JP2012085769A - Token supply device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a token supply device for a game machine, which enables installation of a game machine using small-diameter tokens and a game machine using large-diameter tokens together in one installation bank, and which can store the small-diameter tokens and the large-diameter tokens efficiently and smoothly.SOLUTION: The token supply means 3 includes: a token sorting means 5 for sorting tokens collected by a token collecting carrying means 2 into small-diameter tokens and large-diameter tokens; a first storage tank 7 for exclusively storing either the small-diameter tokens or the large-diameter tokens sorted out by the token sorting means 5; and a second storage tank 8 for storing the other of the small-diameter tokens or the large-diameter tokens sorted out by the token sorting means 5 and capable of storing the small-diameter tokens and large-diameter tokens which are mixed. The small-diameter tokens stored or large-diameter tokens stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be supplied to a token supply carrying means 1 arbitrarily and selectively.

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal supply device for a gaming machine that can supply and collect medals to each of a plurality of gaming machines installed on an installation island.

  There are usually islands that are installed in amusement halls, such as slot machines and coin game machines, which are placed in parallel to play medals. A gaming machine using such medals automatically supplies and collects medals to each gaming machine because many medals are supplied and many medals are discharged in the process of gaming. In order to make it possible, conventionally, a medal replenishing device is arranged on each installed island (see Patent Document 1).

  Such a conventional medal replenishing device is arranged in the longitudinal direction at the upper part of the installation island, and is installed in the longitudinal direction at the lower part of the installation island, and medal supply and transport means for supplying medals to each gaming machine while transporting medals. And a medal collecting and conveying means for collecting and conveying the medals discharged from each gaming machine; and storing the medals conveyed by the medal collecting and conveying means; The medal supply means includes a medal supply means for supplying medals.

JP 2005-349909 A

  However, the conventional medal supply device has the following problems. That is, medals used in gaming machines are generally widespread having a diameter of 25 mm (small diameter medal) and 30 mm (large diameter medal), and the type of medal used depending on the type of gaming machine. The actual situation is that (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) is different. However, although the conventional medal replenishment device can automatically supply, collect and replenish medals of the same diameter, it cannot supply medals of different diameters, Only gaming machines that use either small diameter medals or large diameter medals can be installed.

  On the other hand, by arranging an installation island where a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed and an installation island where a gaming machine using a large diameter medal are adjacent to each other like a single installation island, It seems that it is possible to install a gaming machine that uses any of the large diameter medals, but in that case, additional components such as a medal cleaning means and a lifting means must be provided respectively. There was a problem that the cost increased and a large amount of repair work was required.

  Therefore, the present applicant has come to consider providing a medal replenishing means with a medal selection means capable of selecting a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal in order to solve such a problem. However, on the same island, the number of gaming machines using small diameter medals and the number of gaming machines using large diameter medals do not always match, and furthermore, the ratio of supplied or recovered medals is small. Therefore, it is conceivable that only one of the storage tank storing the small diameter medal and the storage tank storing the large diameter medal becomes full.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. A gaming machine that uses a small-diameter medal and a gaming machine that uses a large-diameter medal can be provided on a single installation island. An object of the present invention is to provide a medal replenishing device for a gaming machine capable of storing medals efficiently and smoothly.

