the sorting passage 75 and the second inflow passage 70 are communicated to form a medal passage. Is done.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the goto device 125 is inserted from the medal insertion slot 30, when the distribution path member 51 rotates in the G direction in FIG. The goto tool 125 is held between the inner wall surface of the passage 75 and the inner wall surface of the first inflow passage 69. In this case, power supply to the solenoid 53 is temporarily stopped, and the distribution path member 51 is rotated in the H direction in FIG. Thereby, after the guide pin of the distribution path member 51 is detected by the first PI 54, the CPU 91 supplies power to the solenoid 53 again.

  However, when the goto device 125 is inserted, the goto device 125 is sandwiched again by the inner wall surface of the sorting passage 75 and the inner wall surface of the first inflow passage 66, so that the guide pin of the rotating sorting passage member 51 rotates. 51b is not detected by the second PI 55. In this case, the CPU 91 determines that an error has occurred and uses the error processing program 111 stored in the ROM 92 to cause the liquid crystal display device 15 to display a warning, to reproduce a warning sound by a speaker (not shown), or to use a light source such as an LED. The light emission control is performed. In addition, a warning signal is output to the hall computer 112 that manages the slot machines 2 arranged in the game hall. Accordingly, when the goto device 125 is inserted in advance before the start lever 23 is operated, it is possible to detect that a foreign object such as the goto device 125 is inserted by rotating the sorting passage member 25. Unauthorized acts using 125 can be prevented in advance.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the case where the distribution path 75 and the 2nd inflow path 70 are connecting, and the medal path is formed, in this case, since the electric power is performed to the solenoid 53, the start lever When the operation 23 is performed, the CPU 91 stops the power supply to the solenoid 53. As a result, the driving iron core 80 of the solenoid 53 is pulled out from the bobbin 81 by the urging force of the compression spring 82, so that the distribution passage member 51 communicates with the first inflow passage 69 from the state of communication with the second inflow passage 70. Rotate to. And the detection signal is output toward CPU91 because the guide pin 51b is detected by 1st PI54.

  Also in this case, when the medal 120 is erroneously inserted after the operation of the start lever 23, the distribution passage member 51 rotates, so that the medal 120 is separated between the inner wall surface of the distribution passage 75 and the inner wall surface of the second inflow passage 70. Will be pinched. In this case, since the guide pin 51 b is not detected by the first PI 54, the CPU 91 supplies power to the solenoid 53 and rotates the distribution path member 51 so that the distribution path 75 and the second inflow path 70 are once communicated. . As a result, the medal 120 held between the inner wall surface of the sorting passage 75 and the inner wall surface of the second inflow passage 70 flows down to the second inflow passage 70. Then, when the guide pin 51b is detected by the second PI 55, the CPU 91 stops the power supply to the solenoid 53 and rotates the distribution passage member 51 so that the distribution passage 75 and the first inflow passage 69 communicate with each other. Move. In this case, since the medal 120 has flowed down, the sorting passage 75 and the first inflow passage 69 are communicated to form a medal passage.

  On the other hand, also when the start lever 23 is operated after the goto device 125 is inserted from the medal insertion slot 30, the sorting passage member 51 rotates, so that the inner wall surface of the sorting passage 75 and the inside of the first inflow passage 70 are The goto device 125 is sandwiched between the wall surfaces. In this case, once the distribution path member 51 is rotated to a position where the distribution path 75 and the first inflow path 70 communicate with each other, the distribution path member so that the distribution path 75 and the first inflow path 69 communicate with each other. 51 is rotated again, but the goto tool 125 remains inserted, so that the guide pin 51b of the sorting passage member 51 is not detected by the first PI 54.

  In this case, the CPU 91 determines that an error has occurred and uses the error processing program 111 stored in the ROM 92 to cause the liquid crystal display device 15 to display a warning, to reproduce a warning sound by a speaker (not shown), or to use a light source such as an LED. The light emission control is performed. In addition, a warning signal is output to the hall computer 112 that manages the slot machines 2 arranged in the game hall. Accordingly, when the goto device 125 is inserted in advance before the start lever 23 is operated, it is possible to detect that a foreign object such as the goto device 125 is inserted by rotating the sorting passage member 51. Unauthorized acts using 125 can be prevented in advance.

  In this embodiment, the distribution path member 51 is moved when the start lever 125 is operated. However, the distribution path member 51 can be rotated when another game start operation is performed. It is. In this case, since the game operation includes the operation of the 1 bet button 20 or the MAX bet button 21, the distribution path member 51 is moved when these bet buttons are operated. In this case, when the medal 120 is inserted after the bet button is pressed, it is necessary to invalidate the inserted medal 120.

  In this embodiment, when the start lever 23 is operated, the sorting passage member 51 is moved. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of credited medals 120 reaches a predetermined number. In this case, it is also possible to move the sorting passage member by operating the solenoid. In the following description, it is assumed that when the number of credited medals 120 exceeds 30, the rotation condition of the distribution path member is satisfied. Further, members having the same functions as those of the present embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals as those of the present embodiment.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, for example, the medal 120 is inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 before the game is started. In this case, if there are no credited medals 120, the inserted medals 120 are automatically bet up to, for example, up to three. Further, when the medal 120 is inserted, when the inserted medal 120 becomes three or more, the medal 120 inserted after the fourth is credited. When the medal 120 is inserted, a detection signal from the medal sensor 94 is output to the CPU 91 and counted by a credit counter (not shown). When the medal 120 is continuously inserted and the number of credited medals 120 reaches 50, the medals 120 inserted thereafter are discharged to the medal tray 32. As a result, the player ends the insertion of the medal 120.

  On the other hand, if the number of credited medals 120 has not reached 50, it is determined whether or not the number of credited medals 120 is 30 or more, which is the rotation condition of the sorting passage member. If it is determined that the number of credited medals 120 is 30 or more, the sorting passage member 51 is rotated. For example, when the distribution path 75 and the first inflow path 69 are in communication, the distribution path member 51 is rotated so that the distribution path 75 and the second inflow path 70 are in communication. On the other hand, when the distribution path 75 and the second inflow path 70 are in communication, the distribution path member 51 is rotated so that the distribution path 75 and the first inflow path 69 are in communication.

  For example, if a goto action is performed in which credit processing is performed by inserting a goto device through the medal insertion slot 30 and turning on the medal sensor 94 illegally, the sorting passage member 51 moves in the middle of the goto action, and the sorting is performed. The goto tool 125 is sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the passage 75 and the inner wall surface of the first inflow passage 69 or the inner wall surface of the first inflow passage 70. In this case, the sorting passage member 51 is once returned to the original position and then rotated again. When the goto device 125 is inserted from the medal slot 30, even if the sorting passage member 51 is rotated again, the sorting passage member 51 is stopped by the goto device 125. The pin 51b is not detected by either the first PI 54 or the second PI 55. In response to this, the CPU 91 executes error processing and performs error notification.

  In this case, the distribution path member is rotated when the number of credited medals 120 reaches 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the start lever is operated when the medal is inserted. In some cases, it is possible to determine the number of rotations for the sorting passage member by lottery or to change it randomly.

  In addition to this, when the payout button is pressed, it is also possible to operate the solenoid to rotate the sorting passage member. This will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. For example, when the payout button 22 is pressed, the hopper device 35 operates to pay out the credited medal 120 to the medal tray 32. When the payout button 22 is pressed, the medal 120 is not inserted from the medal insertion slot 30. Thus, for example, even if the distribution path member 51 is rotated, if either the first PI 54 or the second PI 55 cannot detect the guide pin 51b, it can be determined that a foreign object has been inserted, and the CPU 91 issues an error notification. Can be done. Thus, when the goto device 125 is used to illegally credit the medal 120 and perform an illegal act of paying out the credited medal 120, the goto device 125 is inserted before operating the payout button 22. Since it is necessary to pull out from the mouth 32, it will be different from the action at the time of playing the game, so if you repeat this action many times, it will stand out from the surroundings, and it is not It will be recognized.

  In the present embodiment, when operating members such as the start lever 23, the bet button, and the payout button 22 provided in the slot machine 2 are operated, the solenoid 53 is operated to rotate the sorting passage member 51. For example, when the medal 120 is not inserted from the medal insertion slot 30, it is possible to operate the solenoid 53 to rotate the sorting passage member 51. In this case, although not shown, a detection sensor for detecting the inserted medal 120 is provided in the medal insertion slot 30. In this case, the trigger for rotating the sorting passage member 51 by operating the solenoid 53 or stopping the operation can be performed when a certain time has elapsed, can be randomly performed, or can be set as appropriate.

