JP2018089053A - Recovery chute and game medium circulation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recovery chute and a game medium circulation system capable of forming a flow down route in which game media smoothly flow down regardless of the positional relationship between a game medium using machine and a game medium recovery device.SOLUTION: A recovery chute 20 is provided for relaying medals (tokens) flowing down from a game medium using machine 2 toward a game medium recovery device 10, the recovery chute including: an upper chute 21 including a first intake port 21a for taking in medals flowing down from the game medium using machine 2 and a first discharge port 21b for flowing down the medals taken in; a lower chute 31 including a second intake port 31a for taking in medals flowing down from the first discharge port 21b and a second discharge port 31b for flowing down the medals taken in toward the game medium recovery device 10; and a shaft 30 for rotatably supporting and connecting the lower chute 31 in a vertical direction relative to the upper chute 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a collection chute for relaying a game medium flowing down from a game medium use machine toward a game medium collection device and a game medium circulation system including the collection chute.

  A gaming machine island with a plurality of gaming medium use machines (for example, a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a medal lending machine that rents medals, a gaming medium counting machine that counts medals, etc.) is arranged on the gaming machine island. A game media circulation system for circulating media such as medals has been established. The game media circulation system collects medals discharged from the slot machine as surplus medals and medals discharged from the game media counter with a game media recovery device, and temporarily stores them in a storage tank at the edge of the gaming machine island. Accordingly, replenishment to each slot machine and medal lending machine is performed by the game medium replenishing device.

  As a technique related to such a game medium circulation system, there is known a technique including a recovery duct that relays coins that fall from a storage hopper that stores coins discharged by a game device toward a recovery conveyor (Patent Document 1). . The recovery duct includes a recovery portion attached in a state where the cylindrical portion communicates with a coin discharge port of the storage hopper, a bellows connection member formed in a bellows cylindrical shape with rubber, synthetic resin, metal, and the like, and a recovery conveyor And an input portion attached to the input cylinder portion so as to face the endless belt. Since the bellows connection member has a bendability, the recovery duct can be attached in a state where the bellows connection member is curved according to the positional relationship between the storage hopper and the recovery conveyor.

  As another technique related to the game medium circulation system, there is known a technique including a game machine-side game medium collection pipe interposed between a medium discharge port of a game machine and a collection conveyor (Patent Document 2). The gaming machine side game medium recovery pipe is provided with a variable path composed of a first pipe body, a second pipe body, and a third pipe body having curved pipe portions held by holding means, The extending direction of the gaming machine side game medium recovery pipe can be changed by rotating the pipe body and changing the direction of bending of each pipe body.

JP 2005-591 A JP2015-128515A

  However, although the thing of patent document 1 can attach a bellows connection material in the curved state according to the positional relationship of a storage hopper and a collection conveyor, depending on the positional relationship of a storage hopper and a collection conveyor, an angle is steep. A curved portion may be formed, and there is a possibility that a medal clogging may occur due to the curved portion.

  Also, if the length of the bellows connection material is too long, the bellows connection material will bend and the medal will be clogged easily, and if it is too short, the valley of the bellows connection material will extend too much and the medal will be caught between the valleys. Is likely to occur. For this reason, it is necessary to adjust the length of the appropriate bellows connection material in accordance with the positional relationship between the storage hopper and the recovery conveyor, and there is a possibility that a great deal of labor and time may be required for the cutting work at the installation site. In addition, even if the recovery conveyor stops for some reason, there is a risk that medals will stay in the bellows connection material and hang down due to the weight, and will remain even if the recovery conveyor is restarted. .

  On the other hand, the one described in Patent Document 2 is configured such that the curve generated in the pipe line is constituted by a variable path composed of the first tube body, the second tube body, and the third tube body. Although it is difficult for clogging to occur, it is difficult to install if the positional relationship between the medium outlet of the gaming machine and the recovery conveyor is too close or too far. In addition, the structure is complicated, and there is a possibility that it takes a lot of labor and time for installation work.

  The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and its purpose is a recovery that can construct a flow-down route through which the game medium flows smoothly regardless of the positional relationship between the game medium using machine and the game medium recovery device. It is to provide a shoot and game media circulation system.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a collection chute according to the present invention is a collection chute that relays a game medium flowing down from a game medium use machine toward a game medium collection device, and that flows down from the game medium use machine. An upper chute comprising a first intake port for taking in game media and a first discharge port for flowing down the taken game media, and a second chute for taking in the game media flowing down from the first discharge port A lower chute comprising a take-in port and a second discharge port through which the taken game media flow down toward the game medium recovery device; and the lower chute can be rotated in the vertical direction with respect to the upper chute And a shaft that supports and couples (claim 1).

  With this configuration, the lower chute of the recovery chute can be directed toward the game medium recovery device regardless of the positional relationship between the game medium use machine and the game medium recovery device. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of clogging of the game medium by reducing the vertical curved portion that occurs in the flow down route.

  In this case, the upper chute includes the first discharge port disposed on the lower end surface, and the first cutout part in which a part of the lower end of the side wall forming the first discharge port is cut out. It is preferable to flow down the game medium (claim 2).

  By configuring in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of flow of the game medium by expanding the discharge area of the game medium, so that the game medium can flow smoothly from the upper chute to the lower chute.

  The upper chute preferably includes a cover plate that swingably opens and closes the notch (Claim 3).

  With this configuration, the game medium that has flowed down vigorously collides with the cover plate and the flow-down speed is reduced, so that the game medium can be prevented from popping out.

  In this case, a joint part into which the lower part of the upper chute can be inserted is disposed in the upstream part of the lower chute, and the joint part is supported by the shaft protruding from the side wall of the upper chute. It is preferable that a bearing hole is formed and a second notch is formed to avoid contact with the upper chute when the lower chute is rotated in the vertical direction. ).

  With this configuration, even if the lower chute is supported so as to be pivotable upward, the game medium flowing down from the first discharge port of the upper chute is not spilled into the second intake port of the lower chute. Can flow down.

  In this case, it is preferable that the upper chute protrudes on the outer periphery of the side wall so as to abut on the upper end of the joint portion of the lower chute to restrict the rotation. .

  By comprising in this way, the excessive rotation of a lower chute can be controlled.

  In this case, the lower chute includes a connecting portion for connecting an extension chute, and the extension chute has a third intake port for taking in the game medium flowing down from the second discharge port, and the taken-in above-mentioned It is preferable to provide a third discharge port through which the game medium flows down toward the game medium collection device and an extension chute connecting part for connecting the other extension chute.

  By configuring in this way, the flow route can be extended.

  The game medium circulation system according to the present invention is a game medium circulation system for circulating a game medium in a gaming machine island in which a plurality of game medium use machines are arranged side by side, the storage tank storing the game medium, and the storage tank A game medium supply device for transporting the game media stored in the game machine island, and the game medium supply device and the game medium use machine are interposed between the game medium supply device and the game medium supply device. A first flow-down device that flows down to the game medium using machine, a game medium collection device that collects the game medium and transports it to the storage tank, and is interposed between the game medium use machine and the game medium collection device. A second flow-down device for flowing down the game medium from the game medium use machine to the game medium collection device, and the second flow-down device has a collection chute for relaying the flow-down game media. The recovery chute includes an upper chute including a first intake port for taking in the game medium flowing down from the game medium using machine, and a first discharge port for flowing down the taken game medium, and the first chute A lower chute comprising: a second intake port that takes in the game medium flowing down from one discharge port; and a second discharge port that flows down the taken game medium toward the game medium recovery device; And a shaft for supporting and connecting the lower chute to the upper chute so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction (Claim 7).

  According to the collection chute and game medium circulation system of the present invention, it is possible to construct a flow-down route through which the game medium flows smoothly regardless of the positional relationship between the game medium use machine and the game medium collection device.

It is a schematic plan view which shows the gaming machine island in this invention. It is the alpha-alpha arrow sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line β-β in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a γ portion in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a ζ portion in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view of the recovery chute in this invention. It is a perspective view of the extension chute in this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of a collection receptacle. FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged view (a) of a π portion seen from the direction of λ in FIG. 8 and a schematic enlarged view (b) of a cross section of the ω portion in FIG. It is a perspective view near the 2nd flow down device (11A) which showed a part by an imaginary line. It is a perspective view near the 2nd flow down device (11B) which showed a part by imaginary lines. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the collection receptacle in other embodiments. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the collection receptacle in other embodiments. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the collection receptacle in other embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the collection chute 20 according to the present invention and the game medium circulation system 4 provided with the collection chute 20 will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the case where the game medium circulation system 4 is applied to the gaming machine island 1 in the game hall will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine island 1 in this embodiment includes a gaming medium use machine line in which a plurality of slot machines 2 (game medium using machines) and medal lending machines 3 (game medium using machines) are alternately arranged in parallel. Reference numeral 5 denotes an R island extending on a curve that curves from the near side to the left side. The game medium using machine row 5 is placed on a plurality of slats 6 arranged on a curve curved to the left side, and a gap generated between the slot machine 2 and the medal lending machine 3 is formed between the board plates (see FIG. (Not shown). A game medium circulation system 4 is incorporated on the back side of the game medium use machine row 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 2 is a game in which a player plays a game using medals. When the player inserts a medal into the slot machine 2 and operates the operation means such as the lever 2a, the stored portion 2b built in when the symbols on the three rows of reels are combined in a winning combination. The corresponding number of medals are paid out to the tray 2c. On the other hand, when a player inserts a medal into the slot machine 2, the medal is stored in the storage unit 2b. However, if the player continues to insert the medal, the maximum storage amount of the storage unit 2b is exceeded and overflows. The overflowing medal is discharged out of the slot machine 2 from a drop opening (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the housing via a pipe line (not shown).

  The medal lending machine 3 is disposed adjacent to the slot machine 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the medal lending machine 3 has a nozzle chute from the built-in storage unit 3a in response to a predetermined operation of the player, for example, in accordance with the player's insertion of money into a money insertion slot (not shown). A predetermined number of medals are lent out in the tray 2c of the slot machine 2 through 3b. Further, the medal lending machine 1 has a built-in counting device (not shown) for counting medals, and can count medals inserted from the counting slot 3c of the nozzle chute 3b. The medals that have been counted by the counting device are discharged out of the medal lending machine 3 from a drop opening (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the housing via a pipe line (not shown).

  The game medium circulation system 4 is a device for circulating medals within the gaming machine island 1, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a storage tank 7 for storing medals and a medal stored in the storage tank 7. The game medium supply device 8 transported into the gaming machine island 1 is interposed between the game medium supply device 8 and the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3), and the medal is transferred from the game medium supply device 8 to the slot machine 2 (medal Between the first flow-down device 9 flowing down to the lending machine 3), the game medium collection device 10 for collecting medals and transporting them to the storage tank 7, and between the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) and the game medium collection device 10. And the second flowing-down devices 11A to 11D that flow medals from the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) to the game medium collecting device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the storage tank 7 is a container that can store medals recovered by the game medium recovery device 10 and is stored in a storage box 7 </ b> A provided on the front side of the gaming machine island 1. . In the storage box 7A, a lifter device (not shown) for transporting medals stored in the storage tank 7 to the game medium supply device 8 and other medal washing machines / dehydrators (not shown) are stored. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the game medium supply device 8 is a device that is arranged in the upper part of the gaming machine island 1 and conveys medals lifted from the storage tank 7 from the lifter device into the gaming machine island 1. The gaming medium supply device 8 includes a first supply line 8A installed in a straight line along the extending direction of the gaming machine island 1 from the storage box 7A, and the gaming machine island 1 from the vicinity of the second medal lending machine 3 from the front. And a second supply line 8B installed in a straight line along the extending direction. The first supply line 8A and the second supply line 8B include a conveyance belt (not shown) for conveying medals, an H-shaped frame (not shown) that supports the conveyance belt from the inner surface side, and a conveyance belt. Are mainly provided with a drive unit (not shown) that drives the belt in a fixed direction and a cover body (not shown) that covers the conveyor belt from above. In addition, the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 is a medal conveyance direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the end of the second supply line 8B on the side opposite to the conveyance direction is disposed directly below the end of the first supply line 8A on the conveyance direction side. The medals transported to the end of the first supply line 8A fall from the end of the first supply line 8A to the end of the second supply line 8B opposite to the transport direction and are transported by the second supply line 8B. . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second supply line 8B is arranged in a direction inclined leftward with respect to the transfer direction of the first supply line 8A in accordance with the extending direction of the gaming machine island 1, and the transfer direction is changed. I am letting. If comprised in this way, the 1st supply line 8A and the 2nd supply line 8B which are formed in a straight line can be brought close to the slot machine 2 and the medal lending machine 3 arranged side by side on a curved curve. . The medals transported to the end of the second replenishment line 8B on the transport direction side are configured to fall onto the first recovery line 10A of the game medium recovery device 10 via a drop tube (not shown). .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first flow-down device 9 is interposed between the game medium supply device 8 and the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3), and from the game medium supply device 8 to the slot machine 2 (medal rental). It is a device that flows down to the machine 3). The first flow-down device 9 lowers and closes the flap (not shown) under the control of a control unit (not shown) for a medal conveyed by the game medium supply device 8 and discharges it (not shown). A distribution device 9A that flows down from the outlet, and a hollow bellows tube 9B that connects the discharge port of the distribution device 9A and the input port 2d (input port 3d) on the back of the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3). Has been. The medals flowed down by the first flow-down device 9 are stored in the storage unit 2b of the slot machine 2 (the storage unit 3a of the medal lending machine 3).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gaming medium collection device 10 is arranged at the lower part of the gaming machine island 1, medals that have fallen into the dropping tube from the second supply line 8 </ b> B, medals discharged from the slot machine 2, and medal lending machine 3 is a device for collecting medals discharged from 3 and transporting them to the storage tank 7. The gaming medium collection device 10 includes a second collection line 10B installed in a straight line along the extending direction of the gaming machine island 1 from the storage box 7A, and the extension of the gaming machine island 1 from the vicinity of the second medal lending machine 3. And a first recovery line 10A that is installed in a straight line along the current direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the first collection line 10 </ b> A drives a conveyance belt 10 c for conveying medals, a frame 10 d having an H-shaped cross section that supports the conveyance belt 10 c from the inner surface side, and the conveyance belt 10 c in a fixed direction. A drive unit (not shown) and a cover body (not shown) that covers the transport belt 10c from above are mainly provided. The second recovery line 10B has the same configuration as the first recovery line 10A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment in which a plurality of linear conveyors are combined has been described, but a curved conveyor may be used instead of the linear conveyor.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the end of the second recovery line 10B on the side in the transport direction is disposed directly below the end of the first recovery line 10A on the side of the transport. The medal transported to the end of the first recovery line 10A falls from the end of the first recovery line 10A to the end of the second recovery line 10B opposite to the transport direction and is transported by the second recovery line 10B. . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first collection line 10A is arranged in a direction inclined to the left with respect to the conveyance direction of the second collection line 10B in accordance with the extending direction of the gaming machine island 1, and the conveyance direction is changed. I am letting. If comprised in this way, the 1st collection | recovery line 10A and 2nd collection | recovery line 10B which are formed in a straight line can be adjoined with respect to the slot machine 2 and medal lending machine 3 which were arranged in parallel on the curve which curves. . The medals transported to the end of the second recovery line 10B on the transport direction side fall into the storage tank 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second flow-down devices 11 </ b> A to 11 </ b> D are interposed between the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) and the game medium collecting device 10, and the medals are inserted into the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine). This is a device that flows down from 3) to the game medium collection device 10. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, the second flow down device 11 </ b> A includes a collection chute 20 that relays medals flowing from the slot machine 2 toward the first collection line 10 </ b> A, and an extended chute that extends the collection chute 20. 40 and a collection tray 60 that relays medals flowing down from the extended chute 40 toward the first collection line 10A.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the recovery chute 20 includes an upper chute including a first intake port 21 a for taking in medals flowing down from the slot machine 2 and a first discharge port 21 b for flowing down the taken medals. 21, a second chute 31 a that takes in medals flowing down from the first outlet 21 b, and a second chute 31 b that flows down the taken medals toward the game medium recovery device 10. 31 and a shaft 30 that supports and connects the lower chute 31 to the upper chute 21 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the upper chute 21 includes a hollow rectangular cylinder 22 made of, for example, polyamide resin, and a rectangular opening on the upper end surface forms a first intake port 21a. The rectangular opening forms the first discharge port 21b. The first discharge port 21b is a rectangular opening smaller than the first intake port 21a, and is located below the first intake port 21a and in the rear direction of the gaming machine island 1 (hereinafter, rear direction: FIG. 6). It is formed at a position biased to (see). Screws are attached to the four side walls 23 to 26 constituting the rectangular cylindrical body 22 in the vicinity of the upper end forming the first intake port 21a when being attached to the opening formed by cutting the flange plate 6 into a rectangular shape. A retaining plate mounting portion 27 to be stopped is formed.

  Of the four side walls 23 to 26 constituting the rectangular cylinder 22 of the upper chute 21, the side wall 23 in the front direction of the gaming machine island 1 (hereinafter referred to as the front direction: see FIG. 6) is below the side plate mounting portion 27. An inclined bottom surface 23a is formed on the inner surface side of the inclined side wall 23 so as to be inclined downward toward the first discharge port 21b. On the surface of the inclined bottom surface 23a, ridges 23b for reducing the friction between the medal and the inclined bottom surface 23a are formed along the flow direction. Further, on the outer surface side of the side wall 23, a rotation locking portion 23c that protrudes in contact with an upper end of a locking piece 37b of a joint portion 37 of the lower chute 31 to be described later and restricts the rotation range of the lower chute 31 is provided. ing.

  Of the four side walls 23 to 26 constituting the rectangular cylinder 22 of the upper chute 21, a rear side wall 25 is formed with a first cutout portion 25a cut out in a rectangular shape at the lower end. By forming the first cutout portion 25a in this way, it is possible to widen the medal discharge site and increase the flow amount of the medal, so that the medal can flow smoothly from the upper chute 21 to the lower chute 31. Can do. Moreover, since the arrangement position of the second intake 31a of the lower chute 31 can be raised, the inclination angle to the collection tray 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) can be increased, and the flow of medals can be promoted. This prevents the medal from staying.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first cutout portion 25 a of the upper chute 21 is covered with a cover plate 27 that opens and closes slidably forward and backward. The cover plate 27 includes a rectangular plate 27a, a bar 27b connected to the upper end of the plate 27a, and a swing shaft (not shown) projecting from both side ends of the bar 27b. A bearing that is mainly configured, and in which the swing shaft is provided on the side wall 26 in the extending direction (hereinafter referred to as the extending direction) of the gaming machine island 1 and the side wall 24 in the front direction (hereinafter referred to as the front direction) of the gaming machine island 1. It is supported in a hole (not shown). With this configuration, the medal that has flowed down vigorously collides with the cover plate 27 and the flow-down speed of the medal is reduced, so that the medal can be prevented from popping out.

  Of the four side walls 23 to 26 constituting the rectangular cylinder 22 of the upper chute 21, a lower chute 31 (described later) is placed in the vertical direction (vertical direction or vertical direction) on the side wall 26 in the extending direction and the side wall 24 in the front direction. A shaft 30 that is pivotally supported in a direction that includes a portion extending and projecting forward is provided (see FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lower chute 31 includes a hollow rectangular cylinder 32 made of, for example, polycarbonate. A rectangular opening on the upper end surface forms a second intake port 31a, and a rectangular opening on the lower end surface is formed. The shape-shaped opening forms the second discharge port 31b. The second intake port 31a and the second discharge port 31b are openings of the same size, and are slightly larger than the first discharge port 21b of the upper chute 21 described above. Of the four side walls 33 to 36 constituting the rectangular cylindrical body 32, on the lower side wall 33 and the upper side wall 35, there are connecting engagement convex portions 33b and 35b for connecting an extension chute 40 described later. It protrudes on the outer surface side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a joint portion 37 into which the lower portion of the upper chute 21 can be inserted is disposed on the second chute 31 a side of the rectangular cylinder 32 in the lower chute 31. The joint portion 37 includes a bearing arm piece 37 a extending on the front side wall 34 and the extending side wall 36 of the four side walls 33 to 36 constituting the rectangular cylinder 32, and the lower side wall 33. And a second cutout portion 37c formed by being cut out so as to form a space on the second intake port 31a side of the upper side wall 35. Configured.

  The bearing arm piece 37 a of the lower chute 31 has a bearing hole 37 d that is supported by the shaft 30 of the upper chute 21. The bearing arm piece 37a includes a cutout portion 37e formed by cutting out in a rectangular shape from the upstream end toward the downstream end so as to facilitate elastic deformation outward.

  The upper end side of the locking piece 37b of the lower chute 31 comes into contact with the rotation locking portion 23c of the upper chute 21 when the lower chute 31 rotates forward, and the lower chute 31 moves excessively in the forward direction. Movement can be regulated. In this case, the rotation locking portion 23c restricts the inclination angle of the side wall 33 to rotate to about 70 degrees when the rearward direction is 0 degree and the vertically downward direction is 90 degrees. By regulating the inclination angle of the side wall 33 in this way, the medal flowing down from the first discharge port 21b of the upper chute 21 is always brought into contact with the side wall 33, and the flow rate of the medal can be limited. . By limiting the flow rate of the medals in this way, it is possible to prevent the medals from jumping out from the tray main body 61 and the like. Damage can be suppressed. Further, as the inclination angle increases, the cover plate 27 is prevented from going outside the side wall 35 beyond the second notch 37c. The surface on the inner surface side of the locking piece 37b is formed flush with the surface on the inner surface side of the side wall 33, and the friction between the medal and the inner surface is reduced on the surface on the inner surface side of the locking piece 37b and the side wall 33. The protruding ridge 33a is formed along the flow direction.

  The second notch 37c of the lower chute 31 is formed to avoid contact with the upper chute 21 when the lower chute 31 is rotated in the vertical direction (upward). In this case, the second notch 37c restricts the rotation so that the inclination angle of the side wall 33 does not fall below about 20 degrees when the rearward direction is 0 degree and the vertically downward direction is 90 degrees. By restricting the minimum inclination angle of the side wall 33 in this way, it is possible to promote the flow of medals flowing in the lower chute 31 and suppress the stagnation of medals. Further, the edge of the side wall 35 on the second notch 37c side abuts when the above-described cover plate 27 is rotated rearward, so that the cover plate 27 extends from the second notch 37c to the side wall 35. Prevent jumping out.

  Thus, the medal flowing down from the first discharge port 21b of the upper chute 21 regardless of the rotational position of the lower chute 31 by arranging the joint portion 37 on the inflow side of the rectangular cylinder 32 of the lower chute 31. It is possible to flow down to the second intake port 31a of the lower chute 31 without spilling.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the extension chute 40 has a third intake port 41 a for taking in medals flowing down from the second discharge port 31 b of the lower chute 31, and directs the taken medals toward the game medium collecting device 10. And a third outlet 41b that flows down.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the extension chute 40 includes a hollow rectangular cylinder 41 made of, for example, polycarbonate, a rectangular opening on the inflow side end surface forms a third intake port 41 a, and a discharge side end surface The rectangular opening forms a third discharge port 41b. The third intake port 41a is the same size as the second discharge port 31b of the lower chute 31, and the third intake port 41a and the third discharge port 41b are the same size.

  Of the four side walls 42 to 45 constituting the rectangular cylinder 41, the lower side wall 42 and the upper side wall 44 can be engaged with the above-described connecting and engaging convex portions 33 b and 35 b of the lower chute 31. Extended chute flanges 42b and 44b in which connection engagement openings 42a and 44a are formed extend from the inflow side end. The side walls 42 and 44 are formed with extended chute connecting projections 42c and 44c for connecting another extended chute 40 to the outer surface side.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the extension chute 40 configured in this way is connected to the other extension chute 40 by engaging the connection engagement openings 42 a and 44 a with the extension chute connection engagement protrusions 42 c and 44 c. The extension chute 40 can be connected. For this reason, when the distance between the extended chute 40 and the collection tray 60 which will be described later is long, it can be extended to the collection tray 60 by connecting and extending the required number of the extended chute 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the collection tray 60 includes a tray body 61 that receives a medal flowing down from the third discharge port 41 b of the extension chute 40 and the like and flows down toward the game medium collection device 10, and a tray body 61. A tray holder 80 that rotatably supports the cylindrical shaft 70, and a tray holder presser 90 for attaching the tray holder 80 to the game medium collection device 10. In the tray body 61, side walls 65 to 67 that surround the outer periphery of the tray body 61 and a cylindrical shaft 70 that extends downward from the tray body 61 are integrally formed, and a sidewall 64 that surrounds the outer periphery of the tray body 61 is attached and detached. It is attached as possible.

  The tray body 61 is made of, for example, polycarbonate, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a rectangular plate-shaped tray portion 62 that receives a medal flowing down from the third discharge port 41 b of the extension chute 40, and a tray portion. A circular flow-down port 63 that is formed at the lowest position 62 and flows down the medals toward the game medium collecting device 10. The saucer portion 62 includes an inclined surface 62 a that is inclined downward toward the flow-down port 63. By providing the inclined surface 62a, the medal received from the extended chute 40 can smoothly flow down to the flow outlet 63. On the surface of the inclined surface 62a, convex ridges 62b for reducing the friction between the token and the inclined surface 62a are formed along the flow direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the side walls 64 to 67 are composed of four plate-like bodies that are erected so as to surround the outer periphery of the tray body 61. Since the side walls 64 to 67 surrounding the outer periphery of the saucer body 61 are erected, the medal that has flowed down vigorously and collided with the saucer part 62 and bounced back can be smoothly guided to the descending port 63. In this case, the side walls 65 and 67 are erected along the flow direction of the medal from the tray part 62, and the side wall 66 is erected from the side end of the tray part 62 so as to surround the flow-down port 63 together with the side walls 65 and 67. Yes. The side walls 65 to 67 configured as described above are formed integrally with the tray body 61.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the side wall 64 erected on the rising side end of the saucer portion 62 is detachable from the saucer body 61 and is made of, for example, polycarbonate. The side wall 64 has a rectangular plate-like lid body 64a formed to have a lateral width equivalent to the inner method of the side walls 65 and 67, and a rectangular plate-like slider 64b projecting from both side portions of the lid body 64a. It is mainly comprised by the engaging hook 64c formed in the edge part of the downward direction so that elastic deformation was possible. When the side wall 64 is inserted into the guide grooves 65a and 67a formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls 65 and 67 from above, the slider 64b is inserted from above, and the engagement hook 64c is engaged with the engagement recess 62c formed in the tray 62. It can be attached to the saucer body 61. By attaching the side wall 64, it is possible to prevent the medal from jumping out from the side end portion on the upside of the tray portion 62. Further, by removing the side wall 64, other members constituting the flow route, for example, the lower chute 31 and the extended chute 40 are placed and connected to the side end portion of the ascending side of the tray portion 62, and the medal is flowed down. It can flow toward 63.

  5 and 8, the cylindrical shaft 70 of the saucer body 61 extends downward from the flow-down port 63 of the saucer body 61, and is a pivot shaft that supports the saucer body 61 so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction. It becomes. The cylindrical shaft 70 is a cylindrical body in which a cylindrical hollow having a circular cross section of the same size as the flow-down port 63 is formed, and click positioning projections 71 project from two opposing locations on the outer periphery of the lower end. ing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (b), the click positioning convex portion 71 has a shape in which a vertical section is additionally joined with a gable triangle in a rectangular shape. The click positioning recess 88 can be selectively engaged. In addition, left and right sides of the click positioning convex portion 71 are formed with notches 72 that are notched from the lower end toward the upper end. By forming the notch portions 72 on the left and right of the click positioning convex portion 71, it is possible to facilitate elastic deformation in which the click positioning convex portion 71 is displaced up and down.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (b), on the left and right sides of the notch portion 72 of the tray body 61, outwardly extending portions 73 are extended to the outer peripheral side in a flange shape. The outwardly extending portion 73 has a rectangular shape with a horizontally long vertical cross section, and the height is lower than the click positioning convex portion 71 by a gable-shaped triangle. Further, the outer peripheral end surfaces of the outer extending portion 73 and the click positioning convex portion 71 are concentric with the circular flow-down port 63 and have a larger diameter than the flow-down port 63. The outer extending portion 73 configured as described above enters below the plurality of click positioning recesses 88 formed on the lower surface of the inner extending portion 86 of the tray holder 80 and restricts the upward movement of the tray body 61. It is possible to prevent the tray body 61 from falling off the tray holder 80.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the tray holder 80 serves as a bearing that supports the cylindrical shaft 70 so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction (a horizontal plane or a direction including a horizontal plane). The tray holder 80 is made of, for example, polycarbonate, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, has a rectangular plate shape, and has an opening having the same size as the flow-down port 63 at the center. 10 is mainly provided with a base 81 in which a drop opening 81a through which a medal falling toward 10 passes is formed, and a pair of leg portions 82 extending downward from opposite ends of the base 81. The saucer holder 80 is formed in a U-shaped cross section opened downward by a base 81 and a pair of legs 82, and is disposed across the frame 10d of the game medium recovery device 10 from above as shown in FIG. Can do. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a fitting hole 82a for fitting an engagement hook 92a of a saucer holder presser 90, which will be described later, and an attachment for engaging the engagement hook 92a are provided in the leg portion 82, as shown in FIGS. A collar portion 82b is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the peripheral edge of the drop port 81 a on the upper surface of the base 81 of the tray holder 80 is a circular plane corresponding to the outer peripheral side of the outer extending portion 73 of the cylindrical shaft 70 described above, A first sliding surface 83 (thrust sliding surface) is formed which abuts the lower surface of the shaft 70 and the lower surface of the outer extending portion 73 and supports the shaft 70 in a rotatable manner. A pedestal portion 84 formed in a convex shape is formed on the outer peripheral side periphery of the first sliding surface 83 (thrust sliding surface). The inner peripheral side surface of the pedestal portion 84 is a second sliding surface 85 (radial sliding surface) that supports the outer peripheral end surface of the outer extending portion 73 so as to be rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the pedestal portion 84 has an inner flange-shaped inner extending portion 86 extending to the inner peripheral side at two opposing positions on the upper end of the inner peripheral side surface. As shown in FIG. 9A, click positioning recesses 88 made up of one valley of a plurality of rows of triangular stripes are arranged on the lower surface of the inwardly extending portion 86. An end surface on the inner peripheral side of the inwardly extending portion 86 is disposed on the same circumference as the outer periphery of the cylindrical shaft 70, and a third sliding surface 87 (radial) that contacts and supports the outer periphery of the cylindrical shaft 70. Sliding surface).

  The saucer holder presser 90 is a member for attaching the saucer holder 80 to the frame 10d of the game medium recovery device 10 as shown in FIG. The saucer holder presser 90 is made of, for example, polyamide resin, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a rectangular plate-like base portion 91 and a pair of arm portions extending upward from the opposite ends of the base portion 91. 92 and an engagement hook 92a formed at the tip of the arm portion 92. 5 and 8, in order to reduce friction between the upper surface of the base 91 and the conveyor belt 10c when the conveyor belt 10c hangs down and comes into contact with the upper surface of the base 91, as shown in FIGS. Ridges 91a are formed along the conveying direction. The saucer holder holder 90 is formed in a U-shaped cross-section opened upward by a base 91 and a pair of arms 92, and is disposed across the frame 10d of the game medium recovery device 10 from below as shown in FIG. can do.

  A method of installing the second downflow device 11A configured as described above will be described. First, the operator attaches the upper chute 21 of the collection chute 20 to the gutter plate 6 (see FIG. 10). Immediately below the drop opening provided on the lower surface of the slot machine 2 housing, an opening formed by cutting the flange plate 6 into a rectangular shape is formed. An operator fixes the upper chute 21 and the saddle plate 6 by screwing them from the inside of the saddle plate attaching portion 27 in a state where the upper chute 21 is fitted in the opening.

  Next, the collection chute 20 is assembled. The operator elastically deforms the bearing arm piece 37 a while inserting the lower end portion of the rectangular cylinder 22 of the upper chute 21 into the joint portion 37 of the lower chute 31, and the shaft 30 of the upper chute 21 is moved to the lower chute 31. The upper chute 21 and the lower chute 31 are connected by being inserted into the bearing hole 37d. The collection chute 20 assembled in this way can rotate the lower chute 31 in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Next, the collection tray 60 is attached to the first collection line 10 </ b> A of the game medium collection device 10. When attaching the collection tray 60, the operator first attaches the tray holder 80 to the first collection line 10A. An operator arranges the tray holder 80 across the frame 10d at a position where the back side of the collection chute 20 on the first collection line 10A can be caught in front (see FIGS. 5 and 10). Next, the saucer holder presser 90 is disposed across the lower side of the frame 10 d, the engagement hook 92 a is fitted into the fitting hole 82 a of the saucer holder 80, and the engagement hook 92 a is attached to the attachment hook portion 82 b of the saucer holder 80. Engage. Since the saucer holder 80 can be attached to the first recovery line 10A without fixing such as screwing, the saucer holder 80 is slidably disposed on the first recovery line 10A. Therefore, the attachment position of the tray holder 80 can be easily adjusted.

  Next, the tray body 61 of the collection tray 60 is attached to the tray holder 80. As shown in FIG. 8, the operator prevents the inner extension portion 86 of the tray holder 80 and the outer extension portion 73 of the cylindrical shaft 70 from colliding with the lower end of the cylindrical shaft 70 extending downward from the tray body 61. The lower end surface of the cylindrical shaft 70 is brought into contact with the first sliding surface 83 (thrust sliding surface) of the tray holder 80. At the lower end of the cylindrical shaft 70, the lower surface of the cylindrical shaft 70 and the lower surface of the outwardly extending portion 73 are disposed, and these surfaces abut on the first sliding surface 83 (thrust sliding surface) in the vertical direction. It will be in the state supported with respect to rotation. Further, the outer peripheral side end surface of the outer extending portion 73 is supported by being in contact with the second sliding surface 85, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical shaft 70 is in contact with and supported by the third sliding surface 87. Become.

  In this state, the flow-down port 63 positioned at the upper end of the cylindrical shaft 70 is disposed immediately above the first recovery line 10A, and the tray body 61 is supported so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction around the flow-down port 63. Can do.

  Next, the operator rotates the tray body 61 in the horizontal direction and positions it. The operator faces the upward side end of the saucer portion 62 of the saucer body 61 in a direction in which the direction of the slot machine 2, more precisely, the back side of the collection chute 20 fixed to the saddle plate 6 can be captured in front. The tray body 61 may be rotated as described above. When the operator rotates the cylindrical shaft 70 together with the tray body 61 in the horizontal direction, the cylindrical shaft 70 is inserted into the gap formed between the inwardly extending portion 86 of the tray holder 80 and the first sliding surface 83. The outer extending portion 73 is caused to enter from the horizontal direction to prevent the tray main body 61 from dropping off from the tray holder 80. When the cylindrical shaft 70 is further rotated, as shown in FIG. 9B, the click positioning convex portion 71 enters the gap following the outer extending portion 73, and is provided on the lower surface of the inner extending portion 86. The click positioning recess 88 is engaged. Even when the click positioning convex portion 71 and the one click positioning concave portion 88 are engaged, if the biasing force for rotating the cylindrical shaft 70 is applied, the click positioning convex portion 71 is elastically deformed downward and rotated. The click positioning recess 88 that is movable and engages can be changed. The operator applies an urging force to rotate the cylindrical shaft 70 until the upward side end portion of the tray portion 62 of the tray body 61 faces a direction in which the back side of the collection chute 20 can be captured in front.

  As described above, since the tray portion 62 of the tray body 61 can be directed toward the slot machine 2 regardless of the positional relationship between the slot machine 2 and the game medium collection device 10, the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the collection conveyor can be increased. it can. Further, since the upper chute 21 to the tray holder 80 can be connected with a rigid body, the horizontal curved portion generated in the flow-down route from the slot machine 2 to the game medium recovery device 10 is reduced, and the occurrence of clogging of medals is suppressed. can do.

  In addition, when it is anticipated that the flow-down angle in the vertical direction of the medal from the collection chute 20 to the collection tray 60 will be shallow, the side wall 64 attached to the side end on the upside of the tray portion 62 is removed from the tray body 61. (See FIG. 8). The collection tray 60 illustrated in FIG. 10 has a side wall 64 removed from the tray body 61.

  Next, an extension chute 40 that extends the collection chute 20 is attached. The worker turns the lower chute 31 of the collection chute 20 in the vertical direction and points it toward the collection tray 60, measures the distance from the lower end of the lower chute 31 to the collection tray 60, and the necessary number (for example, three). The extension chute 40 is prepared. An operator connects the three extension chutes 40 by engaging the connection engagement openings 44 a of the extension chutes 40 with the other extension chute connection engagement protrusions 44 c.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower chute 31 of the collection chute 20 is rotated in the vertical direction with the lower end portion of the connected extension chute 40 placed on the side end portion on the ascending side of the tray portion 62. Then, the connection engagement opening 44a of the extension chute 40 is engaged with and connected to the connection engagement convex portion 35b of the lower chute 31 toward the game medium recovery device 10 side.

  Thus, since the lower chute 31 of the collection chute 20 can be directed toward the game medium collection device 10 regardless of the positional relationship between the slot machine 2 and the game medium collection device 10, from the slot machine 2 to the game medium collection device 10. It is possible to use a rigid body for the downflow route, and it is possible to reduce the vertical curved portion and suppress the occurrence of clogging of medals.

  Since the installation of the second flow down device 11A is thus completed, the installation time can be greatly shortened and the installation work can be facilitated.

  In the second flow-down device 11A, an embodiment in which three extension chutes 40 that extend the collection chute 20 are connected and attached is shown. However, the extension chute 40 extends from the lower end of the lower chute 31 to the collection tray 60. When the distance is short, it is not necessary to attach the extension chute 40. The second flow down device 11B in FIG. 1 does not connect the extension chute 40 as shown in FIG. The lower chute 31 of the collection chute 20 may be rotated in the vertical direction and the lower end portion may be placed on the side end portion on the ascending side of the saucer portion 62. Note that the second flow down device 11C is connected by connecting two extension chutes 40, and the second flow down device 11D is connected by connecting four extension chutes 40.

  Thus, according to the collection chute 20 and the game medium circulation system 4 of the present invention, medals can be smoothly made regardless of the positional relationship between the game medium use machine (slot machine 2, medal lending machine 3) and the game medium collection device 10. It is possible to construct a flow route to flow down.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mounting structure of the tray body 61 and the tray holder 80 is the same as that of the cylindrical shaft 70 with the lower end of the cylindrical shaft 70 in contact with the first sliding surface 83 (radial sliding surface). The outer extending portion 73 and the click positioning convex portion 71 are inserted from the horizontal direction into the gap formed between the inner extending portion 86 of the tray holder 80 and the first sliding surface 83 by rotating the inner extending portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, an engagement groove 74 is formed in the cylindrical shaft 70A of the collection tray 60A so as to make one round of the inner periphery thereof, thereby receiving the tray holder 80A. The structure which engages with the engaging hook 81b erected upward from the periphery of the drop port 81a may be used (other embodiments). Thus, even if the collection tray 60A is configured, the tray body 61 can be supported so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the cylindrical shaft 70B of the collection tray 60B is provided with a first step 75 that goes around the outer periphery, and a step provided directly below the first step 75 and at the lower end of the cylindrical shaft 70B. Even if the second step portion 76 is formed, the first step portion 75 is engaged with the periphery of the drop port 81a of the tray holder 80B, and the annular member 77 is fixed to the outer periphery of the second step portion 76. Good (other embodiments). Thus, even if the collection tray 60B is configured, the tray body 61 can be supported so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, by moving the sleeve 78 downward in the direction of the arrow at the lower end of the cylindrical shaft 70C, that is, downward, the movable engagement / disengagement member 79 disposed on the inner peripheral side is pushed out to the inner peripheral side, It may be configured to engage with the outer periphery of the throat portion 81c erected upward from the periphery of the drop port 81a of the tray holder 80C (other embodiment). Thus, even if the collection tray 60C is configured, the tray body 61 can be supported so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and the technical scope of the claims includes various design changes within the scope of the invention.

1 gaming machine island 2 slot machine (game media using machine)
3 Medal lending machine (game media use machine)
4 Game medium circulation system 7 Storage tank 8 Game medium supply device 9 First flow-down device 10 Game medium collection device 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Second flow-down device 20 Recovery chute 21 Upper chute 21a First intake port 21b First outlet 23, 24, 25, 26 Side wall 23c Rotation locking part 25a First notch 27 Cover plate 30 Shaft 31 Lower chute 31a Second intake 31b Second outlet 33, 34 , 35, 36 Side wall 33b, 35b Connection engagement convex part (connection part)
37 joint portion 37c second notch portion 37d bearing hole 40 extended chute 41a third intake port 41b third discharge ports 42c, 44c extended chute connecting engagement convex portion (extended chute connecting portion)

Claims (7)

A collection chute for relaying game media flowing down from a game media use machine toward a game media collection device,
An upper chute comprising: a first intake port for taking in the game medium flowing down from the game medium using machine; and a first discharge port for flowing down the taken game medium;
A lower chute comprising: a second intake port that takes in the game medium flowing down from the first discharge port; and a second discharge port that flows down the taken game medium toward the game medium recovery device; ,
And a shaft for supporting and connecting the lower chute so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the upper chute. The recovery chute according to claim 1,
The upper chute includes the first discharge port disposed on the lower end surface, and the first cutout part formed by cutting out a part of the lower end of the side wall forming the first discharge port. A collection chute characterized by flowing down. In the recovery chute according to claim 2,
The upper chute includes a cover plate that swingably opens and closes the first cutout portion. In the recovery chute according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A joint portion into which the lower portion of the upper chute can be inserted is disposed in the upstream portion of the lower chute, and the joint portion is a bearing supported by the shaft protruding from the side wall of the upper chute. A recovery chute characterized in that a hole is formed and a second notch is formed to avoid contact with the upper chute when the lower chute rotates in the vertical direction. The recovery chute according to claim 4,
The upper chute is provided with a rotation locking portion that abuts on an upper end of the joint portion of the lower chute and restricts rotation, and is provided on the outer periphery of the side wall. In the recovery chute according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The lower chute includes a connecting portion for connecting the extended chute,
The extension chute includes a third intake port that takes in the game medium flowing down from the second discharge port, a third discharge port that flows down the taken game medium toward the game medium recovery device, A recovery chute comprising an extension chute connecting portion for connecting the other extension chute. A game media circulation system for circulating game media in a gaming machine island in which a plurality of game media use machines are juxtaposed,
A storage tank for storing the game medium;
A game medium supply device for transporting the game medium stored in the storage tank into the gaming machine island;
A first flow-down device interposed between the game medium supply device and the game medium use machine, and for flowing down the game medium from the game medium supply device to the game medium use machine;
A game medium recovery device for recovering the game medium and transporting it to the storage tank;
A second flow-down device interposed between the game medium use machine and the game medium collection device and flowing the game medium from the game medium use machine to the game medium collection device,
The second flow down device includes a collection chute that relays the game media flowing down,
The recovery chute is
An upper chute comprising: a first intake port for taking in the game medium flowing down from the game medium using machine; and a first discharge port for flowing down the taken game medium;
A lower chute comprising: a second intake port that takes in the game medium flowing down from the first discharge port; and a second discharge port that flows down the taken game medium toward the game medium recovery device; ,
And a shaft for supporting and connecting the lower chute to the upper chute so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction.