JP2011098114A - Token selector and game table - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sort out regular tokens and to prevent unfair practice. <P>SOLUTION: A token selector for sorting out regular tokens from irregular tokens having diameter smaller than that of the regular tokens includes: an upstream side passage where charged tokens pass; a downstream side passage for regular tokens and a downstream side passage for irregular tokens, which are branched from the upstream side passage; a regular token detector for detecting regular tokens passing through the upstream side passage; a sorter which has a sorting part placed at a branching point of the upstream side passage and the downstream side passage for regular tokens and the downstream side passage for irregular tokens and is configured to guide tokens passing the upstream side passage to the downstream side passage for regular tokens or the downstream side passage for irregular tokens by displacing the sorting part on the basis of the result of detection of the regular token detector; and a passing token detector which is provided in the downstream side passage for regular tokens and detects tokens passing through the downstream side passage for regular tokens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for selecting medals (coins, coins) applied to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine), a medal selector for selecting medals, and a gaming machine equipped with the medal selector.

  A regular medal used for a slot machine usually has a diameter of 25 mm. On the other hand, regular medals used in game center game machines have a slightly smaller size (diameter of about 24 mm). In order to prevent such game machine medals from being used in the slot machine, the slot machine is equipped with a medal selector for eliminating medals having a smaller diameter than the regular medals (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP-A-2005-52397 Japanese Patent No. 4181140

  The medal selector is also provided with a sensor for detecting passage of medals, and the number of insertions is counted based on the detection result. For this reason, there is a person who performs a fraudulent act that causes the sensor to detect a medal incorrectly. As a typical fraudulent act, a special instrument is inserted from a medal insertion slot or payout slot to reach a sensor, thereby causing erroneous detection. Even in the conventional medal selector, measures to prevent such illegal acts are taken, but further improvement is demanded.

  An object of the present invention is to select regular medals and prevent fraud.

  According to the present invention, a medal selector for selecting a regular medal and a non-regular medal having a smaller diameter than the regular medal, an upstream passage through which an inserted medal passes, and a regular branch branched from the upstream passage Medal downstream passage and non-regular medal downstream passage, regular medal detecting means for detecting a regular medal passing through the upstream passage, the upstream passage, the regular medal downstream passage and the non-regular medal A medal that has passed through the upstream passage by disposing the sorting unit based on a detection result of the regular medal detection means. Sorting means that leads to the medal downstream passage or the non-regular medal downstream passage, and the medal that is provided in the regular medal downstream passage and passes through the regular medal downstream passage. Medals selector, wherein the passing medal detecting means, further comprising a to is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select regular medals and prevent fraud.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine 100. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a plan view, and (b) is the type of winning combination of the slot machine 100. Illustration. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. FIG. 6 is a peripheral view of the lower rear surface of the front door 102 showing the arrangement position of the medal selector 336. The perspective view of the medal selector 336 (front side). The perspective view (front side) of the medal selector 336 which abbreviate | omitted the cover member 1. FIG. The rear view of medal selector 336. The exploded perspective view of medal selector 336. FIG. (A) is a front view of the medal selector 336 in which the cover member 1 is omitted, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the medal detection sensor 18 taken along line XX in FIG. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the medal selector 336. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the force relationship which acts on the movable member 14 in the state T7, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the sorting unit 20. (A) thru | or (c) is a perspective view of the base member 23 seen from the different direction. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a series of flows of a medal selection operation by a medal selector 336. (A) And (b) is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the selection unit 20. FIG. (A) thru | or (e) are explanatory drawings of the movable member 22. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing of arrangement | positioning of the movable member 22. FIG. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the collision aspect of the medal M with respect to the selection part 221, (d) is explanatory drawing of the centering effect | action of the medal M by the selection part 221. FIG. Explanatory drawing of fraud prevention. (A) thru | or (c) is a timing chart which shows the timing examples of sensors 17-19, 25 and a drive signal.

<Overall configuration>
A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 pass through a medal selector 336 (described later) provided in the slot machine 100 to select regular medals and detect the passage of medals.

  The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (game). The structure appears on the person side).

  In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

<Control unit>
FIG. 2 describes in detail the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. A ROM 306 for storing a position, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms. WDT 313 is a watchdog timer.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  The basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal selector 336, which will be described later) for each interrupt time. Sensors 17, 18 and rotation detection sensor 19, displacement detection sensor 25, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.). When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, and a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 336 for selecting inserted medals. In addition, a drive circuit 326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 180 is provided, and various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertable lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, and a game medal are inserted). The lamp 129 is provided with a drive circuit 328 for driving the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is provided.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Provided.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and the shutter 163. In this way, the performance is executed as the game progresses.

<Pattern arrangement>
A symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “replay” symbol for the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, the “bell” symbol for the number 0 frame on the middle reel 111, and the “bell” symbol for the number 2 frame on the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good.

  “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly classified into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell). “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning.

  In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

<Main control unit main processing>
A main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit. As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 4 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in S1. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value.

  In S2, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In S4, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In S5, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in S4. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination is won internally, the internal winning flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In S6, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In S7, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In S8, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected as the reel stop control data selected in S6. Stop based on. The reel stop control basically allows the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination to be displayed when there is an internal winning winning combination, and the symbol corresponding to any combination in the case of a loss, etc. Reel stop control such as so-called pull-in and kick-out is performed so that combinations are not displayed.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. Also, the internal winning flag is reset unless the flag is carried over.

  In S10, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In S11, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, in this embodiment, a privilege is given to the player based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to S2 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Medal selector>
Next, the medal selector 336 attached to the back surface of the front door 102 will be described. The medal selector 336 forms a medal passage through which medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141 pass, and selects a regular medal and a non-regular medal having a smaller diameter than the regular medal. The upstream side and the downstream side are based on the medal flow direction, and the medal slot 141 side is the upstream side.

  FIG. 5 is a peripheral view of the lower back surface of the front door 102 showing the arrangement position of the medal selector 336. The medal selector 336 has one entrance 336a and two exits 336b, 336c. The entrance 336a communicates with the medal insertion slot 141, and the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 enters the medal selector 336 from the entrance 336a. The regular medals are sorted out from the outlet 336b and fall to the medal payout device 180. Non-regular medals smaller in diameter than regular medals and medals inserted outside the reception period are discharged from the outlet portion 336c and discharged to the medal payout outlet 155 (not shown in FIG. 5) through the passage in the passage member 155a. The

  6 is a perspective view of the medal selector 336, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the medal selector 336 with the cover member 1 omitted, FIG. 8 is a rear view of the medal selector 336, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the medal selector 336.

  The medal selector 336 includes a base member 10 and a cover member 1 that is detachably attached to the front surface of the base member 10 and covers the front surface of the base member 10. A shaft 2 is attached to the base member 10. The cover member 1 includes shaft support portions 1 a and 1 a attached to the shaft 2, and is rotatable around the shaft 2. A spring 3 is loaded on the shaft 2. The spring 3 always urges the base member 10 in the direction in which the cover member 1 is closed (the direction in which the cover member 1 is in the state shown in FIG. 6). The cover member 1 is provided with a handle portion 1d, and an operator can open the cover member 1 by holding the handle portion 1d during maintenance or the like.

<Composition of medal passage>
The medal selector 336 has an inlet 336a, an upstream passage UR through which a medal inserted into the medal insertion port 141 first passes, a downstream passage DR1 having an outlet 336b branched from the upstream passage UR, and an outlet. A downstream passage DR2 having a portion 336c. In the present embodiment, the downstream passage DR1 is a passage through which a regular medal passes, and the downstream passage DR2 is a passage through which a non-regular medal or a medal inserted outside the reception period passes, but this relationship is reversed. May be.

  The upstream-side passage UR is formed as a gap between the passage wall forming portion 11 of the base member 10 and the passage wall forming portion 1b of the cover member 1. The passage wall forming portions 11 and 1b form passage walls in the thickness direction of the upstream passage UR. In the case of this embodiment, the upstream passage UR forms a vertical medal passage. The medal passing through the upstream passage UR passes through the upstream passage UR in a substantially vertical fall state and hardly rolls. For this reason, there is an effect that dirt from the medal is less likely to adhere and malfunction due to dirt accumulation is less likely to occur.

  A plurality of ribs 11a extending in the medal flow direction and spaced apart from each other in the passage width direction are formed in the passage wall forming portion 11. The rib 11a contributes to friction reduction with the passing medal. Although not shown, similar ribs are also formed on the back surface of the passage wall forming portion 1b of the cover member 1.

  A side wall forming member 13 is fixed to the right side of the passage wall forming portion 11. The side wall forming member 13 has a plate shape, and its side surface forms one side wall W1 of the upstream passage UR with which the peripheral surface of the medal passing through the medal selector 336 abuts. The other side wall W2 of the upstream side passage UR is formed by a movable member 14 described later. In the present embodiment, the side wall forming member 13 and the base member 10 are fixed as separate members, but they may be integrally formed.

  An opening 11b that penetrates the base member 10 in the depth direction is provided at the downstream end of the upstream passage UR. The opening 11b is a branch point between the upstream passage UR and the downstream passages DR1 and DR2. It has become.

  The downstream passages DR1 and DR2 are branched in the thickness direction of the upstream passage UR. That is, the downstream side passages DR1 and DR2 are located on the upstream side in the depth direction of the medal selector 336, the downstream side passage DR1 is located on the front side, and the downstream side passage DR2 is located on the back side.

  The base member 10 includes an upstream-side passage wall forming portion 12a that separates the downstream-side passage DR1 and the downstream-side passage DR2. The downstream passage DR1 includes a rear surface of the passage wall forming portion 12a, a passage wall forming portion 12b having a U-shaped cross section and curved toward the front side in the depth direction of the medal selector 336, and a passage of a base member 23 of the sorting unit 20 described later. And a wall forming portion 231. Although the downstream passage DR1 is curved on the downstream side in the depth direction of the medal selector 336, it forms a vertical medal passage, so that the passing medal hardly rolls. For this reason, there is an effect that dirt from the medal is less likely to adhere and malfunction due to dirt accumulation is less likely to occur.

  The downstream-side passage DR2 includes a front surface of the passage wall forming portion 12a, a passage wall forming portion 12c that is lowered by one step through the step 12f and continuous with the passage wall forming portion 12a, and a rear surface of the passage wall forming portion 1c of the cover member 1. And passage wall forming portions 12d and 12e forming passage walls in the width direction.

<Detection of regular medals>
The medal selector 336 detects whether or not a regular medal is passing through the upstream passage UR, and if it is passing, guides it to the downstream passage DR1. Hereinafter, a configuration related to detection of a regular medal in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A is a front view of the medal selector 336 in which the cover member 1 is omitted, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the medal detection sensor 18 taken along line XX in FIG. 10A.

  The base member 10 includes a mechanism mounting portion 10 a that is one step higher than the passage wall forming portion 11. A shaft member 15 is attached to the mechanism attachment portion 10a, and a movable member 14 is supported on the shaft member 15 so as to be rotatable on the back side of the mechanism attachment portion 10a. The central axis of the shaft member 15 is a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the upstream passage UR, and the movable member 14 rotates about an axis parallel to the thickness direction of the upstream passage UR.

  A slit 10b is formed in the side wall of the mechanism mounting portion 10a on the side of the passage wall forming portion 11, and the movable member 14 can freely advance onto the passage wall forming portion 11 by rotating the slit 10b.

  The movable member 14 includes the other side wall portion 14a, a separate portion 14b, and a hole 14c through which the shaft member 15 is inserted. The side surface of the other side wall portion 14 forms the other side wall W2 of the upstream side passage UR. The separate portion 14b protrudes more toward the side wall W1 than its periphery, and has a semicircular shape.

  In the case of this embodiment, the separate part 14b is located upstream of the rotation center of the movable member 14 (center of the hole 14c) in the upstream side passage UR, and the other side wall part 14a is upstream of the separate part 14b. Located downstream of the UR. In the case of this embodiment, in particular, the other side wall portion 14 a is located downstream of the rotational center of the movable member 14. Therefore, if the movable member 14 rotates clockwise, the separate portion 14b advances to the side wall W1, the other side wall portion 14a moves backward from the side wall W1, and if the movable member 14 rotates counterclockwise, the separate portion 14b moves forward. The part 14b retreats from the side wall W1, and the other side wall part 14a advances toward the side wall W1.

  If the medal thickness is about 1.6 mm to 2 mm, the depth of the upstream passage UR in the thickness direction is about 2.2 mm, and if the thickness of the movable member 14 is about 1.6 mm, the movable member 14 and the base member The medal can be prevented from dropping out of the gap between the ten passage wall forming portions 11 or the gap between the movable member 14 and the passage wall forming portion 1b of the cover member 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a holding unit 16 is mounted on the back surface of the mechanism mounting portion 10a. The holding unit 16 holds elastic members 16 a and 16 b that urge the movable member 14. In the case of this embodiment, the elastic members 16a and 16b are coil springs, one end of which is fixed to the holding unit 16, and the other end abuts on the movable member 14, thereby moving the movable member 14 in opposite directions. Energize.

  In the case of this embodiment, the elastic members 16a and 16b bias the movable member 14 so that it is in the initial position shown in FIG. That is, in the state of FIG. 10A, the urging force of the elastic members 16 a and 16 b is balanced with the rotational force due to the weight of the movable member 14. In the present embodiment, the elastic members 16a and 16b are used to provide the rotational behavior of positioning the movable member 14 at the initial position in FIG. 10A. However, a configuration without using these is also possible. It is. For example, by setting the weight distribution of the movable member 14 so that the center of gravity position of the movable member 14 is located on a vertical line passing through the rotation center at the initial position, the rotation behavior of positioning the movable member 14 at the initial position is set. Can be given.

  In the initial position when no medal passes as shown in FIG. 10A, the movable member 14 has a minimum separation distance between the side walls W1 and W2 so that the medal passing through the medal selector 336 and the side wall W2 interfere with each other. Is located at a position smaller than the diameter of the medal.

  The medal selector 336 includes a medal detection sensor 18 for detecting a regular medal that passes through the upstream passage UR. The medal detection sensor 18 is located on the downstream side of the upstream passage UR with respect to the rotation center of the movable member 14, and is arranged at a position facing the side wall W1 while being separated from the side wall W1. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the medal detection sensor 18 taken along the line XX in FIG. The medal detection sensor 18 is an optical sensor, and has a slit 18a. A light emitting element 18b is provided on one side of the slit 18a, and a light receiving element 18c is provided on the other side. The medal detection sensor 18 detects the passage of the medal when the object, that is, the medal passes through the slit 18a and the light from the light emitting element 18b is blocked.

  The detection position of the medal detection sensor 18 is a virtual line L2 connecting the light emitting element 18b and the light receiving element 18c. In FIG. 10A, the virtual circle C is a circle centered on the rotation center of the movable member 14 and having a radius from the rotation center to the lower end of the other side wall portion 14a. Therefore, the movement locus of the lower end portion of the other side wall portion 14a is included in the virtual circle C. In the case of this embodiment, the movement locus of the lower end portion of the other side wall portion 14a passes through the slit 18a. However, the detection position of the medal detection sensor 18 does not pass and passes slightly above the detection position.

  With reference to Fig.10 (a), the virtual line L2 which shows a detection position, and the distance D2 of the side wall W1 are demonstrated. Here, the distance D2 is the distance in the normal direction of the side wall W1, and is the shortest distance between the side wall W1 and the virtual line L2. This distance D2 is set to be less than the diameter D1 of the regular medal, smaller than the regular medal, and beyond the diameter D3 of the non-regular medal to be excluded as a game medal. For this reason, as long as the medal moves along the medal path while closely contacting the side wall W1, the passage of the regular medal is detected by the medal detection sensor 18, but the passage of the non-regular medal is not detected.

  The medal passing through the upstream passage UR contacts the side wall W2 of the other side wall portion 14a of the movable member 14. The medal passing between the side walls W1 and W2 is pressed against the side wall W1 by the side wall W2, while the medal M moves between the side walls W1 and W2 against the pressure by its own weight, thereby causing the movable member 14 to move. As shown in FIG. 10A, clockwise rotation occurs. The lower end of the other side wall portion 14a of the movable member 14 enters the slit 18a of the medal detection sensor 18, and the side wall W2 presses the medal M against the side wall W1 until the medal passes through the medal detection sensor 18. ing.

  As described above, when the medal passing through the medal detection sensor 18 is a regular medal, the medal detection sensor 18 detects the passage, and when the medal is a small-diameter irregular medal, the passage is not detected. Thus, in this embodiment, it is detected that the regular medal passes through the upstream passage UR. However, the configuration is not limited to the above as long as it is possible to detect the passage of the regular medal as distinguished from the non-regular medal. For example, an image sensor that captures an image of a medal passing through the upstream passage UR may be provided, and a regular medal or an irregular medal may be identified based on an image captured by the image sensor.

  Next, an opening 10c penetrating the base member 10 is formed in the mechanism mounting portion 10a, and a rotation detection sensor 19 is disposed in the opening 10c. In the present embodiment, the rotation detection sensor 19 is an optical sensor having the same configuration as the medal detection sensor 18. The rotation detection sensor 19 is disposed at a position where a part of the movable member 14 can enter the slit. When the movable member 14 is located at the initial position shown in FIG. 10A, a part of the movable member 14 is detached from the slit of the rotation detection sensor 19 and the rotation detection sensor 19 is moved to the movable member 14. However, when the movable member 14 rotates more than a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction in FIG. 10A from the initial position, a part of the movable member 14 enters the slit of the rotation detection sensor 19, and the movable member 14 Is detected by the rotation detection sensor 19.

  By providing the rotation detection sensor 19, it can be detected that the movable member 14 has rotated from the initial position. For this reason, passage of an irregular medal or insertion of an illegal instrument into the upstream passage UR can be detected.

<Adjustment of passing medal interval>
The function of the separate part 14b of the movable member 14 will be described. The separating unit 14b secures a certain passing interval for continuously inserted medals. As a result, the occurrence of clogging of medals can be prevented, and detection errors can be reduced by detecting medals one by one. In addition, the single movable member 14 can press the medal on the side wall W1 (width adjustment) and secure a medal passage interval, thereby reducing the number of parts.

  In the initial position shown in FIG. 10A when the medal is not passing, the movable member 14 is separated from the passage restricting position, which will be described later, by the separation portion 14b, and the medal whose side wall W2 passes the medal selector 336 and the side wall W2. The minimum separation distance between the side walls W1 and W2 is located at a position smaller than the diameter of the medal so as to interfere.

  Next, the function of the separation unit 14b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the medal selector 336 when two medals are continuously inserted, and shows the behavior of the movable member 14 and the elastic members 16a and 16b divided into states T1 to T12. . A state T1 indicates a state waiting for insertion of medals, and the movable member 14 is located at the initial position. The state T2 shows a state where the medal M inserted into the medal insertion port 141 has entered the upstream passage UR. State T3 shows a state in which the medal M comes into contact with the separate portion 14b of the movable member 14 and the movable member 14 is slightly rotated counterclockwise.

  State T4 shows a state in which the preceding medal M is in contact with the side wall W2 of the other side wall portion 14a of the movable member 14. At this time, the clockwise turning force is urged to the movable member 14 by the urging by the elastic member 16b and the weight of the preceding medal M.

  A state T5 indicates a state in which the movable member 14 is rotated clockwise by the passage of the preceding medal M. Since the movable member 14 tries to return to the initial position by the action of the elastic member 16a, the medal M passing between the side walls W1 and W2 is pressed against the side wall W1 by the side wall W2 while transitioning from the state T4 to the state T5. When the medal M moves between the side walls W1 and W2 against the pressure by its own weight, the movable member 14 is rotated clockwise. The side wall W2 is separated from the side wall W1 by the diameter of the passing medal M. This clockwise rotation is detected by a rotation detection sensor 19. And by this rotation, the separation part 14b advances to the passage restriction position which is a position between the preceding passing medal M and the succeeding medal M.

  States T6 and T7 indicate a state in which the movement of the preceding medal M is restricted as a result of the passage of the preceding medal M passing through the medal detection sensor 18 and the passage width of the subsequent medal M being narrowed due to the presence of the separation unit 14b. The lower end of the other side wall part 14a of the movable member 14 enters the slit 18a of the medal detection sensor 18, and the side wall W2 presses the medal M against the side wall W1 until the medal M passes through the medal detection sensor 18. I have to.

  As described above, when the medal M passing through the medal detection sensor 18 is a regular medal, the medal detection sensor 18 detects the passage, and when it is an irregular medal, the passage is not detected. Further, the movement of the succeeding medal M is restricted by the separating unit 14b, so that a certain interval or more with the preceding medal M is ensured. Further, the movement of the succeeding medal M is restricted by the separation unit 14b, so that the passing speed (falling speed) is decelerated, and the medal detection sensor 18 detects more reliably.

  States T8 to T12 show a state in which the subsequent medal M passes between the side walls W1 and W2, and the behavior of the movable member 14 is the same as that in the states T3 to T6. When moving from the state T7 to the state T8, the movable member 14 rotates counterclockwise. The force relationship at that time will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the force relationship acting on the movable member 14 in the state T7. The force received from the medal M is considered by dividing the force F1 in the vertical direction and the force F2 in the horizontal direction. Further, the urging direction of the elastic member 16a is regarded as a horizontal direction, and the distance of the perpendicular line between the action line and the rotation center of the movable member 14 is L13. Therefore, if F1 × L11 + F3 × L13> F2 × L12 is established, the movable member 14 rotates counterclockwise.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even when medals M are continuously inserted, the separation unit 14b ensures a predetermined interval between the preceding medals M and the succeeding medals M, so that the occurrence of clogging of medals can be prevented. Moreover, it is possible to reduce detection errors by detecting medals one by one. In particular, since the passing speed (falling speed) of the subsequent medal M is reduced by the separation unit 14b, the medal detection can be made more reliable. In addition, with one movable member 14, the medal M can be pressed (width-adjusted) on the side wall W <b> 1, the medal passage interval can be secured, and the number of parts can be reduced.

<Selection unit>
The sorting unit 20 included in the medal selector 336 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 13, and 14. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the sorting unit 20, and FIGS. 14A to 14C are perspective views of the base member 23 as seen from different directions. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sorting unit 20 is fixed to the back side of the base member 10.

  The sorting unit 20 includes an actuator 21, a movable member 22, a base member 23, an elastic member 24, and a displacement detection sensor 25. In the present embodiment, the actuator 21 is an electromagnetic solenoid, but other electric actuators may be employed.

  The base member 23 has mounting portions 23 d and 23 d that are fixed to the base member 10, and the actuator 21 is fixed to the base member 10 by the base member 23. The base member 23 is made of metal and also serves as a heat radiating member of the actuator 21. That is, when the actuator 21 generates heat by energization, the heat is radiated through the base member 23.

  The base member 23 includes a passage wall forming portion 231. The passage wall forming portion 231 constitutes a part of the downstream side passage DR1 (back side passage wall). Since the base member 23 is integrally provided with the passage wall forming portion 231, the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, the provision of the passage wall forming portion 231 increases the surface area of the base member 23 and enhances the heat dissipation function. In this way, in the present embodiment, heat dissipation of the actuator 21 can be suitably performed while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. In the present embodiment, the passage wall forming portion 231 constitutes a part of the downstream passage DR1, but the range of the passage formed by the passage wall forming portion 231 is not limited to this, and the downstream passage DR1 or At least a part of either one of the downstream side passages DR2 can be formed.

  The passage wall forming portion 231 includes a plurality of protrusions (ribs) 231a extending in the medal passage direction and spaced apart from each other in the passage width direction. The convex portion 231a has an effect of reducing friction with a passing medal and can improve a heat radiation function by increasing the surface area.

  Further, the passage wall forming portion 231 forms a curved portion 231 b whose downstream end is curved toward the front side in the depth direction of the medal selector 336. When such a curved portion 231b exists, wear resistance may be a problem due to collision of passing medals. In particular, as described above, in the present embodiment, the upstream passage UR and the downstream passage DR1 form a vertical medal passage in order to prevent the adhesion of dirt. It collides with the part 231b. However, since the passage wall forming portion 231 is made of a metal that forms part of the base member 23, it is possible to ensure wear resistance against such a collision.

  The base member 23 includes support portions 23b and 23b with which the engaging portions 22b and 22b of the movable member 22 are engaged. The movable member 22 is displaced to the base member 23 around an imaginary line connecting the engaging portions 22b and 22b. (Rotation) is supported by the base member 23 freely. The base member 23 also includes a locking portion 23 a that locks one end of the elastic member 24 loaded between the base member 23 and the movable member 22.

  In this embodiment, the elastic member 24 is a coil spring, and the other end is locked to the locking portion 22 a of the movable member 22. The base member 23 also has an attachment portion 23c to which a displacement detection sensor 25 that detects the position of the movable member 22 is attached. Since the base member 23 includes the support portion 23b, the locking portion 23a, and the attachment portion 23c, the number of parts can be reduced.

  The movable member 22 includes a detected portion 22c on a side portion thereof. In the case of this embodiment, the displacement detection sensor 25 is an optical sensor having the same configuration as the medal detection sensor 18. The displacement detection sensor 25 is supported by the mounting portion 23c at a position where the detected portion 22c can enter the slit.

  The movable member 22 includes a sorting unit 221 at a lower part thereof. The selection unit 221 is located in the opening 11b of the base member 10 that is a branch point between the upstream side passage UR and the downstream side passages DR1 and DR2, and advances and retreats in the depth direction as the movable member 22 is displaced. Then, the medal that has passed through the upstream passage UR is guided to either the downstream passage DR1 or DR2. FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory views of the operation of the sorting unit 20 and are side cross sections of the medal selector 336 around the opening 11b.

  FIG. 16A shows a state in which the sorting unit 221 is positioned relatively on the front side and is positioned at a position (hereinafter referred to as a block position) for guiding a medal that has passed through the upstream path UR to the downstream path DR2. . The sorting unit 221 blocks the entrance of the downstream passage DR1, and the medal that has passed through the upstream passage UR collides with the sorting unit 221 and is guided to the downstream passage DR2. At this time, the actuator 21 is in a non-driven state (non-energized state). The movable member 22 is always urged by the elastic member 24 to the position of FIG. When the selection unit 221 is at the block position, the detected portion 22c is out of the slit of the displacement detection sensor 25, and the detected portion 22c is not detected by the displacement detection sensor 25. Thereby, it can be detected that the sorting unit 221 is at the block position.

  In FIG. 16B, the movable member 22 is attracted to the actuator 21 against the bias of the elastic member 24 by the magnetic force generated by driving (energizing) the actuator 21, and the selection unit 221 is positioned relatively on the back side. In this state, the medal that has passed through the upstream passage UR is positioned at a position (hereinafter referred to as an open position) for guiding it to the downstream passage DR1. The medals that have passed through the upstream passage UR are guided to the downstream passage DR1 without being disturbed by the sorting unit 221. When the sorting unit 221 is in the open position, the detected portion 22c is in a state of entering the slit of the displacement detection sensor 25, and the detected portion 22c is detected by the displacement detection sensor 25. Thereby, it can detect that the selection part 221 exists in an open position.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a series of flows of the medal selection operation by the medal selector 336. The actuator 21 is normally non-driven (non-energized), and the sorting unit 221 is positioned at the block position. When the medal M flowing in the upstream passage UR is an irregular medal, the passage is not detected by the medal detection sensor 18, and the actuator 21 remains in the non-driven state. As a result, the presence of the sorting unit 221 causes the irregular medal NM to be guided to the downstream passage DR2 and discharged from the outlet 336c.

  On the other hand, when the medal M flowing through the upstream passage UR is a regular medal, this is detected by the medal detection sensor 18. If the medal detection sensor 18 detects that the medal M is a regular medal during the medal insertion acceptance period, the actuator 21 is driven (energized), and the selection unit 221 is moved to the open position. As a result, the regular medal RM is guided to the downstream side passage DR1 and discharged from the outlet portion 336b.

  In this way, the regular medals and the non-regular medals can be sorted by displacing the sorting unit 221 (movable member 22) based on the detection result of the medal detection sensor 18. In particular, the medal is sorted by the mechanical action of the sorting unit 221. Therefore, the accuracy of selecting regular medals can be maintained. In this embodiment, the downstream passage DR1 is a passage through which a regular medal passes, and the downstream passage DR2 is a passage through which an irregular medal or a medal inserted outside the reception period passes. In this case, the displacement mode of the selection unit 221 may be reversed.

<Shape of the sorting part>
Since the medal collides with the sorting unit 221, wear resistance is required. In particular, as described above, in the present embodiment, the upstream passage UR forms a vertical medal passage in order to prevent the adhesion of dirt, and the lower edge of the medal falling substantially vertically collides with the sorting unit 221. Therefore, higher wear resistance is required. In this embodiment, by devising the shape of the sorting unit 221 so that the collision between the medal lower edge and the sorting unit 221 is not a point but a line contact, the impact force is reduced and the wear resistance is improved.

  17A to 17E are explanatory views of the movable member 22. FIGS. 17A to 17C are a plan view, a front view, and a right side view, respectively. FIGS. 17D and 17E are different directions. It is the perspective view of the movable member 22 seen from.

  The sorting part 221 has a curved shape in which the center 221a is recessed downward than the both end parts 221b and 221b, and is a depression that is in line contact with the lower edge of the medal. For this reason, compared with the case where the sorting part 221 is formed flat, the contact between the falling medal lower edge and the sorting part 221 is a line contact, and the impact force is reduced. As a result, the wear resistance can be improved.

  Next, the arrangement of the selection unit 221 will be described. 18A and 18B are explanatory views of the arrangement of the movable member 22. In the case of this embodiment, the shape of the selection part 221 is a symmetrical curved shape. As shown in FIG. 18A, in the sorting unit 221 (block position), the movable member 22 is disposed on the center line CL in the width direction of the upstream passage UR so that the center 221a is located. In addition, the sorting portion 221 has a circular arc at the tip edge. For this reason, it becomes easy to guide the medal dropped on the sorting unit 221 to the center of the sorting unit 221.

  Since the distance between the two end portions 221b and 221b of the sorting unit 221 is substantially equal to the width of the upstream passage UR (the width of the opening 11b), the sorting unit 221 passes through the upstream passage UR when in the block position. It will collide with a falling medal. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the shape of the upper end edge of the passage wall forming portion 12 a has an arc shape that follows the arc shape of the distal end edge of the selection portion 221. As a result, when in the block position, the sorting unit 221 has a structure that more reliably closes the entrance of the downstream passage DR1 and does not allow passage of unauthorized equipment or the like.

  When the sorting unit 221 is viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 18B, the sorting unit 221 (block position) has a line LT indicating the position of the tip edge thereof indicating the position of the passage wall forming unit 11. It is substantially parallel to the line LRB, and the amount of protrusion from the passage wall forming portion 11 is substantially uniform. The center 221a is inclined obliquely from the medal flow direction, making it easier to guide the medal to the left side of FIG.

  FIGS. 19A to 19C are explanatory diagrams of a collision mode of the medal M against the sorting unit 221. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the falling medals M may collide with the sorting unit 221 located at the block position with a deviation in the thickness direction of the passage, but the above shape and arrangement are adopted. Thus, the lower edge of the medal M and the selection unit 221 are in line contact. By adopting the above shape and arrangement of the sorting unit 221, even if the falling medal M is displaced in the width direction of the passage and collides, it is guided to the center 221a side of the sorting unit 221 as shown in FIG. It becomes easy and demonstrates the centering action of the medal M. For this reason, the medal M can be led to the downstream side passage DR2 without being greatly violated.

<Detection of accepted medals>
With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, a medal detection sensor 17 for detecting a medal passing through the downstream passage DR1 is provided in the downstream passage DR1 through which the regular medal passes. The medal detection sensor 17 is an optical sensor having a configuration similar to that of the medal detection sensor 18, and detects when a medal passes through the slit. In the present embodiment, at least on the condition that the medal detection sensor 17 detects the passage of a medal, the inserted medal is accepted as a regular medal inserted. That is, the bet number and credit are counted.

  In this embodiment, the downstream passage DR1 is a passage through which a regular medal passes, and the downstream passage DR2 is a passage through which an irregular medal or a medal inserted outside the reception period passes. In this case, the medal detection sensor 17 is arranged so as to detect medals passing through the downstream passage DR2.

<Prevention of fraud>
As described above, in the present embodiment, on the condition that at least the medal detection sensor 17 detects the passage of a medal, the inserted medal is accepted as a regular medal inserted. For this reason, the medal detection sensor 17 is likely to be a target of fraud. As a method of cheating, it is conceivable to insert an unauthorized instrument from the medal payout outlet 155 and reach the medal detection sensor 17 through the passage member 155a and the downstream passage DR2. However, this is difficult due to the structure of the medal passage of this embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of fraud prevention.

  In the case of this embodiment, since the downstream passages DR1 and DR2 are branched from the upstream passage UR, as shown by the arrow DN1 in FIG. 20, when an unauthorized device is inserted from the downstream passage DR2 side, the upstream passage UR In order to proceed to the downstream passage DR1, it is difficult to bend the illegal instrument significantly. Moreover, when the sorting portion 221 is present in the opening portion 11b, and this is in the block position, the unauthorized device cannot enter the downstream passage DR1 because it becomes an obstacle. Further, since the step 12f is present in the downstream passage DR2, as shown by the arrow DN2 in FIG. 20, an unauthorized instrument is caught by the step 12f, making insertion more difficult.

  As another method of cheating, it is also conceivable to insert a cheating device from the medal slot 141 and reach the medal detection sensor 17 through the upstream passage UR. However, when the selection part 221 exists in the opening part 11b and this exists in a block position, an unauthorized instrument cannot enter the downstream channel | path DR1 because it becomes obstructive. Thus, in this embodiment, it has a structure with a strong defense force against the fraudulent act by unauthorized tool insertion.

<Control of medal selector 336>
An example of drive / non-drive control of the actuator 21 by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. The CPU 304 normally does not drive the actuator 21. For this reason, the selection part 221 is normally located in a block position. Normally, power consumption can be reduced by not driving the actuator 21.

  The CPU 304 drives the actuator 21 when the medal detection sensor 18 detects a regular medal during the medal acceptance period. The sorting unit 221 is displaced to the open position, and a medal is allowed to enter the downstream passage DR1. The medal acceptance period is, for example, a case in which the number of bets or credits has not reached the specified number during the process of S2 in FIG. Outside the reception period, even if the medal detection sensor 18 detects a regular medal, the actuator 21 is not driven.

  For example, after the medal detection sensor 18 detects the regular medal and drives the actuator 21 after the medal detection sensor 18 detects the regular medal, the CPU 304 deactivates the actuator 21 when the medal detection sensor 17 detects passage of the medal. FIG. 21A is a timing chart showing changes in drive signals of the rotation detection sensor 19, the medal detection sensor 18, the displacement detection sensor 25, the medal detection sensor 17, and the actuator 21 in the case of this control example.

  When a regular medal enters the medal selector 336, first, the movable member 14 rotates and the rotation detection sensor 19 detects this. Subsequently, the medal detection sensor 18 detects passage of a regular medal. When the medal detection sensor 18 is turned on, the CPU 304 turns on the drive signal. As a result, the movable member 22 is displaced, and this is detected by the displacement detection sensor 25. When the medal detection sensor 17 detects the passage of the medal, the CPU 304 turns off the drive signal in response to this detection. Thus, ON / OFF control of the actuator 21 can be performed.

  FIG. 21B is a timing chart showing changes in drive signals of the rotation detection sensor 19, the medal detection sensor 18, the displacement detection sensor 25, the medal detection sensor 17, and the actuator 21 when an irregular medal is inserted. When a non-regular medal enters the medal selector 336, first, the movable member 14 rotates and the rotation detection sensor 19 detects this. However, since the medal detection sensor 18 does not detect the passage of the irregular medal, it remains OFF, and the CPU 304 keeps the drive signal OFF. As a result, since the movable member 22 is not displaced, the displacement detection sensor 25 remains OFF and the medal detection sensor 17 does not detect the passage of the medal.

  As another example of the ON / OFF control of the actuator 21, the CPU 304 may turn off the drive signal after a predetermined time has elapsed after the medal detection sensor 18 is turned on. The predetermined time can be set according to the distance between the medal detection sensor 18 and the opening 11b and the average drop speed of the medal.

<Determination of normal insertion of regular medals>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the inserted medal is accepted as having been inserted with a regular medal on the condition that at least the medal detection sensor 17 detects the passage of the medal. That is, the bet number and credit are counted.

  Here, based on only the result of the medal detection sensor 17, it may be determined whether or not the regular medal has been normally inserted, but the detection result of the medal detection sensor 18 may be a condition. As shown in FIG. 21A, when a regular medal is inserted, in this embodiment, the medal detection sensor 18 detects a regular medal, and then the medal detection sensor 17 detects a medal passage. It becomes.

  Therefore, the CPU 304 detects a regular medal by the medal detection sensor 18 and a medal by the medal detection sensor 17 (particularly, the medal detection sensor 18 detects a regular medal, and then the medal detection sensor 17 detects the medal. It may be determined that one regular medal has been inserted normally when a medal passage is detected). In this way, for example, even if the medal detection sensor 17 malfunctions due to a fraudulent act, it is not determined that a regular medal has been inserted normally, so that the defense against fraud can be improved.

<Determination of fraud using sensor detection results>
Using the detection results of the rotation detection sensor 19 and the displacement detection sensor 25, the CPU 304 can determine the presence or absence of fraud. FIG. 21C is an example of a timing chart showing changes in drive signals of the rotation detection sensor 19, the medal detection sensor 18, the displacement detection sensor 25, the medal detection sensor 17, and the actuator 21 when an illegal act is performed.

  In the example of the figure, first, it is assumed that an unauthorized instrument is inserted into the upstream passage UR and the medal detection sensor 18 is malfunctioning. In this case, the movable member 14 remains rotated, and the rotation detection sensor 19 is continuously turned on for a longer time than when the medal passes. Therefore, it can be determined that this fraud is being performed.

  Moreover, in the example of the same figure, it is assumed that an unauthorized instrument is inserted into the opening 11b and the sorting unit 221 is forcibly displaced to the open position, causing the medal detection sensor 17 to malfunction. . In this case, the movable member 22 remains displaced to the open position, and the displacement detection sensor 25 is turned on regardless of whether the drive signal is turned on or off. Therefore, it can also be determined that this fraud is being performed.

Claims (9)

A medal selector for selecting a regular medal and a non-regular medal smaller in diameter than the regular medal;
An upstream passage through which the inserted medal passes,
A regular medal downstream passage and a non-regular medal downstream passage branched from the upstream passage;
Regular medal detection means for detecting a regular medal passing through the upstream passage;
A sorting unit arranged at a branch point between the upstream side passage, the downstream side passage for the regular medal, and the downstream side passage for the non-regular medal, and the sorting unit based on a detection result of the regular medal detection unit Displacing the medal that has passed through the upstream passage to the downstream passage for the regular medal or the downstream passage for the non-regular medal,
A passing medal detection means for detecting a medal provided in the downstream path for the regular medal and passing through the downstream path for the regular medal;
A medal selector characterized by comprising   2. The medal selector according to claim 1, wherein the regular medal downstream passage and the non-regular medal downstream passage branch from the upstream passage in the thickness direction of the upstream passage.   When the sorting unit is in a position to guide the medal that has passed through the upstream passage to the downstream passage for non-regular medals, the sorting unit blocks the entrance of the downstream passage for regular medals. The medal selector according to claim 1 or 2.   The medal selector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising position detecting means for detecting a position of the sorting unit.   The medal selector according to claim 1, wherein the upstream passage and the downstream passage for regular medals form a medal passage in a vertical direction.   A game table comprising the medal selector according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The sorting means includes an actuator that displaces the sorting unit,
The sorting unit
When the actuator is not driven, the medal that has passed through the upstream passage is positioned to guide the downstream passage for the non-regular medal, while the medal that has passed through the upstream passage by driving the actuator is the downstream for the regular medal. Displaced to the position leading to the side passage,
The game table is
Control means for driving the actuator when a regular medal is detected by the regular medal detection means and non-driving the actuator when a medal is detected by the passing medal detection means. The game table according to claim 6.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines that a normal medal is normally inserted when the normal medal is detected by the normal medal detection unit and the medal is detected by the passing medal detection unit. The game table according to 6 or 7.   The gaming table is provided with a plurality of types of pictures and is driven to rotate, a lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of types of winning combinations is won by lottery, and for starting rotation of the reels A start switch, a stop switch provided for each of the reels, for individually stopping the rotation of the reels, and a reel stop control for controlling the stop of the reels based on a lottery result of the lottery means Means and a winning determination means for determining a winning based on whether or not the combination of the pictures displayed by the reel at the time of stoppage is a predetermined combination of pictures, the determination result of the winning determination 9. The gaming table according to claim 6, wherein the gaming table is a gaming table for paying out medals based on the game.

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