JP2008119365A - Token sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a fraudulent action such as hanging a token with thread, using a fraudulent tool, and rapidly pushing-in a token, and to prevent an erroneous operation such as erroneous returning and erroneous taking-in. <P>SOLUTION: The token sorting device 10 includes: a token inlet 20; a token storage part 40 for storing the token passing the token inlet 20; a rotary disk 50 for transferring the tokens in the token storage part 40; a motor 60 for rotating the rotary disk 50; a token discharge part 80 for discharging the tokens transferred to the rotary disk 50; a first guide passage 85 for guiding the tokens discharged from the token discharge part 80; a token sorting mechanism 90 for sorting the tokens guided to the first guide passage 85; a second guide passage 120 for guiding the tokens sorted by the token sorting mechanism 90; and a passage detecting sensor 130 for detecting the tokens on the second guide passage 120. A partitioning part 53 between adjacent token containing parts 52 in the rotary disk 50 crosses over the route of the tokens from the token storage part 40 to the token discharge part 80 with the rotation of the rotary disk 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal sorting device used in a gaming machine using medals as a game medium, and in particular, prevents an illegal act against a passage detection sensor.

An example of a gaming machine that uses medals as a gaming medium is a slot machine. In addition, the medal selection device provided in the slot machine is selected by a medal selection mechanism for selecting whether the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is a proper medal or a small diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the appropriate medal, and a medal selection mechanism. And a passage detection sensor for detecting the appropriate medal. When a medal is detected by the passage detection sensor, this medal is counted as an effective medal that can be used in the game.
The passage detection sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit sandwich a medal path. When the medal passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is blocked. When the light emitted from the light emitting unit stops reaching the light receiving unit, it is determined that the medal has passed.

  Here, in the slot machine, a credit function is provided in order to release the player from the burden of inserting medals. The credit function is as follows. Prior to the start of the game, if a certain number of medals are previously inserted into the medal slot, these medals are detected by the passage detection sensor, and the credit medal count is based on the medal detection signal output at this time. Means performs a counting operation. That is, medals are credited. The count value of the credit medal counting means is displayed on a 7-segment LED provided on the front surface of the slot machine. If the bet switch provided on the front of the slot machine is operated while the medal is credited, the credited medal is inserted and the credit is inserted instead of the medal insertion from the medal insertion slot. The count value of the credit medal counting means is subtracted by the amount of inserted medal. In addition, the 7-segment LED displays the count value after subtraction. When a credited medal is inserted, a game can be performed in the same manner as when a medal is inserted from the medal slot. Further, when it is desired to finish the game before the count value of the credit medal counting means becomes 0, the settlement switch provided on the front surface of the slot machine is operated. Then, the credited medal is paid out, and the count value of the credit medal counting means becomes zero.

Here, in the conventional slot machine, the passage detection sensor includes two photosensors provided in parallel along the direction of the medal path. The first photosensor is provided on the upstream side of the medal passage, and the second photosensor is provided on the downstream side. If the optical path of the first photosensor is interrupted first, and then the optical path of the second photosensor is interrupted immediately thereafter, the advancing direction of the medal is normal, but the optical path of the second photosensor is interrupted first and immediately thereafter If the optical path of the first photosensor is interrupted, the direction of movement of the medal is abnormal.
In this way, in the conventional slot machine, the passage detection sensor is configured by two photo sensors, so that not only the passage of medals but also the traveling direction of the medals can be detected. Then, a medal with a thread tied is inserted from the medal insertion slot, and the medal moves back and forth between the passage detection sensors by manipulating the thread, so that the count value of the credit medal counting means is added illegally. This is intended to prevent fraudulent acts such as “stringing” (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-108081

However, in recent years, a credit medal has been used by using a fraudulent instrument called a “cleman”, in which a plurality of LEDs emitting light of the same quality as the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the photosensor are arranged near the tip of an elongated plate-like member. An act of illegally adding the count value of the counting means was discovered.
Specifically, each photosensor has a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. It is misunderstood as emitted light and causes each photosensor to malfunction. The method of using this illegal instrument is as follows. First, in the state where each LED is made to emit light, the vicinity of the tip of the plate-like member is inserted into the medal passage from the medal insertion slot, and is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of each photosensor. At this time, each LED is directed toward the light receiving portion of each photosensor so that the light emitted from each LED reaches the light receiving portion of each photosensor. Then, although a foreign object that blocks light is inserted between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of each photosensor, each photosensor misidentifies that there is no light blocking between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. . In this state, the LEDs are temporarily turned off in order from the upstream one. Then, first, neither the light emitted from the light emitting unit nor the light emitted from the LED reaches the light receiving unit of the first photosensor, and immediately after that, the light emitted from the light emitting unit also enters the light receiving unit of the second photosensor. The light emitted from the LED will not reach. Then, the light emitted from the LED reaches both the light receiving part of the first photosensor and the light receiving part of the second photosensor by causing the LEDs to emit light again in order from the upstream side. As a result, a state is created as if a medal has passed from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and the count value of the credit medal counting means is added illegally.

  In addition, there is a limit to the sorting ability of the conventional medal sorting mechanism.For example, when an illegal act called “hajiki” is performed, in which a small-diameter medal is vigorously inserted from the medal slot, the small-diameter to be returned The medal may be taken in without being returned, and when a large number of medals are continuously inserted into the medal slot, the 50th medal that must be taken in at the moment when the credit becomes 50 A malfunction called so-called “spilling out” may occur, and the 51st medal that must be returned immediately after the credit has reached 50 is taken in without returning it. In some cases, a so-called “swallowing” malfunction occurs.

(Claim 1)
Therefore, the invention described in claim 1 prevents illegal acts such as “thread hanging”, “cleman”, and “repelling” as described above, and prevents malfunctions such as “spilling out” and “swallowing”. An object of the present invention is to provide a medal sorting device.
(Claims 2 to 4)
In addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, the invention described in claims 2 to 4 provides a medal sorting device that can more reliably prevent fraudulent acts such as "thread hanging" and "cleman". For the purpose.

(Claim 1)
The invention according to claim 1 relates to the medal sorting device 10 and has a length so that appropriate medals that are medals conforming to a predetermined standard can be passed one by one in a certain direction. For storing the medal slot 20 that is slightly longer than the diameter of the appropriate medal and whose width is slightly wider than the thickness of the appropriate medal, and the medal that has passed through the medal slot 20. A medal storage unit 40 that is configured to store a plurality of medals and a medal stored in the medal storage unit 40, and is provided at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40. The rotating disk 50 is configured to transfer medals by the rotation of the cage, the motor 60 for rotating the rotating disk 50, and the medals transferred by the rotation of the rotating disk 50. The medal discharging unit 80 for discharging to the outside of the unit 40, the first guiding passage 85 for guiding the medals discharged from the medal discharging unit 80 in a certain direction, and the medals guided by the first guiding passage 85 A medal selection mechanism 90 for selecting whether the medal is a proper medal or a small diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the appropriate medal, and a second guide for guiding the appropriate medal selected by the medal selection mechanism 90 in a certain direction. The passage 120 and a passage detection sensor 130 for detecting the passage of an appropriate medal guided by the second guide passage 120 are provided, and the rotating disk 50 can store a plurality of medals stored in the medal storage unit 40. The medal storage section 52 is formed so that the medals stored in the medal storage section 52 are transferred by rotation thereof. The medal stored in the medal reservoir 40 is stored in the inside from the upper surface side of the rotating disk 50, and the medal stored in the inside is discharged from the lower surface side of the rotating disk 50. When the partition 53 is formed between the adjacent medal storage portions 52 in the rotary disk 50, each partition 53 is connected to the medal along with the rotation of the rotary disk 50. The medal path from the storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80 is formed so as to cross the medal path.

Here, the “medal insertion slot 20” is a place where medals are inserted so that appropriate medals that conform to a predetermined standard can be passed one by one in a certain direction. It is formed in a slit shape whose length is slightly longer than the diameter of the appropriate medal and whose width is slightly wider than the thickness of the appropriate medal. For this reason, in addition to the appropriate medal, a small-diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the appropriate medal can be inserted into the medal insertion slot 20.
The “appropriate medal” means a medal that conforms to a predetermined standard. Specifically, for example, a medal that conforms to a standard such as a diameter of 25 mm or a diameter of 30 mm is referred to as a proper medal.
Further, the “small diameter medal” refers to a medal whose diameter is smaller than the appropriate medal. Specifically, for example, if the standard of a proper medal is 25 mm in diameter, a medal with a diameter of 23 mm is a small-diameter medal. Further, for example, if the standard of a proper medal is 30 mm, a medal with a diameter of 25 mm or a medal with a diameter of 28 mm is a small-diameter medal.

The “medal storage unit 40” is for storing medals that have passed through the medal slot 20, and is configured to be able to store a plurality of medals. As described above, a small-diameter medal can be inserted into the medal slot 20 in addition to the appropriate medal. For this reason, in the medal storage unit 40, small medals can be stored in addition to the appropriate medals. Therefore, the “medals” stored by the medal storage unit 40 include small medals in addition to the appropriate medals.
The “rotating disk 50” is for transferring medals stored in the medal storage unit 40, and is provided at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40 so as to transfer medals by rotation thereof. It is what. The “medals” transferred by the rotating disk 50 include small medals in addition to the appropriate medals.

The “motor 60” is for rotating the rotary disk 50.
The “medal discharge unit 80” is for discharging the medals transferred by the rotation of the rotary disk 50 to the outside of the medal storage unit 40.
The “first guide passage 85” is for guiding the medals discharged from the medal discharge unit 80 in a certain direction. Further, the “medal” guided by the first guide passage 85 includes a small-diameter medal in addition to the appropriate medal.
The “medal selection mechanism 90” is for selecting whether the medal guided by the first guide passage 85 is a proper medal or a small-diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the proper medal.

The “second guide passage 120” is for guiding the appropriate medal selected by the medal sorting mechanism 90 in a certain direction.
The “passage detection sensor 130” is for detecting the passage of an appropriate medal guided by the second guide passage 120.
Further, the “rotating disk 50” has a plurality of medal storage units 52 that can store medals stored in the medal storage unit 40. The rotating disk 50 is formed so as to transfer the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 by the rotation thereof. That is, when the rotating disk 50 rotates, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 are transferred in a circle in accordance with the rotation.

  In addition, a plurality of “medal storage units 52” are provided on the rotating disk 50. Further, these medal storage portions 52 are provided at predetermined intervals at positions equidistant from the center of the rotating disk 50. Further, each medal storage portion 52 penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the rotating disk 50. Each medal storage unit 52 stores the medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 from the upper surface side of the rotating disk 50 into the inside thereof, and stores the medals stored therein inside the lower surface of the rotating disk 50. It is formed so as to be discharged from the side to the medal discharge portion 80. That is, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 are stored in the medal storage unit 52 from the upper surface side of the rotating disk 50. Further, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 are discharged from the lower surface side of the rotating disk 50 to the medal discharge unit 80.

  Further, the “partition section 53” refers to a space between adjacent medal storage sections 52 in the rotary disk 50. Specifically, for example, in the case where the first to third medal storage units 52 are provided on the rotary disk 50, the first medal storage unit 52 and the second medal storage unit 52 The space between the second medal storage portion 52 and the third medal storage portion 52 becomes the partition portion 53, and the space between the third medal storage portion 52 and the first medal storage portion 52 It becomes the partition part 53. Each partition 53 is formed so as to cross the medal path from the medal reservoir 40 to the medal discharger 80 as the rotary disk 50 rotates. The medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 are once stored in the medal storage unit 52 of the rotating disk 50, and are transferred along with the rotation of the rotating disk 50 while being stored in the medal storage unit 52. To the medal discharge section 80. That is, it passes through the medal storage part 52 of the rotating disk 50 and reaches the medal discharge part 80. Therefore, the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80 extends from the medal storage unit 40 through the medal storage unit 52 of the rotary disk 50 to the medal discharge unit 80. Since each partition 53 is located between adjacent medal storage units 52 in the rotating disk 50, as the rotating disk 50 rotates, such a medal path is traversed.

  According to the present invention, medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 20 are once stored in the medal storage unit 40 and then sequentially transferred one by one by the rotating disk 50 to the medal sorting mechanism 90. Therefore, medals including proper medals and small-diameter medals arrive at the medal sorting mechanism 90 at a constant interval and at a constant speed. That is, the medal sorting mechanism 90 does not have a large number of medals lined up without gaps. And, malfunctions such as “missing” and “swallowing” can occur when many medals reach the medal sorting mechanism 90 without gaps. According to the present invention, many medals Since there is no gap between the medal sorting mechanism 90, malfunctions such as “missing” and “swallowing” are extremely unlikely to occur. Even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 20 vigorously, the medal is temporarily stored in the medal storage unit 40 and then transferred by the rotating disk 50 to the medal selection mechanism 90. When reaching the mechanism 90, the speed is constant. An illegal act called “hajiki” can occur when the medal reaches the medal sorting mechanism 90 at a speed exceeding the speed assumed in the design. According to the present invention, the medal insertion slot 20 Even if medals are thrown in vigorously, when the medal reaches the medal sorting mechanism 90, the speed is constant, so that an illegal act called “repelling” can be surely prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, each partition 53 crosses the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80 as the rotary disk 50 rotates. That is, each partition unit 53 periodically and mechanically blocks the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. Then, an illegal act called “thread hanging” is performed by inserting a medal with a thread into the medal insertion slot 20 and moving it to the position of the passage detection sensor 130. In this case, according to the present invention, each partition unit 53 periodically and mechanically routes the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. Therefore, the yarn cannot be manipulated well, and eventually the yarn is entangled with the rotating disk 50 or cut off in the middle. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent an illegal act called “thread hanging”.

  In addition, fraudulent acts using a fraudulent instrument called “Kleman” are provided by arranging a plurality of LEDs that emit light of the same quality as the photosensor near the tip of an elongated plate-like member, and the vicinity of the tip of this plate-like member is placed at the medal slot. It is inserted from 20 and advanced to the position of the passage detection sensor 130, and these LEDs blink in a predetermined pattern, creating a state as if a medal passed from the upstream side to the downstream side, passing According to the present invention, each partition unit 53 periodically and mechanically blocks the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. An elongated plate-like member is broken along the way. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent fraud using a fraudulent instrument called “cleman”.

In addition, according to the present invention, as described above, since an illegal act called “thread hanging” can be reliably prevented, the passage detection sensor 130 is not composed of two photosensors but only one photosensor. Can be configured.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, as described above, the medal sorting mechanism 90 includes medals including appropriate medals and small-diameter medals at regular intervals and at a constant speed. Therefore, the medal sorting mechanism 90 can be designed and manufactured relatively easily.
(Claim 2)
The invention according to claim 2 limits the invention according to claim 1, and the medal sorting device 10 drives the motor 60 regardless of whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. Motor drive control means, a rotary encoder 70 for detecting whether or not the rotating disk 50 is rotating, and a predetermined error output when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating. And an error output means for performing the operation.

Here, the “motor drive control means” is for driving the motor 60 regardless of whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. That is, the motor drive control means drives the motor 60 even when medals are not stored in the medal storage unit 40. Specifically, for example, when the power of the gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used is turned on, the motor drive control means does not depend on whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. The motor 60 can always be driven.
The “rotary encoder 70” is used to detect whether or not the rotary disk 50 is rotating.

  The “error output means” is for outputting a predetermined error when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating. Specifically, for example, when the power of the gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used is turned on, the motor drive control means does not matter whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. In the case where the motor 60 is always driven, the error output means outputs a predetermined error when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating. Can be formed. In addition, for example, when the motor drive control means is not configured to drive the motor 60 at all times, a motor drive determination means for determining whether or not the motor drive control means is driving the motor 60 is provided. When the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating even though it is determined by the motor drive determining means that the motor drive control means is driving the motor 60, An error output means may be formed so as to perform a predetermined error output.

According to the present invention, when the rotary encoder 70 detects the rotation stop of the rotary disk 50, the error output means outputs a predetermined error. Here, if an illegal act such as “thread hanging” or “Kleman” is performed, there is a high possibility that these become obstacles and the rotation of the rotating disk 50 stops. In other words, if the rotation of the rotating disk 50 stops, there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as “thread hanging” or “Kleman” is being performed. When the rotation stop of the rotating disk 50 is detected, a predetermined error output is performed by the error output means, so that illegal acts such as “thread hanging” and “Kleman” can be prevented more reliably.
(Claim 3)
The invention according to claim 3 limits the invention according to claim 2, and the motor drive control means is configured to drive the motor 60 at least when the passage detection sensor 130 can detect the passage of a medal. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when electric power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and passage of a medal can be detected, the motor drive control means drives the motor 60, so that the rotary disk 50 rotates. Further, if the rotating disk 50 is rotating, as described above, it is possible to prevent an illegal act on the passage detection sensor 130 due to “thread hanging” or “Kleman”. Then, when power is not supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and it is impossible to detect the passage of the medal, fraudulent acts such as “string hanging” or “Kleman” are not performed. When at least the power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the motor 60 is driven by the motor drive control means and the rotating disk 50 is rotated, so that “thread suspension” and “cleman” "Can be prevented more reliably.

(Claim 4)
The invention according to claim 4 limits the invention according to claim 3, and the error output means is configured to rotate the rotary disk 50 by the rotary encoder 70 when the passage detection sensor 130 can detect the passage of the medal. It is configured to output a predetermined error when it is detected that the error has not occurred.
According to the present invention, when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating when power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the error output means A predetermined error output is performed. As described above, when electric power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the motor drive control means simply drives the motor 60 and rotates the rotating disk 50, so ”Or“ Kleman ”can prevent illegal acts on the passage detection sensor 130. Further, when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating, a predetermined error output is performed. If an error output means is formed, fraudulent acts such as “thread hanging” and “cleman” can be prevented more reliably.

(Claim 1)
According to the invention described in claim 1, a medal sorting device that can prevent illegal actions such as “thread hanging”, “cleman”, and “hajiki”, and can prevent malfunctions such as “spilling out” and “swallowing” is provided. it can.
(Claims 2 to 4)
According to the invention described in claims 2 to 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to provide a medal sorting device that can more surely prevent fraudulent acts such as "thread hanging" and "cleman".

(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a perspective view of the medal sorting device 10, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the medal sorting device 10 when viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the medal sorting device 10 when viewed from the back side. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the medal sorting mechanism 90 showing a state when a proper medal is taken in, and FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the medal sorting mechanism 90 showing a state when the proper medal is returned.
(Medal sorting device 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the medal sorting device 10 includes a medal insertion slot 20, a base 30 disposed so as to be positioned below the medal insertion slot 20, and a bucket 41 attached to the upper surface of the base 30. ing. A medal storage section 40 for storing medals that have passed through the medal slot 20 is formed from the base 30 and the bucket 41. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the medal sorting device 10 is for transferring medals stored in the medal storage unit 40, and the base 30 is positioned at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40. A rotating disk 50 arranged on the upper surface of the motor, a motor 60 for rotating the rotating disk 50 and fixed to the lower surface of the base 30, and a medal transferred by the rotation of the rotating disk 50. The medal discharging unit 80 formed on the base 30 so as to be positioned at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40 and the medals discharged from the medal discharging unit 80 are guided in a certain direction. And a first guide passage 85 formed on the base 30 and whether the medal guided by the first guide passage 85 is a proper medal or a small-diameter medal whose diameter is smaller than the proper medal. The medal sorting mechanism 90 formed on the base 30 and the appropriate medal sorted by the medal sorting mechanism 90 are guided in a certain direction and formed on the base 30. The second guide passage 120, the passage detection sensor 130 fixed to the base 30 for detecting the passage of the appropriate medal guided by the second guide passage 120, the motor 60 and the rotary disk 50 rotate. A rotary encoder 70 provided between the base 30 and the motor 60, motor drive control means for driving the motor 60, and the rotary disk 50 by the rotary encoder 70. And an error output means for outputting a predetermined error when it is detected that is not rotating.

