JP2009297402A - Premium put-out device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a premium put-out device which can automatically control the number of stored premiums. <P>SOLUTION: This premium put-out device 1 contains a counter 30 which counts the number of two or more premiums 2 stored in a stacked state in a cassette 11. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the number of the premiums 2 contained in this premium put-out device 1. That is, since the premium put-out device 1 includes the counting function of the premiums 2 and therefore can automatically control the number of the stored premiums, it can contribute to the automation of the number control of the premiums 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize payout device for paying out a card-like prize exchanged for a game medium such as a pachinko ball.

  In game facilities such as pachinko parlors, a prize payout device is provided for paying out prizes to the player in accordance with the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player. Patent Document 1 below proposes a prize payout device that is directly installed on the floor of a gaming facility, and Patent Document 2 below proposes a desktop-type prize payout device that is placed on a counter or the like of a gaming facility. These premium payout devices pay out card-like premiums.

In the prize payout devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, a cassette for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state is built in, and a necessary number of prizes are drawn out from the cassette and paid out to the player.
Japanese Patent No. 3722878 JP 2008-73169A

In the amusement facility, in order to manage prizes, the number of prizes in the prize dispensing device is counted at the time of opening a store, changing employees, supplementing prizes, or closing a shop.
When performing this work, in the prize dispensing devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, an employee pulls out a cassette from the apparatus and counts the number of prizes in the cassette manually. In general, a prize dispensing device contains a plurality of cassettes containing 100 or more prizes, and manually counting the total number of prizes stored in the cassette is a heavy burden on employees. I am strong.

The present invention has been made under such a background, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispensing device that can automatically manage the number of prizes stored.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispensing device having a prize counting function.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a prize dispensing device that can contribute to automation of the management of the number of prizes.

The invention according to claim 1 is a giveaway device for paying out prizes stored in the apparatus, wherein a storage section for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state, and storage in the storage section. And a counting means for counting the number of given prizes.
A second aspect of the present invention is the giveaway device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage unit includes a plurality of storage units, and the counting means counts the number of giveaways for each storage unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the counting means is opposed to the side surface of the prizes stored in the storage unit in a stacked state and can be relatively displaced in the stacking direction, and the number of the prizes stacked by the relative displacement. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the prize dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2 is counted.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the counting means is a light-emitting element that projects toward the side surface of the prize, facing the laminated side surface of the prize stored in a stacked state in the storage unit, and reflected on the side surface of the prize. And an optical sensor including a light receiving element that receives the reflected light. The optical sensor is capable of relative displacement in the stacking direction of the prize, and is non-contact according to a change in a light reception signal of the light receiving element. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes is counted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the counting means includes a contact element facing the side surface of the prize stored in the storage unit in a stacked state and contacting the side surface of the prize, and the contact in the stacking direction of the prize. 4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for relatively displacing the child and counting the number of prizes based on a contact displacement output of the contact.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the counting means includes a mechanism for turning the prizes one by one while facing the lamination side surface of the prizes stored in the storage unit in a stacked state and relatively displacing the prizes in the stacking direction. The prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the turning mechanism counts the number of prizes according to turning prizes.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the prize dispensing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising an alignment mechanism that aligns side edges of adjacent prizes in the storage unit.
The invention according to claim 8 includes a plurality of the storage portions, and the plurality of storage portions are integrally movable relative to the counting means to the first position and the second position, and the counting means Counting the number of prizes stored in at least one storage section when the plurality of storage sections are in the first position, and the remaining storage sections when the plurality of storage sections are in the second position. 2. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes stored in the section is counted.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the prize dispensing device includes counting means for counting the number of prizes stored in the storage section in a stacked state. Therefore, it is possible to grasp how many prizes are stored in this prize dispensing device. In other words, since the prize dispensing device has a prize counting function, the number of prizes stored can be automatically managed, which can contribute to automation of the prize quantity management.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the prize dispensing device includes a plurality of storage units, and the counting means counts the number of prizes for each storage unit, so that how many prizes are stored in which storage unit. You can figure out what is being done.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the counting means is opposed to the side surface of the prizes stored in a stacked state in the storage unit and can be relatively displaced in the stacking direction, and the number of prizes stacked by the relative displacement. Count. Thus, the number of prizes can be counted with a simple configuration in which the counting means is relatively displaced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the counting means includes an optical sensor capable of relative displacement in the prize stacking direction. This optical sensor has a light emitting element that projects toward the side surface of the prize facing the side surface of the prize stored in a stacked state in the storage unit, and a light receiving element that receives the reflected light reflected from the side surface of the prize. The counting means can count the number of prizes in a non-contact manner in accordance with a change in the light reception signal of the light receiving element. Thereby, since the counting means can be separated from the prize, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the counting means includes a contact element facing the side surface of the prize stored in a stacked state in the storage unit and contacting the side surface of the prize, and a contact element in the stacking direction of the prize. And a mechanism for relative displacement, and the number of prizes is counted by the contact displacement output of the contact. That is, in this counting means, the contactor comes into contact with the prize when the prize is counted. Therefore, by using this counting means, it is possible to accurately count the number of prizes without losing the count.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the counting means has a mechanism for turning the prizes one by one while facing the lamination side surface of the prizes stored in the storage unit in a stacked state and relatively displacing the prizes in the stacking direction. In addition, the number of prizes is counted as the turning mechanism turns the prizes. That is, in this counting means, the number of prizes can be counted every time the turning mechanism turns one prize. Therefore, by using this counting means, it is possible to accurately count the number of prizes without losing the count.

According to the invention described in claim 7, since the prize dispensing device includes an alignment mechanism for aligning the side edges of the adjacent prizes in the storage portion, the counting means is in a state where the side edges are aligned and orderly stacked. You can count the number of prizes in Therefore, the counting means can accurately count the number of prizes without losing the count.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the prize dispensing device includes a plurality of storage units. These storage portions are integrally movable relative to the counting means to the first position and the second position. The counting means counts the number of prizes stored in at least one storage unit when these storage units are in the first position, and counts the remaining storage units when these storage units are in the second position. Since the number of stored prizes is counted, the number of prizes stored in all the storage units can be counted without adding a counting unit in accordance with the number of storage units. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
<Outline of the prize dispensing device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prize dispensing device 1 viewed from the front side (side on which an employee operates). In this figure, a state in which the door 5 on the side surface of the employee side is opened in the prize dispensing device 1 is shown. In FIG. 1, arrows (direction arrows) pointing in the up, down, front, back, left, and right directions are shown, and these direction arrows are referred to in specifying the direction (the same applies to each of the drawings after FIG. 1). Here, the left-right direction and the width direction are synonymous. The horizontal direction includes the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

The prize payout device 1 is used by being directly installed on the floor of the game facility. The customer who receives the payout of the prize is located on the rear side of the prize payout apparatus 1, and the employee is located on the front side of the prize payout apparatus 1 for customer service.
The prize 2 handled by the prize dispensing device 1 is a valuable card body that is exchanged according to the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player at the game facility, and is also called a special prize. The prize 2 is generally a resin card having a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm (see also FIG. 3B described later). The prize 2 contains an object having a predetermined monetary value. For example, there are three types according to the monetary value, such as 200 yen, 1000 yen, and 5000 yen. In addition, the prize 2 may have a built-in RFID tag or the like for identifying its type, or may be subjected to processing for preventing fraud such as forgery.

