JP3004257B1 - Premium payout device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize dispensing device for dispensing stacked capsules in a state in which a prize is contained, without reducing the number of storage capsules, displaying contents of the dispensable capsules to a player, and displaying the capsules Pay out. SOLUTION: A prize storing means for stacking and storing a plurality of capsules, a prize display means for displaying payable capsules, and a prize extruding for pushing out the lowest one of the capsules stored in the prize storing means. Means.
The premium display means includes display release means for releasing display of the payable capsule. At the time of dispensing capsules, the display canceling means is operated, whereby the dispensable capsules displayed on the prize display means are dispensed, and the lowermost prize pushed out by the prize pushing means moves to the prize display means. Then, it becomes a prize that can be paid out next.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize dispensing apparatus for dispensing capsules containing prizes in a so-called capsule vending machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a so-called capsule vending machine among gaming machines installed in a game center or the like. This is described in, for example,
As described in Japanese Patent No. 285639, a player can select a capsule containing a desired premium from a plurality of transparent cylinders containing a plurality of capsules,
In addition, a capsule selected according to a game result is paid out.

[0003] A capsule dispensed by such a game machine is usually divided into a container and a lid, and the lid, or both the container and the lid, are provided so that the prizes inside can be seen. It is formed of a transparent or colored transparent material. There are various shapes such as a substantially spherical shape and a cylindrical shape.

[0004]

Here, when a box-shaped capsule, such as a short-square tube or short cylinder, is used as a capsule to be housed in a game machine of this type, the efficiency of storage in the cylinder is reduced. So-called "flat stacking", which is stacked along the thickness direction of the box, is advantageous. However, in the conventional capsule vending machine, in order for the player to select a desired prize, it is necessary to show the contents of the payable capsule, that is, the prize to the player. That is, in the case of a box-shaped capsule,
It is necessary to vertically stack the length or the depth direction (in the case of a cylindrical shape, the diametric direction) of the box so that the surface of the lid faces the front, that is, a so-called “vertical stack”. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of capsules stored in the cylinder is smaller than that in the case of flat stacking.

[0005] When the above-mentioned capsules are stacked in a flat manner with emphasis on storage efficiency, one of the capsules is used as a sample to show the contents of the capsules to be paid out to a player in the housing. They were also displayed where they could be seen. In such cases, the capsules displayed as samples are not actually dispensed,
As a result, one capsule is wasted. This becomes a more serious problem as the premium becomes more expensive. In addition, there was confusion caused by paying out prizes of the same species but of different colors.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a prize in which the contents of a dispensable capsule can be displayed to a player and the displayed capsule can be dispensed without reducing the number of storage capsules. It is an object to provide a dispensing device. In particular, the invention according to claim 3 aims at preventing the dispensing of extra capsules even when unexpected vibration is applied, in addition to the above object. Further, the invention described in claim 4 aims to cope with capsules of various sizes in addition to the above objects.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems (Claim 1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention relates to a prize dispensing apparatus for dispensing stacked capsules with a prize inside. Prize storage means for stacking and storing a plurality of capsules, prize display means for displaying payable capsules, display release means for releasing display of payable capsules, and capsules stored in the prize storage means Among them, a prize pushing means for pushing out the lowermost one, and at the time of dispensing capsules, the display release means is operated, whereby the dispensable capsules displayed on the prize display means are paid out, and lowermost prize extruded by the extrusion means, moved to prize display means, then so that the possible payout prize
The prize pushing means and the display release
Identical link machine operated by a single motor
It operates by the structure, and the motor has an output shaft
The cam is fixed, and the prize pushing means is one through a slot
Rotatably supported by studs, the other pushes prizes
Supported by an extruded body and fixed to the motor in the middle
A second link in which a first link plate pivotally supported by a cam is pivotally supported.
Plate, and the display release means is pushed by the prize pushing means.
The prize is provided at the position where the prize falls and the upper part is the rotation axis
Rotatably supported by the
A prize stopper that supports the extruded prize is provided
And the shaft is supported by the first and second link plates in the middle.
Equipped with a prize stand that supports the third link plate, and the extruded body is a prize
At the bottom of the prize of the storage means, the prize stand is a prize stopper
Start the motor from the state where the prize is supported
The cam rotates and the first link plate moves first
As a result, the second link plate rotates around the stud,
Move the extruded body backward and simultaneously move the third link plate
As a result, the prize stand rotates backwards around the rotation axis to drop the prize.
Lower the extruded body when the motor is further rotated.
At the same time, the prize at the bottom of the prize storage means falls at the same time
At the same time, the prize stand rotates to the rear, and the motor
By rotating, the extruded body pushes out the prize and the prize stand
Is shaped to rotate to a position that supports the extruded prize.
It is characterized by having done.

[0008] The prize payout device according to the present invention is used in a gaming machine that pays out a capsule containing a prize as a reward for a predetermined game result. Further, the present invention can be used in a vending machine that simply sells capsules containing products. In this sense, the "prize" used in this specification includes "commodity" intended for sale. At least a part of the capsule dispensed by the premium dispensing device according to the present invention is formed of a transparent or colored transparent material, so that the premium provided in the interior can be visually recognized from the outside.

The "prize storing means" is a means for storing a plurality of the above-mentioned capsules in a stacked manner, and is formed in a shape elongated in the height direction. According to the shape of the capsule to be stored, various shapes such as a box shape or a cylindrical shape are possible, but at least a part of the shape can be removed or opened and closed for replenishment or removal of the capsule. There is a need. In order to visually check the remaining number of capsules to be stored, a part of the capsules can be formed of a transparent or colored transparent material.

The "prize display means" is means for displaying a payable capsule so that its contents can be confirmed separately from the capsule stored in the prize storage means. Here, “dispensable capsule” means a capsule that can be dispensed next.
That is, in the present invention, only the capsules displayed on the premium display means can be paid out next. In other words, the capsule stored in the prize storage means is temporarily displayed by the prize display means, and then paid out. In addition, the “display” here refers to a gaming machine or a vending machine in which the premium payout apparatus according to the present invention is used (hereinafter “gaming machine etc.”).
And ) Means that the contents of the capsule are placed in a state where a player or a purchaser (hereinafter, referred to as a “player or the like”) can visually recognize the contents.

In order to make the contents of the capsule visible to a player or the like, the prize display means is arranged so that the prize contained therein is visible to the player or the like. Here, it is normal for a player or the like to look down on the premium while standing. Therefore, for example, when the capsule has a box-like shape, it is desirable to display one surface thereof (preferably the surface having the largest area) with a certain degree of inclination with respect to the front. Of course, the capsules may be displayed horizontally or vertically as long as they are visible to the player or the like.

The "display releasing means" for releasing the display of the capsule is a device which holds the capsule in the stopped state and releases the holding of the capsule in the operating state. That is, in the state where the capsule is displayed, the display state is maintained because the display releasing means does not operate. When the capsules are dispensed, the display of the capsules is released by the operation of the display canceling means, and the capsules are dispensed by dropping, for example, to a payout port provided below.

As an example of the display releasing means, a metal plate having a lower end portion bent forward is formed so as to be rotatable back and forth about a rotation shaft provided at the upper end portion. That is, in the display state, the metal plate is stopped with the lower end portion located on the near side, and therefore, the capsule can be held by the bent portion. Then, at the time of dispensing, the lower end portion of the metal plate is rotated rearward, whereby the bent portion is directed downward, whereby the display is released.

The "prize pushing means" means a means for pushing out the lowermost one of the capsules stacked in the prize storage means to the prize display means. The prize pushing means can be formed, for example, as a box which is movable in the front-rear direction and has substantially the same thickness as the capsule. That is, the lowermost capsule stored in the premium storing means is pushed forward by moving the box forward. If the extruded tip is set as the premium display means inclined forward, the capsule falls down the inclination and is held by the display release means described above,
It will be in a display state.