(Medal slot 20)
The medal slot 20 is where a medal is inserted, and is attached to a front door of a gaming machine such as a slot machine, for example.
The medal slot 20 has a length slightly smaller than the diameter of the proper medal so that appropriate medals that conform to a predetermined standard can be passed one by one in a certain direction. The slit is long and the width is slightly wider than the thickness of the appropriate medal. For this reason, in addition to the appropriate medal, a small diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the appropriate medal can be inserted into the medal insertion slot 20, but a large diameter medal having a diameter larger than the appropriate medal, Thick medals that are thicker than appropriate medals cannot be inserted.

The “appropriate medal” means a medal that conforms to a predetermined standard. Specifically, for example, a medal that conforms to a standard such as a diameter of 25 mm or a diameter of 30 mm is referred to as a proper medal.
Further, the “small diameter medal” refers to a medal whose diameter is smaller than the appropriate medal. Specifically, for example, if the standard of a proper medal is 25 mm in diameter, a medal with a diameter of 23 mm is a small-diameter medal. For example, if the standard of a proper medal is 30 mm in diameter, a medal with a diameter of 25 mm or a medal with a diameter of 28 mm is a small-diameter medal.
The “large diameter medal” is a medal having a diameter larger than that of the appropriate medal. Specifically, for example, if the standard for a proper medal is 30 mm in diameter, a medal with a diameter of 32 mm is a large-diameter medal. For example, if the standard of a proper medal is 25 mm in diameter, a medal with a diameter of 28 mm or a medal with a diameter of 30 mm is a large-diameter medal.

In addition, the “thick medal” is a medal that is thicker than the appropriate medal. Specifically, for example, if the standard of a proper medal is 1.6 mm, a medal with a thickness of 2.0 mm is a thick medal.
(Base 30)
The base 30 is a member that is a main body of the medal sorting device 10, and is a member to which each member constituting the medal sorting device 10 is attached, and is arranged to be positioned below the medal insertion slot 20. .
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a substantially rectangular plate-like base portion 31 and plate-like flange portions 32 respectively connected to the left and right ends of the base portion 31 so as to be orthogonal to the base portion 31. Have. Furthermore, each of the left and right flange portions 32 is provided with two fixing protrusions 33, and the medal sorting device 10 can be attached to a predetermined position of the gaming machine using these fixing protrusions 33. It has become.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the base 31 is inclined so that the upper part is located behind the lower part. That is, the base 31 is inclined so that the height gradually increases toward the rear.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, on the base 31 of the base 30, a circular recess 34 of a size that allows the rotary disk 50 to fit completely, a medal discharge unit 80 formed on the bottom surface of the circular recess 34, The first guide passage 85, the second guide passage 120, etc. are formed, and the bucket 41, the rotating disk 50, the motor 60, the medal sorting mechanism 90, the passage detection sensor 130, the rotary encoder 70, etc. It is attached.

(Bucket 41 / medal storage 40)
The medal storage unit 40 is for storing medals that have passed through the medal slot 20, and is configured to be able to store a plurality of medals. The medal storage unit 40 is positioned below the medal insertion slot 20 and is configured to receive and store medals that have passed through the medal insertion slot 20. As described above, a small-diameter medal can be inserted into the medal slot 20 in addition to the appropriate medal. For this reason, in the medal storage unit 40, small medals can be stored in addition to the appropriate medals. Therefore, the “medals” stored by the medal storage unit 40 include small medals in addition to the appropriate medals.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, a bucket 41 is attached so as to surround a circular recess 34 provided on the base 31 of the base 30. Further, the bucket 41 is open on both the upper side and the circular recess 34 side, and further has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to send a medal received from the upper opening toward the opening on the circular recess 34 side. Yes. Thereby, the bucket 41 can receive the medal inserted and dropped from the medal slot 20 from the upper opening, and can send the medal received from the upper opening to the opening on the circular recess 34 side. It has become.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, a medal storage section 40 is formed from a base 30 and a bucket 41 attached to the base 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the bottom of the medal storage unit 40 is configured by the circular recess 34 provided in the base 31 of the base 30.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, a storage detection sensor 42 is provided for detecting whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40.
Further, the storage detection sensor 42 is configured using a proximity sensor, and is fixed at a position corresponding to the back side of the medal storage unit 40 in the base 30.
(Rotating disk 50)
The rotating disk 50 is for transferring medals stored in the medal storage unit 40, and is disposed on the upper surface of the base 30 so as to be positioned at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the rotating disk 50 is formed in a disc shape. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the rotating disk 50 is disposed so as to be fitted into a circular recess 34 provided on the base 31 of the base 30. As described above, in the present embodiment, the bottom of the medal reservoir 40 is configured by the circular recess 34 provided in the base 31 of the base 30, and the rotary disk 50 is fitted into the circular recess 34. Therefore, the medal storage unit 40 is positioned at the bottom. In the present embodiment, the lower surface of the rotating disk 50 is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the circular recess 34.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the rotating disk 50 is inclined so that the upper part is located behind the lower part, like the base part 31 of the base 30.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a bearing portion 51 is provided at the center of the rotating disk 50. The shaft 51 of the second gear 73 that is rotated by driving the motor 60 is fixed to the bearing portion 51. In this embodiment, when the motor 60 is driven, the rotating disk 50 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise).
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rotary disk 50 has a plurality of medal storage units 52 that can store medals stored in the medal storage unit 40. The rotating disk 50 is formed so as to transfer the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 by the rotation thereof. That is, when the rotating disk 50 rotates, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 are transferred in a circle in accordance with the rotation. Further, the rotary disk 50 has a partition 53 between adjacent medal storage units 52.

