JP2014147513A - Each stand counting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform lock release operation of a tray unit in each stand counting machine of a game machine regardless of an energization state.SOLUTION: Each stand counting machine includes: a manual lock release part (locking member 46) for performing lock release operation manually by inserting a key into a key hole part disposed at a position operable from the outside; and electric lock release part (a solenoid 51, a regulation member 52, a spring 56) for performing lock release operation electrically according to a predetermined operation instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a counter for each machine.

  Conventionally, as a method of counting game media acquired by a customer in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a storage box storing the game media is transported to a counting machine installed in a game hall by an employee of a game store. The method of counting was common.

  On the other hand, in recent years, a method has been used in which a counter (each counter) is arranged for each gaming machine, and game media discharged from the gaming machine is directly counted by each counter.

  Each stand counter generally includes a tray unit that receives a game medium discharged from a discharge port provided in a lower tray of the gaming machine, and a counter that counts the game medium supplied from the tray unit.

  In game halls, generally, a machine for lending gaming media is arranged between gaming machines arranged in a horizontal direction, and the counters provided in each machine counter are It is provided at the bottom of the inter-machine. The game media counted by the counter is sent to a game island for supplying game media to each game machine through the inside of the inter-machine.

  The counting result of the game media by each counter is managed as electronic information, and is issued again as a game media in response to a customer instruction, or recorded on a recording medium and used for prize exchange.

  By the way, each counter is equipped with a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting the tray unit to the counter. For example, when performing a game machine replacement operation or a maintenance of the inter-bed machine, the tray unit is removed from the counter. It can be separated. In addition, the above coupling mechanism is provided with a lock mechanism for enabling only a person having operation authority such as an employee of a game shop to perform an operation of separating the tray unit from the counter.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lock mechanism that locks / unlocks the tray unit and the counter by manual operation using a key.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a lock mechanism (electromagnetic lock method) that locks / unlocks the tray unit and the counter by operating a solenoid by remote control operation or the like.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in addition to the above-described unlocking by the electromagnetic locking method, a method of releasing the lock by manually operating the unlocking lever provided on the upper surface of the counter (lever releasing method) can also be used. The configuration is disclosed. Note that the above-mentioned lock release lever is located at a position where it cannot be operated without removing the upper unit of the pedestrian machine located above the counter. To remove the upper unit, open the door of the gaming machine. Thus, it is necessary to operate the release operation part provided on the back of the upper unit from the inside of the game island to release the lock of the upper unit.

JP 2011-050485 A (published March 17, 2011) JP 2011-139835 A (published July 21, 2011)

  However, in the above-described lock method, it is necessary to perform unlocking operation using a key for each gaming machine, so that there is a problem that it takes work time and labor.

  In addition, the electromagnetic lock method described above allows the operator to release the lock simply by operating the remote control, etc., so the work time and labor can be reduced compared to the lock method, but the power supply to the interpolator is cut off. There is a problem that it becomes impossible to release the lock mechanism.

  Further, in the above lever release method, in order to operate the lock release lever, it is necessary to perform the work of opening the door of the gaming machine and the work of removing the upper unit, so there is a problem that it takes a lot of work time and labor. is there. In addition, there is a problem in that the use efficiency of the space in the pedestal machine decreases by providing the lock release lever inside the pedestal machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to easily perform the unlocking operation of the tray unit in each counter of the gaming machine regardless of whether it is in an energized state. It is to provide each counter capable of performing the above.

  Each counter according to an aspect of the present invention includes a tray unit that receives a game medium discharged from a gaming machine, and a counter that counts the number of game media supplied from the tray unit. Is a counter that is detachably connected to the counter, and a lock operation that disables the connection between the tray unit and the counter, and the tray unit and the counter. A lock mechanism that performs a lock release operation for releasing the connection, and the lock mechanism is manually operated by inserting a key into a key hole portion exposed to a position operable from the outside. And a manual unlocking unit for performing the unlocking operation by electric in response to a predetermined operation instruction.

  According to the above configuration, since the electric unlocking unit that performs the unlocking operation electrically according to a predetermined operation instruction is provided, when the electric unlocking unit is secured by energization, the predetermined It is possible to easily unlock the tray unit simply by giving an operation instruction. In addition, since it is equipped with a manual unlocking part for manually unlocking by inserting a key into the keyhole part exposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside, the power supply to the electric unlocking part is cut off. Even if this is the case, it is not necessary to perform the work of removing the gaming machine or part of the machine between the machines as in the case of the conventional lever release method, and the lock of the tray unit can be easily released. .

  In addition, the electric lock release unit includes a restriction member that is movable to a first restriction position and a first restriction release position, and is driven by electric power to move the restriction member from the first restriction position to the first restriction position. An electric drive unit that moves to a release position, and the manual lock release unit is movably provided between a second restriction position and a second restriction release position by rotating the key inserted into the keyhole part. A manual driving member, and the locking operation is performed by disposing the restricting member at the first restricting position and disposing the manual driving member at the second restricting position, so that the restricting member causes the manual driving member to The movement of restricting the movement makes the connection between the tray unit and the counter unreleasable, and the unlocking operation is a movement of moving the restriction member to the first restriction release position. , And by at least one of the operations for moving the manual drive member to the second restriction release position, it may be configured as an operation for releasing the restriction of movement of the manual driving member by the restricting member.

  According to the above configuration, by performing at least one of the operation of moving the restriction member to the first restriction release position and the operation of moving the manual drive member to the second restriction release position, Unlocking can be performed. Therefore, the tray unit can be easily unlocked regardless of whether it is in an energized state.

  And a biasing member that biases the restriction member in a direction from the first restriction release position toward the first restriction position, and the driving force by the electric drive unit is not applied to the restriction member. The restricting member may be held at the first restricting position by the urging force of the urging member.

  According to the above configuration, when the energization to the electric drive unit is interrupted, the restricting member is biased and held at the first restricting position. It can be prevented from being released. Moreover, even if it is a case where electricity supply is interrupted | blocked, unlocking can be easily performed by operating a manual drive member manually as needed.

  Further, the tray unit includes an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided in the counter by bringing the tray unit closer to the counter along a predetermined direction, and the restriction member Is the surface in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction at the end in the direction from the first restriction release position to the first restriction position, and the predetermined direction as it goes from the first restriction release position to the first restriction position. The counter unit is provided with an inclined portion inclined to the side, and the counter unit in a state in which the manual drive member is disposed at the second restriction position is counted from above the restriction member in a state of being disposed at the first restriction position. When the manual drive member comes into contact with the inclined portion of the restricting member when approaching the machine, the restricting member is pushed toward the first restriction release position side against the urging force of the urging member, the above When the dynamic drive member reaches a position below the restricting member and the contact between the manual drive member and the inclined portion is released, the restricting member is urged by the urging force of the urging member. It is good also as a structure returned to a control position.

  According to said structure, even if the manual drive member is arrange | positioned in the 2nd control position and the control member is arrange | positioned in the 1st control position, operation for connecting a saucer unit to a counter is possible. Can be executed. Therefore, for example, after the lock member is released by moving the restricting member to the first restriction release position by the electric drive unit and the saucer unit is removed, the electric drive unit is de-energized before the saucer unit is reconnected. Even if the restricting member moves to the first restricting position, the manual operation for moving the manual drive member from the second restricting position to the second restricting release position or the restricting member moves to the first restricting release position. The saucer unit can be connected to the counter while the manual drive member is disposed at the second restriction position without performing the electric operation. Thereby, connection of a saucer unit can be performed more easily. In addition, even when the process of connecting the tray unit to the counter is performed in a state where the restricting member is disposed at the first restricting position and the manual driving member is disposed at the second restricting position, the restricting member and the manually driving member are restricted. It is possible to prevent these members from being damaged due to interference with the members.

  In addition, a detection unit that detects that the manual drive member is disposed at a predetermined position for restricting movement of the manual drive member by the restriction member, and the restriction member is disposed at the first restriction release position. When the detection unit detects that the manual drive member is disposed at the predetermined position, the operation of the electric drive unit is controlled to move the restriction member from the first restriction release position to the first restriction release position. It is good also as a structure provided with the control part moved to 1 control position.

  According to the above configuration, the locking operation can be completed by simply moving the manual driving member to the first restricting position by simply placing the manual drive member at the second restricting position. It can be carried out.

  As described above, according to each stand counter according to an aspect of the present invention, the unlocking operation of the tray unit in each stand counter of the gaming machine can be easily performed regardless of the energized state.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the game machine unit concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the pedestrian machine with which the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the control part of the intermediary machine with which the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the counter in the saucer unit with which the gaming machine unit of FIG. 1 is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the saucer unit in the counter provided with the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the saucer unit in the counter provided with the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the saucer unit in the counter provided with the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the saucer unit in the counter provided with the gaming machine unit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a connection part with the saucer unit in the counter provided with the gaming machine unit of FIG.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(1-1. Overall configuration of gaming machine unit 10)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine unit 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the gaming machine unit 10 includes a gaming machine 20, a machine between machines 30, and each machine counter 40.

  The gaming machine 20 includes a gaming area 21, a handle 22, an upper plate 23, a lower plate 24, and the like. The game area 21 is an area where a game medium (game ball) launched by the handle 22 moves. The handle 22 is a device for performing a game medium launch operation. When the user holds the handle 22 in a twisted state, the game medium is continuously fired and launched into the game area 21. The upper plate 23 stores game media acquired by the game, and the lower plate 24 stores game media overflowing from the upper plate 23. Further, the lower plate 24 is provided with a discharge port for discharging the game medium and a discharge shutter for opening and closing the discharge port (both not shown), and when the user opens the discharge shutter, The game media stored in the tray 24 is discharged from the lower tray 24 below the lower tray 24.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-machine 30, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the inter-machine 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the interstage machine 30 includes a lending processing unit 31 and a counter 44.

  On the front surface of the lending processing unit 31, a bill insertion unit 32 for inputting a fee for the user to borrow a game medium from a game store, a recording medium such as a memory card recording information on the number of game media held by the user, etc. For displaying information such as balance information and the number of game media held by the user, or accepting an instruction input from the user (for example, a rental request for game media). Touch panel 34, remote control light receiving unit 35 for receiving infrared signals transmitted from remote control 36, and the like.

  The remote controller 36 is operated by a game shop employee or the like. For example, the remote controller 36 is used to transmit a command for unlocking a tray unit 43 and a counter 44 described later. It is. In the present embodiment, the remote control 36 is provided with a simultaneous release button 37 and an individual release button 38, and when the simultaneous release button 37 is operated, a plurality of gaming machines (for example, each belonging to the same game island) associated in advance. In the gaming machine), the tray unit 43 and the counter 44 are simultaneously unlocked, and when the individual release button 38 is operated, the tray unit 43 and the counter 44 corresponding to the interstage machine 30 that has received a signal from the remote controller 36 Are unlocked individually for each gaming machine.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, an instruction from a user input via the touch panel 34, a game shop employee input via the remote control light receiving unit 35, etc. A control unit 70 for controlling the operation of each unit of the inter-machine 30 according to an instruction, a storage unit 80 for storing various data used by the control unit 70, and a game medium according to an instruction from the control unit 70 A lending processing unit 39 that performs lending processing (supply of game media to the upper plate 23) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each counter 40 includes a tray unit 43 including a tray 41 and a game medium passage 42, and a counter 44.

  The tray 41 receives game media ejected from the lower tray 24 of the gaming machine 20. The game medium passage 42 is a passage for supplying the game medium discharged from the gaming machine 20 to the tray 41 to the counter 44. Note that an adjustment screw 49 for adjusting the installation height of the tray 41 is provided in a part of the tray 41, and an employee of a game shop or the like operates the adjustment screw 49 to thereby operate the tray 41. The installation height of the tray 41 is adjusted so that the game medium discharged to the counter automatically moves to the counter 44 through the game medium passage 42 by its own weight.

  The counter 44 includes a counting sensor 77 (see FIG. 3 described later) that counts the number of game media supplied from the gaming machine 20 via the tray 41 and the game media passage 42. The counting result of the game medium by the counter 44 (counting sensor 77) is transmitted to the control unit 70 and managed as electronic information, and is again issued to the upper plate 23 as a game medium according to a user's instruction or recorded on the recording medium. Recorded and used for prize exchange. Further, the game medium after the counting by the counting machine 44 is sent to the gaming island on the back side of the gaming machine 20 through the counting machine 44. The configuration of the counting sensor 77 is not particularly limited, and various conventionally known sensors can be used.

  In addition, the tray unit 43 (game medium passage 42) is detachably connected to the counter 44, and during the connection, a predetermined unlocking operation is performed by a lock mechanism provided on both of these members. Otherwise it is locked so that it cannot be disconnected. Details of the locking mechanism and the unlocking operation will be described later.

  The control unit 70 is a control device (control means) that controls the operation of each unit of the inter-machine 30 and each counter 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel control unit 71, the balance management unit 72, and the game medium A number management unit 73, a recording medium management unit 74, a lending control unit 75, and a tray lock control unit 76 are provided. The storage unit 80 includes a balance information storage unit 81 and a retained medium number storage unit 82. The control unit 70 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, information input via the touch panel 34, information received via the remote control light receiving unit 35, detection results of various sensors, and the inter-machine 30. Based on information read from the recording medium inserted into the storage unit 80 or storage unit 80, programs stored in storage means (not shown) such as ROM, various data, and the like. Control the behavior.

  The touch panel control unit 71 controls the operation of the touch panel 34 and performs processing for displaying various types of information presented to the user and processing for receiving an instruction input input from the user via the touch panel 34.

  The balance management unit 72 includes the amount inserted through the bill insertion unit 32 and / or the balance information recorded in the recording medium inserted into the recording medium insertion unit 33, and the fee for the executed gaming medium lending process. The balance is calculated based on the information and stored in the balance information storage unit 81. Further, the balance calculated by the balance management unit 72 is displayed on the touch panel 34 by the touch panel control unit 71.

  The game medium number management unit 73 is based on the number of game media counted by the counter 44 and / or the number of game media recorded on the recording medium inserted in the recording medium insertion unit 33. The number of media is calculated and stored in the owned media count storage unit 82. The number of game media calculated by the game media number management unit 73 is displayed on the touch panel 34 by the touch panel control unit 71.

  The recording medium management unit 74 writes various information (for example, balance information, information on the number of game media held, user authentication information, etc.) to the recording medium inserted into the recording medium insertion unit 33 and the recording medium. Controls reading of various information from the.

  The lending control unit 75 determines whether or not the game medium can be lent based on the instruction input from the user to the touch panel 34 and the balance information and / or information on the number of game media held by the user, and determines that the rent is possible. In such a case, the lending processing unit 39 is controlled to lend out game media (supply of game media to the upper plate 23 or the tray unit 43). Information on the number of rented game media is transmitted to the balance management unit 72 and / or the number of game media management unit 73, and the balance information and / or information on the number of game media held by the user is updated.

  The saucer lock control unit 76 includes a counter 44 and a saucer provided in each counter 40 based on an unlocking instruction input via the remote control light receiving unit 35, a detection result of the tray unit detection sensor (detection unit) 61, and the like. The operation of the locking mechanism with the unit 43 is controlled. Details of the locking mechanism between the counter 44 and the tray unit 43 and the control method of the locking mechanism will be described later.

(1-2. Configuration of the locking mechanism between the tray unit 43 and the counter 44)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a locking mechanism with the counter 44 in the tray unit 43. As shown in this figure, a cylinder lock 45, a locking member (manual drive member) 46, and an engagement member (engagement portion) 47 are provided in a portion of the tray unit 43 facing the counter 44. .

  The cylinder lock 45 has a key hole 45a of the cylinder lock 45 (a key hole 45a disposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside without opening the door of the gaming machine 20 or removing the gaming machine 20 or the table machine 30). ) Can be manually rotated by inserting a key corresponding to the cylinder lock 45, and when the cylinder lock 45 is rotated, the locking member 46 is rotated accordingly. As a result, the locking member 46 has a position protruding from the tray unit 43 to the counter 44 side (second restriction position) as shown in FIG. 3A and a game as shown in FIG. 3B. It is movable to a position (second restriction release position) accommodated on the medium passage 42 side (a position farther from the counter 44 than the counter surface of the tray unit 43 facing the counter 44).

  The engaging member 47 is a plate-like member that protrudes toward the counter 44 from the tray unit 43 and is disposed so that the plate surface is parallel to the vertical direction and parallel to the facing direction of the tray unit 43 and the counter 44. In the lower part of the engaging member 47, a notch 48 is provided which is notched upward with a predetermined width. In addition, the said width | variety in the notch part 48 is a width according to the diameter of the engagement bar 57 (refer FIG. 5 mentioned later) with which the counter 44 is equipped.

  5 and 6 are explanatory views showing the configuration of the locking mechanism of the counter 44 with the saucer unit 43. FIG. 5 shows the position for locking the saucer unit 43 with the regulating member 52 provided in the counter 44. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state when it is arranged at the (first restriction position), and FIG. 6 shows a state when a later-described restriction member 52 is arranged at a position (first restriction release position) where the tray unit 43 is unlocked. 5 (a) and 6 (a) are perspective views of the counter 44, and FIGS. 5 (b) and 6 (b) are portions of the counter 44 that face the tray unit 43. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, illustration of the tray unit 43 is omitted. In FIG. 6, a part of the housing of the counter 44 is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the counter 44 includes a solenoid (electric drive unit) 51, a regulating member 52, a spring (biasing member) 56, an engagement bar (engaged member). A coupling portion) 57, an engagement hook (second engagement portion) 58, a detection lever 59, a detection lever return spring 60, and a saucer unit detection sensor 61. The lock mechanism includes a manual unlocking portion including a cylinder lock 45 and a locking member 46 of the tray unit 43, a solenoid 51 of the counter 44, a regulating member 52, a spring 56, a detection lever 59, and a detection lever return spring 60. , And an electric lock release unit composed of a tray unit detection sensor 61.

  The regulating member 52 is provided at an extending portion 53 extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface facing the saucer unit 43 and an end of the extending portion 53 on the saucer unit 43 side, and is inclined downward toward the saucer unit 43 side. An inclined portion 54 having a shape and a restricting portion 55 extending in a direction away from the tray unit 43 from the lower end of the inclined portion 54 are provided. Note that the lower surface of the restricting portion 55 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

  The engagement hook (second engagement portion) 58 is a plate-like member having a shape in which an end portion on the tray unit 43 side is bent upward. Note that an engagement hole portion or a coupling bar (second engaged portion, not shown) in which the engagement hook 58 is engaged is provided at a position corresponding to the engagement hook 58 in the tray unit 43. By engaging the engagement hook 58 with the engagement hole or the coupling bar, a part of the tray unit 43 is hooked on the engagement hook 58.

  The spring 56 is disposed between the solenoid 51 and the restriction member 52, and biases the restriction member 52 toward the tray unit 43, that is, toward the first restriction position from the first restriction release position. doing.

  The solenoid 51 pulls the regulating member 52 in a direction away from the tray unit 43 by overcoming the urging force of the spring 56 in accordance with an instruction from a control unit provided in the lending processing unit 31. As a result, when the regulating member 52 is not drawn by the solenoid 51 (for example, when the solenoid 51 is not energized), the regulating member 52 is arranged at the position (first regulating position) shown in FIG. When the solenoid 51 is retracted, it is disposed at the position (first restriction release position) shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of the counter 44 as viewed from the tray unit 43 side. The detection lever 59 is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, and is urged by the detection lever return spring 60 in the horizontal direction and the side where the restricting member 52 is disposed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the detection lever 59 that contacts the locking member 46 is inclined downward toward the regulating member 52 side (the side where the locking member 46 in the counter 44 is inserted). It has a shape.

  As a result, when the locking member 46 of the tray unit 43 is not inserted into the counter 44, the detection lever 59 has a predetermined position in which the tip faces the tray unit 43 side as shown in FIG. Held in. On the other hand, when the locking member 46 of the tray unit 43 is inserted into the counter 44, the detection lever 59 is brought into contact with the locking member 46 as shown in FIG. It rotates in the horizontal direction (the direction away from the restricting member 52) against the urging force of the spring 60. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a state when the tray unit 43 is locked to the counter 44. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the counter 44, and FIG. 8B is a view of the counter 44 facing the tray unit 43. It is sectional drawing of a part.

  The tray unit detection sensor 61 is for detecting whether or not the locking member 46 has been inserted into the counter 44, and in the present embodiment, the detection is performed by detecting the position of the detection lever 59. It has become. Further, the detection result of the tray unit detection sensor 61 is transmitted to the tray lock control unit 76. The configuration of the tray unit detection sensor 61 is not limited to this, and may be any configuration that can detect whether or not the locking member 46 is inserted into the counter 44.

(1-3. Locking operation)
In this embodiment, as a method of locking the tray unit 43 with respect to the counter 44, (i) the tray unit 43 in a state where the locking member 46 is disposed at the second restriction release position is connected to the counter unit 44. The key hole portion of the cylinder lock 45 after being disposed at a predetermined position (a position where the engagement member 47 engages with the engagement bar 57 and the engagement hook 58 engages with the engagement hole portion or the engagement bar). A first locking method in which the locking member 46 is disposed and locked at the second restricting position by inserting a key into the 45a and rotating; and (ii) a saucer with the locking member 46 disposed at the second restricting position. It is possible to use two methods of the second locking method in which the locking member 46 is inserted into the predetermined position and locked by pushing down the unit 43 with respect to the counter 44 from above.

(1-3-1. First locking method)
In the first locking method, first, the locking member 46 is disposed at the second restriction release position (the locking member 46 is accommodated closer to the game medium passage 42 than the surface of the tray unit 43 facing the counter 44. In other words, the notch 48 of the tray unit 43 in the state where the locking member 46 does not protrude toward the counter 44 is engaged with the engaging bar 57 of the counter 44 from above, and the tray unit 43 is engaged. The engagement hook 58 of the counter 44 is hooked and engaged with an engagement hole or an engagement bar provided on the surface of the counter 43 facing the counter 44. This restricts the movement of the tray unit 43 in the horizontal direction (the direction away from the counter 44). In the first locking method, the restriction member 52 may be disposed at the first restriction position or the first restriction release position at the start of the connection operation of the tray unit 43 to the counter 44. May be.

  Thereafter, by inserting a key into the key hole 45a of the cylinder lock 45 of the tray unit 43 and turning it, the locking member 46 is rotated to move the locking member 46 to the second restriction position, and the tray unit 43 is moved to the counter 44. At a predetermined position (a position facing the lower surface (the restricting portion 55) of the restricting member 52 when the restricting member 52 of the counter 44 is disposed at the first restricting position). At this time, when the detection lever 59 abuts on the locking member 46 and rotates, the receiving tray unit detection sensor 61 detects that the locking member 46 is disposed at the predetermined position, and the detection signal is used as the receiving tray lock control. Is transmitted to the unit 76. The tray lock control unit 76 that has received the detection signal determines whether the restriction member 52 is disposed at the first restriction position or the first restriction release position (or the restriction member 52 is retracted by the solenoid 51). If the first member is located at the first restriction release position, the retracting of the restriction member 52 by the solenoid 51 is released, and the urging force of the spring 56 moves the movable member from the first restriction release position. Move to the first restriction position.

  As a result, the upward movement of the locking member 46 is restricted by the restriction member 52, and the engagement bar 57 can be removed from the notch 48 and the engagement hook 58 can be removed from the engagement hole or engagement bar. The tray unit 43 is locked to the counter 44 when it cannot be used.

(1-3-2. Second locking method)
In the second locking method, first, the tray unit 43 in a state where the locking member 46 is disposed at the second restriction position (a state where the locking member 46 protrudes toward the counter 44 side) is moved upward with respect to the counter 44. Press down from. As in the case of the first locking method, in the second locking method, the restricting member 52 may be arranged at the first restricting position at the start of the connecting operation of the tray unit 43 to the counter 44. The first restriction release position may be disposed.

  When the restricting member 52 is disposed at the first restricting position, when the tray unit 43 is pushed down from above with respect to the counter 44 as described above, the locking member 46 comes into contact with the inclined portion 54 of the restricting member 52. When the locking member 46 is further pushed down while being brought into contact with the inclined portion 54, the regulating member 52 is pushed toward the solenoid 51 due to the inclination of the inclined portion 54 as the locking member 46 moves downward. The locking member 46 also contacts the detection lever 59. When the locking member 46 is moved further downward, the contact surface of the detection lever 59 with the locking member 46 is inclined, so that the detection lever 59 moves (rotates) in a direction away from the locking member 46. Then, the locking member 46 gets over the inclined portion 54 of the regulating member 52 and the locking member 46 reaches the predetermined position for connecting the tray unit 43 to the counter 44, and the locking member 46, the inclined portion 54, When the contact is released, the restricting member 52 is pushed back to the first restricting position by the biasing force of the spring 56 as shown in FIG. Further, in a state where the locking member 46 is disposed at the predetermined position, the notch 48 is hooked on the engagement bar 57 of the counter 44 and is provided on the surface of the tray unit 43 facing the counter 44. The engagement hook 58 of the counter 44 is hooked on the hole or the engagement bar.

  On the other hand, when the restriction member 52 is disposed at the first restriction release position, when the tray unit 43 is pushed down from above with respect to the counter 44 as described above, the locking member 46 comes into contact with the detection lever 59, and When the stop member 46 is moved further downward, the contact surface of the detection lever 59 with the locking member 46 is inclined, so that the detection lever 59 moves (rotates) in a direction away from the locking member 46. Accordingly, the locking member 46 is disposed at the predetermined position for connecting the tray unit 43 to the counter 44, and the notch 48 is hooked on the engagement bar 57 of the counter 44. An engagement hook 58 of the counter 44 is hooked on an engagement hole or an engagement bar provided on the surface facing the counter 44.

  In addition, when the detection lever 59 rotates in contact with the locking member 46 as described above, it is detected by the tray unit detection sensor 61 that the locking member 46 has been inserted into the counter 44, and the detection signal is It is transmitted to the saucer lock control unit 76. When the tray lock control unit 76 receives the detection signal, whether the regulating member 52 is arranged at the first regulating position or the first regulating release position (or the regulating member 52 is pulled by the solenoid 51). If it is located at the first restriction release position, the retracting of the restriction member 52 by the solenoid 51 is released, and the urging force of the spring 56 causes the movable member to move to the first restriction release position. To the first restriction position.

  Accordingly, as in the case of the first locking method, the upward movement of the locking member 46 is restricted by the restriction member 52, the engagement bar 57 inserted into the notch 48 is pulled out, and the engagement hook 58. Cannot be removed from the engagement hole or the engagement bar, and the tray unit 43 is locked to the counter 44.

(1-4. Unlocking operation)
In this embodiment, as a method of releasing the lock of the tray unit 43 with respect to the counter 44, (i) inserting the key into the cylinder lock 45 and manually rotating the locking member 46 from the second restriction position to release the second restriction. A manual unlocking method of releasing the lock by rotating to a position, and (ii) automatic of releasing the lock by moving the restriction member 52 from the first restriction position to the first restriction release position by electrically operating the solenoid 51 Two methods of unlocking are available.

(1-4-1. Manual unlocking method)
In the manual unlocking method, the locking state shown in FIG. 8 (the restriction member 52 is disposed at the first restriction position, the locking member 46 is at the second restriction position, and the predetermined unit for connecting the tray unit 43 to the counter 44 is described above. In the state of being arranged at the position), the key is inserted into the cylinder lock 45 of the tray unit 43 and turned. As a result, the locking member 46 is rotated and moved to the second restriction release position, and is extracted from the counter 44, and is positioned on the side of the game medium passage 42 with respect to the counter surface of the tray unit 43 facing the counter 44 ( The second restriction release position). As a result, the upward movement restriction (lock) of the tray unit 43 is released. Therefore, it is possible to remove the tray unit 43 from the counter 44 by removing the engagement bar 57 from the notch 48 and removing the engagement hook 58 from the engagement hole or the engagement bar.

(1-4-2. Automatic unlocking method)
In the automatic unlocking method, in the locked state shown in FIG. 8, when an employee of the game hall operates the simultaneous release button 37 or the individual release button 38 of the remote controller 36, an unlock signal corresponding to the operated button is displayed. It is received by the light receiving unit 35 and transmitted to the tray lock control unit 76.

  Upon receiving the lock release signal from the remote control light receiving unit 35, the tray lock control unit 76 operates the solenoid 51 to pull the regulating member 52 toward the solenoid 51 (in the direction away from the tray unit 43). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the restricting member 52 moves from the first restricting position to the first restricting release position, the upper portion of the locking member 46 is released, and the upward movement restriction of the locking member 46 (locking) ) Is canceled. Therefore, it is possible to remove the tray unit 43 from the counter 44 by removing the engagement bar 57 from the notch 48 and removing the engagement hook 58 from the engagement hole or the engagement bar.

  Note that after the tray unit 43 is removed from the counter 44, the restriction member 52 may be continuously pulled by the solenoid 51 to hold the restriction member 52 in the first restriction release position, and the locking member 46 may count. When the tray unit detection sensor 61 detects that the locking unit 46 has been pulled out from the machine 44 (the locking member 46 has been pulled out from the predetermined position), the tray lock control unit 76 pulls in the regulating member 52 by the solenoid 51. You may make it stop and move the control member 52 to a 1st control position.

[Summary]
As described above, each counter 40 according to the present embodiment manually locks the tray unit 43 and the counter 44 by inserting a key into the key hole 45a disposed at a position operable from the outside. Manual unlocking unit (cylinder lock 45, locking member 46) for performing the releasing operation, and electric unlocking unit (unlocking operation between the tray unit 43 and the counter 44 by electric power according to a predetermined operation instruction ( A solenoid 51, a regulating member 52, and a spring 56).

  Thereby, when energization to the electric lock release unit is secured, the lock of the tray unit can be easily released only by performing the predetermined operation instruction. In addition, since it is possible to perform the unlocking operation manually by inserting a key into a keyhole portion disposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside, the power supply to the electric unlocking unit is interrupted. However, unlike the conventional lever release method, it is not necessary to perform the work of removing the gaming machine or the part of the inter-machine, and the tray unit can be easily unlocked.

  In the present embodiment, the electric unlocking unit motor having the solenoid 51 and the regulating member 52 is arranged in the counter 44, and the manual unlocking unit having the cylinder lock 45 and the locking member 46 is arranged in the tray unit 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both the electric unlocking unit and the manual unlocking unit may be provided in either the counter 44 or the tray unit 43, the manual unlocking unit is provided in the counter 44, and the electric unlocking unit is used as the tray unit 43. May be provided.

  In addition, the configuration of the manual unlocking unit is not limited to the above-described configuration, and any configuration that can manually lock and unlock the tray unit 43 and the counter 44 may be used. Similarly, the configuration of the electric lock release unit is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the receiving tray unit 43 and the counter 44 can be locked and unlocked using electric means such as a solenoid, a motor, and an actuator. Any configuration may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to each counter of gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

10 gaming machine unit 20 gaming machine 30 inter-machine 35 remote control light receiving part 36 remote control 40 counter counter 41 saucer 42 game medium passage 43 saucer unit 44 counter 45 cylinder lock (manual unlocking part)
45a Keyhole (Manual unlocking part)
46 Locking member (Manual unlocking part)
47 Engagement member 48 Notch 51 Solenoid (electric unlocking part)
52 Restriction member (electric lock release part)
53 Extension part 54 Inclination part 55 Restriction part 56 Spring (electric lock release part)
57 Engagement bar 58 Engagement hook 59 Detection lever (detection unit)
60 Detection lever return spring (detection part)
61 Sauce unit detection sensor (detection unit)
70 Control part 76 Saucepan lock control part (control part)

Claims (5)

A tray unit for receiving a game medium discharged from the gaming machine, and a counter for counting the number of game media supplied from the tray unit, the tray unit being detachably connected to the counter. Each counter,
A lock mechanism that performs a lock operation that disables the connection between the tray unit and the counter and a lock release operation that enables the connection between the tray unit and the counter;
The locking mechanism is
A manual unlocking portion for manually performing the unlocking operation by inserting a key into a keyhole portion arranged at a position operable from the outside;
Each counter is provided with an electric unlocking unit that performs the unlocking operation by electric in response to a predetermined operation instruction. The electric lock release unit is provided with a restriction member that is movable between a first restriction position and a first restriction release position, and is driven by electric power to move the restriction member from the first restriction position to the first restriction release position. An electric drive unit that is moved to
The manual lock release unit includes a manual drive member provided to be movable between a second restriction position and a second restriction release position by rotating the key inserted into the keyhole part,
The lock operation is performed by restricting movement of the manual drive member by the restricting member by disposing the restricting member at the first restricting position and disposing the manual drive member at the second restricting position. It is an operation to make the connection between the tray unit and the counter unreleasable,
The unlocking operation is performed by at least one of an operation of moving the restriction member to the first restriction release position and an operation of moving the manual drive member to the second restriction release position. 2. Each counter according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the drive member is canceled. A biasing member that biases the regulating member in a direction from the first regulation release position toward the first regulation position;
The said restriction member is hold | maintained in the said 1st restriction position by the urging | biasing force of the said urging member when the driving force by the said electric drive part is not acting on the said restriction | limiting member. Each counter. The saucer unit includes an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided in the counter by bringing the saucer unit closer to the counter along a predetermined direction.
The restricting member moves from the first restriction releasing position to the first restricting position on the surface opposite to the predetermined direction at the end in the direction from the first restricting releasing position to the first restricting position. Including an inclined portion inclined toward the predetermined direction;
When the tray unit in a state where the manual drive member is arranged at the second restriction position is brought close to the counter from above the restriction member in a state arranged at the first restriction position, When the manual drive member abuts on the inclined portion of the restriction member, the restriction member is pushed toward the first restriction release position against the urging force of the urging member, and the manual drive member is moved from the restriction member. When the contact between the manual drive member and the inclined portion is released after reaching the lower position, the restricting member is returned to the first restricting position by the urging force of the urging member. Each counter according to claim 3. A detection unit that detects that the manual drive member is arranged at a predetermined position for regulating movement of the manual drive member by the regulating member;
The operation of the electric drive unit is controlled when the detection unit detects that the manual drive member is arranged at the predetermined position while the restriction member is arranged at the first restriction release position. The counter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a control unit that moves the restricting member from the first restriction releasing position to the first restricting position.

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