Next, the delivery of capsules by the premium delivery device according to the present invention will be described. In a state in which the capsule is not dispensed (hereinafter, referred to as a "stationary state"), the prize display means displays the dispensable capsule in a state in which the contents thereof can be seen.
At this time, the display release means is stopped and the capsule is held. The prize pushing means is stopped at a predetermined stop position.

[0016] Then, for example, when a capsule is paid out to a player according to the result of the game, first,
The display releasing means is activated, and the holding of the capsule is released.
As a result, the capsule is paid out to the player by dropping, for example, to a payout port provided below. When the payout is completed, the display release means moves to the original position again and stops again.

At the same time, the prize pushing means starts moving from the stop position. Then, the front end portion contacts the rear end portion of the lowest one of the capsules stored in the premium storing means. The prize pushing means pushes out the lowermost capsule by continuing to move in the tip direction. The extruded lowermost capsule, for example, falls on the above-described slope and moves to the prize display means. By this point, the display releasing means has returned to its original position and has been stopped, so that the lowermost capsule that has reached the prize display means can be further dropped by the stopped display releasing means. Escape. Then, the contents are displayed so as to be seen, and the next payment opportunity is to be waited.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to display the prize therein by displaying the capsules to a player or the like, and the displayed capsules are paid out at the next opportunity, so that the capsules for display are displayed. Can be avoided.

(Claim 2) The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the features of the invention of claim 1, the capsule is box-shaped. Claim 1
In the described invention, the shape of the capsule is not particularly limited, and for example, a spherical or substantially spherical capsule may be employed. However, such capsules are unstable when stacked and stored. Also, in the prize display means, the prize to be decorated may be displayed upside down, making it difficult for the player to visually recognize the prize.

Therefore, in the invention described in the present claim,
The capsules to be dispensed were box-shaped. "Box-shaped" means that the capsule has a shape having a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to each other. That is, a shape in which a plurality of capsules can be vertically stacked such that the top surface of one capsule is in contact with the bottom surface of another capsule. As the box shape, various shapes such as a square box and a cylindrical box are possible.

When the thickness of the box-shaped capsule is relatively small, it is difficult or impossible to confirm the contents of the prize contained in the capsule from the side of the capsule. Therefore, in the premium display means, it is necessary to display the capsule with the upper surface facing the front. For that purpose, it is desirable that the prize display means has a shape inclined toward the front. Of course, the capsule can be displayed vertically or horizontally if it is visible to the player. In this way, by making the capsule into a box shape, it is possible to stabilize the stacking in the prize storage means, and also to make the specific surface of the prize display means face to the front.

(Claim 3) The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the features of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the prize pushing means stops at the position where the extrusion of the capsule is completed, and the lowermost capsule. When the height of the passage opening through which the material is extruded and passes is P, the thickness of one capsule is T, and the thickness of the prize pushing means is D, the relationship of PT <D <T is satisfied. And

According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, in a stationary state, the prize pushing means can be formed so as to stand behind the capsule. However, in this case, the following situation may occur. That is, in the stationary state, the passage opening is opened in front of the lowermost capsule in the premium storing means. At this time, if the prize dispensing device is tilted forward due to unexpected vibration or the like, it is assumed that the lowermost capsule passes through the passage opening and falls to the prize display means. Then, at the next dispensing opportunity, two capsules will be dispensed. In some cases, it is expected that the capsules located in the prize display means also fall due to unexpected vibration, and as a result, all the capsules are paid out.

In order to prevent the above situation, according to the present invention, the prize pushing means is stopped at the pushing end position. That is, in the stationary state, the prize pushing means is located at the same position on the plane as the prize storing means, and the capsules are stacked thereon. At this time, depending on the thickness of the prize pushing means, a gap having a height equal to or more than one capsule may be formed between the prize pushing means and the upper edge of the passage opening. In this case, the above situation cannot be prevented. Therefore, the thickness of the prize pushing means is limited as described above. That is, the thickness of the prize pushing means is set to be larger than the difference between the height of the passage opening and the thickness of one capsule. As a result, the gap between the prize pushing means and the upper edge of the passage is less than the height of one capsule, and the lowermost capsule can be prevented from passing through the passage due to unexpected vibration or the like. .

The reason why the thickness of the prize pushing means is less than the thickness of one capsule is to prevent extruding two or more capsules. Needless to say, the height of the passage opening must be less than the thickness of two capsules in order to prevent the passage of two or more capsules. Here, when the height of the passage opening is substantially equal to the thickness of one capsule, the lower limit of the thickness of the prize pushing means is:
A value greater than zero is sufficient. However, if the thickness of the prize pushing means is too low, the squeezing may not be performed sufficiently due to the squeezing under the capsule or the like, which may cause malfunction. Therefore, in actual use, it is desirable that the thickness of the prize pushing means is at least half the thickness of one capsule.

Next, the operation of the prize pushing means in the prize dispensing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. First, in the stationary state, the prize pushing means is located at the lower end portion of the prize storing means which is the stop position, and capsules to be stored are stacked on the prize pushing means. Then, at the same time as the payout of the prize, the prize pushing means is retracted. At this time, the capsules stacked on the prize pushing means have the thickness of the prize pushing means (ie,
It falls in the prize storage means by the amount of D).

Here, the prize pushing means which has retreated moves forward again. Then, the lowermost capsule of the dropped capsules is pushed forward and moved to the premium display means. Thereafter, the prize pushing means returns to the original stop position and stops, and the capsules are stacked thereon again. Thus, even if the prize dispensing device is inclined due to unexpected vibration or the like, the lowermost capsule abuts on the upper end of the passage opening and can be prevented from passing.

(Claim 4) According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the features of the invention of claim 1, 2 or 3, the prize storing means adjusts the storage volume according to the size of the capsule to be stored. It is characterized by being possible. In the prize dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, the prize storing means can be formed so as to store only capsules of a specific size. However, when formed in this way, the following disadvantages occur.

First, it is physically impossible to accommodate larger capsules. Secondly, smaller capsules can be stored, but the space in the prize storing means corresponds to the original size, so that useless gaps are generated. As a result, the storage position is not fixed,
If the loaded capsule falls down or shifts, a malfunction may occur.

Therefore, if the storage volume can be adjusted according to the size of the capsule to be stored as in the invention according to the present invention, the above-mentioned disadvantages can be solved. For example, a partition which can be moved in the front-rear direction and can be fixed at an arbitrary position can be provided in the premium storing means. And, when trying to store smaller capsules, this partition is fixed at the front, and when trying to store larger capsules, it is fixed at the rear,
It can accommodate capsules of various sizes. By forming in this way, it is possible to ensure the versatility of the premium storing means.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 are side views showing the structure of a premium payout apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example of a gaming machine 90 in which the premium payout apparatus 10 according to the present invention is actually incorporated in a housing 91. In the following description, the side where the player is located in the state where the player is actually installed in the gaming machine 90 is defined as the front side, and the direction toward the front side is defined as the front side. That is, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left side is the front. In addition, a state where the dispensing of the capsule is not performed is referred to as a “stationary state”.

(Overall Shape) The prize dispensing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a drive unit, a prize storage unit 50, a prize pushing unit 60, and a prize table 70. The drive unit includes a support unit 30 having a top plate 31 and a side plate 36, and a mechanism unit 40 installed in the support unit 30. And
The top plate 31 includes a horizontal portion 32 and an inclined portion 34 inclined toward the front. The inclined portion 34 forms a part of the premium display means. The prize storage section 50 as prize storage means is located on the near side on the horizontal portion 32.

The prize extruding section 60 serving as a prize extruding means includes a top plate 31.
The upper part is formed so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. In the stationary state, it is located on the near side of the horizontal portion 32, that is, on the same plane as the prize storage portion 60. A prize table 70 as prize display means is provided continuously to the inclined portion 34 in a stationary state. The prize table 70 has a lower end portion rotatable in the front-rear direction around a rotation shaft 73 described later provided at the upper end portion. What rotates the prize table 70 is a third link plate 46 described later, which is a display canceling means.

Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. (Drive Unit) The drive unit includes the support unit 30 and the mechanism unit 40 as described above.
The support portion 30 has the top plate 31 and the side plate 36 as described above. The top plate 31 includes the horizontal portion 32 and the inclined portion 34 as described above, and the inclined portion 34 is located on the front side. Furthermore, the horizontal part
32 has a single top plate groove 33 along the front-rear direction. The prize pushing section 60 described above moves along the top plate groove 33. Near the upper end of the rear surface of the inclined portion 34, two bearing pieces 35, 35 projecting downward and rearward are provided, and are connected to the premium stand 70 via a rotating shaft 73 described later.

The mechanism section 40 is housed inside the support section 30 and drives the prize pushing section 60 and the prize table 70 by a motor 41. The motor 41 is provided at a rear portion in the support section 30, and its output shaft 42 is positioned so that the left-right direction is the axial direction. A circular cam 43 having a notch 43a is mounted on the output shaft 42 of the motor 41. The output shaft 42 is located at the center of the cam 43. The notch 43a is located at the lower end in the stationary state, and stationary positioning is performed by the cam sensor 47 located below the notch 43a.

The cam 43 is formed by an elongated first link plate 44, a second link plate 45, and a third link plate 46.
The prize pushing section 60 and the prize stand 70 are connected. The first link plate 44 is provided at one point on the circumference of the cam 43 and the second link plate.
45 and a substantially intermediate portion thereof are connected to each other, and each of them is rotatable via a floating joint. Where cam 43
Is a first joint 44a, and a joint between the second link plate 45 and the second joint 45a is a second joint 45a. Second link plate 45
Is provided with an elongated hole 45b at one end on the lower side. The elongated hole 45b is fitted in a stud 37 fixed to the side plate 36 of the support 30. Therefore, the second link plate 45 is slidable and rotatable along the elongated hole 45b with the stud 37 as a fulcrum.

One end of the upper side of the second link plate 45 is
It is rotatably connected to the first connection piece 65 of the prize extruding section 60 via a third joint 45c which is a floating joint. Furthermore, between the first link plate 44 and the premium stand 70,
The third link plate 46 is to be connected. And
The third link plate 46 and the first link plate 44 are connected to the second joint described above.
Via 45a, the third link plate 46 and the prize stand 70
Each is rotatably connected via a fourth joint 46a as a floating joint.

(Gift Storing Unit) The prize storing unit 50 is formed in a vertically elongated box shape, and is located on the front side of the horizontal portion 32 of the top plate 31. Inside, a short cylindrical capsule 55 is laminated with its axial direction vertical.

The capsule 55 has a shape in which a cylindrical lid with an open bottom is covered by a cylindrical container with an open top. Further, both the container and the lid are formed of a transparent or colored transparent material, so that the prize contained in the capsule 55 can be visually recognized from the outside. Further, as described above, the capsule 55 has a short cylindrical shape, and a cushion is provided on the bottom surface for protecting the prize to be contained. Therefore, the prize to be contained is visible only from the upper surface. The front face 51 of the prize storage section 50 is formed of a transparent acrylic plate so that a capsule 55 stored therein can be seen by a player. The back plate 52 of the prize storage unit 50 is formed to be movable in the front-rear direction according to the size of the capsule 55.

(Premium Extruding Unit) The prize extruding unit 60 includes a moving plate 61 located on the lower surface of the horizontal portion 32 of the top plate 31 and an extruded body 62 located on the upper surface of the horizontal portion 32.
It is formed by screwing through the top plate groove 33 described above. A first connecting piece 65 protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the moving plate 61, and is connected to the second link plate 45 via the third joint 45c as described above. Thereby, the prize pushing section 60 is formed so as to be movable on the top plate 31 in the front-rear direction. Further, the extruded body 62 is slightly shorter in the front-rear direction than the diameter of the capsule 55, and in the vertical direction.
It is formed slightly shorter than the thickness of 55. In the stationary state, the extruded body 62 is located at the front lower end of the prize storage unit 50, and the lowermost capsule 55a is placed on the upper surface thereof.

(Premium Table) The prize table 70 is formed in a plate shape with both sides turned back. Shaft holes 72, 72 are provided at the upper ends of the folded portions 71, 71.
Are provided, and are rotatably installed via a rotating shaft 73 provided between the bearing pieces 35 and 35 described above. Also, the same gift stand
A second connecting piece 75 protruding downward and rearward is provided near the lower end from the center of the back surface, and the fourth joint 46a provided here is provided.
Through the third link plate 46 described above. Further, from the vicinity of the lower end of the surface of the prize stand 70, two prize stoppers 74, 74 protrude. The interval between the two prize stoppers 74, 74 is shorter than the diameter of the capsule 55.

(Explanation of Operation) Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the dispensing of the capsule 55 by the premium dispensing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, in the stationary state shown in FIG. 1, the dispensable capsule 55b has its bottom surface in contact with the inclined portion 34 and its inclined upper surface facing the player. The lower end of the dispensable capsule 55b is provided with a prize stopper 7
Supported by 4, 74, escaped from falling down.
Further, a housing 9 is provided in front of the dispensable capsule 55b.
A front plate 92 made of transparent acrylic, which is a structure on one side, is located,
It prevents falling to the front.

Here, when a premium payout signal is generated during the game, the motor 41 starts rotating. Then, the motor
The output shaft 42 of 41 rotates counterclockwise in the figure,
The cam 43 attached to this also rotates in the same direction. At this time, the circumference of the cam 43 presses the cam sensor 47 so that the rotation of the motor 41 is maintained. Then, the first link plate 44 is pulled rearward about the first joint 44a provided on the cam 43. At the same time, the second link plate 4 is connected via a second joint 45a provided on the first link plate 44.
5 will also be pulled backwards.

The second link plate 45 slides along the long hole 45b provided thereunder while being regulated by the stud 37 fixed to the side plate 36. And the premium | prize storing part 50 will move back via the 3rd joint 45c provided in the upper end. At the same time, the third link plate 46 attached rotatably around the second joint 45a is also pulled backward,
The lower end of the prize stand 70 is also pulled rearward via the fourth joint 46a provided at the tip. That is, a prize stand
The lower end of 70 rotates counterclockwise in the figure around a rotation shaft 73 provided at the upper end.

Through the above operations, the state shown in FIG. 2 is reached.
That is, by the rotation of the prize stand 70, the payable capsule 55b falls off the prize stoppers 74, 74, and falls.
Payment will be made from a payout port (not shown). In parallel with the above operation, when the cam 43 rotates 180 degrees from the stationary state, the prize pushing unit is moved with the movement of the first link plate 44.
60 moves to the rearmost end along the top plate groove 33. On the other hand, the loaded capsules fall by the thickness of the extruded body 62 as the prize extruding section 60 moves backward. Then, the lowermost capsule 55a is in direct contact with the top plate 31.

Next, when the cam 43 further rotates, the first link plate 44 is pushed forward this time, and accordingly, the upper end of the second link plate 45 also moves forward. In accordance with this, the prize pushing section 60 starts to move forward again, and pushes the lowermost capsule 55a forward. When the cam 43 rotates 360 degrees from the stationary state, the prize pushing section 60 moves to the lower end of the prize storage section 50. As a result, the lowermost capsule 55a slides down the inclined portion 34.

However, at the same time, the lower end portion of the prize stand 70 has also moved to a stationary position with the forward movement of the third link plate due to the forward movement of the first link plate 44, and the inclined portion has been moved. The capsule 55a at the bottom that slides down
The prize stoppers 74, 74 avoid falling down. At this time, the front plate 92 located on the front side of the inclined portion 34 also avoids falling forward. Then, the lowermost capsule 55a, which has escaped from falling, becomes a dispensable capsule 55b, and waits for the next opportunity for dispensing.

When the cam 43 is rotated from the stationary state by 360 degrees, the notch 43a of the cam 43 is recognized by the cam sensor 47, and as a result, the rotation of the motor 41 is stopped. By repeating the above operation, the prize storage unit 50
Are paid out sequentially while always showing to the player what can be paid out next. Further, since the front face 51 of the prize storage section 50 is transparent, the remaining number of capsules 55 stored therein can be easily confirmed by the player.

(Example of Gaming Machine) Next, referring to FIG. 3, a prize payout apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described.
An example of a gaming machine in which is actually incorporated will be described. In the gaming machine 90 shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of premium payout devices 10 according to the present invention are incorporated in a housing 91. And the prize storage section
Capsules 55 stacked in 50 are visible in front. Below that, a plurality of types of capsules 55b that can be paid out next are placed diagonally on the inclined portion 34, so that the player can select a desired one from these.

Further below, the same number of rows as the prize storage section 50 are formed, and a plurality of lamps 93 are provided for each row.
The 90s are arranged so that they are concentrated toward the lower center. And in each row, only the top lamp 93,
The hit lamp 93a is different in color. On the other hand, a button type switch 94 is provided on the front surface of the housing 91 of the gaming machine 90, and a prize payout port 95 is provided on the lower left side thereof, and a coin slot 96 and a bill slot 97 are provided on the right side.

When a player inserts coins or bills through the coin insertion slot 96 or the bill insertion slot 97, the gaming machine
90 becomes a game state. Next, the player switches the button
By pressing 94, the plurality of lamps 93 start blinking one by one as if the light were moving.
For example, each column flashes to move up, the top lamp flashes, then the bottom lamp in the next column flashes, and then flashes to move that column up. .

Then, the player again operates the button type switch 94.
Pressing stops the apparent movement of light at the lamp 93 lit at that moment. At this time, if the stop can be successfully made at the hit lamp 93a, a prize payout signal is generated, and the capsule visible above the hit lamp 93a is moved by the mechanism described above to the prize payout exit.
It will be paid to 95. That is, by using the premium payout device according to the present invention for the above-described gaming machine,
The player can confirm the next prize to be paid out. In addition, by installing a plurality of the prize payout devices in one gaming machine, it becomes possible to pay out a plurality of types of prizes, and the player can select a desired one from the prize. .

(Others) In addition, the extruded body 62 or a part of the prize storage section 50 has a capsule 55
A sensor that detects the presence or absence of By providing such a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the capsule 55, for example, in the case of the gaming machine 90 shown in the above example, it is possible to detect that the capsule 55 in a specific row has disappeared. As described above, when it is detected that the capsule 55 in a certain row has run out, a command to stop the game corresponding to the certain row is issued, thereby preventing the player from playing the game aiming at the prize. It is possible. It is also possible to call attention to replenish capsules 55 to the row by setting to generate an error signal.

The prize dispensing apparatus according to the present invention can be incorporated not only into a gaming machine as described in the above description, but also into a vending machine in which capsules containing goods are displayed and simply sold. Is possible.

[0055]

With the above arrangement, the present invention has the following effects. That is, the prize dispensing device according to the present invention provides a prize dispensing device capable of displaying the contents of a dispensable capsule to a player without reducing the number of storage capsules, and dispensing the displayed capsule. Can be provided. In particular, according to the description of the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, it is possible to prevent dispensing of extra capsules. According to the description of the invention set forth in claim 4, in addition to the above effects,
Capsules of various sizes can be accommodated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the structure of a premium payout apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the premium payout apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example of a gaming machine in which the premium payout apparatus according to the present invention is actually incorporated.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Prize payout device 30 Support part 31 Top plate 32 Horizontal part 33 Top plate groove 34 Inclined part 35 Bearing piece 36 Side plate 37 Stud 40 Mechanical part 41 Motor 42 Output shaft 43 Cam 43a Notch 44 First link plate 44a First joint 45 Second link plate 45a Second joint 45b Slot 45c Third joint 46 Third link plate 46a Fourth joint 47 Cam sensor 50 Premium storage unit 51 Front 52 Back plate 55 Capsule 55a Bottom-level capsule 55b Dispensable capsule 60 Premium Extruded part 61 Moving plate 62 Extruded body 65 First connecting piece 70 Premium table 71 Folded part 72 Shaft hole 73 Rotating shaft 74 Premium stopper 75 Second connecting piece 80 Chain 81 Gear 82 Sprocket 83 Press plate 84 Spring 90 Amusement machine 91 Housing 92 Front panel 93 Lamp 93a Lamp per button 94 Button-type switch 95 Prize payout slot 96 Coin slot 97 Bill slot

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07F 9/00 G07F 11/00-11/22 A63F 9/00-9/24

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prize dispensing device for dispensing stacked capsules with a prize inside, a prize storing means for stacking and storing a plurality of capsules, a prize display means for displaying dispensable capsules, and dispensable. Display release means for releasing the display of the capsules, and prize pushing means for pushing out the lowest one of the capsules stored in the prize storage means, wherein the display release means is activated when dispensing the capsules. By doing so, the dispensable capsules displayed on the prize display means are dispensed, and the lowermost prize extruded by the prize pushing means moves to the prize display means and becomes the next payable prize.
And the prize pushing means and the display releasing means are formed by a single motor.
Actuated by the same link mechanism actuated by
There is a cam fixed to the output shaft of the motor, and one of the prize pushing means rotates on the stud through the long hole.
On the other hand, and the other is on an extruded body for extruding prizes.
Supported, supported by a cam fixed to the motor in the middle
A second link plate on which the first link plate is rotatably supported, and the display release means is a scene pushed out by the prize pushing means;
Is installed at the position where the product falls, and the upper part is rotated by the rotating shaft
Freely supported, pushed out by prize extrusion means at the bottom
A prize stopper is provided to support the prized
Third link pivotally supported by the first link plate and the second link plate
There is a prize stand that supports the board, the extruded body is at the bottom of the prize of the prize storage means, and the prize stand is
From the state where the prize is supported by the product stopper, the motor
Is rotated, the cam rotates, and the first link plate moves, and the second link plate moves.
The plate rotates around the stud and moves the extruded body backward
At the same time, the prize stand rotates with the movement of the third link plate
Rotate backward about the axis to drop the prize, and further rotate the motor, the extruded body will be located at the back
When the prize at the bottom of the prize storage means falls,
The extruder pushes the prize by the rotation of the motor
The position where the prize stand supports the extruded prize
Prize dispensing equipment characterized by being formed so as to rotate
Place. 2. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is box-shaped. 3. The prize pushing means stops at the position where the extrusion of the capsule has been completed, and the height of the passage opening through which the lowermost capsule is extruded and passes, T, the thickness of one capsule, and T, and The prize dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the thickness of the prize pushing means is D, the relationship of PT <D <T is satisfied. 4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the prize storing means is capable of adjusting a storage volume in accordance with a size of a capsule to be stored.