  In addition, a plurality of medal storage units 52 are provided on the rotating disk 50. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the three medal storage units from the first to the third are sequentially arranged in the clockwise direction when the rotary disk 50 is viewed from above. 52 is provided. Further, these medal storage portions 52 are provided at predetermined intervals at positions equidistant from the center of the rotating disk 50. Further, each medal storage portion 52 penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the rotating disk 50. Further, each medal storage section 52 has an inner diameter and a height (depth) so that only one appropriate medal can be stored. Specifically, the inner diameter of each medal storage part 52 is formed larger than the diameter of the appropriate medal so that the appropriate medal can be stored. Note that medals used in a slot machine as a gaming machine generally include a standard having a diameter of 25 mm and a standard having a diameter of 30 mm. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of each medal storage portion 52 is formed to be slightly larger than 30 mm, and both the standard medal with a diameter of 25 mm and the standard medal with a diameter of 30 mm are used. It can be stored. Thus, even when a standard medal with a diameter of 25 mm is used as a proper medal and when a standard medal with a diameter of 30 mm is used as a proper medal, the same rotating disk 50 can be used in any case. I am doing so. Further, the height (depth) of each medal storage portion 52 is formed slightly smaller than the thickness of the appropriate medal so that only one appropriate medal can be stored. For this reason, the medal storage unit 52 can store small diameter medals in addition to appropriate medals. Therefore, the “medals” stored and transferred by the medal storage unit 52 include small diameter medals in addition to appropriate medals. Each medal storage unit 52 stores the medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 from the upper surface side of the rotating disk 50 into the inside thereof, and stores the medals stored therein inside the lower surface of the rotating disk 50. It is formed so as to be discharged from the side to the medal discharge portion 80. That is, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 are stored in the medal storage unit 52 from the upper surface side of the rotating disk 50. Further, the medals stored in the medal storage unit 52 are discharged from the lower surface side of the rotating disk 50 to the medal discharge unit 80.

Further, the partition portion 53 refers to a space between adjacent medal storage portions 52 in the rotary disk 50. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first to third medal storage portions 52 are provided on the rotating disk 50. Then, between the first medal storage unit 52 and the second medal storage unit 52, between the second medal storage unit 52 and the third medal storage unit 52, and between the third medal storage unit 52 and the first medal storage unit 52. A partition 53 is provided between each of the two.
Each partition 53 is formed so as to cross the medal path from the medal reservoir 40 to the medal discharger 80 as the rotary disk 50 rotates. The medals stored in the medal storage unit 40 are once stored in the medal storage unit 52 of the rotating disk 50, and are transferred along with the rotation of the rotating disk 50 while being stored in the medal storage unit 52. To the medal discharge section 80. That is, it passes through the medal storage part 52 of the rotating disk 50 and reaches the medal discharge part 80. Therefore, the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80 extends from the medal storage unit 40 through the medal storage unit 52 of the rotary disk 50 to the medal discharge unit 80. Since each partition 53 is located between adjacent medal storage units 52 in the rotating disk 50, as the rotating disk 50 rotates, such a medal path is traversed.

  Further, on the lower surface of the rotating disk 50, there is provided an extruding pin 54 for moving the medal discharged to the medal discharging section 80 from the rear along with the rotation of the rotating disk 50 and moving it along the first guide path 85. It has been. Further, an arc-shaped pin passage groove 35 corresponding to the locus of the push pin 54 is formed on the bottom surface of the circular recess 34. The push pin 54 passes through the pin through groove 35. Further, the same number of push pins 54 as the medal storage portions 52, that is, three, are provided. Further, each push pin 54 is provided at the rear in the rotation direction of the rotary disk 50 when viewed from each corresponding medal storage section 52. That is, the medal storage part 52 and the push pin 54 are in a one-to-one correspondence. A first push-out pin 54 is provided corresponding to the first medal storage portion 52, a second push-out pin 54 is provided corresponding to the second medal storage portion 52, and also corresponds to the third medal storage portion 52. A third push pin 54 is provided. The first push-out pin 54 is provided at the rear in the rotational direction of the rotary disk 50 when viewed from the first medal storage section 52, and the second push-out pin 54 is viewed from the second medal storage section 52. The third push pin 54 is provided at the rear in the rotational direction of the rotary disk 50 when viewed from the third medal storage section 52. For the medals discharged from the first medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, the first push pin 54 is pushed from the rear along with the rotation of the rotary disk 50 and moved along the first guide path 85. Further, for the medals discharged from the second medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, the second push pin 54 is pushed from the rear along with the rotation of the rotary disk 50 and moves along the first guide path 85. For the medals discharged from the third medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, the third push pin 54 is pushed from the rear along with the rotation of the rotary disk 50, and along the first guide passage 85. It is designed to move. At this time, for the medals discharged from the first medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, there is a third push pin 54 in the forward direction of travel, and the third push pin 54 is prevented from flowing down by its own weight. ing. When the third push pin 54 is retracted from the medal discharge portion 80 into the pin passage groove 35 with the rotation of the rotary disk 50, the medals discharged from the first medal storage portion 52 to the medal discharge portion 80 are moved forward. After that, the first guide passage 85 flows down by its own weight. Similarly, for the medals discharged from the second medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, there is a first push pin 54 in the forward direction of the movement, and the first push pin 54 is prevented from flowing down by its own weight. ing. When the first push pin 54 is retracted from the medal discharge portion 80 into the pin passage groove 35 with the rotation of the rotary disk 50, the medals discharged from the second medal storage portion 52 to the medal discharge portion 80 are moved forward. After that, the first guide passage 85 flows down by its own weight. Similarly, for the medals discharged from the third medal storage unit 52 to the medal discharge unit 80, there is a second push pin 54 in the forward direction of the movement, and the second push pin 54 is prevented from flowing down by its own weight. ing. As a result, the medals discharged to the medal discharge unit 80 are kept at a constant interval. When the second push pin 54 is retracted from the medal discharge portion 80 into the pin passage groove 35 with the rotation of the rotary disk 50, the medal discharged from the third medal storage portion 52 to the medal discharge portion 80 is moved forward. After that, the first guide passage 85 flows down by its own weight.

(Motor 60 / Rotary encoder 70)
The motor 60 is for rotating the rotary disk 50.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the motor 60 is fixed at a position corresponding to the back side of the medal storage section 40 on the lower surface of the base 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first gear 71 is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 60, and a second gear 73 is provided adjacent to the first gear 71. The rotation of the first gear 71 is transmitted to the second gear 73. The rotating shaft 74 of the second gear 73 is fixed to the bearing portion 51 of the rotating disk 50. As a result, when the motor 60 is driven and the drive shaft rotates clockwise (clockwise), the rotating disk 50 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first gear 71 has a large number of through holes 72 that penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first gear 71 at positions equidistant from the center of the first gear 71. They are provided at predetermined intervals. That is, a large number of through holes 72 are provided so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the first gear 71. Further, a rotation detection sensor 75 for detecting the rotation of the first gear 71 is provided. In the present embodiment, rotation detection sensor 75 is configured using a photosensor. The photosensor also includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the first gear 71 is sandwiched between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Further, when the first gear 71 rotates as the motor 60 is driven, a plurality of through holes 72 provided in the first gear 71 sequentially pass between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. In addition, light emitted from the light emitting part reaches the light receiving part at the position where the through hole 72 is provided, and light emitted from the light emitting part does not reach the light receiving part at other positions. If the state where the light receiving unit receives or does not receive light is continuously detected, it means that the first gear 71 is rotating. Further, if the light receiving unit continuously detects a state where light is received or if the light receiving unit does not receive light continuously, the first gear 71 is not rotating. In the present embodiment, the motor 60 and the rotating disk 50 rotate from the through hole 72 provided in the first gear 71 and the photo sensor as the rotation detection sensor 75 for detecting the rotation of the first gear 71. The rotary encoder 70 is configured to detect whether or not the operation is being performed. In the present embodiment, when the motor 60 is driven, the first gear 71 rotates, the second gear 73 also rotates, and the rotating disk 50 also rotates. Conversely, when the rotary disk 50 rotates, the second gear 73 also rotates, the first gear 71 also rotates, and the drive shaft of the motor 60 also rotates. If the driving of the motor 60 is stopped, the rotation of the first gear 71 is stopped, the rotation of the second gear 73 is stopped, and the rotation of the rotary disk 50 is also stopped. On the contrary, if the rotation of the rotating disk 50 stops due to fraud or failure, the rotation of the second gear 73 stops, the rotation of the first gear 71 also stops, and the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 60 also stops. To do. For this reason, the motor 60 and the rotary disk 50 are constituted by a rotary encoder 70 comprising a through hole 72 provided in the first gear 71 and a photo sensor as a rotation detection sensor 75 for detecting the rotation of the first gear 71. It is possible to detect whether or not is rotating.

