JP2009240553A - Medal putout machine and putout method of medal putout machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store medals for counting and medals for replenishment for the maximum storage capacity so as to be put out again, to minimize the space, to improve handleability, and to prevent the medals for counting from being stored exceeding the storage capacity. <P>SOLUTION: The medal putout machine includes: a medal storage part 62 for receiving and storing the medals counted by a counting mechanism 70 and a proximity sensor S; medal-introducing mechanisms (60, 70 and 71, 74, 76 and 77) for leading the medals counted in the counting mechanism to the medal storage part 62; and medal putout parts (putout noses 63, 13 and 78) for putting out the medals stored in the medal storage part 62 to the front surface side of a case body 3, and further is provided with discharge and fetch switching mechanisms (59 and 73) for switching the discharge processing of discharge to the outside of the case body or the fetch processing of fetch to the inside of the case body and executing processing corresponding to a medal amount stored in the medal storage part 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal payout machine for paying out medals used for games in a slot machine, and a medal payout method for the medal payout machine.

Conventionally, for example, in the medal ejector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when there are no more medals in the medal tank 11, a store clerk inserts a supplementary medal into the medal tank 11 directly from the medal slot 14.

In addition, for example, in the medal device for a spinning cylinder type gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, a replenishment medal is dropped from the external supply port 21 through the supply pipe B from the rear side of the housing, received in the receiving tank 31 and stored, and then lent out. Based on the operation, the medal stored in the receiving tank 31 is guided to the medal hopper 44 by the transport belt 32 and the switching means 48 is operated to communicate from the counting unit 46 to the lending unit side outlet 47b. The existing medals are paid out to the lending outlet 52 through the counting unit 46 and the lending unit side outlet 47b.

On the other hand, the counting medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 41 is guided to the medal hopper 44 based on the detection of the open state of the medal insertion slot 41, and the switching means 48 is operated to open the heel side discharge opening 47a from the counting section 46. To the belt conveyor 81, the belt conveyor 81 is driven and guided to the collection basket C.
JP 2005-284427 A JP-A-11-226234

In the medal ejector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the medal in the medal tank 11 is exhausted, the medal in which the store clerk inserts the supplementary medal from the medal slot 14 is directly inserted into the medal tank 11, and the counting medal is a counting mechanism. Because there was no, it could not be processed.

Therefore, a medal dispenser as disclosed in Patent Document 2 that can be used only in a pachinko hall having an automatic medal replenishment system such as the supply pipe B in order to count medals for counting has been proposed.

However, in the case of a hall without an automatic medal replenishment system, in Patent Document 2, a store clerk replenishes medals for lending from the front side of the medal dispensing machine such as the medal slot 41. In the conventional example as described above, if the medals replenished to the medal hopper 44 are stored for lending from the lending outlet 52, the medals obtained by the player are mixed with the replenished medals. I can't.

Further, in the medal dispensing machine, it is preferable to minimize the space in order to increase the number of slot machines installed between the slots. For this reason, in Patent Document 2, a second medal slot provided on the front side of the medal payer different from the medal slot 41 is provided and supplied to the receiving tank 31 from the second medal slot. If the medal insertion port 41 and the second medal insertion port have a small opening area on the front side of the medal dispensing machine, it is difficult to insert them, or the capacity of the medal receiving unit 31 is small due to the provision of the medal hopper 44. Become. That is, the capacity for storing medals is reduced and the replenishment frequency of medals is increased because the counting path mechanism for counting acquired counting medals and the replenishment path mechanism for receiving replenishing medals must be provided. Not preferable. Further, if the counting medals are stored in the receiving tank 31 or the medal hopper 44 so that they can be paid out after counting, the counting medals are thrown in exceeding the storage capacity, leading to an inability to pay out due to overweight or clogging. End up.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to store the maximal storage capacity so that the counting medals and the replenishment medals can be paid out again, and has a minimum space and is easy to use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medal dispenser and a medal dispenser dispensing method in which the counting medals are not stored exceeding the storage capacity.

In order to solve the above problems, a medal dispensing machine according to the present invention includes a housing provided adjacent to a game table, a medal receiving unit provided on the front side of the housing for receiving inserted medals, and the medal receiving unit. a counting mechanism for counting the medals received, and the medal reservoir for storing accept medals counted by the counting mechanism, and the medal paying-out part of the medals that will be stored prior Symbol medal reservoir pays to the housing front side the provided, characterized in that it comprises a discharge uptake switching mechanism for processing by switching whether taking process for taking into the housing interior or discharge process for discharging to the housing exterior in accordance with the medal amount that will be stored in the medal reservoir And The medal payer of the present invention may further include a medal introduction mechanism that guides the medal counted by the counting mechanism to the medal storage unit. The medal dispensing machine according to the present invention includes a chassis provided adjacent to the game stand, a medal receiving part for receiving inserted medals provided on the front side of the chassis, and a medal received by the medal receiving part. and aligning means for the counting mechanism for counting medals aligned by alignment means, wherein the medal reservoir for storing accept medals counted by the counting mechanism, wherein the medal reservoir was medals counted by the counting mechanism a medal supply mechanism leading to, and a medal paying-out part to pay out medals to the housing front side which is stored in the medal reservoir, the discharge in accordance with the medal amount that will be stored in the medal storage unit to the housing outside A discharge / intake switching mechanism for switching between the discharge process to be performed and the take-in process to be taken into the housing may be provided.

According to the present invention includes a medal reservoir for storing accept medals counted by the counting mechanism, and the medal paying-out part to pay out medals to be stored in medals reservoir in the housing front side, the said medals since comprises a discharge uptake switching mechanism for processing by switching whether taking process for taking into the housing interior or discharge process for discharging to the housing exterior in accordance with the medal amount that will be stored in the storage unit, for counting medals and replenishment medal Can be stored in the same medal storage part from the same medal receiving part with the maximum storage capacity so that it can be paid out again, and the medal payout machine housing space can be minimized and the usability can be improved. the response to the overflow of counting medals to medal reservoir which occurs when stored in the medal storage unit (a overweight status of enough discharge difficult to outside), In response to maintaining the amount of medals that can be paid out from the medal storage unit, it is possible to switch between the discharging process for discharging to the outside of the housing or the taking-in process for taking in the housing according to the medal amount of the medal storage unit. . Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the medal introduction mechanism for guiding the medal counted by the counting mechanism to the medal storage unit is provided, so that the counting medal and the replenishing medal can be received from the same medal receiving unit. An easy-to-use medal dispenser that ensures the maximum storage capacity and can be stored in the same medal storage unit via the medal introduction mechanism and minimizes the space of the medal dispenser housing. Can provide.

The medal receiving portion can be exemplified by, for example, a hopper type having an opening at the top, and may be configured to be pulled out from the inside of the housing to the front side of the housing, or may be appropriately attached from the outside. In the medal receiving portion, when the upper edge surrounding the periphery of the opening portion is extended upward or obliquely upward, it is easy to insert the medal and the overflow of the medal is less likely to occur. In addition, the medal receiving portion is opened at the lower side, the upper edge of the medal receiving box and the lower opening are slid, and the medal receiving portion is rotated so that the opening is upward to receive the medal in the medal receiving box. You can accept medals without overflowing outside. The medal receiving portion may be provided in the vicinity of the lower tray of the slot machine, and may be introduced below the front of the medal dispenser by causing the downward inclination from the lower tray to stand up and roll.

In addition, the alignment means provided as necessary is, for example, that a medal received in the cylindrical diameter is rotated from the disk provided in the lower side, and is aligned from the outlet provided in the outer diameter of the cylindrical diameter by the centrifugal force. This is a fixed guide pin provided at the bottom of the hopper with a medal receiving hole for receiving a medal in a disk rotating within a cylindrical diameter described in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 63-36040. The guide pin is configured to pass through a notch provided on the disk rotation track on the lower surface side, and the medal received in the medal receiving hole is guided to the guide pin and is discharged from the discharge port provided in the inside and outside of the cylindrical diameter. A mechanism for ejecting one sheet at a time (disk type alignment mechanism), dropping a medal into a valley with a V-shaped cross section and guiding the outer edge of the medal into contact with the bottom of the valley, along the valley Ri mechanism for aligning and was standing roll inclination, etc. can be exemplified. In the case of the disk type alignment mechanism, a polishing member (metal brush or the like) is disposed so as to sandwich the disk and cover a part of the upper surface side and the entire lower surface side of the disk, and the disk is rotated by the medal and the polishing member. The dirt on the medal may be removed by contact.

The counting mechanism can be exemplified by, for example, counting medals aligned by a proximity sensor and a light transmission sensor that excite magnetic force and increase the magnetic permeability when the metal body is currencyd to detect the magnetic force. In addition, the medal dispensing machine of the present invention includes the medal receiving unit above the medal storage unit, and the medal introduction mechanism has a discharge port for discharging the medals counted by the counting mechanism of the medal storage unit. It may be a mechanism that faces upward and guides the medals counted by the counting mechanism by dropping them into the medal storage unit. The medal dispensing machine of the present invention further includes the medal receiving part and the aligning means on the lower side of the housing, and the medal introducing mechanism includes a feeding mechanism for lifting the medals aligned by the aligning means. The discharge port for discharging the medal lifted by the lifting mechanism may face the upper side of the medal storage unit, and the medal transferred by the lifting mechanism may be dropped and guided to the medal storage unit.

Also at the discharge uptake switching mechanism, according to medal amount that will be stored in the medal reservoir, the detection of the medal amount, for example, near the top end portion of the full near the hopper is medal reservoir, minimum possible payout in that the hopper A medal detection sensor (a proximity sensor, a light transmission sensor, an electrical continuity confirmation sensor that can detect magnetic force by increasing the magnetic permeability when a metal body is currencyized by exciting the magnetic force) ) Is turned on, it may be determined that the first predetermined amount has been exceeded or less than a fourth predetermined amount that is smaller than the first predetermined amount. The first predetermined amount is determined by whether or not the counting result obtained by counting the attached weight detection sensor or the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit to one sheet exceeds a predetermined value. Determines that were example, it may be determined that below a fourth predetermined amount. However, in addition to the control circuit based on the sensor as described above or the determination by the CPU, the medal is placed when the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount, and slides down when the medal is placed. A slide that is inclined downward may be provided. Note that the first predetermined amount, the second predetermined amount, and the third predetermined amount are the same (in a storage unit such as a RAM or ROM) in terms of the program when counting the weight or the storage amount to one sheet. Stored in the same memory address) or separately (stored in a separate memory address in a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM). In the case of separate, the same setting value may be used. That is, normally, the third predetermined amount (the largest because it is a comparison target of the storage amount of the gaming machine and the medal dispenser)> the second predetermined amount (exceeding the weight into the medal payer further causes the discharge mechanism to exceed the weight). It is considered the typical example to be the first predetermined amount because it is the limit value that will not work), but it is a little far from reaching the respective limits, but it is sufficient for safe driving The first predetermined amount, the second predetermined amount, and the third predetermined amount may be the same or different in the program, and in the case of being different, the same set value may be used.

In addition, as a discharge process for discharging to the outside of the housing in the discharge / intake switching mechanism, for example, it may be discharged from the front side of the housing through the medal payout portion, or a hopper of a slot machine adjacent from the side or back surface of the housing. It may be provided via a sliding path or a conveying path such as a belt, or may be dropped from the rear surface of the chassis onto the belt conveying path of the automatic medal replenishment system. In addition, as the take-in processing to be taken into the housing in the discharge / take-in switching mechanism, for example, it may be taken into the housing through the medal receiving portion, the aligning means, and the counting mechanism , or provided on the side or back of the housing. The medal may be taken into the housing from the slot machine adjacent to the hole, or may be taken from the rear surface of the housing from the belt conveyance path of the automatic medal replenishment system and taken into the housing.

The token payout machine of the present invention, further the medal amount that will be stored in the medal reservoir is discharged to the housing exterior when it exceeds a first predetermined amount, medals amount is Ru stored in the medal reservoir is the and wherein the incorporation within said housing when below a first predetermined amount smaller than the fourth predetermined amount.

According to the present invention, the discharge taking switching mechanism, by discharging the housing outside when the number of medals that will be stored in the medal reservoir exceeds a first predetermined amount, the amount of medals stored in the medal reservoir housing when but where it is possible to prevent the overflow (a overweight status of enough discharge difficult to outside), the number of medals stored in the medal reservoir falls below a predetermined amount of the first predetermined number is less than 4 By taking in the inside, it is possible to prevent the medal storage unit from being paid out due to insufficient storage amount.

The medal payout machine of the present invention further includes medal amount determination means for determining whether or not the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit exceeds a second predetermined amount, and the medal amount determination means determines the medal amount. Is determined not to exceed the second predetermined amount, the medal receiving unit does not receive a medal from the medal receiving unit.

According to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the medal amount determining means for determining whether or not the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit exceeds the second predetermined amount is further provided, and the medal amount determining means determines the medal amount determining means. When it is determined that the amount exceeds the second predetermined amount, the medal is not received from the medal receiving portion into the housing, so the amount of medals stored in the medal storage portion overflows ( so that it is difficult to discharge to the outside) Overweight) can be prevented.

The determination of whether or not the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit exceeds the second predetermined amount in the medal amount determination unit is attached to, for example, a portion near the upper end of the hopper that is the medal storage unit in the vicinity of the full capacity. Even if it is determined that the medal detection sensor (proximity sensor, light transmission sensor, electrical continuity check sensor that can detect magnetic force increases when magnetic force is excited and the metal body becomes currency) has exceeded a predetermined amount The weight detection sensor attached to the lower part of the medal hopper or a part of the hopper, or the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit is counted depending on whether the counting result exceeds a predetermined value or not. You may determine that it has exceeded.

The medal payer of the present invention further includes a second medal amount for determining whether the sum of the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit and the medal amount stored in the gaming table exceeds a third predetermined amount. The apparatus further includes a determination unit, and when the second medal amount determination unit determines that the sum of the medal amounts exceeds the third predetermined amount, the medal receiving unit does not receive the medal from the medal receiving unit. And

According to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the second medal for determining whether or not the sum of the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit and the medal amount stored in the game table exceeds the third predetermined amount. A medal storage unit is further provided , and when the second medal amount determination unit determines that the sum of the medal amounts exceeds a third predetermined amount, no medal is received from the medal receiving unit into the housing. The sum of the amount of medals stored in the section and the amount of medals stored in the slot machine can be prevented from overflowing (excessive weight that is difficult to discharge to the outside) .

The mounting in the second medal amount determining means, medals amount to be stored in the medal amount and amusement machine are stored in the medal storage portion, near the upper end portion of the full near the hopper in the example medal reservoir and the gaming table When the medal detection sensor (proximity sensor, light transmission sensor, electrical continuity check sensor that increases magnetic permeability and can detect magnetic force when a magnetic body is excited by exciting magnetic force) is turned on, the third predetermined amount is exceeded. The weight detection sensor attached to the lower part of the medal hopper or a part of the hopper, or the medal storage unit, and the counting result obtained by counting the medal amount when storing in the slot machine is predetermined. It may be determined that the predetermined amount has been exceeded depending on whether the value has been exceeded.

Further, the medals stored in the gaming stand in the second medal amount judging means are replenished by sliding down or belt transporting medals overflowing from the back or side other than the front of the medal dispensing machine of the present invention to the gaming stand side. You may do it. In this case, if the medals are replenished to the slot machine from the back or the side by using the aligning means, it is easy to count the medals to one.

The medal dispenser of the present invention further includes a switching means for switching between a counting mode for counting acquired medals and a replenishment mode for replenishing medals for payout, and when the switching means sets the counting mode, Counting result recording means for recording the counting result counted by the counting mechanism in association with the recording information of the recording medium delivered to the player, and the discharge / intake switching mechanism when the replenishment mode is set by the switching means The number of acquired game media that can execute the take-in process, accept the replenishment medals accepted by the take-in process, and do not count the replenishment medals or exchange the counting result even if they are counted And a replenishment medal non-processing receiving means for preventing processing.

According to this invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the switching means for switching between the counting mode for counting acquired medals and the replenishment mode for replenishing medals for payout, and when the counting mode is set by the switching means The counting result recording means for recording the counting result counted by the counting mechanism in association with the recording information of the recording medium issued to the player, and when the replenishment mode is set by the switching means, the discharge / take-in switching mechanism The replenishment medal accepted by the capture process is accepted, and the replenishment medal is not counted or even if it is counted, the counting result is not processed as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged. Since the replenishment medal non-processing acceptance means is provided, replenishment and counting can be switched and performed without confusion.

  The switching means is, for example, switching by a switching instruction output from a remote controller carried by a store clerk, switching by a switching instruction output from a management device, switching by a status output of an instruction button provided on the housing, or opening / closing of a medal receiving unit. Examples include switching by status output such as.

  The “recording medium delivered to the player” in the counting result recording means is, for example, a receipt printed with a bar code or the number of balls, a non-contact IC tag such as a membership card, a non-member card, an IC coin, or a magnetic Examples thereof include a recording medium having a layer. When a non-contact type IC tag such as Suica (registered trademark) is used for these recording media, processing can be performed simply by touching the IC tag to the RFID reader unit. In the counting result recording means, “recording in association with the recording information of the recording medium” means, for example, when the recording information is a counting result and when the recording information is ID information and is read by a reader device or a barcode reader. Examples include at least one case where the counting result is recorded in the recording area of the management device based on the ID information.

In addition, in the replenishment medal non-processing accepting means, “do not count replenishment medals or do not process the counted result as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes”, for example, in replenishment mode In this case, the supplementary medal may be guided to the medal storage unit without being counted by the counting mechanism . “Do not count” may not count the metal body detection signal from the proximity sensor which is a counting mechanism , or may not store the counted value even if counted. Also, “the counting result is not processed as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes” means that, for example, the metal game detection signal from the proximity sensor that is a counting mechanism is counted and stored, but the acquired game media The number may not be recorded in the recording medium, and the number of acquired game media may not be recorded in the recording area that stores the number of acquired game media based on the ID information.

  In the medal payer of the present invention, the switching means can be further switched to a discharge mode for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit to the outside, and the discharge mode is set by the switching means. In this case, the discharge process can be executed by the discharge / intake switching mechanism, and a discharge unit is provided that allows the tokens to be discharged to the outside through the discharge process.

  According to this invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the switching means can be switched to a discharge mode for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit to the outside, and is set to the discharge mode by the switching means. In some cases, the discharge process can be executed by the discharge / acquisition switching mechanism, and since there is a discharge means that can discharge medals to the outside by the discharge process, in addition to replenishment and counting, the discharge can be switched without confusion. be able to.

  In addition, as a discharge destination in the discharge means, for example, it may be discharged to the outside through the medal payout portion arranged on the front side of the housing, or it may be external to the discharge port arranged on the side surface or the back surface other than the front surface of the housing. May be discharged. The former should be used in pachinko halls that do not have an automatic medal replenishment system.When the signal is almost full from the medal dispenser, the employee sets the medal dispenser to the discharge mode with the remote control and the counting is not possible. It may be possible to allow the surplus medals to be discharged through the medal payout unit toward the medal receiver possessed by the employee at the nozzle tip as an outside. In this case, the discharge mode may be automatically terminated when the employee cancels or medals determined to be surplus are discharged, and the counting mode may be entered. At this time, it is preferable to determine whether or not the surplus is based on the medal amount exemplified in the medal amount determining means to the second medal amount determining means. The latter should be used in pachinko halls with an automatic medal replenishment system. It is almost full by the medal dispenser, so it is determined that it will be discharged. You may make it discharge | emit on the conveyance path in a certain medal automatic replenishment system.

  Further, as described above, when the medal stored in the medal storage part overflows beyond the medal paying part and the lower end part of the opening provided on the back side of the medal paying machine, the discharging means overflows. You may comprise so that a medal for a minute may fall on the conveyance path in a dull automatic supply system. Further, the discharging means and the discharging mechanism may be the same or a plurality of different ones, and the discharging mechanism may be included in the discharging means.

Medals The medal payout method medal payout machine of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing method of the medal payout machine, a counting step of counting the medals received in the medal receiving unit in the counting mechanism, counted in the counting mechanism To the medal storage part by the medal introduction mechanism, a payout process for paying out the medal stored in the medal storage part by the medal paying part, and the discharge / intake switching mechanism to the medal storage part. A discharge / intake switching step of switching between discharging to the outside of the housing or taking in the inside of the housing according to the number of medals to be stored is provided. The medal payout method of the medal payer of the present invention is the medal payout method of the medal payer, wherein the medals received by the medal receiving unit are aligned by the aligning means, and are aligned by the aligning means. and a counting step of counting medals in the counting mechanism, wherein the introducing step leading to the medal storage unit by the medals counted the medal supply mechanism by the counting mechanism, the medals stored in the medal reservoir medal paying-out part comprising a dispensing step paid out, by the exhaust intake switching mechanism, the discharge taking switching step for switching or incorporate into the housing interior or discharged to the housing exterior in accordance with the medal amount that will be stored in the medal reservoir by This may be a feature.

Medals The medal payout method medal payout machine of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing method of the medal payout machine, a counting step of counting the medals received in the medal receiving unit in the counting mechanism, counted in the counting mechanism To the medal storage unit by the medal introduction unit, the payout step of paying out the medal stored in the medal storage unit by the medal payout unit, and the discharge / intake switching mechanism. a discharge taking switching step in accordance with the medal amount stored Ru processing by switching whether taking process for taking into the housing interior or discharge process for discharging to the housing exterior, said counting mode by said switching means, said supplement mode A switching step for switching between the discharge mode and the counting result recording when the mode switched in the switching step is the counting mode. Wherein when the count result recording process of recording in association with the recorded information of the recording medium to be issued to the player a count result counted by the counting mechanism by stage, mode is switched in about the switching換工is the supplement mode The take-in process can be executed by the discharge / take-in switching mechanism, accepting the replenishment medals accepted by the take-in process and not counting the replenishment medals by the replenishment medal non-process acceptance means The replenishment medal non-processing acceptance process that does not process the counting result as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes, and the discharge / take-in switching mechanism when the mode switched in the switching process is the discharge mode. A discharging step in which the processing is executable, and the discharging means discharges medals to the outside by the discharging process. Characterized in that it obtain. The medal payout method of the medal payer of the present invention is the medal payout method of the medal payer, wherein the medals received by the medal receiving unit are aligned by the aligning means, and are aligned by the aligning means. and a counting step of counting by the counting mechanism medals, the introduction process leading to the medal reservoir medals counted by the medal supply mechanism by the counting mechanism, the medals stored in the medal reservoir medal paying-out part a payout process paid out by the by the discharge taking switching mechanism, in response to said medal amount Medals Ru stored in the storage unit captures into the housing interior or discharge process for discharging to the housing external loading process or the switching processing A discharge taking-in switching step, a switching step for switching between the counting mode, the replenishment mode, and the discharge mode by the switching means; Counting result recording process mode is switched in about換工is recorded in association with recorded information of the recording medium to be issued to the player a count result counted by the counting mechanism by said counting result recording means when it is said counting mode And when the mode switched in the switching step is the replenishment mode, the take-in process can be executed by the discharge / take-in switching mechanism, and the replenishment medal accepted by the take-in process is accepted, and the replenishment Switched between the replenishment medal non-processing acceptance process in which the medal non-processing acceptance means does not count the replenishment medals or does not process the counting result as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes. When the mode is the discharge mode, the discharge process can be executed by the discharge / intake switching mechanism, May be characterized in that the output process and a discharge process for discharging the medal to the outside by the discharging means.

According to the present invention, and the medal reservoir for storing accept medals counted by the counting mechanism, a medal supply mechanism for guiding the medals counted by the counting mechanism to the medal reservoir, the medals stored in the medal reservoir the A medal payout unit that pays out to the front side of the chassis, and switches between a discharge process for discharging to the outside of the chassis and a take-in process for taking in the chassis according to the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit. Since the take-in switching mechanism is provided, the maximum storage capacity is secured so that counting medals and supplemental medals can be paid out again from the same medal receiving part to the same medal storage part via the same medal introduction mechanism. It is possible to improve the usability by minimizing the space of the medal dispenser housing, and when counting medals are stored in the medal storage section. It corresponds to the overflow of the medal storage unit (a overweight status of enough discharge difficult to outside), and corresponds to maintaining medal possible amount paid out medals reservoir, the medals of medal reservoir Accordingly, there is an effect that the processing can be switched between the discharging process for discharging to the outside of the housing or the taking-in process for taking in the inside of the housing.

Hereinafter, a medal payer and a payout method of the medal payer according to the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following exemplary embodiments, only one example capable of realizing the present invention is illustrated, and the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in which a medal payout machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged adjacent to a gaming machine. Reference numeral 1 denotes a medal dispenser of the present invention. Reference numeral 2 denotes a slot machine. The medal dispensing machine 1 of the present invention includes a bill insertion slot 4, a frequency corresponding to the inserted cash (valuable value), a replaying frequency (valuable value) for using the stored medal again in the game, a counted medal number, Liquid crystal display 5 for displaying the number of replenished medals, the number of discharged medals, etc., the card receiving / issuing slot 6 for a membership card or a non-member card, and an instruction to pay out a replay medal using the replay frequency. A replay button 7, a counting button 8 for counting received medals, a lending button 9 for renting medals by consuming a frequency corresponding to inserted cash, and a card return button 99 are provided on the upper front side of the housing 3. A nozzle 13 that can be locked and unlocked by a key that is possessed, and that dispenses medals by pressing the refill door 10, the replay button 7, or the lending button 9 to replenish medals inside the housing 3; A vertical slide support 11 that supports the slip 13 in a vertically slidable manner, a horizontal rotation support 12 that supports the nozzle 13 so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a housing 3 are provided in the center of the front surface of the housing 3. A mechanism for receiving a medal rolling from the receiving port 17 through the curved path 15 and the length adjusting path 14 is provided in the lower front portion of the housing 3.

An ashtray 45 can be attached to the curved path 15, and the ashtray 45 is provided with a lattice portion 47 and a lid 46 for extinguishing a cigarette fire. As will be described later in detail, the lower part of the ashtray 45 is configured to be able to guide the cigarette butts to the cigarette conveyance path.

The slot machine 2 includes a medal insertion slot 24, a payout opening 18 for paying out medals obtained as a result of a game, a start lever 19 for rotating a rotary reel of the slot machine, and a reserved medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 24. MAXBET button 20, left reel stop button 21, center reel stop button for placing a maximum of three medals out of one to a maximum of three (can be inserted to hold up to 50) 22, a right reel stop button 22, a rotary reel unit 25 storing a rotary reel on which various designs including a big hit design are painted, and a lower plate 43.

Next, a description will be given based on FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 as seen from the back side. The slot machine 2 includes a hopper 31 and a motor mechanism 32 for paying out medals stored in the hopper 31 as a prize. When the hopper 31 is full of medals, the upper medals are filled with a full medal outlet. 29, the full medal passage 30, the collection box 33, the slot machine bottom opening 42, the full conveyance path 34 composed of an endless belt driven by the conveyance drive roller 35, and the lift 40. FIG. 3 is a view of the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 as seen from the bottom side. As shown in FIG. 3, the full medal dropped from the bottom opening 42 of the slot machine 2 reaches the upper surface of the endless belt of the full conveyance path 34 and is guided to the lifting machine 40 through the bottom slide 41 at the downstream end of the conveyance. A shutter (not shown) is provided at the downstream lower end of the bottom slide 41, and the shutter is closed when a gap is generated between the lifting belt 38 and the lifter cover 39 so that the medal does not slide on the slide 41. If there is a hook attached to the lifting belt 38 so that there is no gap between the lifting belt 38 and the lifting machine cover 39, the shutter is opened and the medal slides on the bottom slide 41. To be led by a spear. The full conveyance path 34 and the lift 40 are driven periodically or when a medal intrusion is detected by a light transmission sensor.

The lifting machine 40 is driven by one of the lifting drive rollers 37 and lifts an endless belt 38 having a hook (not shown) for lifting medals on its outer surface. It is formed so as to be covered with a lifting machine cover 39, and is provided with a discharge port 36 for discharging medals lifted to the upper part of the lifting. The bottom of the heel (not shown) is closed by a spring so as not to open against the weight of the medal. However, when the endless belt 38 is guided by the feeding roller 37 and curves at the upper part of the feeding, the bottom of the heel (not shown) When the projection provided on the hook and the projection provided on the lifter cover 39 are in contact with each other, the bottom surface of the cage containing the transfer medal opens, leading to a downward inclination toward the discharge port 35 on the side surface of the cage. The medals that have been lifted up are guided to the discharge port 36. In addition, when the endless belt 38 is guided to the feeding roller 37 and curves at the upper part of the lifting, the lower end of the downward inclined side surface toward the opening of the bottom surface of the bag is projected to the outside from the lifting machine cover 39. Arms projecting upward from the heel are pivotally supported on the endless belt 38 on both sides of the horizontal side of the upper end in the direction perpendicular to the heel lifting direction.

Further, on the back side of the medal payer 1, a slide 26 for discharging the medal near the upper part when the medal tank 62 becomes full is provided on the outside, and the surplus medals guided to the slide 26 are further added to the medal payer. Then, it slides down from the rear opening and is guided to the hopper 31 from the rear side of the slot machine 2 through the external slide 27.

  Next, description will be made based on FIG. 4 which is an enlarged perspective view of the lower front side of the slot machine 2. FIG. 6 is a view of the cross section Q and the cross section S viewed from the AA ′ direction in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving port 17 is arranged adjacent to the lower plate 43 provided on the lower side of the slot machine 2. Even when there is almost no protrusion of the counter 44 to the player side, a hook 53 fitted in the receiving port 17 is hung on the player side surface of the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 so that the receiving port 17 is placed on the lower plate 43. Can be fixed adjacent. The hook 53 can be fitted into the groove 54 so as to be horizontally slidable along the groove 54. The groove 54 is provided in two stages in the vertical direction along the horizontal longitudinal direction of the receiving port 17 (in some cases, the groove 54 may be further increased in the vertical direction). Regardless of the height, the position of the hook 53 can be adjusted so that the received medal has an inclination angle capable of rolling and sliding to the receiving port provided on the lower side of the medal dispensing machine 1.