  Further, the timing for operating or stopping the operation of the solenoid 53, which is a moving device, is not limited to the above-mentioned trigger, and any one of the above-mentioned triggers is selected at random, or the time is set at random. It is also possible to perform the operation irregularly, for example, by operating at a set time. In this case, it is difficult for the player to recognize the timing at which the sorting passage member 51 rotates, so that illegal acts using the goto device 125 are prevented in advance.

  In this embodiment, the solenoid is taken up as an example of the moving device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a moving mechanism configured by a motor and a gear mechanism or a moving mechanism configured by a motor and a cam is used. Is also possible.

  In this embodiment, the distribution passage member is an upstream-side passage formation member and the distribution passage member is rotated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the base member in which the first inflow passage and the second inflow passage are formed is used. It is also possible to move it. In addition, it is also possible to move both the upstream side passage member and the downstream side passage forming member.

  In this embodiment, when a clogged medal or a goto device inserted from a medal slot is inserted, the sorting passage member is once rotated to the original position, and then the sorting passage and the other inflow passage communicate with each other. In this case, the distribution path member is rotated again, and error processing is performed when the distribution path member is not detected by the photo interrupter even if the distribution path member is rotated again. Even if it is repeated, error handling may be performed when a distribution path member communicating with another inflow path is not detected by the photo interrupter. In addition, the number of repetitions of the above operation for performing error processing may be a preset number, or may be an arbitrarily set number on the game hall side. By making it possible to set the number of repetitions of the above operation, a security level can be set for each game hall.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a lower door when a lower door is opened, and the structure inside a housing | casing. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of a channel | path unit. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of a unit main body in a cross section. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of the photo interrupter arrange | positioned at a unit main body. It is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of operating a start lever. It is sectional drawing which shows the case where a medal | token path is formed of the distribution path and the 1st inflow path. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of the medal clogging which generate | occur | produces when the distribution channel | path member rotates. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the goto implement was inserted. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the goto implement inserted by the distribution passage member to rotate was clamped. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of rotating a distribution channel | path member when 30 medals are credited. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of rotating a distribution channel | path member when a payout button is operated.

Explanation of symbols

2 Slot machine 20 1 bet button 21 MAX bet button 23 Start lever 35 Hopper device (dispensing device)
40 selector 45 passage unit 50 unit body 51 sorting passage member (upstream passage forming member)
53 Solenoid (moving device)
54 1st photo interrupter (position detection means)
55 Second photo interrupter (position detecting means)
61 Base member (downstream passage forming member)
69 First inflow passage (downstream passage)
70 Second inflow passage (downstream passage)
71 Discharge passage (downstream passage)
75 Sorting passage (upstream passage)

Claims (8)

A gaming machine comprising a medal insertion slot for inserting medals and a selector for distributing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot, and enabling a game start operation by detecting the medals distributed within the selector In
An upstream passage forming member having an upstream passage communicating with the medal slot;
A downstream-side passage forming member provided between the upstream-side passage forming member and the selector, and comprising a plurality of inflow passages and an outflow passage in which these inflow passages merge;
A moving device that moves at least one of the upstream-side passage forming member or the downstream-side passage forming member so that the upstream-side passage communicates with any of the plurality of inflow passages. A gaming machine characterized by having it.   Of the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member, when the upstream side passage and any of the plurality of inflow passages are in communication with each other, of the passage forming member moved by the moving device The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising position detecting means for detecting a position.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a payout operation unit that operates a payout device that pays out a credited medal, and the moving device is operated when the payout operation unit is operated.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moving device is activated when a start operation of the game is performed.   5. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a counter for counting the number of credited medals is provided, and the moving device is activated when a value of the counter reaches a predetermined number.   The medal insertion means is provided with a medal detection means for detecting the inserted medal, and the moving device operates when no detection signal is output from the medal detection means. 5. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation timing of the moving device is irregularly performed. When the passage forming member moved by the position detecting means is not detected, the moving device is positioned immediately before the moved passage forming member is moved among the upstream side passage forming member or the downstream side passage forming member. The game machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, after returning to a position, the moved passage forming member is moved again to a position where it is intended to be moved.

Images