(Medal discharge unit 80)
The medal discharge unit 80 is for discharging the medals transferred by the rotation of the rotary disk 50 to the outside of the medal storage unit 40, and is formed on the base 30 so as to be positioned at the bottom of the medal storage unit 40. ing.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the circular concave portion 34 provided in the base 31 of the base 30 constitutes the bottom of the medal storage unit 40, and as shown in FIGS. The medal discharge unit 80 is configured by a recess provided at a position corresponding to the upper part of the bottom surface of the circular recess 34. Further, the width of the medal discharge unit 80 is slightly larger than the diameter of the proper medal, and the depth of the medal discharge unit 80 is slightly deeper than the thickness of the proper medal. Since the base 30 and the rotating disk 50 are arranged so that the upper part thereof is inclined rearward, the medals stored in the medal storage part 52 of the rotating disk 50 and transferred as the rotating disk 50 rotates. When the token moves to the position of the medal discharge unit 80, the medal discharge unit 80 falls.

(First guide passage 85)
The first guide passage 85 is for guiding the medals discharged from the medal discharge unit 80 in a certain direction, and is formed on the base 30.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first guide passage 85 is provided on the bottom surface of the circular recess 34, and is inclined downward in a straight line from the medal discharge portion 80 side toward the medal sorting mechanism 90 side. Is formed. The width of the first guide passage 85 is slightly larger than the diameter of the appropriate medal, and the depth of the first guide passage 85 is slightly deeper than the thickness of the proper medal. Thus, the first guide passage 85 guides the medals discharged from the medal discharge unit 80 toward the medal sorting mechanism 90. Further, a medal passage hole 86 that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the base 30 is provided at the lower end of the first guide passage 85, and medals flowing down the first guide passage 85 pass through the medal passage hole 86. Thus, it is guided to the back side of the base 30.

(Medal selection mechanism 90)
The medal sorting mechanism 90 is for selecting whether the medal guided by the first guide passage 85 is a proper medal or a small-diameter medal having a smaller diameter than the proper medal. Is formed.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the medal sorting mechanism 90 has a medal flow path 91 and a first rotating body 95 that is displaced by the operation of the return button, the electromagnet 100, and whether or not the electromagnet 100 is in an excited state. And a second rotating body 115 that is displaced according to the state of the displacement body 110.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the medal flow passage 91 is inclined downward smoothly so that the height gradually decreases from the first guide passage 85 side toward the second guide passage 120 side. Further, similarly to the base portion 31 of the base 30, the upper portion is inclined so as to be located behind the lower portion.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the medal downflow passage 91 has a passage bottom portion 92 that forms the bottom surface and a passage top portion 93 that forms the top surface.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first rotating body 95 has a first shaft support portion 96 at the upper end thereof, and a parallelogram shape having a larger opening than the appropriate medal at the approximate center thereof. And a lower side guide 98 for guiding the lower part of the medal flowing down the medal flow path 91 at the lower end thereof. Although not shown, the first rotating body 95 rotates about the first shaft support portion 96, and the lower end is moved forward by a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the first shaft support portion 96. It is energized.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the return button is not operated, the first rotating body 95 moves the lower end forward by the biasing force of the torsion spring. In this state, the lower guide 98 guides the lower part of the medal flowing down the medal flow path 91. On the other hand, although not shown, in a state where the return button is operated, the first rotating body 95 moves the lower end backward against the biasing force of the torsion spring. In this state, the lower guide 98 does not guide the lower part of the medal flowing down the medal flow path 91. In this state, all the medals flowing down the medal flow path 91 fall back to the second guide path 120 regardless of the state of the second rotating body 115 described later. There is no.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the electromagnet 100 is for displacing the displacement body 110 and is attached to the upper surface of the base 30.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the displacement body 110 is displaced depending on whether or not the electromagnet 100 is in an excited state. The displacement body 110 has a support portion 111 in the vicinity of the lower end thereof. On the lower side of the portion 111, there is a locking portion 112 for locking the coil spring. In the displacement body 110, the support portion 111 is rotatably supported with respect to the base 30, and the locking portion 112 is urged rearward by a coil spring. For this reason, the upper end of the displacement body 110 is biased forward, contrary to the lower end of the displacement body 110. As shown in FIG. 4, when the electromagnet 100 is in an excited state, the displacement body 110 is attracted against the bias of the coil spring and the upper end of the displacement body 110 moves rearward, but as shown in FIG. In addition, when the electromagnet 100 is not in an excited state, the lower end of the displacement body 110 moves rearward and the upper end of the displacement body 110 moves forward due to the bias of the coil spring.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second rotating body 115 has a second shaft support portion 116 at its substantially center, and the upper end of the second rotating body 115 is pushed by the upper end of the displacement body 110. A pressing portion 117 is provided, and an upper guide 118 for guiding an upper portion of the medal flowing down the medal flow passage 91 is provided at the lower end thereof. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second rotating body 115 rotates about the second shaft support portion 116, and a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the second shaft support portion 116. Therefore, the upper end is urged forward and the lower end is urged rearward.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the return button is not operated, the electromagnet 100 is in an excited state, and the upper end of the displacement body 110 is moved backward, the second rotation body 115 is displaced. The pressed portion 117 is pushed by the upper end of the body 110, and the upper end is moved backward and the lower end is moved forward against the biasing force of the torsion spring. In this state, the upper guide 118 guides the upper part of the appropriate medal flowing down the medal flow path 91. In this state, the proper medal passes through the medal flow path 91 and reaches the second guide path 120. Even in this state, the upper guide 118 does not guide the upper part of the small diameter medal. Therefore, even in this state, the small-diameter medal passes through the cancel port 97 and falls backward, and does not reach the second guide passage 120.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the electromagnet 100 is not in an excited state and the upper end of the displacement body 110 is moving forward, the second rotating body 115 is moved forward by the torsion spring and the lower end is moved downward. Move backwards. In this state, the upper guide 118 does not guide the upper part of the appropriate medal flowing down the medal flow path 91. Then, the appropriate medal passes through the cancellation port 97 and falls backward. In this state, the proper medal does not reach the second guide passage 120. Of course, even in this state, the upper guide 118 does not guide the upper part of the small-diameter medal. Therefore, even in this state, the small-diameter medal passes through the cancel port 97 and falls backward, and does not reach the second guide passage 120.

(Second guide passage 120)
The second guide passage 120 is for guiding the appropriate medal sorted by the medal sorting mechanism 90 in a certain direction, and is formed on the base 30.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second guide passage 120 is provided on the lower surface side of the base 30, and is inclined downward in a straight line from the medal sorting mechanism 90 side toward the flange portion 32 side. Is formed. The width of the second guide passage 120 is slightly larger than the diameter of the appropriate medal, and the depth of the second guide passage 120 is slightly deeper than the thickness of the proper medal. Thus, the second guide passage 120 guides the appropriate medal selected by the medal sorting mechanism 90 toward the flange portion 32 side. In addition, a medal discharge hole penetrating the flange portion 32 is provided at the lower end of the second guide passage 120, and the medal flowing down the second guide passage 120 passes through the medal discharge hole and passes through the medal selection mechanism. It is led to the outside of 90.

(Passage detection sensor 130)
The passage detection sensor 130 is for detecting the passage of a proper medal guided by the second guide passage 120 and is fixed to the base 30.
The passage detection sensor 130 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the second guide path 120 is sandwiched between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. When the medal passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is blocked. When the light emitted from the light emitting unit stops reaching the light receiving unit, it is determined that the medal has passed.

(Motor drive control means)
The motor drive control means is for driving the motor 60 regardless of whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. That is, the motor drive control means drives the motor 60 even when medals are not stored in the medal storage unit 40.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the motor drive control means determines whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40 when the power of the gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used is ON. Regardless, the motor 60 is always driven.
Further, the motor drive control means can be configured using, for example, a control device of a gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used, or configured using a control device dedicated to the medal sorting device 10. You can also The control device is composed of, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM, thereby serving as a motor drive control means. It functions.

(Error output means)
The error output means is for outputting a predetermined error when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating.
Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, when the power of the gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used is turned on, whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. Regardless, the motor drive control means is configured to always drive the motor 60. When the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating, the error output means outputs a predetermined error.

In addition, the error output means can be configured using a control device for a gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used, for example, as well as the motor drive control means. It can also be configured using a control device. Further, the control device is constituted by a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and I / O, and functions as an error output means when the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM. To do.
As described above, in the present embodiment, medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 20 are temporarily stored in the medal storage unit 40 and then sequentially transferred one by one by the rotating disk 50, so that the medal selection mechanism 90 Will lead to. Therefore, medals including proper medals and small-diameter medals arrive at the medal sorting mechanism 90 at a constant interval and at a constant speed. That is, the medal sorting mechanism 90 does not have a large number of medals lined up without gaps. Malfunctions such as “spilling out” and “swallowing” can occur when a large number of medals reach the medal sorting mechanism 90 without gaps. In this embodiment, a large number of medals Since there is no gap between the medal sorting mechanism 90, malfunctions such as “missing” and “swallowing” are extremely unlikely to occur.

  Even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 20 vigorously, the medal is temporarily stored in the medal storage unit 40 and then transferred by the rotating disk 50 to the medal selection mechanism 90. When reaching the mechanism 90, the speed is constant. An illegal act called “hajiki” can occur when the medal reaches the medal sorting mechanism 90 at a speed exceeding the speed assumed in the design. In this embodiment, the medal insertion slot 20 Even if medals are thrown in vigorously, the medals reach a constant speed when they reach the medal sorting mechanism 90, so that an illegal act called “repelling” can be reliably prevented.

  In the present embodiment, each partition 53 crosses the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80 as the rotary disk 50 rotates. That is, each partition unit 53 periodically and mechanically blocks the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. Then, an illegal act called “thread hanging” is performed by inserting a medal with a thread into the medal insertion slot 20 and moving it to the position of the passage detection sensor 130. In this embodiment, each partition unit 53 periodically and mechanically routes the medal path from the medal storage unit 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. Therefore, the yarn cannot be manipulated well, and eventually the yarn is entangled with the rotating disk 50 or cut off in the middle. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent an illegal act called “thread hanging”.

  In addition, fraudulent acts using a fraudulent instrument called “Kleman” are provided by arranging a plurality of LEDs that emit light of the same quality as the photosensor near the tip of an elongated plate-like member, and the vicinity of the tip of this plate-like member is placed at the medal slot. It is inserted from 20 and advanced to the position of the passage detection sensor 130, and these LEDs blink in a predetermined pattern, creating a state as if a medal passed from the upstream side to the downstream side, passing In this embodiment, each partition 53 periodically and mechanically cuts off the medal path from the medal storage 40 to the medal discharge unit 80. An elongated plate-like member is broken along the way. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent fraud using a fraudulent instrument called “cleman”.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act called “thread hanging”, the passage detection sensor 130 is not composed of two photosensors but only one photosensor. It is composed.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the medal sorting mechanism 90 includes medals including appropriate medals and small diameter medals at regular intervals and at a constant speed. Therefore, the medal sorting mechanism 90 is relatively easy to design and manufacture.
In the present embodiment, when the power of the gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used is turned on, the motor drive control means always operates regardless of whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit 40. The motor 60 is driven, so that the rotating disk 50 is always rotated. When the rotary encoder 70 detects the rotation stop of the rotary disk 50, a predetermined error output is performed by the error output means. Here, if an illegal act such as “thread hanging” or “Kleman” is performed, there is a high possibility that these become obstacles and the rotation of the rotating disk 50 stops. In other words, if the rotation of the rotating disk 50 stops, there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as “thread hanging” or “Kleman” is being performed. When the rotation stop of the rotating disk 50 is detected, a predetermined error output is performed by the error output means, so that illegal acts such as “thread hanging” and “Kleman” can be prevented more reliably.

(Modification 1)
For example, when the storage detection sensor 42 detects that a medal is stored in the medal storage unit 40, the motor drive control unit can be configured to drive the motor 60.
In this case, the motor drive control means includes a motor drive determination means for determining whether or not the motor 60 is being driven. The motor drive determination means determines that the motor drive control means is driving the motor 60. However, if the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating, an error output means may be formed so as to output a predetermined error.

Further, as described above, the motor drive control means, the motor drive determination means, and the error output means can be configured using, for example, a control device for a gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used. In addition, it is possible to configure using a control device dedicated to the medal sorting device 10. Further, the control device is composed of, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and when the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM, the motor drive control means, It functions as motor drive determination means, error output means, and the like.
Even if formed in this way, when the rotation stop of the rotating disk 50 is detected, a predetermined error output is performed by the error output means, so that illegal acts such as “thread hanging” and “Kleman” are more reliably performed. It can be prevented.

(Modification 2)
Further, for example, the motor drive control means can be configured to drive the motor 60 at least when the passage detection sensor 130 can detect the passage of medals.
In this case, the passage detection sensor 130 includes passage detection possibility determination means for determining whether or not the passage of medals can be detected, and the passage detection sensor 130 can detect passage of the medals by the passage detection possibility determination means. If it is determined that there is, the motor drive control means can be configured to drive the motor 60.
In addition, the passage detection possibility determination means can be configured using, for example, a control device of a gaming machine in which the medal sorting device 10 is used, or using a control device dedicated to the medal sorting device 10. It can also be configured.

  When formed in this way, when electric power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of a medal can be detected, the motor drive control means drives the motor 60, so that the rotary disk 50 rotates. Further, if the rotating disk 50 is rotating, as described above, it is possible to mechanically prevent an illegal act on the passage detection sensor 130 due to “thread hanging” or “Kleman”. Then, when power is not supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and it is impossible to detect the passage of the medal, an illegal act such as “thread hanging” or “cleman” is not performed. As described above, at least when power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the motor 60 is driven by the motor drive control means and the rotating disk 50 is rotated. Unauthorized acts such as “Kureman” can be prevented more reliably.

(Modification 3)
Further, for example, a motor drive control unit is formed so that the motor 60 is driven at least when the passage detection sensor 130 can detect the passage of medals, and the passage detection sensor 130 can detect passage of the medals. An error output means can be formed so that a predetermined error is output when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating.
In this case, the passage detection sensor 130 includes passage detection possibility determination means for determining whether or not the passage of medals can be detected, and the passage detection sensor 130 can detect passage of the medals by the passage detection possibility determination means. When it is determined that there is, the motor drive control means is configured to drive the motor 60, and further, when the passage detection sensor 130 determines that the passage of the medal can be detected by the passage detection possibility determination means. In addition, when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotary disk 50 is not rotating, the error output means can be configured to output a predetermined error.

  With this configuration, when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating when power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the error output means A predetermined error output is performed. As described above, when electric power is supplied to the passage detection sensor 130 and the passage of the medal can be detected, the motor drive control means simply drives the motor 60 and rotates the rotating disk 50, so ”And“ Kleman ”can be mechanically prevented from performing illegal actions on the passage detection sensor 130. Further, when the rotary encoder 70 detects that the rotating disk 50 is not rotating, a predetermined error output is output. If an error output means is formed as is done, fraudulent acts such as “thread hanging” and “cleman” can be prevented more reliably.

The perspective view of the medal sorting device concerning an embodiment of the invention. The exploded perspective view seen from the front side of the medal sorting device concerning an embodiment of the invention. The exploded perspective view seen from the back side of the medal sorting device concerning an embodiment of the invention. The sectional side view which shows the medal selection mechanism of the medal selection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The sectional side view which shows the medal selection mechanism of the medal selection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Medal sorting device 20 Medal slot
30 Base 31 Base
32 Flange 33 Fixing protrusion
34 Circular recess 35 Pin groove
40 Medals storage 41 bucket
42 Storage detection sensor 50 Rotating disc
51 Bearing 52 Medal compartment
53 Partition 54 Extrusion pin
60 Motor 70 Rotary encoder
71 1st gear 72 Through hole
73 Second gear 74 Rotating shaft
75 Rotation detection sensor 80 Medal discharge part
85 First guide passage 86 Medal passage hole
90 Medal sorting mechanism 91 Medal flow path
92 Passage bottom 93 Passage top
95 First rotating body 96 First shaft support
97 Cancellation port 98 Lower guide
100 Electromagnet 110 Displacement body
111 Support section 112 Locking section
115 Second rotating body 116 Second shaft support
117 Pressed part 118 Upper guide
120 Second guide passage 125 Medal outlet
130 Pass detection sensor

Claims (4)

The length of the appropriate medal is slightly longer than the diameter of the appropriate medal so that the appropriate medal that conforms to the predetermined standard can be passed one by one in a certain direction. A medal slot formed in a slightly wider slit shape,
A medal storage unit configured to store medals that have passed through the medal slot and configured to store a plurality of medals;
A rotating disk for transferring medals stored in the medal storage unit, provided at the bottom of the medal storage unit and configured to transfer medals by rotation thereof;
A motor for rotating the rotating disk;
A medal discharge unit for discharging medals transferred by rotation of the rotating disk to the outside of the medal storage unit;
A first guide passage for guiding the medals discharged from the medal discharge unit in a certain direction;
A medal selection mechanism for selecting whether the medal guided by the first guide passage is a proper medal or a small medal having a diameter smaller than the proper medal;
A second guide passage for guiding a proper medal sorted by the medal sorting mechanism in a certain direction;
A passage detection sensor for detecting the passage of a proper medal guided by the second guide passage,
The rotating disk has a plurality of medal storage units that can store medals stored in the medal storage unit, and is formed so as to transfer the medals stored in the medal storage unit by its rotation,
Each medal storage part penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the rotating disk, and stores the medals stored in the medal storage part from the upper surface side of the rotating disk to the inside, and stores the medals stored therein. It is formed so as to be discharged from the lower surface side of the rotating disk to the medal discharging part,
When the partition between the adjacent medal storage parts on the rotating disk, respectively,
Each partition is formed so as to traverse the medal path from the medal storage to the medal discharge as the rotating disk rotates. Medal sorting device
Motor drive control means for driving the motor regardless of whether or not medals are stored in the medal storage unit;
A rotary encoder for detecting whether or not the rotating disk is rotating;
2. The medal sorting device according to claim 1, further comprising an error output means for outputting a predetermined error when the rotary encoder detects that the rotating disk is not rotating.   3. The medal sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the motor drive control means is configured to drive the motor at least when the passage detection sensor can detect the passage of the medal.   The error output means is configured to output a predetermined error when it is detected by the rotary encoder that the rotating disk is not rotating when the passage detection sensor can detect the passage of the medal. The medal sorting device according to claim 3.

Images