The prize dispensing device 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped cabinet 3 that forms an outer shell, and a plurality of (for example, seven) drawer units 4 that can store prizes 2 in a stacked state in a cassette 11 (see FIG. 3 described later). (In FIG. 1, one drawer unit 4 is shown).
The plurality of drawer units 4 are housed in the cabinet 3 in a state of being aligned in the width direction.

  A display unit 6 is provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 3. The display unit 6 includes a first display unit 6A that can be viewed from the customer side and a second display unit 6B that can be viewed only from the employee side (see FIG. 4 to be described later). Information is displayed. Further, the display unit 6 is provided with operation keys that are operated to control the operation of the giveaway device 1. In addition to the operation keys, an operation unit is provided.

On the upper surface of the cabinet 3, an outlet 7 is formed at an upper position of each drawer unit 4. A plurality of outlets 7 are formed according to the number of drawer units 4. Each outlet 7 communicates with the inside of the cabinet 3. Each outlet 7 is provided with a shutter 8. The shutter 8 opens and closes the outlet 7 by sliding back and forth.
In addition, the prize payout device 1 has a lift mechanism 27 for lifting the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11 (see FIG. 3) upward as a mechanism for paying out the prize 2 stored therein, and an exit of the prize 2 A payout mechanism 14 for paying out to the 7 side, a holding portion 28 for holding the payout prize 2 below the exit 7, an elevator mechanism 29 for lifting the reserved prize 2 toward the exit 7, A delivery mechanism 31 for pushing the prize 2 lifted up to the outlet 7 to the upper surface of the cabinet 3 is provided (see FIG. 4). The above-described shutter 8 and the configuration for sliding the shutter 8 are included in the above-described delivery mechanism 31. These mechanisms will be described individually when the drawer unit 4 is described below.
<Drawer unit>
2 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 4. FIG. 2 (a) shows a state in which the drawer part 20 is in the closed position, and FIG. 2 (b) shows a state in which the drawer part 20 is in the open position. Show. 3A is a perspective view of the cassette 11, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the prize 2 is fully stored in the cassette 11 in FIG. 3A. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams schematically showing a longitudinal section of the prize dispensing device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, each drawer unit 4 has a hollow box shape that is slightly thin in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the drawer unit 4 includes a casing 10 that forms an outline thereof, a drawer portion 20, a plurality (four in this case) of cassettes 11 (housing portions), and a carrier 12. Yes. The drawer | drawing-out part 20, the cassette 11, and the carrier 12 are normally accommodated in the casing 10 (refer Fig.2 (a)). The carrier 12 integrally holds the four cassettes 11 in a state where they are aligned in the front-rear direction. The four cassettes 11 arranged in the front-rear direction may be distinguished from the cassette 11A, the cassette 11B, the cassette 11C, and the cassette 11D in order from the front.

A longitudinal opening 21 is formed in the front wall of the casing 10 in the vertical direction. The opening 21 communicates with the inside of the casing 10.
The drawer 20 includes a front plate 22, a rear plate 23, and a bottom plate 24 integrally. The front plate 22 is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front side, and has a size that can just block the opening 21 of the casing 10. The rear plate 23 extends continuously from the front plate 22 to the rear side. The bottom plate 24 connects the lower end of the front plate 22 and the lower end of the rear plate 23.

  The rear plate 23 is slidably supported in the front-rear direction by rails (not shown) provided on the wall surface 10 </ b> A partitioning the inside from the left side in the casing 10. Thereby, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 is slidable to the front-back direction. In detail, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 can slide between a closed position (refer Fig.2 (a)) and an open position (refer FIG.2 (b)). As shown in FIG. 2A, when the drawer 20 is in the closed position, the front plate 22 closes the opening 21 of the casing 10 from the front side. When the drawer part 20 in this state is pulled out by a predetermined amount to the front side, the drawer part 20 is arranged at the open position shown in FIG. When the drawer portion 20 is in the open position, the front plate 22 is positioned in front of the opening 21 to open the opening 21, and almost all of the rear plate 23 is drawn to the front side.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the carrier 12 is integrally provided with a plurality of partitions 17. These partitions 17 have a plate shape extending in the vertical direction, and are arranged along the front-rear direction with a predetermined interval. Each cassette 11 is held by the carrier 12 by being sandwiched between two adjacent partitions 17. The carrier 12 is supported by the rear plate 23 of the drawer 20 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Here, with respect to the relative position of the carrier 12 with respect to the rear plate 23, the position of the carrier 12 at the most front side is referred to as a front position (see FIG. 4B), and the carrier 12 at the most rear side is positioned. The position is referred to as a rear position (see FIG. 4A). FIG. 2B shows the carrier 12 in the front position.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a slide mechanism 9 that slides the carrier 12 back and forth is provided below the carrier 12. The slide mechanism 9 is configured by, for example, a motor-driven rack and pinion mechanism or the like, and is fixed to the bottom plate 24 of the drawer portion 20.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the cassette 11 is longitudinal in the vertical direction, and its flat cross section has a substantially U shape with the right side cut away. The upper surface and the bottom surface of the cassette 11 are open. The right side surface of the cassette 11 is opened over the entire range in the vertical direction so as to form the above-described substantially U shape, and the opened portion is referred to as an opening portion 25. The opening portion 25 is continuous with both the top surface and the bottom surface opened in the cassette 11. The cassette 11 can store a maximum of, for example, 125 sheets of a plurality of prizes 2 of a predetermined type in a stacked state in which they are stacked in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3B). The lower end of the cassette 11 is provided with a claw 26 that engages the lowermost prize 2 in the cassette 11 from below, so that the prize 2 may fall off from the open bottom of the cassette 11. It is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the casing 10, two lifts 13 are provided that are arranged at an interval in the arrangement direction (front-rear direction) of the cassettes 11. Each lift 13 has a flat plate shape in the front-rear and left-right directions, is supported by the casing 10, and can be raised and lowered along the up-down direction in the casing 10. The standby position of the lift 13 is near the bottom wall of the casing 10 (see the lift 13 indicated by a dotted line). The lift 13 and the configuration for raising and lowering the lift 13 are included in the lift mechanism 27 described above.

In the casing 10, the feeding mechanism 14 described above is disposed above each lift 13. That is, two feeding mechanisms 14 are provided according to the number of lifts 13. The feeding mechanism 14 is disposed adjacent to the upper wall of the casing 10 and is supported by the casing 10.
Each feeding mechanism 14 includes a moving body 18 that is slidably supported in the front-rear direction and a pair of feeding rollers 19 that are rotatably supported. The moving body 18 and the feeding roller 19 are arranged along the front-rear direction. On the bottom surface of the moving body 18, a claw 18A protruding downward is integrally provided.

In the upper wall of the casing 10, a temporary holding portion 15 is formed at a portion located between the two feeding mechanisms 14. The temporary storage unit 15 communicates with the inside of the casing 10. In a state where the drawer unit 4 is housed in the cabinet 3, the temporary holding portion 15 of the casing 10 faces the corresponding outlet 7 in the cabinet 3 from below.
In each feeding mechanism 14, the feeding roller 19 is disposed at a position closer to the temporary holding unit 15 than the moving body 18 in the front-rear direction. Here, as described above, regarding the position of the movable body 18 that is slidable in the front-rear direction, the position of the movable body 18 when it is closest to the feeding roller 19 is referred to as the advance position, and the movement when it is farthest from the feeding roller 19. The position of the body 18 is referred to as a retracted position. In FIG. 4, the moving body 18 in the retracted position is shown, and the retracted position becomes the standby position of the moving body 18.

  In the casing 10, the space below the temporary storage unit 15 is the storage unit 28 described above. The holding unit 28 is provided with the elevator mechanism 29 described above. The elevator mechanism 29 includes the elevator 16. The elevator 16 has a flat plate shape in the front-rear and left-right directions, is supported by the casing 10, and can move up and down along the up-down direction in the casing 10. When the elevator 16 is in the standby position, the upper surface of the elevator 16 is at a position lower than the feeding roller 19 of the feeding mechanism 14. A mechanism for raising and lowering the elevator 16 is included in the elevator mechanism 29.

Next, the payout operation of the prize 2 by the prize payout device 1 will be described with a focus on one drawer unit 4.
First, the door 5 of the cabinet 3 is opened, and the drawer portion 20 is pulled out to the open position as shown in FIG. In this state, four cassettes 11 (see FIG. 3B) containing the same type of prize 2 are inserted into the carrier 12 from above and are held by the carrier 12. Then, the drawer | drawing-out part 20 is pushed into a closed position (refer Fig.2 (a)), and is accommodated in the casing 10 with the cassette 11 and the carrier 12. FIG. At this time, the carrier 12 is assumed to be in the rear position (see FIG. 4A). When the door 5 (see FIG. 1) is closed, the prize 2 can be paid out by the prize dispensing device 1.

  Thus, when the drawer | drawing-out part 20 exists in a closed position and the carrier 12 exists in a back position, as shown to Fig.4 (a), two lifts 13 mentioned above are in a standby position (in Fig.4 (a)) (See lift 13 indicated by dotted line). Specifically, among these lifts 13, the bottom surface of the first cassette 11 </ b> A from the front is positioned above the front lift 13, and the top of the third cassette 11 </ b> C from the front is above the rear lift 13. The bottom is located.

  When the carrier 12 moves from this state to the front position, the four cassettes 11 move relative to the front side relative to the lift 13 as shown in FIG. In this case, the bottom surface of the second cassette 11B from the front is located above the front lift 13, and the bottom surface of the fourth cassette 11D from the front is located above the rear lift 13. (See the lift 13 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 4B).

  When the carrier 12 is in the rear position, the prize 2 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 11A and the cassette 11C (see FIG. 4A). When the carrier 12 is in the front position, the prize 2 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 11B and the cassette 11D (see FIG. 4B). From which cassette 11 the prize 2 is paid out can be arbitrarily set.

Next, taking the cassette 11A as an example, a procedure for paying out the prize 2 from the cassette 11 will be specifically described.
First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the lift 13 located below the cassette 11A ascends through the inside of the cassette 11A from the opened bottom surface of the cassette 11A, as indicated by a solid line. Thereby, all the prizes 2 in the cassette 11 </ b> A are pushed up by the lift 13.

  When the highest prize 2 is pushed up to the feeding mechanism 14, the lift 13 stops rising, and the feeding mechanism 14 delivers the highest prize 2. Specifically, the moving body 18 at the retreat position moves to the advance position. In the case of the cassette 11A, the moving body 18 moves backward toward the advance position. At this time, the claw 18 </ b> A of the moving body 18 is caught by the highest prize 2, and the prize 2 is conveyed between the pair of feeding rollers 19. Thereafter, the moving body 18 immediately returns to the retracted position. Then, the prize 2 is discharged to the elevator 16 (holding portion 28) side at the standby position by a pair of rotating feed rollers 19 and is placed on the upper surface of the elevator 16.

  The raising of the lift 13 and the feeding of the prize 2 by the feeding mechanism 14 are repeated for each prize 2, and the prizes 2 in the cassette 11A are stacked on the elevator 16 in order from the top and temporarily held in the holding unit 28. Is done. In addition, the elevator 16 is appropriately lowered from the standby position so that the prize 2 can be stacked on the elevator 16 satisfactorily. Specifically, every time one prize 2 is placed on the elevator 16, the elevator 16 may be lowered, or even if the elevator 16 is lowered after a predetermined number of prizes 2 are stacked on the elevator 16. Good.

  Further, not only the prize 2 of the cassette 11A but also the prize 2 of the cassette 11C may be stacked on the elevator 16 in the same procedure as in the case of the cassette 11A. When there is no prize 2 in the cassette 11A and the cassette 11C, the carrier 12 moves from the rear position to the front position (see FIG. 4B), and the prize 2 in the cassette 11B and the cassette 11D is the same as in the case of the cassette 11A. Are stacked on the elevator 16 by the following procedure.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the number of prizes 2 required for payout are stacked on the elevator 16, the corresponding shutter 8 moves to the front side above the elevator 16 on the upper surface of the cabinet 3. Open exit 7. Along with this, the elevator 16 rises to the exit 7 through the temporary storage unit 15 of the drawer unit 4. When the elevator 16 moves up until the upper surface of the elevator 16 is flush with the upper surface of the cabinet 3, the shutter 8 moves rearward to close the outlet 7, and is stacked on the upper surface of the elevator 16 at that time. The prize 2 is pushed onto the upper surface of the cabinet 3. Thereby, the prize 2 is paid out to the customer side (rear side).
<Counter>
FIG. 5 is a view in which the drawer unit 4 is partially cut away so that the inside is exposed in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the drawer unit 4.

The drawer unit 4 includes a counting device 30 as counting means for counting the number of prizes 2 stored in a stacked state in the cassette 11 for each cassette 11.
As shown in FIG. 4, two counting devices 30 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction in each drawer unit 4. The front counting device 30 is disposed at a position that substantially matches the front lift 13 in the front-rear direction, and the rear counting device 30 is disposed at a position that substantially matches the rear lift 13 in the front-rear direction. Yes. In FIG. 5, only the rear counting device 30 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, each counting device 30 is supported on the inner surface of the right wall 10B of the casing 10 of the drawer unit 4 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The drawer unit 4 is provided with a first motor 32 in association with each counting device 30. When driven, the first motor 32 moves the timing belt and the like, and thereby slides the corresponding counting device 30 in the vertical direction. That is, the first motor 32 is a mechanism that relatively displaces the counting device 30 in the vertical direction, and is a part of the counting device 30.

  Further, as described above, while the standby position of the lift 13 is near the bottom wall of the casing 10 (FIG. 6 shows the lift 13 in the standby position), the counting device 30 in the standby position is 6, near the upper wall of the casing 10 and above the lift 13. In addition, since the counting device 30 and the lift 13 are in positions shifted from each other in the left-right direction, the counting device 30 and the lift 13 do not interfere with each other during operation.

  Similarly to the counting device 30, the corresponding lift 13 is also supported on the inner surface of the right wall 10B, and a second motor 33 for raising and lowering the lift 13 is attached to the right wall 10B. When driven, the second motor 33 moves the timing belt and the like, thereby moving the lift 13 up and down. The second motor 33 is included in the lift mechanism 27 described above.

The counting device 30 is disposed adjacent to the cassette 11 accommodated in the casing 10 from the right side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the counting device 30 can face the opening 25 (see FIG. 3) of the corresponding cassette 11 from the right side.
FIG. 4B shows a state in which the carrier 12 holding the cassette 11 is in the front position. In this state, the counting device 30 on the front side coincides with the second cassette 11B from the front in the front-rear direction. The counter unit 30 can be opposed to the opening part 25 of the lever 11B, and the counter device 30 on the rear side can be opposed to the opening part 25 of the cassette 11D so as to coincide with the fourth cassette 11D from the front in the front-rear direction. When the carrier 12 moves from the front position to the rear position, as shown in FIG. 4A, the four cassettes 11 move relative to the counting device 30 to the rear side. Therefore, in this state, the front-side counting device 30 can coincide with the first cassette 11A from the front in the front-rear direction and can face the open portion 25 of the cassette 11A. The first cassette 11C can be opposed to the open portion 25 of the cassette 11C in the front-rear direction.

  Here, the front-rear direction position of the cassettes 11A-D when the carrier 12 is at the rear position is defined as the first position (see FIG. 4A), and the front-rear direction of the cassettes 11A-D when the carrier 12 is at the front position. The position is set as the second position (see FIG. 4B). As the carrier 12 slides in the front-rear direction between the rear position and the front position, the cassettes 11A to 11D are integrated with each other with respect to the counting device 30 between the first position and the second position. Move relative to the front and back.

  When the operation key of the display unit 6 described above is operated to instruct the execution of the counting operation, the first motor 32 (see FIG. 6) is driven, and the counting device 30 opens the corresponding opening unit 25 of the cassette 11. It slides up and down while facing from the right side (see FIG. 3) (see also FIG. 5). At this time, the counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 (see FIG. 3B) exposed from the opening 25 in the cassette 11. Specifically, when the cassettes 11A to 11D are in the first position (see FIG. 4A), the counting device 30 counts the number of the prizes 2 stored in the cassettes 11A and 11C, and the cassettes 11A to 11D are the first ones. When it is in the second position (see FIG. 4B), the number of prizes 2 stored in the remaining cassettes 11 (that is, cassettes 11B and 11D) is counted. Therefore, the number of prizes 2 stored in all four cassettes 11 can be counted by the two counting devices 30 without increasing the number of counting devices 30 according to the number of cassettes 11. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Since each counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 for each cassette 11, it is possible to grasp how many prizes 2 are stored in which cassette 11. At this time, if the number of prizes 2 stored in the two cassettes 11 (cassettes 11A and 11C or cassettes 11B and 11D) is counted simultaneously, the counting time can be shortened.

  Then, the data of the number of the prizes 2 counted by the counting device 30 is stored in the display unit 6 (strictly, the second display unit 6B) or the prize management device (not shown) connected to the prize dispensing device 1. As a result, the number of prizes 2 stored in each cassette 11 of the prize dispensing device 1 is collectively managed. Of course, this data may be output to a printing device (not shown) and printed on paper, or may be stored in an external database (not shown). For this reason, the giveaway device 1 is provided with a configuration for outputting this data to the outside. The prize dispensing device 1 is provided with a configuration for communicating with an external device (not shown), and can count the prize 2 according to an instruction from the external device (not shown). .

Next, a specific configuration in which the counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 in the cassette 11 will be described with a plurality of examples.
(1) First Example FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a counting device 30 according to a first example. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining how the counting device 30 according to the first example counts the number of prizes 2.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the counting device 30 according to the first example includes a frame 35, a pair of alignment rollers 36 (alignment mechanism), and an optical sensor 37. As described above, since the counting device 30 is slidable in the vertical direction (stacking direction of the prize 2), the roller 36 and the optical sensor 37 provided in the counting device 30 can be relatively displaced in the vertical direction.
The pair of alignment rollers 36 are arranged on the left side surface of the frame 35 (the surface facing the opening 25 (see FIG. 3) of the cassette 11) with a space in the front-rear direction, and is supported by the frame 35. ing. The alignment roller 36 is rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

The optical sensor 37 is attached to the left side surface of the frame 35 above the alignment roller 36. The optical sensor 37 is a so-called reflection-type sensor, and is a light-emitting element (not shown) composed of an infrared LED or the like, and light reflected by a detection object among light emitted from the light-emitting element (not shown). And a light receiving element (not shown).
When the counting device 30 counts the number of the prizes 2 in the cassette 11 as described above, referring to FIG. 7B, first, the counting device 30 is placed on the right side 2A of the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11 in a stacked state. Slide downward from the standby position while facing from the right. Here, the right side surface 2A of all the prizes 2 stored in the cassette 11 in a stacked state is collectively referred to as a stacked side surface 2B. When the counting device 30 slides downward, the aligning roller 36 contacts the prize 2 stacked on the cassette 11 in order from the upper prize 2 from the right side through the opening portion 25 of the cassette 11. Thereby, the prize 2 is pressed against the inner surface of the left wall of the cassette 11 in order from the prize 2 on the upper side. At this time, the optical sensor 37 is opposed to the laminated side surface 2B from the right side with a predetermined interval.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the counting device 30 moves downward until the aligning roller 36 has contacted all the prizes 2, the right edge of the prize 2 adjacent to the upper and lower sides in the cassette 11 is aligned with the aligning roller. 36, they are aligned in a straight line along the vertical direction.
Thereafter, the counting device 30 slides upward toward the standby position. As the counting device 30 slides upward, the optical sensor 37 rises in a state of facing the laminated side surface 2B of the prize 2 from the right side at a predetermined interval. While the optical sensor 37 is moving up, in the optical sensor 37, a light emitting element (not shown) projects light sequentially from the lower prize 2 toward the right side surface 2 </ b> A of the prize 2. The reflected light reflected by the right side surface 2A of the light is received by a light receiving element (not shown). Here, when light from a light emitting element (not shown) is applied to the boundary X of the right side 2A of the prize 2 adjacent to the top and bottom, light is received compared to the case where light is applied to the right side 2A of the prize 2. The amount of reflected light (light reception amount) received by the element (not shown) changes. Therefore, every time the amount of light received by the light receiving element (not shown) in the optical sensor 37 changes, the counting device 30 counts that there is one prize 2. Then, according to the same procedure, the counting device 30 counts the prizes 2 one by one in order from the lower prize 2, counts the number of prizes 2, and completes counting all prizes 2 when returning to the standby position. To do.

As described above, the counting device 30 according to the first example counts the number of prizes 2 in a non-contact manner in accordance with a change in a light receiving signal of a light receiving element (not shown) of the optical sensor 37. Thereby, since the counting device 30 can be separated from the prize 2, the freedom degree of design can be raised.
Further, since the aligning roller 36 aligns the side edges (right side edges) of the adjacent prizes 2 in the cassette 11, the counting device 30 can count the number of prizes 2 in which the side edges are aligned and orderly stacked. . Therefore, the counting device 30 can accurately count the number of prizes 2 without losing the count.

The optical sensor 37 can be appropriately adjusted according to the reflectance of light from the prize 2 or the like so that the above-described shift in the light reception timing can be clearly detected.
(2) Second Example FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a counting device 30 according to a second example. FIGS. 8B and 8C are diagrams for explaining how the counting device 30 according to the second example counts the number of prizes 2.

In the description of the counting device 30 according to the second example, parts corresponding to those of the counting device 30 according to the first example are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the counting device 30 according to the second example includes a contact 39 instead of the optical sensor 37 (see FIG. 7A) in the first example. The contact 39 is made of, for example, resin, and is supported by a frame 35 so as to be slidable to the left and right. The contact 39 is always left (the premium 2 of the cassette 11) by a leaf spring 34 (see FIG. 8C). To the side). Since the counting device 30 is slidable in the vertical direction, the contact 39 provided in the counting device 30 can be relatively displaced in the vertical direction.

When such a counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 in the cassette 11, first, as in the first example, the counting device 30 slides downward from the standby position, and as shown in FIG. The right edge of the prize 2 is aligned by the alignment roller 36.
Thereafter, the counting device 30 slides upward toward the standby position. As the counting device 30 slides upward, the contact 39 rises in a state of facing the laminated side surface 2B of the prize 2 from the right side. Specifically, the contact 39 rises in order from the lower prize 2 while making contact with the right side surface 2A from the right side. Here, the contact 39 hardly moves to the left and right when rising while contacting the right side 2A of the prize 2, but when the contact 39 reaches the boundary X of the right side 2A of the prize 2 adjacent to the top and bottom, the left side is left. Move (displace) slightly. Therefore, every time the contact 39 moves to the left side at the boundary X while the counting device 30 is moving up, the counting device 30 counts that there is one prize 2. Then, according to the same procedure, the counting device 30 counts the prizes 2 one by one in order from the lower prize 2, counts the number of prizes 2, and completes counting all prizes 2 when returning to the standby position. To do.

As described above, the counting device 30 according to the second example counts the number of prizes 2 based on the contact displacement output of the contact 39. That is, in this counting device 30, since the contact 39 comes into contact with the prize 2 when the prize 2 is counted, by using this counting apparatus 30, the number of the prizes 2 can be accurately counted without being lost. .
Instead of counting the prize 2 based on the left / right displacement of the contact 39 itself, the amount of distortion of the leaf spring 34 due to the displacement of the contact 39 is changed as shown in FIG. The prize 2 may be counted by detecting with the strain gauge 38 or the like and using this strain amount instead of the displacement amount of the contact 39. Furthermore, when the displacement amount of the contactor 39 is very small, the prize 2 may be counted based on a value obtained by amplifying the displacement amount.

Further, the contact 39 may have rounded corners so as not to be caught by the prize 2 during movement.
In the first example and the second example, the counting device 30 descends in order to align the side edges of the prize 2 and then counts the number of prizes 2 when it rises. The number of prizes 2 may be counted while aligning the side edges of the prizes 2.
(3) Third Example FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a counting device 30 according to a third example. FIGS. 10A to 10F are diagrams for explaining how the counting device 30 according to the third example counts the number of prizes 2.

In the description of the counting device 30 according to the third example, parts corresponding to those of the counting device 30 according to the first and second examples are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, the counting device 30 according to the third example includes a box-shaped frame 35, and in the frame 35, a pair of pressing levers 40, an upper surface detection lever 41, and an upper surface detection. A sensor 46 (see FIG. 10A), a count lever 45, a turning roller 42, a pair of scraping rollers 43, a position sensor 44 (see FIG. 10A), and a pair of support levers 47 are provided. The pressing lever 40, the upper surface detection lever 41, the upper surface detection sensor 46, the count lever 45, the turning roller 42, the scraping roller 43, the position sensor 44, and the support lever 47 constitute a turning mechanism 49. 10A to F, the outline of the turning roller 42 is indicated by a thick line for convenience of explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of pressing levers 40 is disposed at the lower end of the frame 35 with a space in the front-rear direction, and is inclined so as to extend to the upper left side while facing the prize 2. (See FIG. 10A). As shown in FIG. 10A, the pressing lever 40 has a swing shaft 40A at its lower end, and is swingable about the swing shaft 40A. The holding lever 40 is always biased toward the prize 2 side, and protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 side (the left side, the same applies hereinafter).

  The upper surface detection lever 41 is disposed above the pressing lever 40 and is inclined so as to extend to the lower left side while facing the prize 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface detection lever 41 has a swing shaft 41A extending in the front-rear direction, and is swingable about the swing shaft 41A. As shown in FIG. 10A, the upper surface detection lever 41 is integrally provided with a detected portion 41B that spreads in a fan shape to the right with the swing shaft 41A as a center. The upper surface detection lever 41 is swingable between an upper position (see FIG. 10A) where the detected portion 41B is located at the upper limit and a lower position (see FIG. 10B) where the detected portion 45B is located at the lower limit. It is always urged to be in the upper position. The upper surface detection lever 41 in the upper position is inclined to the lower left side as described above, and protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 side.

The upper surface detection sensor 46 is disposed at a position that coincides with the detected portion 41B of the upper surface detection lever 41 at the lower position (see FIG. 10B). The upper surface detection sensor 46 can detect whether or not the upper surface detection lever 41 is in the lower position.
As shown in FIG. 9, the count lever 45 is disposed on the front side of the upper surface detection lever 41. The count lever 45 has a swing shaft 45A that is coaxial with the swing shaft 41A of the upper surface detection lever 41, and is swingable about the swing shaft 45A. Note that the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 almost overlap each other in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10A, the count lever 45 is integrally provided with a detected portion 45B that spreads in a fan shape to the right about the swing shaft 45A. The detected portion 45B of the count lever 45 is smaller than the detected portion 41B of the upper surface detecting lever 41. The count lever 45 can swing between an upper position (see FIG. 10A) where the detected portion 45B is located at the upper limit and a lower position (see FIG. 10B) where the detected portion 45B is located at the lower limit. Is biased to be in the upper position.

In relation to the count lever 45, the counting device 30 is provided with a count sensor (not shown) that can detect the position of the count lever 45.
As shown in FIG. 9, the turning roller 42 is rotatably disposed between the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45. The rotating shaft of the turning roller 42 extends in the front-rear direction. The rotation direction of the turning roller 42 is a clockwise direction in FIG. 10A (the same applies to FIGS. 10B to 10F). The outer peripheral surface of the turning roller 42 is covered with an elastic member such as urethane. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the turning roller 42, one place on the circumference protrudes outward in the radial direction, and this portion is a protruding portion 42A. The turning roller 42 can move to the left and right together with its rotating shaft, and is always biased to the left so that a part of the outer peripheral surface protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 side.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of scraping rollers 43 is disposed above the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 with a space in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 10A). The scraping roller 43 has a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the front (see also FIG. 10A), and is rotatable in the clockwise direction in FIG. 10A around the center of the circle. A part of the scraping roller 43 protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 side. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the scraping roller 43 is in the standby position, the arc portion of the scraping roller 43 is positioned on the lower side. Then, on the basis of the state where the scraping roller 43 is in the standby position, a portion of the scraping roller 43 that protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the premium 2 side is a hook portion 48, and curves upward as it goes to the premium 2 side. So that it protrudes. When the scraping roller 43 rotates, the hook portion 48 also rotates integrally with the scraping roller 43 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 10A (the same applies to FIGS. 10B to 10F).

The position sensor 44 is disposed on the right side of the scraping roller 43 and can detect whether or not the scraping roller 43 is in the standby position.
As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of support levers 47 are arranged at the upper end portion of the frame 35 with a space in the front-rear direction. The support lever 47 has a swing shaft 47A at its upper end, and is swingable about the swing shaft 47A. As shown in FIG. 10A, the support lever 47 is always urged toward the prize 2 side, and a part of the support lever 47 protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 side. The portion of the support lever 47 that protrudes from the frame 35 and faces the prize 2 is formed in a triangular shape that narrows toward the prize 2 and serves as a support 47B.

When such a counting device 30 counts the number of prizes 2 in the cassette 11, first, the counting device 30 slides downward from the standby position as indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 10A. As the counting device 30 slides downward, the turning mechanism 49 descends in a state of facing the laminated side surface 2B of the prize 2 from the right side.
As the counting device 30 is lowered, first, in the turning mechanism 49, the pressing lever 40 presses the highest prize 2 from the upper right side. As a result, the prize 2 is pressed against the inner surface of the left wall of the cassette 11.

When the counting device 30 continues to descend, although not shown, the holding lever 40 descends while pushing the right side surface 2A of the prize 2 to the left side, and the left end portions of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 at the upper position are moved. , Abuts on the upper surface of the top prize 2. At this time, the turning roller 42 approaches the right edge of the prize 2 from the upper right.
When the counting device 30 is further lowered as shown in FIG. 10B, the left end portions of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 swing upward while abutting against the upper surface of the top prize 2. As a result, the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 swing from the upper position (see FIG. 10A) to the lower position (see FIG. 10B). When the upper surface detection lever 41 swings to the lower position, the upper surface detection sensor 46 detects that the upper surface detection lever 41 is in the lower position.

  In response to the detection of the upper surface detection sensor 46, the descending of the counting device 30 stops once. Thereby, the swinging of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 is stopped. Instead, the turning roller 42 rotates once in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the protrusion 42A of the turning roller 42 also rotates in the clockwise direction. When the protrusion 42A comes into contact with the right end of the highest prize 2 during the rotation, the protrusion 42A moves upward while maintaining this state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10C, the prize 2 is turned up on the right end side. At this time, since the holding lever 40 pushes the right side surface 2A of the prize 2 below the prize 2 being turned up (here, the highest prize 2) to the left, the highest prize 2 can be turned up. As a result, the lower prize 2 is prevented from floating.

  Since the turning roller 42 can move left and right as described above, even if the relative position in the left-right direction between the prize 2 to be turned and the turning roller 42 differs depending on the dimensional error of the prize 2, etc. By appropriately moving left and right, any prize 2 can be turned up (FIG. 10C shows a state where the turning roller 42 has moved to the right side).

  Further, in response to the detection by the upper surface detection sensor 46, not only the turning roller 42 but also the scraping roller 43 at the standby position rotates once in the clockwise direction. When the prize 2 is turned up by the turning roller 42 as shown in FIG. 10C, the hook portion 48 of the pick-up roller 43 in the middle of one rotation is below the right end of the turned up prize 2 as shown in FIG. 10D. It sinks into the side (gap Y between the prize 2 turned up and the prize 2 below this prize 2). Then, as the scraping roller 43 continues to rotate, the right end of the prize 2 is scraped up by the hook portion 48. Note that the holding lever 40 continues to push the right side 2A of the prize 2 under the prize 2 being picked up (here, the top prize 2), so that the top prize 2 is scraped up. This prevents the lower prize 2 from being lifted.

  Here, in a state where the descending of the counting device 30 is stopped once, the left end portions of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 are in contact with the right end of the top prize 2 from above. Therefore, when the right end of the top prize 2 is lifted up by the rotating scraping roller 43, the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 are swung by being pressed by the prize 2 from below.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10E, when the scraping roller 43 continues to rotate, the right end of the top prize 2 is further scraped up. Accordingly, the right end of the prize 2 pushes the support portion 47B of the support lever 47 to the right side while being scooped up. Accordingly, the support lever 47 swings so as to retract to the right side. Further, the left end portions of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 are disengaged from the prize 2 and return to the upper position (see also FIG. 10A) below the prize 2 (gap Y). At this time, one rotation of the scraping roller 43 is completed, and the scraping roller 43 returns to the standby position. Then, the position sensor 44 detects that the scraping roller 43 has returned to the standby position. In the scraping roller 43 returned to the standby position, the right end of the scooped up prize 2 is placed on the hook portion 48, and the scooped up prize 2 (see FIG. 10E) is maintained. ing.

At this time, the count sensor (not shown) described above detects that the count lever 45 has returned to the upper position. By detecting once that the count lever 45 has returned to the upper position, the counting device 30 counts that there is one prize 2.
Then, in response to the detection by the position sensor 44 described above, the counting device 30 that has been stationary until now falls again (see the thick solid arrow shown). As the counting device 30 is lowered, the support portion 47B of the support lever 47 is also lowered. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10F, when the support portion 47B moves to the lower side of the right end of the top prize 2 that has been scraped up, the support lever 47 swings so as to advance to the left side, and the support portion The right end of the highest prize 2 is placed on 47B. Therefore, the highest prize 2 is supported by the support lever 47 in a state where the right end is inclined so as to be higher than the left end.

  As the counting device 30 is lowered, the left end portions of the upper surface detection lever 41 and the count lever 45 abut on the upper surface of the prize 2 below the top prize 2 and swing. When the upper surface detection sensor 46 detects that the upper surface detection lever 41 has swung to the lower position (see also FIG. 10B) as described above, the descent of the counting device 30 stops again. Here, the amount of downward movement of the counting device 30 corresponds to the thickness of the prize 2 in the vertical direction.

  Next, in a state where the top prize 2 is supported by the support lever 47 and the descending of the counting device 30 is stopped in this way, the turning mechanism 49 of the counting device 30 is performed in the same procedure as in the top prize 2. The prize 2 below the top prize 2 is turned up (pick up) and supported by the support lever 47. At this time, the support lever 47 supports two prizes. Thereafter, when the counting device 30 is lowered to the lower limit, all the prizes 2 are turned up and supported by the support lever 47. Here, every time the prize 2 is turned up, the counting device 30 counts the prizes 2 and counts the number of the prizes 2 as described above. Therefore, when all the prizes 2 are turned up, all the prizes 2 are turned up. Completing the counting of the prize 2.

  As described above, the counting device 30 according to the third example counts the number of the prizes 2 according to the turning of the prizes 2 one by one while the turning mechanism 49 is relatively displaced in the vertical direction. That is, in the counting device 30, the number of the prizes 2 can be counted each time the turning mechanism 49 turns the prize 2 one sheet. Therefore, by using this counting device 30, the number of prizes 2 can be accurately counted without losing the count.

The aligning roller 36 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) shown in the first and second examples may be provided in the counting device 30 according to the third example.
Then, as shown in the first to third examples, in the prize dispensing device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of prizes 2 stored in the cassette 11 in a stacked state is changed by relative displacement. A counting device 30 for counting is included. Therefore, it is possible to grasp how many prizes 2 are stored in the prize dispensing device 1. In other words, since the prize dispensing device 1 has a function for counting the prizes 2, the number of prizes 2 can be automatically managed, which can contribute to automation of the prize number management. In addition, the number of prizes 2 can be counted with a simple configuration in which the counting device 30 is relatively displaced in this way.

In particular, in the past, it took about an hour to manually give away prizes 2 at a predetermined timing such as opening a store, changing employees, replenishing giveaways, or closing a store at an amusement facility. The burden that suffered. Further, when the prize 2 is counted during the business hours of the game facility, there is a problem that the prize 2 cannot be paid out by the prize dispensing device 1 during that time.
However, in the prize payout device 1, by using the counting device 30, the number of the prizes 2 can be counted automatically and quickly at the above timing, so that such a burden can be eliminated.

The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, measures for the counting device 30 to accurately count the prize 2 (application of a mechanism for moving the counting device 30 with high accuracy, optimal arrangement of the counting device 30 and the like) are appropriately performed as necessary.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the prize payout device 1 installed directly on the floor of the game facility is illustrated, but the present invention is a desktop type prize payout device placed on a counter or the like of the game facility (see Patent Document 2 above). It is also applicable to. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cassette 11 used in the desktop type premium dispensing device. The above-described opening portion 25 is also formed in the cassette 11 used in the desktop-type gift dispensing device as shown in FIG. 11, and the counting device 30 (see FIG. 5) passes through the opening portion 25 and the cassette The number of the prizes 2 stored in 11 can be counted.

In the above embodiment, the counting device 30 moves with respect to the prize 2 to count the number of prizes 2 (see FIGS. 7 to 10F). Alternatively, the counting device 30 may count the number of the prizes 2 by fixing the counting device 30 at a predetermined position while moving the prize 2 with respect to the counting device 30.
FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a modification is applied to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in each drawer unit 4 of the above embodiment, two lifts 13 are provided, whereas the counting device 30 is one at a position that coincides with the lift 13 in the front-rear direction. (Two in total). That is, the counting device 30 is arranged in a one-to-one relationship with the lift 13. In this case, in each counting device 30, the cassette 11 (in FIG. 4A, the cassette 11 in which the prize 2 being paid out is accommodated while the prize 2 is being paid out by raising the lift 13. 11A and C) It is difficult to count the prize 2 and the prize 2 of the cassette 11 (cassettes 11B and D in FIG. 4A) from which the prize 2 is not paid out is counted. I can't.

Therefore, in the prize dispensing device 1 according to the modification shown in FIG. 12, four counting devices 30 are provided at positions shifted from the lift 13 in the front-rear direction. That is, the counting devices 30 (four) are arranged in a two-to-one relationship with respect to the lifts 13 (two).
Here, in the prize dispensing device 1 according to the modified example, the carrier 12 is located below the elevator 16 regardless of whether the carrier 12 is in the front position (see FIG. 12B) or the rear position (see FIG. 12A). The cassette 11 is not arranged.

One counting device 30 is arranged on each of the front and rear sides of each lift 13. Hereinafter, the four counting devices 30 are distinguished from the counting device 30A, the counting device 30B, the counting device 30C, and the counting device 30D in order from the front.
When the carrier 12 is in the rear position, as shown in FIG. 12A, the front lift 13 can pay out the prize 2 of the first cassette 11A from the front, while the rear lift 13 13 can pay out the prize 2 of the third cassette 11C from the front. At this time, since the first counting device 30A and the third counting device 30C from the front do not coincide with any cassette 11 in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 cannot be counted. On the other hand, since the second counting device 30B from the front matches the second cassette 11B from the front in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11B can be counted. Since the fourth counting device 30D from the front matches the fourth cassette 11D from the front in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11D can be counted.

  On the other hand, when the carrier 12 is in the front position, as shown in FIG. 12B, the front lift 13 can pay out the prize 2 of the second cassette 11B from the front, while the rear side 13 The lift 13 can pay out the prize 2 of the fourth cassette 11D from the front. At this time, since the second counting device 30B and the fourth counting device 30D from the front do not coincide with any of the cassettes 11 in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 cannot be counted. On the other hand, since the first counting device 30A from the front matches the first cassette 11A from the front in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11A can be counted. Since the third counting device 30C from the front coincides with the third cassette 11C from the front in the front-rear direction, the prize 2 stored in the cassette 11C can be counted.

  That is, in the prize dispensing device 1 according to this modification, when the carrier 12 is at the rear position (see FIG. 12A), the cassette 2A and 11C are being dispensed while the prize 2 is being dispensed. The prizes 2 stored in 11B and 11D can also be counted. When the carrier 12 is in the front position (see FIG. 12B), the prizes 2 stored in the cassettes 11A and 11C are counted while the prizes 2 in the cassettes 11B and 11D are paid out. You can also As a result, in the prize dispensing device 1, the prize 2 can be dispensed and counted quickly.

The shape of the prize 2 is not limited to a card shape, and the box-like prize 2 can be handled as long as it can be stored in a stacked state.
Further, the timing of the counting operation of the prize 2 is not limited to the case where the above-described operation key of the prize dispensing device 1 is operated, but when an execution instruction is received from a prize management device (not shown) connected to be communicable, It may be when a preset condition (timer setting, when opening / closing of the door 5 is detected) is satisfied.

  Further, the type of giving out the prize 2 to the customer side (customer side throwing type) has been described, but the present invention is a type of giving out the prize 2 to the clerk side (shop side throwing type). The present invention can also be applied to the dispensing device 1. In the store-side throw-out type gift dispensing apparatus 1, the store clerk hands the gift 2 dispensed to the store clerk to the customer.

It is the perspective view which looked at prize giving device 1 from the front side (side which an employee operates). FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the drawer unit 4, and FIG. 2A shows a state where the drawer part 20 is in the closed position, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the drawer part 20 is in the open position. 3A is a perspective view of the cassette 11, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the prize 2 is fully stored in the cassette 11 in FIG. 3A. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams schematically showing a longitudinal section of the prize dispensing device 1. FIG. 3 is a view in which the drawer unit 4 is partially cut away so that the inside is exposed in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the drawer unit 4. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the counting device 30 according to the first example. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining how the counting device 30 according to the first example counts the number of prizes 2. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the counting device 30 according to the second example. FIGS. 8B and 8C are diagrams for explaining how the counting device 30 according to the second example counts the number of prizes 2. It is a perspective view of counting device 30 concerning the 3rd example. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the counter 30 which concerns on a 3rd example counts the number of the prizes 2. FIG. It is a perspective view of the cassette 11 used for a desktop type premium dispensing device. It is the figure which applied the modification to FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Premium give-out device 2 Premium 2A Right side 2B Laminated side 11 Cassette 30 Counting device 32 First motor 36 Alignment roller 37 Optical sensor 39 Contact 49 Turning mechanism

Claims (8)

A giveaway device for paying out prizes stored in the device,
A storage unit for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state; and
Counting means for counting the number of prizes stored in the storage unit;
A prize dispensing device characterized by comprising: Including a plurality of the storage sections,
2. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the counting means counts the number of prizes for each storage unit. The counting means includes
The counter according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes stacked by the relative displacement is counted by facing the side of the stack of prizes stored in the storage unit in a stacked state and being capable of relative displacement in the stacking direction. 2. The prize dispensing device according to 2. The counting means includes
An optical device that includes a light emitting element that projects toward a side surface of the prize, facing a laminated side surface of the prize stored in a stacked state in the storage unit, and a light receiving element that receives reflected light reflected from the side surface of the prize. Including sensors,
The optical sensor is capable of relative displacement in the gift stacking direction,
4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes is counted in a non-contact manner in accordance with a change in a light reception signal of the light receiving element. The counting means includes
The contact portion is opposed to the side surface of the prize stored in a stacked state in the storage unit, and contacts the side surface of the prize.
Having a mechanism for relatively displacing the contact in the direction of prize stacking;
4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes is counted based on a contact displacement output of the contact. The counting means includes
A mechanism for turning the prizes one by one while facing the laminating side surfaces of the prizes stored in a stacked state in the storage unit and relatively moving in the laminating direction of the prizes;
4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the turning mechanism counts the number of prizes as the prizes are turned.   The prize payout device according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment mechanism that aligns side edges of adjacent prizes in the storage unit. Including a plurality of the storage sections,
The plurality of storage portions are integrally movable relative to the counting means to the first position and the second position,
The counting means counts the number of prizes stored in at least one storage unit when the plurality of storage units are in the first position, and remains when the plurality of storage units are in the second position. 2. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of prizes stored in said storage section is counted.

Images