  The receiving port 17 has a curved surface 56 having a convex R shape and forms a valley having a V-shaped cross section. When the medal is inserted from the lower plate 43 into the V-shaped valley, the medal M slides along the curved surface 56 and rises when the lower end contacts the valley bottom 55. When the medal M rolls down along the valley bottom 55 inclined downward from the upstream side of the cross section Q to the downstream side of the cross section S in FIG. 6, the upper end portion of the medal M is exposed so as to be able to be taken out. It is preferable to expose the upper end portion of the medal M in such a manner that the upper portion of the medal rolling passage is opened up to the medal dispensing machine 1 so that it can be easily taken out when clogging occurs. It is preferable that the wall surface on the player side of the receiving port 17 has a form in which the upper end protrudes toward the player side like 171 because the medals M can be arranged along the 171 side surface, so that the appearance is good. Further, the space of the dotted line portion 57 can prevent the receiving port 17 and the counter 44 from coming into contact with each other even if the player 44 side end portion of the counter 44 has a protruding dimension in the player side direction or upward.

  There is a slight step between the receiving port 17 and the bending portion 15 so that the rolling medal M can roll down, and the receiving portion 17 and the bending portion 15 are provided in the bending portion 15 so as to be freely mounted in the vertical direction. A protrusion (not shown) provided at the downstream end of the receiving portion 17 is connected to the vertical groove (not shown) by inserting the receiving portion 17 from above. Further, on the uppermost stream side of the bending portion 15, there is provided a shutter 52 including a solenoid valve for prohibiting further acceptance when the stored medals of the medal dispensing machine 1 are full.

  Between the curved portion 15 and the medal dispenser 1, a length adjusting passage 14 having an open top is connected. The length adjusting passage 14 is appropriately cut in accordance with the site size to have an appropriate size. The length adjusting passage 14 is fitted into a vertical groove (not shown) provided at the end portion on the curved portion 15 side so that the medal can roll down from above, and the end portion on the medal dispensing machine 1 side is horizontally Insert and connect from the direction. By appropriately setting the length of the length adjusting passage 14 according to the size of the site in this way, the receiving port 17 is arranged adjacent to the horizontal direction according to the projecting dimension of the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ashtray 45 is fitted and installed in a hole (not shown) provided on the curved inner side surface of the curved portion 15 via a fitting protrusion 49. In the ashtray 45, a lattice portion 47 on the upper surface, a lid 46, and an upper casing 51 are made of metal, and a flexible heat-resistant member 48 (a glass cloth or a nonwoven fabric which is a lattice-like glass fiber) having a hollow inside in the thickness at the lower portion. Examples include flexible and heat-resistant epoxy or impregnated thermosetting resin such as silicon, etc. Carbon may be mixed in the thermosetting resin as a filler to enhance nonflammability) The metal ring 50 is inserted into the hollow portion. The R part of the metal ring 50 is overlapped, and by fitting the metal ring 50 in accordance with the inner diameter of the ashtray provided in the existing cigarette carrier device, the deflection of the flexible heat-resistant member 48 causes the ashtray 45 to Absorbing the difference between the mounting position and the mounting position of the existing ashtray, the butt is guided to the existing ashtray so as to be dropped. In addition, when the surplus part appears in the flexible heat-resistant member 48, the surplus part prevents the cigarette shell from falling. Therefore, the position of the metal ring is slightly upward, and the lower end portion of the flexible heat-resisting member 48 prevents the cigarette shell from dropping. You may cut so that it may not interfere, and you may wind around the outside.

  Since the space around the ashtray 45 is a dead space that is difficult to clean and difficult to access, it is unsanitary because it can be contaminated with cigarette ash or sticky with juice. Therefore, the space surrounded by the curved portion 15, the length adjusting passage 14, the front surface of the medal dispenser 1, and the side surface of the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 on the medal dispenser 1 side is viewed from above. It is preferable to provide a cover.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory internal cross-sectional view of the medal dispensing machine 1 of the present invention as viewed from the side. The medal received from the receiving port 17 through the bending portion 15 and the length adjusting passage 14 is lifted by the lifting mechanism 60. The lift mechanism 60 is driven by rotating an endless belt by a roller driven by a lift mechanism drive motor 64. The endless belt is provided with a conveyance protrusion 83 that is inclined downward from the receiving direction of the medal M toward the inner direction (center side in FIG. 7), and is formed so as to cover the periphery of the endless belt with the lifting mechanism cover 61. A proximity sensor S is provided at the upper end of the lifting mechanism 60 and detects the proximity of the metal by utilizing the increase in the magnetic permeability when the proximity of the metal is detected. The medals detected by the proximity sensor S are counted by the control unit of the medal dispenser 1, and the control unit transmits the count result to the management apparatus 100 via the communication interface circuit.

  Further, the medal M lifted by the lifting mechanism 60 passes through the opening portion opened in the direction of the arrow U, the downward inclined surface of the conveying projection 83, the side surface of the lifting mechanism cover 61, and the endless belt side surface. Along the direction of the arrow U and rolls down in the direction of the arrow U and is accommodated in the medal tank 62.

The medal M housed in the medal tank 62 is discharged from the nozzle 13 to the outside of the machine via the payout nose 63 by driving the payout motor 65 in accordance with an instruction such as pressing the lending button 9 described in detail later. Further, the replenishment medals are thrown in by opening the replenishment door 10 and are replenished, and the replenishment rod 58 is slid down and guided to the central portion of the medal tank 62. After being counted by the counting mechanisms S and 70 via 17, 67 and 68, they may be accommodated in the medal tank 62. When replenishing medals from the replenishing door 10, a weight sensor may be provided at the bottom of the medal tank 62 to grasp the number of replenishments and the total amount of built-in medals. The grasped number of replenishments and the total amount of built-in medals are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5 in accordance with instructions.

  Further, the replenishment medals may be replenished from the back side of the medal dispensing machine 1 through the island medal supply conveyance path 66 and the lifting machine 40. When the island medal supply conveyance path 66 is used, it is accommodated in the medal tank 62 via the back surface introduction rod 73. When the medal tank 62 is full, the shutter 88 prevents the medal tank 62 from flowing down. Can do. In addition, the island medal supply conveyance path 66 and the lifting machine 40 may be used together or separately. However, when used together, the discharge port 36 opens further upward on the back side of the medal dispensing machine 1 than in FIG. Then, the replenishment medal is received from the medal supply conveyance path 66 from the large opening portion above.

  Next, a case where the medal tank 62 becomes full will be described. When the island medal supply transport path 66 is provided, surplus medals are discharged from the discharge basket 59 to the island medal supply transport path 66. In the case where the island medal supply transport path 66 is not provided, the full transport path 34 is provided on the bottom side of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2, and the lifting machine 40 is provided on the back side of the medal payer 1, A medal may be provided from the similar slide 26 to the hopper 31 built in the slot machine 2 via the external slide 27. Further, the shutter 89 may be opened, and the medal may be slid down on the bottom discharge rod 90 in the medal tank 62 and discharged from the external lower discharge port 91 to the outside. The detection that the medal tank 62 is full is made by a proximity sensor provided near the upper end of the discharge hopper 59 of the medal hopper.

Next, as a second and third embodiment, a medal dispenser 1 of a type in which the player carries the prize medals stored in the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 to the receiving ports 67 and 68 by hand will be described. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the medal dispensing machine 1 as the second embodiment and the third embodiment, respectively. In the receiving port 67 in FIG. 8, the player carries the prize medal stored in the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 by hand to the receiving port 67.

In FIG. 9, the player puts the award medals stored in the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 into the medal box 69 by hand, and puts the medal box 69 into the receiving port 68 having a medal box fitting structure. The medal box 69 is turned upside down by sliding it toward the front surface and inserting and fitting it, and then rotating the medal box fitting portion 68 and the medal box 69 about the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the medal dispensing machine 1 as a rotation axis. Then, the medals in the medal box 69 slide down along the bottom surface of the receiving port 68, and the counting mechanism in FIG. 10 (FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the internal cross section when the medal dispensing machine 1 of the present invention is viewed from the side). The medals guided to 70 and counted by the counting mechanism 70 fall into the medal tank 62 in the direction indicated by the arrow and are accommodated.

The counting mechanism 70 is a fixed guide pin provided at the bottom of the hopper with a medal receiving hole for receiving a medal in a disk rotating within a cylindrical diameter described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-36040. The guide pin is configured to pass through a notch provided on the disk rotation track on the lower surface side, and the medal received in the medal receiving hole is guided to the guide pin and is discharged from the discharge port provided in the inside and outside of the cylindrical diameter. Alignment means configured to discharge one by one is provided. The medals aligned by the alignment means are detected and counted one by one by the proximity sensor. In addition, a polishing member (metal brush or the like) is disposed so as to sandwich the disk and cover a part of the upper surface side and the entire lower surface side of the disk. Removed.

10, 59, 62, 63, 65, 66, 73, 88, 89, 90, 91 are the same as those in FIG.

Next, an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment, and is a perspective view in which a medal dispensing machine 1 to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied is arranged adjacent to a gaming machine. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the lifting mechanism 74. FIG. 13 is a WW ′ view of the cross section T in FIG. 12. The lifting mechanism 74 in FIG. 11 is detachably attached to the outer surface on the front side of the medal dispenser 1, and the endless belt 75 is rotationally driven by a driving roller 86 driven by a motor 87. The endless belt 75 is pivotally supported at its lower end by a free roller (not shown).

In the lifting mechanism 74, an endless belt 75 is covered with a cover body 741 including rectangular parallelepiped spaces 742 and 743 formed of a transparent resin, and the endless belt 75 is disposed in the space 742 in the cover body 741. , 743 can be rotated in the vertical direction. Further, the endless belt 75 is provided with a conveying projection 83 in the lifting mechanism 60 in FIG. 7, and the gap between the conveying projection 83 and the side wall of the space 742 in the cover body 741 is smaller than the thickness of one medal. By configuring the gap between the side surface of the belt and the side wall of the space 742 to be slightly larger than the thickness of one medal, the medal can be prevented from falling from the gap. Since the cover body 741 is formed of a transparent resin, the lifting process by the lifting mechanism 74 and the subsequent route for the medals acquired by the player can be visually confirmed, and the player can take the medals being transported to the hall. There is no concern about it.

