JP2012115495A - Token supply device of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a token supply device of a game machine for effectively storing a token in all the following cases: when a game machine for small-diameter tokens and a game machine for large-diameter tokens are installed simultaneously in a bank, when only the game machine for small-diameter tokens is installed, and when only the game machine for large-diameter tokens is installed.SOLUTION: A token supply means 3 includes: a token sorting means 5 of sorting tokens collected by a token collection/conveyance means 2 into small-diameter tokens and large-diameter tokens; a first storage tank 7 for storing one of the small-diameter tokens and the large-diameter tokens sorted by the token storing means 5; a second storage tank 8 for storing the other of the small-diameter token and the large-diameter token sorted by the token storing means 5; a demarcating member 57 that demarcates the first storage tank 7 from the second storage tank 8 and is removable, depending on the game machine installed in the bank.

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.

  In addition, there is usually a transfer means consisting of transport means between one installed island and another adjacent installed island, and medals are transported from one installed island to another installed island. On the other hand, medals can be transported and supplied from one installed island to another. The transfer means is connected to a lifter in a distribution tower extending upward from the medal supply means, and the medal is supplied to the transfer means in a desired direction via the lifter.

  However, the present applicant has installed a plurality of installation islands adjacent to one installation island in the amusement hall, and electrically connects the installation islands with each other via a LAN (local area network: local communication network). It came to study what can exchange the missing information of medals by sending and receiving signals. It was thought that the supply of medals could be performed smoothly through the crossing means by exchanging information on lack of medals through such a LAN.

JP 2005-349909 A

However, the medal supply device as described above has the following problems.
In general, medals used in gaming machines are widely used, those having a diameter of 25 mm (small diameter medal) and those having a diameter of 30 mm (large diameter medal). The type of medal used according to the type of gaming machine (small diameter The actual situation is that medals or large diameter medals are 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 applicant of the present invention provides the medal replenishing means with a medal selecting means capable of selecting a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal in order to eliminate such inconvenience, and one of the selected medals is the first storage tank and the other. It came to consider having stored in a 2nd storage tank. However, in the case where a gaming machine using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal are mixedly installed on the installation island, both the first storage tank and the second storage tank are required. However, in the case of a configuration in which only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed or a configuration in which only a gaming machine using a large diameter medal is installed, only one of the storage tanks functions.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a configuration in which a gaming machine that uses a small diameter medal and a gaming machine that uses a large diameter medal are installed on the installation island, and a small diameter medal is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medal replenishing device for a gaming machine that can effectively store medals in either a mode in which only gaming machines are installed or a mode in which only gaming machines using large-diameter medals are installed.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a medal collection and conveyance means that collects and conveys medals discharged from each gaming machine and extends to the installation island, and stores the medals collected by the medal collection and conveyance means. And a medal replenishing means for allowing the gaming machine to replenish medals, and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal and a small diameter medal with different outer diameters can be installed on the installation island. A medal replenishing device for a gaming machine, wherein the medal replenishing means selects a medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal, and the medal sorting means selects the medal. A first storage tank that stores one of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal that has been selected, 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. A separation tank, and a separation member that partitions and separates between the first storage tank and the second storage tank and can be arbitrarily removed according to the gaming machine installed on the installation island, The small-diameter medal or large-diameter medal stored in the first storage tank or the second storage tank can be optionally supplied to the gaming machine.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device for the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the medal replenishing device is extended to an installation island where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, and the medals are conveyed and supplied to the respective gaming machines. A medal supply transport means, a supply control means disposed in the medal replenishment means and capable of exchanging deficiency information of medals, and a transport means extended between the installation island and another installation island, According to the lack information of medals obtained by the replenishment control means, medals can be transported and supplied to the other installed islands, and medals can be transported and supplied from the other installed islands. And the replenishment control means optionally passes the small diameter medal or large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means and stored in the storage tank via the medal supply transport means. To the means Together capable of sending, by any operation, characterized in that it is possible carry the medal of the reservoir tank regardless missing information medals other installation island adjacent to each other via the bridging means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to the second aspect, the arbitrary operation is performed by optionally selecting the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal in accordance with the medal shortage information. Including disabling control by the replenishment control means for transporting the transfer means to the crossing means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device of the gaming machine according to the second or third aspect, the medal stored in the storage tank is transported by the arbitrary operation to empty the storage tank. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the first storage tank and the second storage tank are partitioned and separated, and the separation member that can be arbitrarily detached according to the gaming machine installed on the installation island is provided. A form in which a gaming machine using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal are installed on the island, and a form in which only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed or a gaming machine using a large diameter medal In any of the configurations in which only medals are installed, medals can be effectively stored.

  In addition, the replenishment control means can optionally transport the small diameter medal or large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means and stored in the storage tank to the crossing means via the medal supply transport means, and by an optional operation, Regardless of the shortage information, the medal in the storage tank can be transported to other adjacent islands via the crossing means, so that multiple islands can be installed and connected to each other. In the case of exchanging information on lack of medals by transmitting and receiving signals, medals in the storage tank can be transported to other adjacent islands as necessary regardless of the lack of medals information.

  Further, the arbitrary operation includes invalidating the control by the replenishment control means for optionally transporting the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal to the crossing means via the medal supply transport means according to the lack information of the medal. Therefore, the medals in the storage tank can be transported to other adjacent islands as necessary regardless of the medal shortage information more smoothly and reliably.

  Furthermore, since all the medals stored in the storage tank are transported by an arbitrary operation and the inside of the storage tank is emptied, a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal is used when various types of gaming machines are installed on the installation island. The storage tank that stores the water can be emptied more smoothly and easily.

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 (A) Schematic plan view showing the medal supply / conveying means (b) Schematic diagram showing a dropping part of a medal on a transition chute 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 Schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lifter and the crossing means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine are viewed from the side. Schematic cross-sectional view showing the lifter and the transition means as seen from the front side The expanded sectional view which shows the connection part of the lifter and the transition means A state in which a lid member that covers the front side of the first storage tank and the second storage tank of the medal supply means and a separation member that separates the first storage tank and the second storage tank are removed in the medal supply device of the gaming machine. (A) Schematic diagram viewed from the front (b) Schematic diagram viewed from the side Flow chart showing the control contents by the supply control means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine

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 is mainly composed of a medal counter 4 installed at the end, a lifter 47 disposed in the distribution tower 27, and a crossing means 28.

  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. A lifter 47 is disposed in each distribution tower 27, and a conveyor or the like is provided between the distribution towers 27. Crossing means 28 is provided.

  In each of the installed islands (K1 to K3) according to the present embodiment, there is a gaming machine H in which a large-diameter medal (a medal with a diameter of 30 mm) and a small-diameter medal (a medal with a diameter of 25 mm) are used. is set up. 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. A lifter 47 is provided for supplying to other adjacent islands 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 transport means 2 via the chute 26 on the installation island (K1 to K3). .

  The medal replenishing means 3 accommodates the medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 and replenishes medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) to the medal supply and conveying means 1 (gaming machine) 3), the medal sorting means 5, the sorting means 6, the first storage tank 7, and the second storage tank are mainly used. 8, the conveyor 21, the cleaning means 9, and the lifter 15 are disposed in the housing 3a. In the present embodiment, the medal replenishing means 3 replenishes the medal supply transport means 1 with a medal. It is good also as a thing to do.

  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 is for storing only the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5, and in the present embodiment, the small diameter medal can be stored exclusively. In addition, it is good also as what can store the 2nd storage tank 8 by mixing a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. 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 is good also as a storage possible 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.

  However, the second storage tank 8 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). When medals 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.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a first storage tank 7 capable of storing a predetermined amount of one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal (large diameter medal in the present embodiment) selected by the medal selection means, and the first storage A second storage tank 8 for storing a predetermined amount of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal (small diameter medal in the present embodiment) selected by the medal sorting means 5 and having a medal storage amount different from the tank 7 In particular, in the present embodiment, the second storage tank 8 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, in the gaming machines installed on one installation island (K1 to K3), the first number depends on the number of gaming machines H using small diameter medals and the number of gaming machines H using large diameter medals. It is possible to arbitrarily set whether the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal is stored in the storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8. Accordingly, a gaming machine H that uses a small-diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large-diameter medal can be attached to one installed island (K1 to K3), and the gaming machine (K1 to K1) installed on the installed island. The small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be efficiently and smoothly stored while corresponding to K3).

  That is, since the types of medals stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be set according to the gaming machines H installed on the installation islands (K1 to K3), the installation islands (K1 to K3) are set. The small-diameter medals and the large-diameter medals can be more efficiently and smoothly stored while being surely handled by the gaming machine H installed in (). In the present embodiment, the second storage tank 8 has a larger medal storage amount than the first storage tank 7 (that is, a larger capacity than the first storage tank 7). The second storage tank may be set to have a smaller medal storage amount than the first storage tank (that is, a capacity smaller than that of the first storage tank 7).

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 are formed adjacent to each other, and the lid member 56 is attached to the front side of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8. The medals can be stored in the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8. In addition, between the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 are partitioned and separated, and a gaming machine installed on the installation island is provided. Accordingly, a separation member 57 that can be arbitrarily detached is provided (depending on the medal used by the gaming machine).

  The separating member 57 has a predetermined size so that the upper part can overflow each other's medals in a state where the separating member 57 is fixed between the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 by general-purpose fixing means such as screws. Is formed, and it can be removed from between the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 by loosening the fixing means. Thereby, if it is set as the state which removed the separation member 57, the separation of the 1st storage tank 7 and the 2nd storage tank 8 will disappear, and it will function as one storage tank.

  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 7 is washed by the cleaning 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 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.

  The supply means A and the chute 38 according to the present embodiment 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. Has been. 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. Particularly in this embodiment, since the chute 38 is a separate member from the supply means A, it is easy to change the mounting position of only the chute 38.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, a lifter 47 for lifting a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) is disposed at an arbitrary position of the medal supply transport means 1 on the installation island K. The crossing means 28 is configured to convey a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) through the lifter 47. That is, a pair of left and right crossing chutes 38 ′ and a crossing supply means A ′ are attached to the portion where the distribution tower 27 is provided in the medal supply and transport means 1, and on the discharge port side of the crossing chute 38 ′. Is provided with a guide member 45, and when a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) is supplied to the transition chute 38 ′ by the transition supply means A ′, the medal is passed through the guide member 45. The lower end of the lifter 47 is reached.

  The crossing chute 38 'and the crossing supply means A' have the same configuration as the chute 38 and the supply means A, and the mounting form (locking form) to the medal supply transport means 1 is the same. ing. In other words, the transition chute 38 'can be locked to the locking portion M at an arbitrary position in the main body 1, and in the state of being locked to the locking portion M, an opening that communicates with the opening 1a. And 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 into the interior, In the main body 1a, the small diameter medal transport part 36a and the large diameter medal transport part 36b can be freely attached to and detached from an upper part at an arbitrary position.

  Similarly to the supply unit A, the crossover supply unit A ′ includes a solenoid 40 supported by the frame 39, a swinging member 43 swingable by the solenoid 40, and a scraper attached to the swinging member 43. 37 and the direction of the scraper 37 can be arbitrarily changed. The functions and the like of the transition chute 38 'and the transition supply means A' are the same as those of the chute 38 and the supply means A described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Thus, the transition chute 38 ′ and the transition supply means A ′ can be attached to arbitrary positions in the medal supply transport means 1.

  Thus, in order to transport the small diameter medal to the crossing means 28, the crossing chute locked on the small diameter medal transport part 36a by operating the crossing supply means A 'disposed in the small diameter medal transport part 36a. In order to send out the small diameter medal to 38 'and transport the large diameter medal to the crossing means 28, the crossing supply means A' disposed in the large diameter medal transport section 36b is operated to operate the large diameter medal transport section 36b. A large-diameter medal can be sent out to the transfer chute 38 'locked to the side.

  Note that the small-diameter medal that drops from the transfer chute 38 ′ that is locked to the small-diameter medal transport section 36a falls to the drop site α of the guide member 45, as shown in FIG. The large-diameter medals that fall down from the crossing chute 38 'locked to the large-diameter medal transport section 36b fall to the drop site β of the guide member 45 as shown in FIG. It passes through the lifter 47 and slides down to the lifter 47.

  The lifter 47 is configured by suspending a conveyor belt between upper and lower pulleys Ra and Rb spaced apart from each other by a predetermined dimension, and a plurality of bucket portions 47a are formed on the conveyor belt at predetermined intervals. Has been. However, when the motor M4 is driven to rotate the pulley Rb, the medals guided by the guide member 45 are sequentially transported upward by the bucket portion 47a and reach the upper end portion of the lifter 47 via the guide member 46. It is conveyed to the crossing means 28.

  At the upper end of the lifter 47, as shown in FIG. 13, a motor M4 for driving the pulley Rb, a guide member 46, and a medal received by the guide member 46 are selectively sent to the left or right crossing means 28. , Distribution means B that distributes to other installation islands adjacent to each other and extends toward the other installation island K2 on the left side in the drawing, and crossing means 28 that extends toward the other installation island K3 on the right side in the drawing. And one end of each.

  The distribution means B passes the medal guided by the guide member 46 to the crossing means 28 toward the other installed island K3 on the right side, and from the middle of the medal path 50 to the other installed island K2 on the left side. A medal passage 51 that allows a medal to pass through the crossing means 28, an opening / closing means 48 that is formed in the middle of the medal passage 50 and that can open and close the passage, and a solenoid 49 that opens and closes the opening / closing means 48. By operating the solenoid 49, it is possible to sort whether the medal guided by the guide member 46 is sent to the crossing means 28 toward the installation island K2 or to the crossing means 28 toward the installation island K3. ing.

  Thus, in order to supply the medal lifted by the lifter 47 to the other installed island K2 on the left side, the opening / closing means 48 is opened, and the medal is passed to the crossing means 28 on the left side of the figure via the medal passage 51. On the other hand, in order to supply the medal lifted by the lifter 47 to the other installation island K3 on the right side, the opening / closing means 48 is closed and the medal is passed to the crossing means 28 on the right side through the medal passage 50. Can be transported.

  The crossing means 28 is composed of a transfer conveyor extending from the distribution tower 27 on the installation island K1 to the distribution tower 27 on the other adjacent installation islands K2 and K2, and the transfer direction can be arbitrarily set. . That is, the crossing means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K2 is driven so that the medal lifted by the lifter 47 of the installation island K1 can be conveyed to the installation island K2 in FIG. Thus, the medal lifted by the lifter 47 of the installation island K2 can be conveyed to the installation island K1. Similarly, the crossing means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K3 is driven so that the medal lifted by the lifter 47 of the installation island K1 can be conveyed to the installation island K3 in FIG. By driving, the medal lifted by the lifter 47 of the installation island K3 can be conveyed to the installation island K1.

  In addition to the motor M4 for driving the lifter 47, a medal passage 54 for guiding the medals lifted by the lifter 47 to the crossing means 28 is disposed at the upper end of the lifter 47 on the installation island K2. In addition to the motor M4 for driving the lifter 47, a medal passage 55 for guiding the medals lifted by the lifter 47 to the crossing means 28 is disposed at the upper end of the lifter 47 on the installation island K3. ing.

  Further, supply pipes Tb and Tc made of a flexible tube or the like are respectively provided at both ends of the crossing means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K2, and between the installation island K1 and the installation island K3. Supply pipes Ta and Td made of a flexible tube or the like connected to the chutes 52 and 53 are disposed at both ends of the intermediate means 28, respectively. The supply pipes Ta and Tb are extended to the medal collecting and conveying means 2 on the installation island K1, and the medals conveyed from the other adjacent setting islands K2 and K3 via the crossing means 28 are collected on the setting island K1. It reaches the transport means 2 and can be supplied to the medal replenishing means 3 on the installation island K1.

  Similarly, the supply pipe Tc extends to the medal collection / conveying means 2 on the installation island K2, and the medal conveyed from the installation island K1 via the crossing means 28 reaches the medal collection / conveyance means 2 on the installation island K2. The supply pipe Td is extended to the medal collecting and conveying means 2 on the installation island K3, and can be supplied from the installation island K1 to the crossing means 28. The medal conveyed through the medal can be brought to the medal collecting and conveying means 2 on the installation island K3 and supplied to the medal replenishing means 3 on the installation island K3.

  Thus, for example, when a shortage of medals occurs on the installation island K2, a request signal is issued from the supply control means 24 on the installation island K2, and the supply control means 24 on the installation island K1 that has received the request signal The supplied medals are supplied from the medal supply means 3 to the medal supply transport means 1 and the scraper 37 of the supply means A ′ is operated to bring the supplied medals to the transfer chute 38 ′.

  The medals reaching the transfer chute 38 'are sequentially lifted by the lifter 47 and conveyed to the transfer means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K2. At this time, the crossing means 28 is set in the transport direction from the installation island K1 to the installation island K2, and the transported medal is led to the supply pipe Tc of the installation island K2, and the medal recovery transport of the installation island K2 is performed. The means 2 is transported to the medal supply means 3. Thereby, a medal can be conveyed and supplied from the installation island K1 to the installation island K2.

  Further, for example, when a shortage of medals occurs on the installation island K1, a request signal is issued from the supply control means 24 on the installation island K1, and the supply control means 24 on the installation islands K2 and K3 that received the request signal The supplied medals are supplied from the medal supply means 3 to the medal supply transport means 1 and the scraper 37 of the supply means A ′ is operated to bring the supplied medals to the transfer chute 38 ′.

  The medals that have reached the transfer chute 38 'are sequentially lifted by the lifter 47, and the transfer means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K2, and the transfer means 28 between the installation island K1 and the installation island K3. It is conveyed to. At this time, the crossing means 28 is set to the transport direction toward the installation island K1, and the transported medals reach the supply pipes Ta and Tb of the installation island K1, and the medal collection and transport means 2 of the installation island K1. To the medal supply means 3. Thereby, a medal can be conveyed and supplied from the setting islands K2 and K3 to the setting island K1.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of other installation islands (K2, K3) adjacent to the installation island K are installed, and as shown in FIG. 1, the installation islands (K1 to K3) are connected to each other by a LAN cable. A local area network (LAN) that electrically connects the installed islands (K1 to K3) to each other by exchanging information about medals by transmitting and receiving electrical signals. Communication network) has been established. Note that the LAN cable LK is connected to the replenishment control means 24 of the medal replenishing means 3 in each installed island (K1 to K3), so that the medal deficiency information 3 can be exchanged between the medal replenishment means 3 and the like. It has become. The LAN may be connected wirelessly in addition to the wired connection as in the present embodiment.

  Then, when a medal request signal is transmitted from each of a plurality of adjacent installation islands (K2, K3), or a request for a medal is issued to each of a plurality of other adjacent installation islands (K2, K3). When the signal is transmitted, the priority order of the medal supply sources can be determined. For example, when the small diameter medal on the installation island K1 is insufficient, a request signal for the small diameter medal is transmitted, and the other adjacent installation islands (K2, K3) receive the request signal. At this time, the replenishment control means 24 of the installed island K1 knows the number of medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) held by other installed islands (K2, K3) via the LAN. After the amount of small diameter medals held is compared, control is performed so that the small diameter medals are preferentially supplied from the installation island (K2 or K3) with a large number of small diameter medals.

  However, the same control is performed when the large diameter medal on the installation island K1 is insufficient. That is, the amount of medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) held by other installed islands (K1 or K2) as a supplier that preferentially supplies medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) to the installed island K1. Can be determined according to In addition, the holding amount of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal on each installation island (K1 to K3) is grasped by the replenishment control means 24 on each installation island (K1 to K3) as described above.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the replenishment control means 24 arbitrarily selects a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 and stored in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8). The medal can be conveyed to the crossing means 28 via the medal supply / conveyance means 1 as well as an arbitrary operation on an operation means such as an operation button or an operation knob (not shown) (including an operation by touching an arbitrary position such as a touch panel). Regardless of the shortage information, the medal in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8) can be transported to other adjacent islands (K2, K3) via the crossing means 28. .

  That is, replenishment control is performed so that any one of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 can be selectively conveyed to another adjacent island via the crossing means 28 by an arbitrary operation. Control by means 24 is performed. Thereby, any one of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal in the storage tank (the 1st storage tank 7 or the 2nd storage tank 8) can be arbitrarily conveyed to another installation island. Note that the replenishment control means 24 may perform control so that the medals of the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be simultaneously transferred to another adjacent island via the crossing means 28.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, by any operation, all the medals stored in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) are transported and the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank). 8) The replenishment control means 24 performs control so that the interior is empty. As a result, the storage tanks (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) for storing the small-diameter medal or the large-diameter medal are more smoothly and easily used when various types of gaming machines H are installed on the installation island. Can be emptied.

  More specifically, the arbitrary operation is controlled by the replenishment control means 24 for optionally transporting the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal to the crossing means 28 via the medal supply transport means 1 in accordance with the medal shortage information. Including disabling. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed (S1). If the predetermined operation has not been performed, control according to the medal shortage information is performed according to normal control. On the other hand, when a predetermined operation is performed (S5), the control according to the medal shortage information is invalidated (S2), and the medals in the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 are discharged.

  Thereafter, whether or not the storage tanks (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) are emptied is determined by, for example, detection by the first detection means 7a and the second detection means 8a (S4). When it is determined that the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) are empty, a series of control is finished. In S4, it may be determined whether or not the motor 19 has been emptied due to continuous driving for a predetermined time.

  As described above, the arbitrary operation invalidates the control by the replenishment control means 24 for arbitrarily transporting the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal to the crossing means 28 via the medal supply transport means 1 in accordance with the medal shortage information. Therefore, the medals in the storage tanks (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) can be placed adjacent to other installed islands as necessary regardless of the medal shortage information more smoothly and reliably. Can be conveyed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the separation member 57 that partitions and separates the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 and can be arbitrarily detached according to the gaming machine installed on the installation island is provided. Therefore, in the case where a gaming machine using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal are installed on the installation island, the separation member 57 is attached and the small diameter medal is attached. In the case where only the gaming machine to be used is installed and the case where only the gaming machine using a large-diameter medal is installed, the separating member 57 can be used in a removed state.

  As a result, the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 are partitioned and separated, and the separation member 57 that can be arbitrarily removed according to the gaming machine installed on the installation island is provided. A form in which a gaming machine using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine using a large diameter medal are installed on the island, and a form in which only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed or a gaming machine using a large diameter medal In any of the configurations in which only medals are installed, medals can be effectively stored.

  And only the game machines that use small diameter medals are installed on the island where the game machines that use small diameter medals and the game machines that use large diameter medals are mixed In the case of changing to a configuration in which only a gaming machine using a large medal is installed or not, a control based on the flowchart of FIG. 15 is performed by an arbitrary operation, and a storage tank (first storage The medals in the tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) are transported to other adjacent islands via the crossing means 28 to empty the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8). . By removing the separating member 57 from between the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 in this state, the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8 can function as one storage tank. .

  On the other hand, a game machine using a small diameter medal on the installation island from a form in which only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed or a form in which only a gaming machine using a large diameter medal is installed (with a separation member removed) When changing to a configuration in which a gaming machine using a diameter medal is installed in a mixed manner, control based on the flowchart of FIG. 15 is performed by an arbitrary operation, and a storage tank (first storage) regardless of medal shortage information The medals in the tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) are transported to other adjacent islands via the crossing means 28 to empty the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8). . In this state, the separating member 57 is attached between the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, so that a small-diameter medal and a large-diameter medal are placed in each of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8. It can function as a storage tank for storing separately.

  According to the above embodiment, the replenishment control means 24 optionally selects a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 and stored in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8). The transfer means 28 can be transported via the medal supply transport means 1 and the medal in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) can be transferred by the arbitrary operation regardless of medal shortage information. It is possible to transport to other adjacent islands via the 28, so that a plurality of installation islands can be installed and electrically connected to each other to exchange information on lack of medals by transmitting and receiving electrical signals. The medals in the storage tanks (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) can be transported to other adjacent islands as necessary regardless of the lack of medal information. That.

  In addition, the detachable separation member 57 is provided, and the replenishment control means 24 arbitrarily selects the medal in the storage tank (the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8) regardless of the medal shortage information. Since it can be transported to other adjacent islands via the crossing means 28, a game machine using a small diameter medal and a game machine using a large diameter medal are installed together on the installation island ( When changing from a state in which a separation member is attached) to a configuration in which only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed or a configuration in which only a gaming machine using a large diameter medal is installed, or only a gaming machine using a small diameter medal is installed A game machine that uses a small diameter medal and a game machine that uses a large diameter medal on the installation island from a form that is installed or a game machine that uses only a large diameter medal (with the separation member removed) When changing the installation has been that the form Te, it is possible to easily perform the mounting operation or detaching operation of 隔成 member 57.

  Furthermore, the medal replenishing means 3 on the installed islands (K1 to K3) are provided with replenishment control means 24, respectively, and these replenishment control means 24 are connected to each other via a local area network (LAN). Since the information can be exchanged, the lack of medal information can be exchanged more smoothly and easily, and the supply of medals via the crossing means 28 can be performed more appropriately and smoothly. it can.

  Furthermore, a gaming machine H in which a large diameter medal and a small diameter medal having different outer diameters can be installed on the installation islands (K1 to K3), and the medal replenishing means 3 is a medal collecting and conveying means 2 The medal sorting means 5 for sorting the medals collected at the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal are provided, and the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 is optionally provided with the medal supply transport means 1. Since it is possible to transport to the crossing means 28, a gaming machine that uses a small diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large diameter medal can be installed in one installed island, and other adjacent installed islands. Arbitrary types of medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) can be conveyed and supplied.

  The medal supply transport means 1 includes a small diameter medal transport section 36a that transports the small diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means 3, and a large diameter medal transport section 36b that transports the large diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means 3. The small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b are detachable, and the small diameter medal or large diameter medal transported by the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b is supplied to the gaming machine H. A small diameter medal or a large diameter medal conveyed by the small diameter medal conveyance unit 36a or the large diameter medal conveyance unit 36b according to the type of the requested medal when the request signal is received. Since the crossing means 28 is supplied, a gaming machine H that uses a small-diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large-diameter medal can be installed on one installed island. It is possible to perform the supply of medals through the stage 28 to more appropriately and smoothly.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the lifter 47 for lifting the medal is disposed at an arbitrary position of the medal supply transport means 1 on the installation island (K1 to K3), and the medal is passed to the transfer means 28 via the lifter 47. Therefore, the extension part of the crossing means 28 can be arbitrarily set on the installation islands (K1 to K3), and the degree of freedom of the layout of the installation island in the game arcade can be improved.

  In addition, on the installation islands (K1 to K3), it is possible to install a gaming machine H in which a large diameter medal and a small diameter medal having different outer diameters are used, and the medal replenishing means 3 is a medal collecting and conveying means 2. A medal sorting means 5 for sorting the collected medals into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal is provided, and a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 is optionally selected as a medal supply transport means 1 and a lifter. 47, it can be transported to the crossing means 28, so that it is possible to install a gaming machine H that uses a small diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large diameter medal on one installation island, Arbitrary kinds of medals on the installation island (if the transfer chute 38 'and the supply means A' are attached to the small diameter medal transport section 36a, the small diameter medal, the transfer chute 38 'and the supply means A' are connected to the large diameter medal. Can be supplied to carry the large diameter medals) it is attached to the transport unit 36b side.

  Further, the medal supply transport unit 1 includes a small diameter medal transport unit 36 a that transports the small diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3, and a large diameter medal transport unit 36 b that transports the large diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3. The small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b are detachable, and the small diameter medal or large diameter medal transported by the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b is supplied to the gaming machine H. And a detachable chute 38, which can be freely attached to and detached from desired positions on the small diameter medal transport section 36a side and the large diameter medal transport section 36b side, and is transported by the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. Since the transition chute 38 'capable of supplying the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal to the lifter 47 is provided, any kind of medal (small diameter meda Or large medals) can be supplied by more transported smoothly to.

  Furthermore, the medal transported by the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b is applied to the portion of the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b provided with the transition chute 38 '. Since the transition supply means A ′ that can be selectively supplied to the transition chute 38 ′ is detachable, any kind of medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) can be more reliably placed on another adjacent island. In addition, it can be smoothly conveyed and supplied.

  Further, the crossover supply means A ′ has a swingable swinging member 43 and a scraper 37 attached to the swinging member 43, and swinging the swinging member 43 allows the scraper 37 to be moved. The medal transported by the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b is selectively supplied to the crossing chute 38 'by being close to or separated from the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. Since it was made possible, arbitrary kinds of medals (small-diameter medals or large-diameter medals) can be more reliably transported and supplied to other adjacent islands.

  According to the above embodiment, the medal replenishing means 3 includes the medal sorting means 5 for sorting the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 into the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. The selected small diameter medal or large diameter medal can be optionally replenished to the medal supply transport means 1, and the medal supply transport means 1 transports the small diameter medal transported by the medal replenishment means 3. A part 36a, a large diameter medal transport part 36b for transporting a large diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishing means 3, and a small diameter medal transport part 36a side and a large diameter medal transport part 36b side. Since a small diameter medal or large diameter medal conveyed by the portion 36a or the large diameter medal conveying portion 36b is provided with the chute 38 that can supply the gaming machine H, one installation island (K1 3) When a gaming machine H using a small diameter medal and a gaming machine H using a large diameter medal can be installed side by side, and when the gaming machine H to be installed on the installation island (K1 to K3) is replaced, the small diameter medal Even if the gaming machine H that uses a large-diameter and the gaming machine H that uses a large-diameter medal are changed, the medal supply / conveying means 1 can easily correspond to such a change.

  In addition, the medals transported by the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b are placed on the chute 38 at the site where the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b is provided. Since the supply means A that can be selectively supplied is detachable, when the gaming machine H to be installed on the installation island (K1 to K3) is replaced, the gaming machine H and the large diameter medal that use the small diameter medal are replaced. Even if the gaming machine H to be used is changed, the medal supply / conveyance means 1 can be more easily adapted to such a change.

  Further, the supply means A has a swingable swinging member 43 and a scraper 37 attached to the swinging member 43, and swinging the swinging member 43, the scraper 37 is transported by a small diameter medal. Since the medal transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b can be selectively supplied to the chute 38 in proximity to or away from the portion 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. Medals can be supplied to the chute 38 more reliably and smoothly.

  Furthermore, since the direction of the scraper 37 can be arbitrarily changed, when the gaming machine H to be installed on the installation island (K1 to K3) is replaced, the gaming machine H using the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal are used. Even if the gaming machine H to be used is changed, the medal supply / conveyance means 1 can be more easily adapted to such a change.

  Further, the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b on the side opposite to the side to which the supply means A and the chute are attached 38 is located on the side of the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. Since the blocking member 44 in which the side wall portion 44a that closes the formed opening 1aa and the lid portion 44b that covers the upper portion of the small-diameter medal transport portion 36a or the large-diameter medal transport portion 36b is integrally formed is detachable. Further, it is possible to reliably prevent the medals from overflowing from the side where the supply means A and the chute 38 are not attached.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the medal replenishing means 3 is provided with the medal sorting means 5 and the medal can be sorted into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. It is good also as a thing of the form. 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 stores a medal sorting means for sorting the medals 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 and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means. 1 storage tank, 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 a partition between the first storage tank and the second storage tank. A separation member that can be arbitrarily removed according to the gaming machine installed on the island, and optionally supplying a medal for a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal stored in the first storage tank or the second storage tank. Any medal replenishment device for gaming machines that can be replenished to the means can be applied to devices having different external shapes or those having other functions 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 Passage 36a Small diameter medal conveying part 36b Large diameter medal conveying part 37 Scraper 38 Chute 38 ' G 39 Frame 40 Solenoid 41 Coil spring 42 Arm portion 43 Oscillating member 44 Closure member 45, 46 Guide member 47 Lifter 48 Opening and closing means 49 Solenoid 50 Medal passage 51 Medal passage 52, 53 Chute 54 Medal passage 55 Medal passage 56 Lid member 57 Separation member A supply means A ′ supply means K1 to K3 for transition

Claims (4)

Medal collecting and conveying means that extends to the installation island and collects and conveys medals discharged from each gaming machine;
Medal replenishing means for storing the medals collected by the medal collecting and transporting means and allowing the gaming machine to be replenished with medals;
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 for storing one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means;
A second storage tank for storing the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means;
A partition member that partitions and separates between the first storage tank and the second storage tank and is arbitrarily removable according to the gaming machine installed on the installation island,
A medal replenishing device for a gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine can be optionally refilled with the small diameter medal or large diameter medal stored in the first storage tank or the second storage tank. . 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;
A replenishment control means arranged in the medal replenishing means and capable of exchanging deficiency information of medals;
Consists of transport means extending between the installed island and other installed islands, and can supply and supply medals to the other installed islands according to medal shortage information obtained by the replenishment control means And a transit means capable of transporting and supplying medals from the other installed islands,
And having
The replenishment control means can optionally carry the small diameter medal or large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means and stored in the storage tank to the transition means via the medal supply conveying means. 2. The medal replenishment of the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the medal in the storage tank can be transported to another adjacent island via the crossing means regardless of the medal shortage information. apparatus.   The arbitrary operation invalidates the control by the replenishment control means for optionally transporting the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal to the transition means via the medal supply transport means according to the lack information of medals. The medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to claim 2, comprising:   4. The medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein all the medals stored in the storage tank are transported by the arbitrary operation to empty the storage tank.

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