  The invention according to claim 1 is extended to an installation island where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, and a medal supply transporting means for transporting and supplying medals to each gaming machine, and extending to the installation island. , A medal collection transport means for collecting and transporting medals discharged from each gaming machine, and a medal supply means for storing medals collected by the medal collection transport means and supplying medals to the medal supply transport means And a medal replenishing device for a gaming machine in which a large diameter medal and a small diameter medal having different outer diameters can be installed on the installation island, wherein the medal replenishing means , Medal sorting means for sorting medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into small diameter medals and large diameter medals, and the small diameter medals or large diameter medals sorted by the medal sorting means A first storage tank that exclusively stores one and a second storage capable of storing the other of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means and mixing the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. The medal supply / conveying means can optionally supply the small diameter medal or large diameter medal stored in the first storage tank or the second storage tank.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device of the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the medal replenishing device further comprises first detecting means for detecting that the medal in the first storage tank has reached a predetermined amount. On the condition that the first detection means detects that the medal has reached a predetermined amount, the second storage tank stores the medals selected by the medal selection means and stored in the first storage tank. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply device for a gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the first detection means for detecting that the medal in the first storage tank has reached a predetermined amount, and A second detecting means for detecting that the medal in the second storage tank has reached a predetermined amount, and the fact that the medal has reached a predetermined amount by either the first detecting means or the second detecting means. On the condition that it has been detected, the medal in the first storage tank or the second storage tank that has been detected is supplied to the medal supply transport means, and the supplied medal is recovered by the medal recovery transport means. In this way, the medal is circulated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device of the gaming machine according to the third aspect, when the medals circulate, the conveying means in the medal counters juxtaposed on the installation island is driven, and the medal counter is used. The counted medals reach the medal collecting and conveying means, and the medals in the medal counting machine are also circulated together.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the medal replenishing means does not go through the first storage tank or the second storage tank. The small diameter medal or large diameter medal sorted by the sorting means can be supplied to the medal supply / conveying means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply device for a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second storage tank has a medal storage amount larger than that of the first storage tank. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the medal replenishing means selects the medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal, and the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means. A first storage tank that exclusively stores one of the two, and a second storage tank that stores the other of the small-diameter medal and the large-diameter medal selected by the medal sorting unit and that can be stored by mixing the small-diameter medal and the large-diameter medal. It is possible to install a gaming machine using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal on one installation island, and efficiently and smoothly store a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. Can do.

  Moreover, on condition that the first detection means for detecting that the medal in the first storage tank has reached a predetermined amount, and that the medal has reached the predetermined amount by the first detection means, Since the medals that are selected by the medal sorting means and should be stored in the first storage tank are stored in the second storage tank, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be stored more smoothly.

  Furthermore, it comprises first detection means for detecting that the medal in the first storage tank has reached a predetermined amount, and second detection means for detecting that the medal in the second storage tank has reached a predetermined amount. On the condition that one of the first detection means and the second detection means detects that the medal has reached a predetermined amount, the medal in the first storage tank or the second storage tank is detected as a medal. Since the supply and conveying means replenishes and the replenished medal is collected by the medal collecting and conveying means, the medal is circulated, so that the medal is biased to be biased to either the first storage tank or the second storage tank. And the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be stored more efficiently.

  Furthermore, when the medals are circulated, the transport means in the medal counter arranged in parallel on the installation island is driven to bring the medals counted by the medal counter to the medal collection transport means, and the medals in the medal counter In addition, since it is also circulated, it is possible to suppress the medal from being biased toward one of the first storage tank and the second storage tank more smoothly and reliably.

  The medal replenishing means can replenish the medal supply transport means with the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means without going through the first storage tank or the second storage tank. The recovered small diameter medal or large diameter medal can be quickly supplied to the medal supply and conveyance means.

  Furthermore, since the second storage tank is set with a larger amount of medals than the first storage tank, a larger number of medals are stored when mixing the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal in the second storage tank. Can be stored.

The plane schematic diagram which shows the medal supply device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention Side view showing the medal supply device of the gaming machine Front schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the medal supply means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine Side surface schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the medal supply means The enlarged view which shows the distribution means in the medal supply means Side surface schematic diagram showing medal supply transport means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine Plane schematic diagram showing the medal supply and transport means An enlarged plan view showing the medal supply / conveying means Side enlarged view showing the medal supply / conveying means Sectional view showing the medal supply and conveyance means

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The medal supply device for a gaming machine according to the present embodiment is capable of supplying and collecting medals to each of a plurality of gaming machines installed on an installation island. As shown in FIGS. To medal supply / conveyance means 1 and medal collection / conveyance means 2, medal replenishment means 3 installed at one end of each of the installation islands K1 to K3, and the installation island K1. It consists mainly of a medal counter 4 installed at the end.

  A plurality of installation islands K1 to K3 are installed in the game hall (appropriate number depending on the game hall), and a plurality of game machines H (those that play games by inserting medals such as slot machines and coin game machines) are arranged in each. The medal supply / conveying means 1 is extended in the longitudinal direction in the inner upper part, and the medal collection / conveying means 2 is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the inner lower part. A distribution tower 27 is formed on each of the installation islands K1 to K3, and a crossing means 28 including a conveyer is disposed between the distribution towers 27.

  In each of the installation islands K1 to K3 according to the present embodiment, a gaming machine H in which a large diameter medal (medal having a diameter of 30 mm) and a small diameter medal (medal having a diameter of 25 mm) having different outer diameters are respectively installed. ing. However, when a medal request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine H in which the large diameter medal is used, the medal supply means 3 uses the gaming machine H that uses the large diameter medal or the small diameter medal based on the request signal. When a gaming machine H is identified and a large-diameter medal is supplied to the medal supply transport means 1, while a medal request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine H in which a small-diameter medal is used, the medal supply means 3 receives the request signal. Based on the above, the game machine H using the large diameter medal or the game machine H using the small diameter medal is identified and the small diameter medal is supplied to the medal supply transport means 1.

  The distribution tower 27 formed on each installed island (K1 to K3) lifts the medals in the installed island (in the present embodiment, medals transported by the medal supply transport means 1) upward and the medals. It is for supplying to the adjacent installation island via the crossing means 28. Thereby, medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) can be supplied from one installed island to other adjacent installed islands, and a lack of medals on other installed islands can be avoided. In this embodiment, when a request signal for a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) that is likely to be insufficient on another installed island is issued, the requested medal (in the installed island that received the request signal) A small-diameter medal or a large-diameter medal) is replenished to the medal supply / conveying means 1 and the medal is supplied to another installation island via the crossing means 28.

  The medal collecting and conveying means 2 is for collecting medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) discharged from the gaming machines H installed on each installation island (K1 to K3) and transporting them to the medal replenishing means 3. As shown in FIG. 2, it has a collection conveyor 2a with one end (the left end in the figure) facing the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3. The collection conveyor 2a has a conveyor belt that is suspended by a driving roller W1 and a driven roller W2 that can be driven by a motor M1, and receives medals that are discharged from each gaming machine H and dropped. It is configured so that it can be conveyed into the replenishing means 3.

  The medal counting machine 4 is provided adjacent to the installation island K1, and can automatically count and output the medal (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) acquired by the player. Is. In the medal counter 4, an accommodation space U for accommodating the inserted medals is formed, and conveyance including a conveyor for conveying the medals in the accommodation space U to the outside of the medal counter 4. Means 25 are provided. When the transport means 25 is driven, medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) in the accommodation space U reach the medal collection and transport means 2 via the chute 26 on the installation island K1.

  The medal replenishing means 3 accommodates medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 and supplies medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) to the medal supply and conveying means 1. 3 to 5, mainly, the medal sorting means 5, the sorting means 6, the first storage tank 7, the second storage tank 8, the transport conveyor 21, the cleaning means 9, the lifter 15 are arranged in the housing 3a.

  The medal sorting means 5 is for sorting the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 into small diameter medals and large diameter medals. In this embodiment, there are two medal sorting means 5a and 5b. is doing. These medal sorting means 5 a and 5 b have the same configuration and function, and are respectively installed on the upper part of the housing 3 a of the medal replenishing means 3. The medal sorting means 5 has a housing part a for temporarily housing medals and a sending means (not shown) disposed in the housing part a and operable by the motor M2. By driving the motor M2 and operating the sending means, medals (small-diameter medals and large-diameter medals) can be sent out one by one from the storage portion a.

  The sent-out medal is configured to pass through the medal passage 16 communicating with the accommodating portion a, and as shown in FIG. 5, a diameter capable of dropping only a small-diameter medal into a part of the medal passage 16. The notch 16a is formed. Thus, in the process in which the medals sent out from the accommodating portion a of the medal sorting means 5 pass through the medal passage 16, the large diameter medal reaches the large diameter medal passage 29 and the small diameter medal falls from the notch 16a. Thus, the small medal passage 30 is reached.

  Further, detection means for detecting small-diameter medals and large-diameter medals are arranged on the upstream side of the notch 16 a in the medal passage 16, and similar detection means for detecting small-diameter medals are also arranged in the small-diameter medal passage 30. It is installed. The pair of detection means detect and count the medals passing through, respectively, and thereby the number (N1) of small diameter medals and large diameter medals passing through the medal path 16 and the small diameter medals passing through the small diameter medal path 30. The number (N2) can be grasped. As a result, the value obtained by subtracting N2 from N1 is the number of selected large-diameter medals, and N2 is the number of selected small-diameter medals, so that these numbers are recognized by the replenishment control means 24. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the distributing means 6 includes an opening / closing means 29a capable of opening / closing a predetermined portion of the large-diameter medal passage 29, an opening / closing means 30a capable of opening / closing a predetermined portion of the small-diameter medal passage 30, and a medal by swinging. It is mainly composed of a sorting member 34 capable of selecting a drop path. In the figure, reference numeral 31 indicates a solenoid for performing the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means 30a, and reference numeral 33 indicates a solenoid for performing the swinging operation of the distributing member 34. The opening / closing means 29a is configured to be opened / closed by a solenoid (not shown) (a solenoid similar to the solenoid 31).

  However, in a state in which the opening / closing means 29a, 30a are closed, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 reach the chute 17 through the small diameter medal path 30 and the large diameter medal path 29, respectively, and supply and supply the medal. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b of the means 1 are replenished respectively. Further, in a state where the opening / closing means 29a or 30a is opened, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 reach the sorting member 34, respectively. Reference numeral 32 in the drawing denotes a chute that guides the small-diameter medal to the sorting member 34 when the opening / closing means 30a is open.

  The distributing member 34 can be swung between a state indicated by a solid line and a state indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure by driving the solenoid 33. In the state indicated by the solid line, a large-diameter medal is large. In the state shown by the two-dot chain line, the large diameter medal is dropped in the first storage tank 7 while being dropped and accommodated in the diameter medal mug 18a. The small diameter medal is stored in the second storage tank 8 by being stored. Reference numeral 35 in the drawing indicates a passage for guiding the large diameter medal distributed by the distribution member 34 to the first storage tank 7, and the same passage (not shown) (small diameter medal is stored in the second storage). A passage leading to the tank 8) is also arranged on the second storage tank 8 side.

  That is, a path for supplying the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 to the small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b of the medal supply transport means 1 by the operation of the sorting means 6, respectively. It is possible to switch between a path accommodated in the small diameter medal mug 18b and the large diameter medal mug 18a and a path accommodated in the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, respectively. The small-diameter medal mug 18b and the large-diameter medal mug 18a can be detached from the medal replenishing means 3, respectively, and it is possible to manually replenish an arbitrary gaming machine H with a medal. .

  The first storage tank 7 is for storing only one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5, and in this embodiment, the large diameter medal can be stored exclusively. The first storage tank 7 is capable of storing a predetermined amount of large-diameter medals, and first detection means 7a for detecting that the medals (large-diameter medals) in the first storage tank 7 have reached a predetermined amount. Is arranged. As the first detection means 7a, a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor can be used.

  The first storage tank 7 has a discharge port 7b that can be discharged by dropping a medal by its own weight on the bottom surface, and the discharge port 7b is blocked by the lower end portion of the stirring means 20. Yes. The stirring means 20 is formed of a spiral member and can be rotated by a motor 19. The stirring means 20 is guided to the discharge port 7b while stirring the medals in the first storage tank 7 by the rotation drive. It is possible to discharge from 7b.

  The second storage tank 8 stores the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 (in this embodiment, stores the small diameter medal) and mixes the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. It can be stored. That is, while the first storage tank 7 exclusively stores large-diameter medals, the second storage tank 8 accommodates small-diameter medals in a normal state and small-diameter medals and large-diameter medals under predetermined conditions. It can be stored by mixing.

  The second storage tank 8 is provided with second detection means for detecting that medals (small diameter medals) in the second storage tank 8 have reached a predetermined amount. As the second detection means 8a, a contact sensor, a non-contact sensor, or the like can be used as in the first detection means 7a. Further, the second storage tank 8 is formed with a discharge port 8b that can be discharged by dropping a medal by its own weight on the bottom surface, and the discharge port 8b is blocked by the lower end of the stirring means 20. Yes. This stirring means 20 is made of a spiral member and can be driven to rotate by the motor 19 as in the first storage tank 7. The medal is guided to the discharge port 8b while being agitated, and can be discharged from the discharge port 8b.

  Here, the second storage tank 8 according to the present embodiment is set to have a larger medal storage amount than the first storage tank 7 (that is, a larger capacity than the first storage tank 7). Thus, when a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal are mixed and stored, more medals can be stored. In the present embodiment, the first storage tank 7 exclusively stores large diameter medals and the second storage tank 8 stores small diameter medals. Instead, the first storage tank 7 It is also possible to store the small diameter medal exclusively and store the large diameter medal in the second storage tank 8.

  The conveyor 21 includes a conveyor belt 21a disposed below the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 and below the discharge port 8b of the second storage tank 8, and may have different conveyance directions. It was made possible. Thus, when the transport direction of the transport conveyor 21 is set from left to right in FIG. 3, medals discharged from the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 or the discharge port 8b of the second storage tank 8 are shown in FIG. When the transport direction of the transport conveyor 21 is set from right to left in the figure while being transported to the right side and reaching the receiving portion 23 of the lifter 15, the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 or the discharge of the second storage tank 8 is performed. The medals discharged from the outlet 8b are transported to the left side in the figure and are configured to reach the receiving portion 10 via the receiving passage 22.

  The cleaning means 9 is for cleaning the medals recovered by the medal recovery and transport means 2, and has an alignment conveyor 11 and cleaning conveyors 12 and 13. The alignment conveyor 11 conveys medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) received by the receiving unit 10 while aligning them. A cleaning conveyor 12 is disposed on the end side of the alignment conveyor 11, and a cleaning conveyor 13 is subsequently disposed on the end side of the cleaning conveyor 12. These washing conveyors 12 can wipe the medal front and back surfaces by pressing a member immersed in a desired cleaning liquid against the medal front and back surfaces. A receiving portion 14 for the lifter 15 is formed on the terminal end side of the cleaning conveyor 13 so that the medals cleaned by the cleaning conveyors 12 and 13 reach the lifter 15 via the receiving portion 14. .

  The lifter 15 is composed of conveying means extending vertically in the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3, and conveys medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) received by the receiving part 23 or the receiving part 14 upward, This is for reaching the medal sorting means 5 through the chute 15a. Thus, the medals transported to the receiving section 23 by the transport conveyor 21 and the medals cleaned by the cleaning means 9 are transported to the medal sorting means 5 by the lifter 15 and sorted into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. The Rukoto.

  The replenishment control means 24 is composed of, for example, a control panel equipped with a microcomputer or the like, and can receive a medal request signal from each gaming machine H and can perform an operation according to the request signal. For example, when the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a large-diameter medal from the gaming machine H side, the agitation means 20 in the first storage tank 7 is operated, and the transport conveyor 21 is driven in the leftward transport direction. At this time, the opening / closing means 29a and 30a of the distribution means 6 are closed. As a result, the large-diameter medal in the first storage tank 7 is washed by the washing means 9 and then conveyed by the lifter 15 and after being sorted by the medal sorting means 5, the medal supply and conveying means 1. Will be replenished.

  When the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a small-diameter medal from the gaming machine H side, the agitation means 20 in the second storage tank 8 is operated and the transport conveyor 21 is driven in the leftward transport direction. At this time, the opening / closing means 29a and 30a of the distribution means 6 are closed. Thus, the small-diameter medal in the second storage tank 8 is washed by the cleaning means 9 and then conveyed by the lifter 15 and after being sorted by the medal sorting means 5 and then to the medal supply and conveyance means 1. To be replenished.

  When medals are quickly replenished to the gaming machine H side, the conveyor 21 is driven in a rightward conveying direction. In this case, after the medals in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 reach the lifter 15 without passing through the cleaning means 9, are transported by the lifter 15, and are sorted by the medal sorting means 5. The medal supply / conveyance means 1 is replenished. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the small-diameter medal or the large-diameter medal stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be optionally supplied to the medal supply transport means 1.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the first storage tank 7 is sorted by the medal sorting means 5 on condition that the first detection means 7a detects that the medal (large diameter medal) has reached a predetermined amount. The medal to be stored (large diameter medal) is overflowed into the second storage tank 8 and stored in the second storage tank 8. Thereby, when the gaming machine H using a small diameter medal and the gaming machine H using a large diameter medal are provided side by side on one installation island, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be stored more smoothly.

  Furthermore, the medal replenishing means 3 according to the present embodiment can replenish the medal supply transport means 1 with the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 without going through the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8. It is said that. That is, when the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) from the gaming machine H side, the medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 and then washed by the washing means 9 Can be selected by the medal sorting means 5 and the medals can be directly supplied to the medal supply and transport means 1 (without being stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8). Thereby, the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal collected by the medal collecting / conveying means 2 can be quickly supplied to the medal supply / conveying means 1.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first storage tank 7 that has been detected on the condition that either the first detection means 7a or the second detection means 8a has detected that the medal has reached a predetermined amount, or The medals in the second storage tank 8 are replenished to the medal supply / conveyance means 1, and the medals are circulated by collecting the replenished medals by the medal collection / conveyance means 2. As a result, it is possible to suppress the medal from being biased toward one of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, and to store the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal more efficiently. it can.

  Furthermore, when the medals are circulated as described above, the transport means 25 (see FIG. 2) in the medal counter 4 arranged side by side on the installation island K1 is driven to collect the medals counted by the medal counter 4. It is preferable that the medals in the medal counter 4 are also circulated together with the conveying means 2. In this case, it is possible to more smoothly and surely prevent the medal from being biased toward one of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8.

  The medal supply / conveying means 1 includes a conveyer for conveying and supplying medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) replenished from the medal replenishing means 3 to each gaming machine H. As shown in FIG. 10, a small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and a large-diameter medal transport unit 36b arranged in a pair on the left and right sides, and the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b are arranged at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction. It is mainly composed of the supply means A and the chute 38 provided.

  The small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b are arranged with their base ends (the left end in FIGS. 6 and 7) facing the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3, and on the base end side. The driven pulley R2 is composed of a pair of left and right conveying belts suspended on a driving pulley R1 on the tip (right end in FIGS. 6 and 7) side. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b according to this embodiment are given a predetermined tension by a tension pulley R3, and the drive pulley R1 is connected to the output shaft Ma of the motor M3. Yes.

  On the other hand, a base end portion of the small diameter medal transport portion 36a is positioned below the chute 17 for discharging the small diameter medal, and a base end of the large diameter medal transport portion 36b is positioned below the chute 17 for discharging the large diameter medal. The part is located. Thus, by driving the motor M3, the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are operated, and the small diameter medal discharged from the chute 17 is transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a. The large-diameter medals discharged from the large-diameter medals are transported by the large-diameter medals transport unit 36b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the medal supply transport unit 1 is provided with a small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and a large-diameter medal transport unit 36b, and a supply unit A, a chute 38, and a closing member 44 to be described later. A main body 1a is provided, and the main body 1a extends in the longitudinal direction of the installation island (K1 to K3). Openings 1aa are respectively formed in portions of the main body 1a corresponding to the installation locations of the gaming machines H, and the edges of the openings 1aa (specifically, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge) A locking portion M that can lock the chute 38 or the closing member 44 is integrally formed. Further, a partition wall 1ab is formed between the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b in the main body 1a, and the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are formed by the partition wall 1ab. It is formed.

  The chute 38 can be locked to the locking portion M at an arbitrary position in the main body 1a, and an opening communicating with the opening 1aa is formed at a predetermined portion while being locked to the locking portion M. The medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) from the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b can be brought to the inside. However, the chute 38 can be selectively locked to the locking portion M on the small diameter medal transport portion 36a side or the locking portion M on the large diameter medal transport portion 36b side, and can be freely attached and detached at any position. It is said that. The chute 38 is connected to a supply pipe T made of a flexible tube at the discharge port at the lower end thereof, and is connected to each gaming machine H through the supply pipe T. Thus, the medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) that have reached the chute 38 are configured to be supplied to the gaming machine H through the supply pipe T.

  The supply means A can selectively supply medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b to the chute 38 locked at a desired position. Thus, the main body 1a is detachably attached to a portion above the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. The supply means A includes a solenoid 40 supported by a frame 39, a swing member 43 that can swing by the solenoid 40, and a scraper 37 attached to the swing member 43.

  More specifically, a swing member 43 is connected to the operating shaft 40a of the solenoid 40 via an arm portion 42, and the swing member 43 can swing about the axis L1. ing. In the normal state (the state where the solenoid 40 is not energized), the swing member 43 is in the state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 by the urging force of the coil spring 41, and the scraper 37 has a small diameter. It is in a state of being separated from the medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. In this state, medals transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36 a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36 b pass below the scraper 37.

  However, when the solenoid 40 is energized, the operating shaft 40a pulls the arm portion 42 against the urging force of the coil spring 41, and the swinging member 43 is swung about the shaft L1, thereby causing the scraper 37 to move. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b is brought close to. In such a state, the medals transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b interfere with the scraper 37, and the transport direction is changed to the opening 1aa side at that portion, and the opening 1aa is locked. It will reach the inside of the chute 38 attached to the part M.

  Here, the supply means A and the chute 38 can be attached at an arbitrary position corresponding to the gaming machine H by being optionally attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a side or the large diameter medal transport part 36b side. Yes. That is, for the gaming machine H that uses small diameter medals, the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a side, and for the gaming machine H that uses large diameter medals, the supplying means A and An appropriate medal can be supplied by attaching the chute 38 to the large-diameter medal transport part 36b side.

  Furthermore, the supply means A according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily change the direction of the scraper 37. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the scraper 37 is rotatable about an axis L2 formed on the swing member 43 and fixed to the swing member 43 with a screw n. It is possible. In addition, the code | symbol 43a in a figure has shown the notch formed in the arc shape in order to avoid the interference of the screw n when the scraper 37 rotates.

  Thus, when the supply means A attached to the small diameter medal transport section 36a is attached to the large diameter medal transport section 36b, or the supply means A attached to the large diameter medal transport section 36b is used as the small diameter medal transport section 36a. When attaching to the side, the screw n is loosened and the scraper 37 is rotated to change its direction, and then the screw n is tightened again to fix the scraper 37. As a result, the supply means A can be easily attached to either the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. In the present embodiment, since the screw n can be tightened in the middle of the notch 43a, the angle of the scraper 37 can be arbitrarily adjusted, and the angle of the scraper 37 according to the type of medal can be set. it can.

  On the other hand, a closing member 44 is attached to the opening 1aa of the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b opposite to the side on which the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached. The closing member 44 is composed of a member in which a side wall portion 44a and a lid portion 44b are integrally formed, and an edge portion of the side wall portion 44a (specifically, a left edge portion, a right edge portion, and a lower edge portion). Can be attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b.

  In the state where the closing member 44 is attached, the side wall 44a closes the opening 1aa, and the lid 44b covers the upper part of the small diameter medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b. Thus, in the process of being transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal is intended from the opening 1aa on the side opposite to the side where the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached. It is possible to prevent the overflow without overflowing.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the chute 38, the supply means A, and the closing member 44 are detachable at arbitrary positions on the medal supply transport means 1. It can be appropriately supplied. In addition, since the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are arranged side by side, the plurality of gaming machines H can simultaneously supply the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. Thus, the medal can be supplied appropriately and smoothly.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first storage tank 7 exclusively stores small-diameter medals selected by the medal selection means 5, and the second storage tank. The other of the large diameter medals selected by the medal sorting means 5 at 8 may be stored, and the small diameter medals and the large diameter medals may be mixed and stored under a predetermined condition. As described above, according to the present invention, the medal replenishing means 3 is selected by the medal selecting means 5 for selecting the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 into the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. The first storage tank 7 that exclusively stores one of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal and the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 and the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal are mixed. Since the second storage tank 8 that can be stored is provided, a gaming machine H that uses a small diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large diameter medal can be provided on one installation island, Large diameter medals can be stored efficiently and smoothly.

  Further, the medal sorting means 5 arranged in the medal replenishing means 3 is not limited to two arranged in parallel as in the present embodiment, but arranged independently or three or more arranged in parallel. It is good. The medal sorting means is not limited to that of the present embodiment, but may be of any other form as long as the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 are sorted into small diameter medals and large diameter medals. . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning means 9 is disposed in the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3, but it may be disposed in the installation island (K1 to K3), and the cleaning means 9 The means 9 may not be provided.

  The medal replenishing means exclusively stores a medal sorting means for sorting the medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal, and one of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means. A gaming machine including a first storage tank and a second storage tank that stores the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means and that can store the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal in a mixed manner. The medal replenishing device can be applied to a device having a different external shape or a device to which another function is added.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medal supply conveyance means 2 Medal collection conveyance means 3 Medal replenishment means 4 Medal counter 5 Medal selection means 6 Distribution means 7 First storage tank 7a First detection means 8 Second storage tank 8a Second detection means 9 Cleaning means 10 Section 11 Alignment conveyor 12 Washing conveyor 13 Washing conveyor 14 Receiving section 15 Lifter 16 Medal passage 17 Chute 18a Large diameter medal mug 18b Small diameter medal mug 19 Motor 20 Agitating means 21 Conveying conveyor 22 Receiving path 23 Receiving section 24 Replenishing control means 25 Conveying means 26 Chute 27 Distribution tower 28 Crossing means 29 Large diameter medal path 30 Small diameter medal path 31 Solenoid 32 Chute 33 Solenoid 34 Distributing member 35 Path 36a Small diameter medal conveying part 36b Large diameter medal conveying part 37 Scraper 38 Chute 39 Frame 40 Solenoid 41 Coil spring 42 Arm 43 Swing member 44 Closure member A Supply means K1 to K3 Installation island

Claims (6)

Medal supply and transport means extending to an installation island where a plurality of gaming machines are installed and transporting and supplying medals to each gaming machine;
Medal collecting and conveying means that extends to the installation island and collects and conveys medals discharged from each gaming machine;
A medal supply means for storing medals recovered by the medal recovery transport means and supplying medals to the medal supply transport means;
A gaming machine medal supply device in which a gaming machine using a large-diameter medals and a small-diameter medals having different outer diameters can be installed on the installation island,
The medal supply means is
Medal sorting means for sorting medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into small diameter medals and large diameter medals;
A first storage tank that exclusively stores one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means;
A second storage tank capable of storing the other one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means and mixing and storing the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal;
A medal for a gaming machine characterized in that the medal supply / conveying means can optionally supply the small diameter medal or large diameter medal stored in the first storage tank or the second storage tank. Replenishment device.   The first detection means for detecting that the medal in the first storage tank has reached a predetermined amount, and on the condition that the first detection means has detected that the medal has reached a predetermined amount, 2. A medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein medals sorted by the medal sorting means and stored in the first storage tank are stored in the second storage tank. First detecting means for detecting that medals in the first storage tank have reached a predetermined amount;
Second detection means for detecting that the medal in the second storage tank has reached a predetermined amount;
The first storage tank or the second storage tank that has been detected on the condition that either one of the first detection means or the second detection means detects that the medal has reached a predetermined amount. The game according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the medal is supplied to the medal supply / conveying means, and the supplied medal is collected by the medal collecting / conveying means to circulate the medal. Machine medal supply device.   At the time of circulation of the medals, the medal counted in the medal counter is driven by driving the conveying means in the medal counting machine arranged in parallel on the installation island, and the medal in the medal counting machine is reached. 4. The medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the medal replenishing device is also circulated.   The medal replenishing means can replenish the medal supply / conveying means with the small diameter medal or large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means without going through the first storage tank or the second storage tank. The medal supply device for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second storage tank is set with a larger amount of medal storage than the first storage tank.

Images