The medal that has tumbled down from the length adjustment passage 14 at the lower end of the endless belt 75 is positioned on the conveying protrusion 83 provided on the surface of the endless belt 75 and is lifted as the endless belt 75 is lifted. The When the count button is pressed once, the mode shifts to the count mode. When the count mode is set, the projecting portion 84 from the solenoid 85 pierces the medal, which is lifted into the gap between the transport projection 83 and the space 742 side wall in the cover body 741, on the front surface of the housing 3 of the medal dispensing machine 1. Projected obliquely in a state of 76 so as to be guided to the provided drilling port 77 and the shutter of the drilled port 77 is opened, and the raised medal is guided to the projecting part 76 and passes through the drilled port 77. The medal tank 62 is accommodated. When the counting mode is set, the counting mechanism has a proximity sensor S attached to the side surface of the cover body 741 below the projecting portion 76, and can count toward one sheet. In the counting mode, when counting medals are interrupted for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds), the counting mode is exited and a normal payout mode is entered. Further, in modes other than the counting mode, the solenoid 85 is actuated so that the protruding portion is in the state of 85, and the shutter provided in the drilling port 77 is closed.

When the immediate input button 999 is pressed once in the normal payout mode, the mode changes to the immediate input mode. In the quick insertion mode, the driving roller 86 is arranged so that the protruding portion of the solenoid 85 is in the state 84 and retracted into the housing 3 and the endless belt 75 comes out from the space 742 into the wide space above, so that the medal mounting surface faces downward. Therefore, the medal lifted by the endless belt 75 falls on the inclined surface 80, and slides and accumulates on the net 81 from the opening 79. In the immediate insertion mode, when the proximity S does not detect a medal for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds), the immediate insertion mode is exited and the normal payout mode is entered.

The normal payout mode is set when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 4 or when a member card or a non-member card is received at the card receiving and issuing slot 6. When the card return button 99 is pressed and the member card or the non-member card to which the valuable value (frequency) for the inserted banknote or the number of acquired medals is given is discharged, the normal payout mode is canceled and the standby state is set. It becomes.

In the normal payout mode, when the lending button 9 is pressed, a predetermined number of powers are consumed and the consumed medals are driven from the medal tank 62 via the payout nose 63 by driving the payout motor 65. Are paid out from the payout exit 78. In the normal payout mode, if the replay button 7 is pressed, the payout motor 65 is driven by the payout motor 65 from the medal tank 62 when the predetermined number of stored medals or possessed medals are consumed. It is paid out from the payout exit 78 via 63. Then, the paid-out medals fall on the inclined surface 80 and slide down to the net 81 from the opening 79 and are accumulated. The number of medals is the number of medals for the day on the premise that no replay fee is charged, and the number of medals is the number of medals before the previous day on the assumption that a replay fee is charged. Each medal and saving medal can have a separate replay fee, but Hall will probably not charge a replay fee as an operational choice for medals.

The net 81 is a guide that guides a wire-shaped sliding medal downwardly and supports it so as not to fall down. The net 81 is arranged adjacent to the medal slot 24 and the stacked medal placement surface of the medal slot 24. And the inclination angle of the net 81 are set to substantially coincide. By configuring the net 81 in this way, it is easy for a player to arbitrarily grab a plurality of medals accumulated and accumulated on the net 81 and put them in the medal slot 24.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, in the vicinity of the proximity sensor S, a rotary polishing unit 751 for rotating and polishing one whole surface of the lifted medal and a rotary polishing motor 752 for rotating the rotary polishing unit 751 are rotated. Is provided in the lifting mechanism cover 61 and the cover body 741, and when the proximity sensor S detects a lifting medal, the rotary polishing motor 752 is driven to rotate the rotary polishing unit 751. Since the rotary polishing unit 751 can be replaced, it can be attached to and detached from the rotary polishing motor 752. The rotational direction of the rotary polishing unit 751 is rotated in a direction in which the medal to be transported is pressed downward, and the transported medal has a support of the conveyance protrusion 83, so that the force that is pressed downward by the rotary polishing unit 751 is applied. Even if received, the medal itself can be lifted without change. The rotary polishing unit 751 is preferably a metal brush or the like, and is desired from the lifting mechanism cover 61 and the cover body 741 in the endless belt direction at a position where the tip of the metal brush contacts the surface of the medal to be lifted. Further, the dirt that has fallen from the medal due to the rotational polishing falls in the space 742 and falls on a dish arranged at the lower end. The dish can be removed from the outside to remove dirt from the dish.

Next, a management system employing the medal dispenser 1 of the present invention will be described based on FIG. In the management system, a management device 100 and an island controller 102 are connected to a network 101 that can communicate with each other between connected devices. Further, medals are provided to a plurality of island medal supply transport paths 66 adjacent to the medal dispenser 1 through the medal transport path 105, and a medal supply device 104 for supplying these medals is connected as necessary. The medal transport path 105 can be provided between the islands. The medal supply device 104 also has a function of cleaning medals.

The management system mainly manages the number of medals built in each medal dispensing machine 1 and the total number of medals built in each set of the medal dispensing machine 1 and the slot machine 2, and medal built in a specific medal dispensing machine 1. Built-in for the purpose of replenishing or removing medals from the medal dispenser 1 or slot machine 2 when the total number of medals built into a specific set of medal dispenser 1 and slot machine 2 is small or large Along with the specific information such as the number of the specific set of the medal dispenser 1, the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 with a small or large medal quantity, it is notified. In addition, when the pachinko hall is provided with an island medal supply transport path 66, a medal transport path 105, and a medal supply device 104 that are provided according to business needs such as labor cost reduction, the medal dispensing machine 1 with a small number of built-in medals, A specific set of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 is replenished with a medal from the medal supply device 104 to the medal dispenser 1 or the slot machine 2 via the medal conveyance path 105 and the island medal supply conveyance path 66 and built in. From a specific set of the medal dispenser 1, the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 having a large medal quantity, to the medal supply device 104 via the medal transport path 105 and the island medal supply transport path 66, or Remove the medal from slot machine 2.

When the medal supply device 104 receives a medal from the medal conveyance path 105 in the device, the medal supply device 104 lifts the endless belt by a lift provided with a hook and transports it in a substantially horizontal direction consisting of two upper and lower stages after the lifting. When the medals are arranged in this state and the medals are transported in the transport direction of the lower endless belt in this state, the medals are clamped by the upper endless belt that is driven to rotate in a direction different from the lower endless belt. When the medal is sandwiched between the upper endless belt and the lower endless belt and slides down from the lower endless belt as the lower endless belt is conveyed, the stock is temporarily stored in the storage tank. The medals stored in the storage tank are discharged to the transport path 105 by the disk type alignment mechanism described above.

The conveyance path 105 is a path composed of a combination of endless belts that convey medals within and between islands. Each conveyance path 105 is provided on the back side of the medal dispenser 1 installed adjacent to each slot machine 2. A medal is conveyed to the island medal supply conveyance path 66 (tunnel shape).

The island medal supply conveyance path 66 has a tunnel shape that covers the conveyance path 105. When supplying medals to the medal dispensing machine 1 or the slot machine 2, the shutter 88 is opened and the upper surface of the endless belt of the conveyance path 105 is opened. The guide for guiding the medal to the back introduction rod 73 is projected so that the front end side of the guide faces the upstream side of the conveyance path 105, and the rear end side of the guide on the medal payer 1 or slot machine 2 side is positioned downstream of the conveyance path 105. Let In addition, surplus medals from the medal dispenser 1 or the slot machine 2 are slid down to the transport path 105 via the discharge basket 59.

First, the case where the island medal supply conveyance path 66, the medal conveyance path 105, and the medal supply device 104 are provided will be described. The management device 100 receives each medal dispenser 1 or the built-in medal in each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 received by relaying to the island controller 102 via a communication interface circuit (hereinafter, the interface circuit is called IF). The medal dispenser 1 and the medal dispenser 1 that monitor the quantity data and fall below a fourth predetermined amount (such as information indicating the presence / absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, the number, and the medal amount engraved on the predetermined container). When each set of the slot machine 2 is picked up, information (unit number or the like) specifying the medal payer 1 is transmitted to the medal supply device 104. Then, the medal supply device 104 discharges the medals to the medal transport path 105 and the shutter 88 with respect to the island medal supply transport path 66 provided on the back surface of the medal payer 1 corresponding to the information specifying the medal payer 1. , And a guide for guiding medals to the rear surface introduction rod 73 on the upper surface of the endless belt of the conveyance path 105 is projected so that the leading end side of the guide faces the upstream side of the conveyance path 105, and the medal payer 1 or slot machine 2 side The rear end side of the guide is positioned on the downstream side of the conveyance path 105, and medals are taken into the medal dispenser 1 from the conveyance path 105. Here, as each predetermined amount, the third predetermined amount (danger amount that the sum of medals contained in the medal dispensing machine 1 and the slot machine 2 may be too large to be paid out)> second predetermined amount (medal paying out) Risk amount that there is a risk that too many medals are built in the machine 1)> first predetermined amount (medals built in the medal dispensing machine 1 are almost full)> fifth predetermined amount (built in the medal dispensing machine 1) If the number of medals to be played is an intermediate amount between full and empty and slightly higher than the average value, the replenishment frequency can be reduced and normal medal lending may not be interrupted)> Fourth predetermined amount (the medal built in the medal dispensing machine 1 It may be set on the program and / or on the mechanism so as to be close to the sky.

In addition, the management device 100 in each medal dispenser 1 or each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 received by being relayed to the island controller 102 via a communication interface circuit (hereinafter, the interface circuit is referred to as IF). When the built-in medal quantity data is monitored and each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 that have been accommodated in the required amount of medals is picked up, a shutter 88 is provided to the island medal supply conveyance path 66. As a closed state, the guide for guiding the medal to the back surface introduction rod 73 on the upper surface of the endless belt of the transport path 105 is moved upward from the transport path 105 so that the medal and the guide do not come into contact with each other.

When the island medal supply transport path 66, the medal transport path 105, and the medal supply device 104 are provided as described above, the management device 100 communicates with each medal dispenser 1 via the island controller when the power is turned on. To notify that the “automatic replenishment mode” is set. Then, in the “automatic replenishment mode”, the medal dispenser 1 does not need to prohibit payout and counting for replenishment, and therefore does not shift to the replenishment mode described in detail later. In this case, the medal dispenser 1 always shifts to the above-described standby mode, payout mode, or counting mode. In the case where the island medal supply transport path 66, the medal transport path 105, and the medal supply device 104 are provided, if there are too many built-in medals in the medal payer 1 or each set of the medal payer 1 and the slot machine 2, Since surplus medals are discharged from the discharge basket 59 to the island medal supply transport path 66, it is not necessary to shift to a discharge mode for discharging surplus medals (step S106).

A case where the island medal supply conveyance path 66, the medal conveyance path 105, and the medal supply device 104 are not provided will be described. The management apparatus 100 monitors the built-in medal quantity data in each medal dispenser 1 or each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 that is relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF and receives the fourth place. When each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 is picked up below a fixed amount (such as information indicating the presence / absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, and amount of medals engraved on a predetermined container) The in-store income is notified by voice to the machine number and the medal dispensing machine 1 of that machine number to be replenished with medals, and the medal dispensing machine 1 corresponding to the information (such as the machine number) specifying the medal dispensing machine 1 is connected to the island controller. Communication is performed via the relay 102, and information indicating that the replenishment mode is set is transmitted. Then, if the medal dispenser 1 is not in the “automatic replenishment mode”, it becomes a forced replenishment mode, and the player is prohibited from entering the counting mode and the payout mode (step S105).

Eventually, the clerk replenishes the medal dispenser 1 with the medals, and the control unit 103 of the medal dispenser 1 counts the medal weight of the medal tank 62 of the medal dispenser 1 and the counting mechanism 70 during replenishment via the sensor IF. Or the proximity sensor S, when a supplement is made for one sheet , the fifth predetermined amount (weight, number, predetermined amount , etc.) in which the number of supplemental medals is sufficiently operable is larger than the fourth predetermined amount to be satisfied. When it is detected that the medal is in a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount stored in the container, the information is transmitted to the management apparatus 100 via the island controller 102 from the communication IF. Then, the control unit of the management apparatus 100 notifies the completion of the replenishment by voice via the intercom, and notifies the medal dispenser 1 of the end of the replenishment mode via the communication IF by relaying the island controller 102. To do. In response to the completion of the replenishment mode, the medal dispenser 1 shifts to the normal payout mode if there is a card in the card receiving / issuing slot 6 and shifts to the counting mode, and shifts to a standby state if there is no card ( Step S105).

When the island medal supply transport path 66, the medal transport path 105, and the medal supply device 104 are not provided, the management device 100 relays each medal dispenser 1 or medal received and relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF. monitoring the internal medal quantity data in each set of dispensers 1 and slot machine 2, (information indicating a medal presence at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount to be stored in the weight and number or a predetermined container) fifth place quantitatively When the medal dispenser 1 exceeding the first larger predetermined amount and each set of the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 are picked up, the unit number and the surplus medals in the medal dispenser 1 of that unit number are voiced to the in-store income. The island controller 102 to the medal dispenser 1 corresponding to the information (unit number, etc.) that identifies the medal dispenser 1 Communicate by relay, and transmits the information to the effect that gives permission to become the discharge mode. Then, if the control unit 103 of the medal dispenser 1 is not in the “automatic replenishment mode” and has been permitted to enter the discharge mode, when the discharge mode is set by the remote control by the store clerk, the counting mode by the player and transition to the payout mode is inhibited, and the front side of the dispensing opening 78 of the medal payout machine 1, the fifth predetermined internal medal quantity from the nozzle 13 is approximately intermediate of the first predetermined number and the fourth predetermined number The surplus medals are discharged until the number reaches the number, and when the fifth predetermined number is reached, the management device 100 notifies the discharge mode to end, and the control unit 103 notifies the liquid crystal display unit 5 to the discharge mode via the display IF. When the end is displayed and the store clerk presses the OK button on the remote controller, if there is a card in the card receiving / issuing slot 6, the normal payout mode can be entered and the counting mode can be entered. It shifts to the state (S200).

Note that the control unit 103 of the medal dispenser 1 receives a signal from the position sensor of the nozzle 13 from the sensor IF, and when the position of the nozzle 13 is located on the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 1, the control unit 103 removes the position. Until then, the control unit of the management apparatus 1 instructs the control unit of the management apparatus 1 from the island controller 12 through the communication IF, and the control unit of the management apparatus 1 that receives the instruction through the communication IF sets the nozzles in the XX range through the intercom. Continue to broadcast that remove the slot machine from the lower plate (step S105). Note that the control unit of the management apparatus 100 has a fifth predetermined amount of medals (value received by the control unit via the communication IF via the island controller 102) built in the medal tank 62 during the counting process and the replenishment process. It is determined whether or not ( such as information indicating the presence / absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight and number or the amount of medals engraved on a predetermined container) is exceeded. Information indicating that the process is to be stopped is notified to the medal payer 1 via the communication IF via the relay of the island controller 102, and the medal payer 1 stops the counting process and the replenishment process based on the notification (S200).

Next, the hardware configuration of each apparatus shown in FIG. 14 will be described. The management apparatus 100 includes a control unit, and the control unit includes a CPU, a semiconductor hard disk that stores programs, and a RAM that stores temporary calculation results. In addition, the management device 100 includes a communication IF for communicating with the island controller 102 and the medal supply device 104. The management device 100 is composed of one or a plurality of management devices (for example, a card management device, a prize management device, a medal amount management device for each unit, etc.) on the network, and distributes and executes JOBs performed by the management devices. Of course, one management apparatus may be used.

The island controller 102 includes a control unit, and the control unit includes a CPU, a semiconductor hard disk that stores programs, and a RAM that stores temporary calculation results. In addition, the island controller 102 includes a communication IF for communicating with the management device 100, the medal dispenser 1, and the medal supply device 104.

In addition to the mechanical mechanism described above, the medal supply device 103 includes a control unit, and the control unit includes a CPU, a semiconductor hard disk that stores programs, and a RAM that stores temporary calculation results. Further, the medal supply device 103 includes a communication IF for communicating with the management device 100 and the island medal supply transport path 66.

The medal dispenser 1 includes a control unit 103 in addition to the mechanical mechanism described above. The control unit 103 includes a CPU, a semiconductor hard disk that stores programs, and a RAM that stores temporary calculation results. The medal payout device 1 includes a communication IF for communicating with the island controller 102, a card reader / writer / control unit 103 and a card reader / writer IF for communicating with the card reader / writer, a bill identifying device / control unit 103, and a bill identifying device. Bill identification IF for communication, button IF for the control unit 103 to detect pressing of each button, display IF for liquid crystal display unit 5 and control unit 103 to communicate, output from the counting mechanism S or 70, etc. A sensor IF that converts electrical characteristics (for example, impedance conversion, etc.) and a motor IF that controls various motors.

Next, based on FIG. 15, the flowchart about the management apparatus 100 is demonstrated. First, when the power is turned on in the first morning (not shown), the control unit of the management apparatus 100 provides information indicating that the “automatic replenishment mode” or “non-automatic replenishment mode” is set in the reset interrupt process activated by power-on. Then, it is relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF and transmitted to each medal dispenser 1.

Next, in the reset interrupt process, the program is transferred from the semiconductor hard disk to the RAM, and the main routine stored at the head address is started by jumping to the program head address of the RAM. In S100, in each mode performed by each medal dispenser 1, the number of payouts that are the payout amount of medals in the payout mode, the count value that is the cumulative value obtained by counting the medals in the count mode, and the number of insufficient medals in the replenishment mode The number of replenishments performed, the number of ejected surplus medals during the ejection mode, the first total number of medals built in the medal dispenser 1, the second built in the medal dispenser 1 and the slot machine 2 The total number of medals, the card ID information received by the reader / writer unit of the card reader / writer, OUT (the number of medals to be paid out as a prize), IN (the number of medals inserted for the game), the unit number, 1 is relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF by the control unit 103 and received by the control unit of the management apparatus 100 via the communication IF of the management apparatus 100

The control unit of the management apparatus 100 receives the paid-out number, count value, replenishment number, discharge number, first total amount medal number, second total amount medal number, IN, OUT, difference between IN and OUT, time, card ID Information, unit number, island number, and gaming machine model are stored in a predetermined area of the semiconductor hard disk corresponding to card ID information, unit number, island number, and gaming machine model. Can be displayed or printed on the display monitor for the entire hall, for each machine, for each registered same game machine group, for each island, for each card ID, and for each member (step S100).

Next, in what mode each medal dispenser 1 is, that is, in the case of the payout mode, the counting mode, the replenishment mode, the discharge mode, the automatic replenishment mode, the non-automatic replenishment mode, the fourth embodiment, Information indicating that each mode is selected is relayed from the control unit 103 of each medal dispenser 1 to the island controller 102 via the communication IF, and is received by the control unit of the management apparatus 100 via the communication IF. (Step S101).

Next, since the number of medals entered and exited can be ascertained by each parameter received in step S100, the total number of medals built in each medal dispenser 1 (step S102), built in the set of each medal dispenser 1 and slot machine 2 The total number of medals to be calculated is calculated (step S103). If the total number of medals received in step S100 is different (if the number of medals is detected by the weight sensor, it is greatly different), an instruction to the effect that the medal dispenser 1 with the corresponding serial number is out of order or to confirm the failure. Put out.

In step S104, in the “automatic replenishment mode” including the island medal supply transport path 66, the medal transport path 105, and the medal supply device 104, the process proceeds to step S106, and the island medal supply transport path 66, the medal transport path 105, and the medal. When it is the “non-automatic replenishment mode” that does not include the supply device 104, the process proceeds to step S105 (step S104).

Step S105 is as described above (step S105). After step S105 is completed, the process returns to start.

Step S106 is as described above (step S106). After step S105 is completed, the process returns to start.

Next, a flowchart executed by the control unit 103 of the medal dispenser 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the power is turned on in the morning (not shown), the control unit 103 of the medal dispenser 1 is set by the control unit of the management device 100 by the reset interrupt process that is started when the power is turned on. Information indicating that the mode is “non-automatic replenishment mode” is relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF, and the standby mode is temporarily set. Next, in the reset interrupt process, the program is transferred from the semiconductor hard disk to the RAM, and the main routine stored at the head address is started by jumping to the program head address of the RAM.

First, in the mode setting in step S200, the control unit 103 determines that the insertion of cash into the bill insertion slot 4 or the insertion of a card into the card reception / issuance slot 6 is performed by the card reader / writer IF, If it is detected via the bill identification IF, the payout mode is set. If the control unit 103 detects that a card has been inserted and the reader / writer unit in the card reader / writer has no readable card via the card reader / writer IF, a plurality of non-member cards can be issued. The stored value is stored in the card management device based on the issued non-member card ID. If the control unit 103 detects through the card reader / writer IF that the game has lost its valuable value (frequency), the standby mode is set. When the control unit 103 detects that the valuable value remains in the non-member card or that the member card exists in the reader / writer unit via the reader / writer IF, the button IF indicates that the card return button 99 has been pressed. If the control unit 103 detects the card, the non-member card and the member card are discharged from the card reader / writer to the standby mode (step S200).

In addition, when the control unit 103 detects that the counting button 8 is pressed during the payout mode through the button IF in the mode setting in step S200, the control unit 103 shifts to the counting mode, and the counting mechanism S, When the control unit 103 does not detect the predetermined time (15 seconds) from 70 via the sensor IF, the counting mode is again shifted to the payout mode. It should be noted that even if the counting button 8 is pressed during the above-described “non-automatic replenishment mode (no 66, 104, 105)” and the replenishment mode or the discharge mode, the mode does not shift to the counting mode. In the above-described “automatic replenishment mode (66, 104, 105)”, since the replenishment and discharge are performed without permission, the transition from the payout mode to the counting mode may be performed (step S200). At any time, the medal tank 62 exceeds a first predetermined amount (such as information indicating the presence / absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, medal amount stored in a predetermined container, or other predetermined number). When there is a medal, the mode is not shifted to the counting mode.

Further, in the mode setting in step S200, when the control unit 103 is in the above-described “non-automatic replenishment mode (no 66, 104, 105)” and includes the management device 100, the control unit 103 transmits the management device 100 via the communication IF. When relayed to the island controller 102 and receiving an instruction to enter the replenishment mode, the mode shifts to the replenishment mode. When the “non-automatic replenishment mode (without 66, 104, 105)” and the management apparatus 100 are not provided, the control unit 103 determines that the medal number built in the medal tank 62 is the fourth predetermined amount ( When it is detected via the sensor IF that the weight is less than or equal to the weight, number, medal amount stored in the predetermined container, etc.

In the transition from the replenishment mode to the normal payout mode, the number of medals stored in the medal tank 62 input by the control unit 103 via the sensor IF is stored in a first predetermined amount (weight, number, or predetermined container). Information indicating presence / absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount) and a fourth predetermined amount described later ( information indicating presence / absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, and medal amount stored in a predetermined container) . When picking up an intermediate fifth predetermined amount (information indicating the presence / absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, medal amount stored in the predetermined container, etc.) , the completion of replenishment is displayed via the display IF. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5 and is performed when the acknowledgment is received from the remote controller. In the replenishment mode, the shift to the counting mode and the discharge mode is not performed. Further, in the above-described “automatic replenishment mode (with 66, 104, 105)”, since the replenishment is performed and discharged, the transition to the replenishment mode is not performed (step S200). At any time, the medal tank 62 exceeds a first predetermined amount (such as information indicating the presence / absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, medal amount stored in a predetermined container, or other predetermined number). When there are medals, the refill mode is not entered.

Further, in the mode setting in step S200, when the control unit 103 is in the above-described “non-automatic replenishment mode (no 66, 104, 105)” and includes the management device 100, the control unit 103 transmits the management device 100 via the communication IF. When relayed to the island controller 102 and receiving an instruction to enter the discharge mode, the mode shifts to the discharge mode.

When the “non-automatic replenishment mode (without 66, 104, 105)” and the management apparatus 100 are not provided, the control unit 103 determines that the medal number built in the medal tank 62 is the fourth predetermined amount ( A predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, medal amount stored in the predetermined container, etc., which is larger than the first predetermined amount ( information indicating presence / absence of medals at the predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount stored in the predetermined container) . If it is detected via the sensor IF that the above has been reached, information is transferred to the discharge mode. The transition from the discharge mode to the normal payout mode indicates whether or not the number of medals built in the medal tank 62 is a first predetermined amount (the medal presence / absence at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, the number, and the medal amount stored in a predetermined container). Information) and a second predetermined amount (weight, number, information indicating presence / absence of medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount stored in the predetermined container, etc.) and a fifth predetermined amount (weight, number, This is performed when the discharge completion is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5 and an acknowledgment is received from the remote controller. This information is information indicating the presence or absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the amount of medals stored in the predetermined container . In the discharge mode, the shift to the counting mode and the replenishment mode is not performed. Further, if the “automatic replenishment mode (with 66, 104, 105)” is already described, the replenishment is performed without permission and the transition to the discharge mode is not performed (step S200).

Next, in step S201, the control unit 103 determines what the mode set in step S200 is. If in standby mode, return to start. If it is the counting mode, the counting process of step S201 is executed. If it is the paying mode, the paying process of step S203 is executed. If it is the replenishing mode, the replenishing process of step S204 is executed. A discharge process is executed (step S201).

The controller 103 performs a counting process in step S202. During the counting process, nothing is done even if the lending button 9 and the replay button 7 are pressed. In the counting process, the counting mechanism 70 accumulates and stores the detection signals addressed to one medal of proximity S (step S202). The control unit 103 determines that the number of medals stored in the medal tank 62 during the counting process is a predetermined large value (the second predetermined number (the medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, the number, and the medal amount stored in the predetermined container). If it is determined that it has exceeded the information ), the medal counting process is immediately stopped (the counting mechanism 70 is stopped, the feeding mechanisms 60 and 74 are stopped, the 77 shutter is closed, the feeding mechanism 60, The shutter provided at the medal receiving port 74 is closed).

The controller 103 performs a payout process in step S203. During the payout process, no counting is performed even if the counting button is pressed, and no process by shifting to another mode is performed. In the payout process, when the control unit 103 detects that the replay button 7 is pressed through the button IF, the control unit 103 consumes the number of medals already described and pays out preferentially, and the number of medals disappears. The payout motor 65 is driven via the motor IF so that the number of stored medals is paid out so that the number of stored medals is paid out. Further, when the control unit 103 detects that the lending button 9 is pressed via the button IF, the control unit 103 reads the valuable value (frequency) from the card management device based on the card ID, and a predetermined number of medals (50 medals 1000 yen) And the payout motor 65 is driven through the motor IF to pay out the number of medals for the withdrawal (step S203).

The controller 103 performs a replenishment process in step S204. During replenishment processing, counting and payout are not performed, and processing by shifting to another mode is not performed. In the replenishment process, the control unit 103 may accept medals from the receiving port 17 for replenishment while counting by the counting mechanism 70 and the proximity sensor S, or may replenish by opening the replenishment door 10. In order to accept the supplemental medal, the count value and the supplemental number are stored separately so that the supplemental medal is not counted or the counted result is not processed as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes. . Of course, as described above, if the “automatic replenishment mode (with 66, 104, 105)” is selected, the control unit 103 does nothing (step S204). Note the control unit 103, medals presence at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal equivalent number medals are statues to a predetermined amount (weight or number or a predetermined container Jo Tokoro value (5 incorporated in the medal reservoir 62 during replenishment process when it is determined that exceeds the information, etc.)) indicating the directly supplement process to stop the stop (counting mechanism 70 medal, stopping the pumped mechanisms 60, 74, 77 closed shutter, occlusion of the shutter 88, also The shutters provided at the medal receiving ports of the lifting mechanisms 60 and 74 are closed).

The control unit 103 performs a discharge process in step S205. During the discharging process, counting and payout are not performed, and processing by shifting to another mode is not performed. In the discharge process, the control unit 103 displays a warning “discharge of surplus medals” on the liquid crystal display unit 5 via the display IF, and relays it to the island controller 102 via the communication IF to the management device 100. Information indicating the “discharge mode” and the machine number are transmitted.

When the management apparatus 100 receives the information indicating that it is in “discharge mode”, the management apparatus 100 provides a voice message with an intercom message indicating that “excess medals will be discharged”. The store clerk who has received this guidance sets the dispensing nozzle 13 out of the position facing the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2, holds a medal box, and transmits information indicating “preparation for discharge reception” from the remote control. Then, when the control unit 103 of the medal payer 1 receives information indicating “preparation for receiving discharge” from the remote control possessed by the store clerk, the control unit 103 drives the payout motor 65 via the motor IF to pay the surplus medal to the outside. put out. Of course, as described above, if the “automatic replenishment mode (with 66, 104, 105)” is selected, the control unit 103 does nothing (step S205).

When the control unit 103 detects that the dispensing nozzle 13 is located at the position facing the lower plate 43 of the slot machine 2 based on the position information input via the sensor IF, the control unit 103 causes the liquid crystal display unit 5 to A warning “Discharge of surplus medals” is displayed via the display IF, and relayed to the island controller 102 via the communication IF to the management device 100, and “the nozzle position is on the customer's slot machine side. "Please change the nozzle position." And the unit number are transmitted. When the management device 100 receives the information indicating that it is in the “discharge mode”, the voice is received by intercom, and “No. of XX series discharge mode corresponding to the received unit number is in the slot machine side of the customer”. Please change the position of the nozzle. "

Next, the control unit 103 proceeds to step S206, and transmits the information received by the management apparatus 100 in step S100 described above to the island controller 102 via the communication IF (step S206).

Next, the control unit 103 proceeds to step S207, and transmits the information received by the management apparatus 100 in step S101 described above to the island controller 102 via the communication IF (step S207).

As described above, according to some of the embodiments described above, the medal payer and the medal payout method of the medal payer of the present invention can be realized. And according to this Embodiment, the medal storage part 62 which receives and stores the medal counted by the counting mechanism 70 and the proximity sensor S, and the medal introduction mechanism (which introduces the medal counted by the counting mechanism to the medal storage part 62) 60, 70 and 71, 74 and 76 and 77), and a medal payout part (payout noses 63, 13, 78) for paying out medals stored in the medal storage part 62 to the front side of the housing 3. Since it is provided with a discharge / intake switching mechanism (59 and 73) that switches between a discharge process for discharging to the outside of the housing or a take-in process for taking in the housing according to the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit 62. Counting medals and supplemental medals are stored from the same medal receiving part to the same medal storage part via the same medal introduction mechanism with a maximum storage capacity so that it can be paid out again. It is possible to improve the usability by minimizing the space of the medal dispensing machine housing, cope with the overflow to the medal storage unit that occurs when storing the counting medals in the medal storage unit, and pay out the medal storage unit Corresponding to maintaining the possible medal amount, the medal amount in the medal storage unit (weight, number, information indicating presence / absence of medals at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount engraved on the predetermined container, etc.) There is an effect that processing can be performed by switching between discharging processing to be discharged or taking-in processing to be taken into the housing.

The discharge uptake switching mechanism (59 from 73,67 70 from 63 13 and 17 60 and from 63 13), the amount of medals that will be stored in the medal storage unit 62 is a first predetermined amount (weight or number Or the amount of medals stored in the medal storage unit overflows ( externally ) by discharging to the outside of the housing when the amount exceeds the medal engraved on the predetermined container. it is possible to prevent the a is) to overweight status of enough discharge difficult, predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount amount medals that will be stored in the medal reservoir can be the first predetermined amount (statues weight and number and a predetermined container when the lower information) illustrating a medal presence at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount of statues predetermined amount of information, etc.) is less than a fourth illustrating a medal presence (in weight or number or a predetermined container to get inside housing in In Mukoto, an effect that can be prevented not paid out to the storage shortage medal reservoir.

Further, the amount of medals stored in the medal storage unit 62 exceeds a predetermined amount ( second predetermined amount ) (such as information indicating the presence or absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, number, or amount of medals engraved on a predetermined container) . A medal amount determining means for determining whether or not the medal amount is determined by the medal amount determining means to indicate the presence or absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to a second predetermined amount (weight, number or medal amount engraved on a predetermined container). Information) , the medal is not received from the medal receiving part into the housing (stop of the counting mechanism 70, stop of the feeding mechanisms 60 and 74, 77 shutter closing, shutter 88 closing, In addition, since the shutters provided at the medal receiving ports of the lifting mechanisms 60 and 74 are closed), the amount of medals stored in the medal storage unit overflows (is in an overweight state that is difficult to discharge to the outside) . There is an effect that can be prevented.

In addition, the sum of the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit 62 and the medal amount stored in the game stand is a third predetermined amount (the presence or absence of a medal at a predetermined position corresponding to the weight, the number, and the medal amount engraved in the predetermined container) And a second medal amount determining means for determining whether or not the information exceeds the third predetermined amount (weight, number, predetermined container). The medal stored in the medal storage unit is not received from the medal receiving unit when it is determined that the medal receiving unit has exceeded the medal amount at a predetermined position corresponding to the medal amount to be engraved. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the sum of the amount and the amount of medals stored in the game table from overflowing (a state of excessive weight that is difficult to discharge to the outside) .

Further, switching means (S200) for switching between a counting mode for counting acquired medals and a replenishment mode for replenishing medals for payout, and a counting result counted by a counting mechanism when the switching means sets the counting mode. Is recorded in association with the recording information of the recording medium issued to the player (S206, details are described in the description of S100) and discharged when the replenishment mode is set by the switching means (S200). The capture process (67 to 70, 17 to 60) can be executed by the capture switching mechanism (59 and 73, 67 to 70 and 63 to 13, 17 to 60 and 63 to 13). 70, 17 to 60) and accepting the replenishment medals or not counting the supplemental medals And replenishing medal untreated receiving means to avoid treated as goods exchangeable win game medium count (S204), so provided with an effect that can be implemented by switching without confusion supplemented with a counting.

Further, the switching means (S200) can be switched to a discharge mode for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage section 62 to the outside. When the switching means (S200) is set to the discharge mode, the switching means (S200) is discharged. The discharging process (S205) can be executed by the take-in switching mechanism (59 and 73, 67 to 70 and 63 to 13, 17 to 60 and 63 to 13), and the discharging means for discharging the medal to the outside by the discharging process Since (59, 63 to 13) are provided, there is an effect that in addition to replenishment and counting, discharging can be switched without confusion.

It is the perspective view which arrange | positioned the medal payer of a 1st form adjacent to the game machine. 4 is a perspective view of the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 of the first embodiment as seen from the back side. FIG. It is the figure which looked at the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 of the first form from the bottom side. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the front surface of the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. It is a perspective view of the ashtray 45. FIG. FIG. 5 is a view of a section Q and a section S in FIG. It is internal sectional explanatory drawing which looked at the medal dispenser 1 of the 1st form from the side surface direction. It is a front side perspective view of the medal dispenser 1 of the 2nd form. It is a front side perspective view of the medal dispenser 1 of the 3rd form. It is internal cross-section explanatory drawing which looked at the medal dispenser 1 of the 2nd form from the side surface direction. It is the perspective view seen from the back side of the slot machine 2 and the medal dispenser 1 of the 4th form. It is the expanded perspective view of the raising mechanism 74 in the medal dispenser 1 of the 4th form. 13 is a WW ′ view of a cross section T in FIG. 12. It is a management system figure which adopted medal dispenser 1. 4 is a flowchart for the management apparatus 100. 3 is a flowchart for the medal dispensing machine 1;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medal dispensing machine, 2 ... Slot machine, 3 ... Housing, 4 ... Bill insertion slot, 5 ... Liquid crystal display part, 6 ... Card acceptance issue port, 7 ... Replay button, 8 ... count button, 9 ... lending button, 10 ... replenishing door, 13 ... nozzle, 14 ... long path, 15 ... curved path 99,17 ······················· 18 ·············································································································································································· ... Lifting belt, 39 ... Lifting machine cover, 40 ... Lifting machine, 41 ... Bottom slide, 42 ... Slot machine bottom opening, 49 ... Fitting projection, 52 ... Shutter, 53 ... Hook, 54 ... Groove, 55 ... Valley bottom, 56 ... Curved surface, 58 ... Replenishing rod, 59 ... Discharge gutter, 60 ... pumped mechanism, 61 ... pumped mechanism cover, 62 ... medals tank, 66 ... island medal supply conveyance path, 67 ... receiving port, 70 ... counting mechanism 73 ... Back-side introduction rod, 88, 89 ... Shutter, bottom discharge rod 90, lower discharge port 91, 99 ... Card return button, proximity sensor ... S, 100 ... management device, 101 ... Network, 102 ... Island controller, 104 ... Medal supply device, 105 ... Transfer path,

Claims (8)

A housing provided adjacent to the game table, a medal receiving portion for receiving inserted medals provided on the front side of the housing, a counting portion for counting medals received by the medal receiving portion, and the counting portion. A medal storage unit that receives and stores the counted medals, a medal introduction mechanism that guides the medals counted by the counting unit to the medal storage unit, and pays out medals stored in the medal storage unit to the front side of the housing A medal payout unit, and a discharge / intake switching mechanism that switches between a discharge process for discharging to the outside of the housing or a take-in process for taking in the housing according to the amount of medals stored in the medal storage unit. A medal dispenser characterized by that. When the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit exceeds a first predetermined number, the discharge / take-in switching mechanism discharges to the outside of the housing, and the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit is a first predetermined number. 2. The medal dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the number is smaller than a smaller second predetermined number, the medal dispensing machine is incorporated into the housing. The apparatus further comprises medal amount determination means for determining whether or not the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount, and accepting the medal when the medal amount determination means determines that the medal amount exceeds the predetermined amount 3. The medal dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein no medal is received from the inside of the housing. A second medal amount determining means for determining whether the sum of the medal amount stored in the medal storage unit and the medal amount stored in the slot machine exceeds a predetermined amount; 4. The medal dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein when a sum of medal amounts is determined to exceed a predetermined amount, no medal is received from the medal receiving unit into the housing. Switching means for switching between a counting mode for counting acquired medals and a replenishment mode for replenishing medals for payout;
Counting result recording means for recording the count result counted by the counting unit in association with the recording information of the recording medium delivered to the player when the counting means is set by the switching means;
When the replenishment mode is set by the switching means, the take-in process can be executed by the discharge / take-in switching mechanism, and the replenishment medal received by the take-in process is accepted and the replenishment medal is counted. 5. A medal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising supplementary medal non-processing receiving means for preventing the counting result from being processed as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes even if counting is not performed. Dispenser. The switching means can be switched to a discharge mode for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit to the outside.
When the discharge mode is set by the switching unit, the discharge process can be executed by the discharge / intake switching mechanism, and the discharge unit includes a discharge unit that can discharge medals to the outside by the discharge process. The medal dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A medal dispenser payout method according to claim 1,
A counting step of counting medals received by the medal receiving unit by the counting unit, an introducing step of guiding the medals counted by the counting unit to the medal storing unit by the medal introducing mechanism, and stored in the medal storing unit A payout process of paying out medals by the medal payout unit;
A medal dispensing machine comprising: a discharge / intake switching step of switching between discharging to the outside of the housing and taking in to the inside of the housing according to the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit by the discharge / intake switching mechanism. Payment method. A method of paying out a medal dispenser according to claim 5,
A counting step of counting the medals received by the medal receiving unit by the counting unit, an introduction process for guiding the medals counted by the counting unit to the medal storing unit by the medal introducing mechanism, and the medal storing unit A payout process for paying out medals by the medal payout unit, and a discharge process for discharging the medals to the outside of the housing or taking in the inside of the housing according to the number of medals stored in the medal storage unit by the discharge / take-in switching mechanism A discharge / intake switching process for switching between or
A switching step of switching between the counting mode, the replenishment mode, and the discharge mode by the switching means;
When the mode switched in the switching step is the counting mode, the counting result recording unit records the counting result counted by the counting unit in association with the recording information of the recording medium issued to the player. Process,
When the mode switched in the switching step is the replenishment mode, the take-in process can be executed by the discharge / take-in switching mechanism, accepting the replenishment medal accepted by the take-in process, and not replenishing the medal. A replenishment medal non-processing acceptance step for not counting the replenishment medals by the processing acceptance means or processing the counted result as the number of acquired game media that can be exchanged for prizes,
When the mode switched in the switching step is the discharge mode, the discharge process can be executed by the discharge / intake switching mechanism, and a discharge step of discharging the medal to the outside by the discharge means by the discharge process, A medal dispensing method for a medal dispensing machine, comprising: