JP3936306B2 - Medal dispensing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medal payout machine that pays out game medals used in a slot machine to a player and can be automatically inserted into the slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a slot machine that is a gaming machine that uses gaming medals, one to three gaming medals are inserted into the medal slot, and the start reel is operated to rotate the rotating reels arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, three rows). When the stop switch is pressed and the rotation of the rotating reel is stopped, and the symbols around the rotating reel become a predetermined stop symbol, a predetermined number of game medals are paid out to the payout medal tray by the payout device. An example of a gaming machine that is formed as described above. The slot machine wins a lottery with a predetermined probability, and when a symbol around the rotating reel can be arranged in a predetermined symbol and wins, a predetermined number of games are placed on a payout medal tray by a payout device. It is formed so that medals are paid out as prizes.
[0003]
The medal payout machine can pay out game medals used in such a slot machine to a player in exchange for money such as banknotes.
Conventionally, a predetermined number of disc-shaped game medals are paid out by inserting bills or coins into a medal dispenser in a game hall, and such game medals are inserted into a medal slot on the front side of the slot machine. It was set so that the slot machine game could be executed on condition that
[0004]
When a player plays a game and wins, a predetermined number of game medals are paid out as prizes to a box-shaped payout medal tray at the bottom of the slot machine. At that time, the game medals to be paid out were discharged to the payout medal tray of the slot machine in a state of being separated one by one. Then, the player grabbed the game medals paid out into the payout medal tray by hand and put them one by one into the medal slot of the slot machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
In recent years, a slot machine stores game medals to be inserted up to a predetermined maximum number of credits (specifically, for example, up to 50) in the slot machine (so-called credits), and the game medals can be inserted by operating a bet switch. Alternatives are mainstream.
In this way, in a slot machine that can be credited, there are many players who play a game after a certain number of cards are inserted in advance. Therefore, in front of the medal slot of the conventional slot machine, a plurality of game medals can be stacked and aligned in a cylindrical shape so that a plurality of game medals can be gradually inserted from the medal slot. A guide recess is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1, FIGS. 1 and 2). Then, a plurality of gaming medals stacked in a columnar shape are placed in the guide recess and dropped into the medal slot from the opening provided at the back of the guide recess. Had gone.
[0006]
Furthermore, in recent years, even if game medals aligned at the medal slot are not manually inserted one by one, the game medals are automatically placed into the inserted medal tray in a state where they are automatically aligned. An automatic loading device that has been loaded has been developed (specifically, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-13010).
In such an automatic insertion device, a hopper-shaped medal insertion port opened upward as a medal insertion port is provided, and a transport belt or a game medal conveyed in a state of being overlapped by this belt is provided below the medal insertion port. It is provided with separation means for separating.
[0007]
The number of game medals to be paid out from the medal dispensing machine is fixed and paid out to a predetermined predetermined total number corresponding to money such as banknotes to be exchanged. There was no such thing as paying out only N cards.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-95791 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional medal dispensing machine described above, the game medals that have been paid out to the payout medal tray are placed in the slot machine's medal slot in order for the player to place the game medals by hand. I had to grab it and collect it once.
[0010]
After that, when the credit is not used, the player inserts one game medal into the medal slot of the slot machine.
In addition, when credit is used in a slot machine capable of crediting, a guide recess is formed by stacking a plurality of game medals in a cylindrical shape using the guide recess in front of the medal slot. I put it in. However, even in such a case, the game medals that have been paid out to the payout medal tray from the medal payer machine are grabbed by hand, aligned in a cylindrical shape, and one piece while holding the aligned items by hand, One piece had to be inserted, and the medal insertion operation was troublesome.
[0011]
As described above, in any case, the conventional medal dispensing machine has the game medal paid out to the payout medal tray by the player and put it in the slot machine medal slot. The first problem is that it is troublesome to collect the game medals from the paid-out medal tray and then to insert them into the slot machine.
[0012]
In addition, the collection of game medals from the medal dispenser and the operation of inserting game medals into the slot machine were performed by grabbing the game medals by hand. There was a second problem that hands would get dirty when playing games.
Furthermore, some players actually insert three game medals into the slot machine for each game without using the credits that are stored in advance by storing the game medals in the slot machine. Some prefer to use one. There is a third problem that it is not easy to introduce an automatic loading device for such a gaming style such as loading three cards.
[0013]
Accordingly, each invention described in each claim has been made in view of the problems of the conventional techniques described above, and the object thereof is as follows.
(Claim 1)
That is, the invention described in claim 1 has been made in view of the first and second problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to collect game medals from a medal dispensing machine. And the subsequent slot machine operation can be made easier, reducing the work burden on the player during the game, and reducing the frequency of grabbing the game medal by hand. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a medal dispensing machine that can reduce oil adhering to game medals and dirt from adhering to hands and soiling hands.
Furthermore, the invention according to claim 1 is a medal payout machine having a semicircular cutout opening hole in the lower vertical passage so that a game medal on the guide recess can be inserted into the medal slot. It is something to be offered.
Further, in the first aspect of the invention, when the player's finger touches the passage insertion switch on the lower front of the lower vertical passage, the medal discharging means is driven and the execution of the game medal discharge is started. It is intended to provide a medal dispensing machine that can be used.
[0014]
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, the invention described in claim 2 has been made in view of the above-mentioned third problem of the prior art, and the object is to insert all or M sheets by medal payout means. So that the player can select and automatically insert from the medal dispenser in both cases of discharging the total number and inserting the M number so that the game can be interesting. Is intended to provide a medal dispensing machine.
[0015]
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2.
That is, the invention according to claim 3 is to provide a medal payout machine capable of automatically inserting the game medal stored in the storage means into the medal slot of the slot machine by operating the familiar bet switch. It is what.
[0016]
(Claim 4)
The invention described in claim 4 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3.
That is, in the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the game medals discharged from the payout medal outlet to the input medal part, game medals from the outside other than those discharged from the payout medal outlet are also input to the input medal part. By doing so, it is intended to provide a medal dispensing machine that can be inserted into the medal slot of the slot machine.
[0017]
(Claim 5)
The invention described in claim 5 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
That is, the invention according to claim 5 allows the player to clearly know the number of remaining game medals that have not yet been paid out visually or audibly as specific numerical data. It is intended to provide a medal dispensing machine.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(Feature point)
Each invention described in each claim has been made to achieve each of the above-mentioned objects, and features of each invention will be described below using embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings. .
[0019]
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
The drawing numbers also indicate the drawing numbers used in the embodiments of the invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
[0020]
That is, a medal dispenser (200) that is adjacent to a slot machine (S) that uses game medals and that pays out the game medals to be used to the player, in order to pay out a predetermined number of game medals to the player Medals payout means (210), a payout medal discharge port (240) for discharging game medals from the medal payout means (210) to the outside, and discharged from the payout medal discharge port (240) to the outside Loading and transferring means (270) for transferring game medals to the medal slot (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S), and the medal payout means (210) 240), a medal discharge means (211) for discharging the game medal, a planned payout number storage means (212) for storing the expected payout number of game medals to be paid out to the player, and the insertion transfer means (270) Transported The passage number calculation storage means (213) for counting and storing the number of passage passes and the planned payout number storage means (212) stored in the passage number calculation storage means (213). A remaining number calculation storage means (214) for calculating a difference obtained by subtracting the number of passing sheets and storing it as a remaining number, wherein the medal discharging means (211) receives N game medals within a range equal to or less than the remaining number. The payout medal discharge port (240) discharges, and the insertion transfer means (270) is vertically downward from the input medal portion (231) into which a game medal is inserted from the payout medal discharge port (240). An upper vertical passage (273) extending to the upper vertical passage (273), and an inclined passage extending in a lateral direction downwardly inclined from the lower end of the upper vertical passage (273) upward to the medal slot (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S). 274) and lead downward from the end of the inclined passage (274) A lower vertical passage that extends in a straight direction and is aligned with the medal slot (42) in the vertical direction so that a dropped game medal can be inserted into the medal slot (42). 275), the lower vertical passage (275) is a semicircular notch opening for forming a circular space corresponding to the shape of a game medal on the front side of the lower portion of the lower vertical passage (275) A hole (276) is provided so that a game medal can be inserted through the semicircular cutout opening hole (276), and a plurality of game medals are positioned in front of the medal slot (42). A circular space corresponding to the shape of a game medal into which a game medal can be inserted is formed by the guide recess (51) in which the stacked ones can be placed and the semicircular notch opening hole (276). By pushing the game medals formed and placed in the guide recess (51) into such a circular space Wherein with medal insertion slot into (42) insertion of a game medals it is formed so as to be capable of discharge at the bottom of the front, the drives the medal discharge unit (211) and game medals of the lower longitudinal passageway (275) A passage closing switch (281) is provided .
[0021]
In addition, here, “game medals” are not limited to such disk-shaped medals, but may be ordinary coins.
Here, “N game medals” in “N game medals are discharged from the payout medal discharge port (240) within the range of the remaining number or less” means the medal discharge means (211). This means that the number of game medals discharged from the payout medal outlet (240) is N. The number N of game medals to be discharged is a minimum number of 1 and a maximum number of pass-through number calculation storage means (213) from the expected payout number stored in the expected payout number storage means (212). ) Means the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passages stored.
[0022]
“To discharge N game medals from the payout medal outlet (240) within the range of the remaining number or less” means that the number of game medals that have not been paid out out of the planned payout number is below. This means that N game medals can be discharged to the payout medal outlet (240) within the range. Specifically, for example, when the initial planned payout number is 50, and when the number of game medals that have already passed through the input and transfer means (270) is 20, the planned payout number (50 The remaining number (30) obtained by subtracting the passing number (20) from the number of passes) is the remaining number of game medals that have not yet been paid out of the current scheduled payout number. This includes that N game medals can be inserted into the payout medal outlet 240 within the range of the actual number of game medals remaining (30) or less.
[0023]
Here, “N” of “N game medals” means the passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage means (213) from the expected payout number stored in the scheduled payout number storage means (212). It means a preset number of sheets within a range equal to or less than the remaining number after subtraction. For example, when the remaining number is K, it means any one of preset numbers among 1, 2, 3,... K.
[0024]
For example, the present invention includes a case where the medal discharging means (211) sets the number N of game medals to be paid out and discharged from the medal discharging port (240) to N = 3 in advance. In such a case, for example, when a game is played when the current scheduled payout number is 50, the current number of passing passes is 0, and the current remaining number is 50, three game medals are paid out for each game. As the number of passing passes becomes 3 after being discharged from the discharge port (240), as the game progresses, the remaining payable amount that has not yet been paid out is the current scheduled payout The number of passing sheets (3 sheets) is subtracted from the number of sheets (50 sheets) for each game, and changes from 47 sheets → 44 sheets → 41 sheets...
[0025]
In addition, for example, the present invention includes a case where the medal discharge means (211) sets the number N of game medals to be paid out and discharged from the medal discharge port (240) to all the remaining numbers in advance. In this case, for example, if discharging is performed when the current scheduled payout number is 50, the current passing number is 0, and the current remaining number is 50, the remaining 50 game medals are paid out and the medal discharge port ( 240).
[0026]
(Function)
In the present invention, the medal discharge means (211) of the medal payout means (210) discharges game medals from the medal discharge port (240). Then, the insertion transfer means (270) of the medal payout means (210) transfers the game medals discharged from the payout medal discharge opening (240) to the medal insertion opening (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S). To do. Then, the transferred game medal is inserted into the medal slot (42) of the slot machine (S). Thereby, the game medal from the medal payout machine (200) can be thrown into the adjacent slot machine (S) without the player grasping it by hand.
[0027]
Then, the passing number calculation storage means (213) counts and stores the passing number of game medals that have passed through the insertion transfer means (270). Then, the remaining number calculation storage means (214) calculates a difference obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage means (213) from the planned payout number stored in the planned payout number storage means (212) as the remaining number. And remember. Then, the medal payout means (210) described above receives a predetermined number (N) of game medals within a range equal to or less than the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passages from the expected payout number by the medal discharge means (211). Drain from outlet (240). The game medals discharged from the payout medal discharge port (240) are transferred to the medal insertion port (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S) through the input transfer means (270). As a result, the medal dispensing machine (200) automatically inserts a predetermined number (N) of game medals into the medal slot (42) of the slot machine (S) adjacent to the medal dispensing machine (200). can do. Therefore, the player can save the trouble of grabbing the game medal paid out from the medal payout machine (200) by hand and carrying it to the medal slot (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S), The collection of game medals from the medal dispenser (200) and the subsequent slotting operation into the slot machine (S) can be facilitated, reducing the work burden on the player during the game. . In addition, since the frequency of grasping the game medal with the hand can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the hand due to the oil or dirt adhering to the game medal adhering to the hand.
In the present invention, since the semicircular notch opening hole (276) of the lower vertical passage (275) is cut in a semicircular shape, it corresponds to the shape of the game medal above the medal slot (42). A circular space is formed, and a player puts a plurality of game medals on the guide recess (51) in front of the medal slot (42), and the player takes it with his own hands. A game medal can be inserted into the medal slot (42) by pushing the game medal into the circular space.
In the present invention, when the player's finger touches the passage insertion switch (281) on the lower front of the lower vertical passage (275) , the medal discharge means (211) is driven to execute the discharge of the game medal. Is started.
[0028]
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, the medal payout means (210) stores the total number of game medals for discharging all remaining game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214) and the remaining number calculation storage means (214). The player has a changeover switch (220) for selecting any one of M discharges for discharging a predetermined M sheets within the range of the remaining number, and the medal payout means (210) Based on the operation of the changeover switch (220), the total number of game medals or the M number of game medals is discharged.
[0029]
Here, “all number of game medals for discharging all remaining game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214)” means the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passing sheets from the scheduled payout number, that is, still paying This means that the medal discharging means (211) discharges all remaining game medals that have not been issued.
Here, “M discharge of M sheets discharged out of the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214)” is the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passages from the expected payout number. Among them, a predetermined number of M (specifically, for example, including those set to 3 (M = 3) which is the maximum number of game medals that can be used for one game) This means that the medal discharging means (211) discharges the game medal.
[0030]
Here, the “switching switch (220)” specifically includes, for example, a three-sheet discharging switch (221) and an all-sheet discharging switch (222) as shown in FIG. Including things.
(Function)
The present invention uses the changeover switch (220) to discharge all of the remaining number of game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214), and through the slot transfer means (270), the slot machine (S ) Medal slot (42) or a predetermined number of M game medals are discharged, and the slot machine (S) medal slot (S) is inserted via the slot transfer means (270). 42) The player can select whether or not to enter. In this way, the game medal is automatically inserted into the medal slot (42) of the slot machine (S) from the medal dispenser (200) in both cases of the total number ejection and the predetermined M number ejection. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to increase the diversity of games, meet the demands of various players with different input style preferences, and make the games interesting.
[0031]
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2.
That is, the slot machine (S) adjacent to the medal payout machine (200) has a bet switch (35) that replaces the medal insertion by reducing the number of game medals stored in the slot machine (S). Between the medal payer (200) and the slot machine (S), based on the operation of the bet switch (35), the game by the medal discharge means (211) of the medal payout means (210) A communication means for executing the medal discharge is formed, and the medal discharge means (211) of the medal payout means (210) is interlocked with the operation of the bet switch (35) of the slot machine (S). The game medals are discharged.
[0032]
Here, the “transmission means” is located between the medal payer (200) and the slot machine (S), and is based on the operation of the bet switch (35) by the medal discharge means (211). It includes an electric cable, wiring, etc. for interlocking execution of game medal discharge.
(Function)
In the present invention, the game medal can be discharged by the medal discharging means (211) by operating the bet switch (35) of the slot machine (S). As a result, the player can automatically operate the slot machine (S) from the game medals stored in the medal dispensing machine (200) without holding the game medals by his / her own hands by operating the familiar bet switch (35). Can be inserted into the medal slot (42).
[0033]
(Claim 4)
The invention described in claim 4 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3.
That is, the medal payout machine (200) includes an insertion medal portion (231) provided with an opening (282) between the insertion transfer means (270) and the medal discharge means (211). (231) communicates the payout medal discharge port (240) and the opening (282), and inserts the game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port (240) into the input transfer means (270). It was formed as described above.
[0034]
Specifically, the present invention includes a dish-shaped insertion medal portion (231) having an opening (282) that opens upward as shown in FIGS.
Note that, here, “the payout medal discharge port (240) and the opening (282) communicate with each other”, but the payout medal discharge port (240) and the opening (282) are not necessarily formed in a continuous tubular shape. It need not be formed by a closed passage. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a payout medal discharge port (240) is formed above the opening (282), and a game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port (240) is always open (282). It is also included that the game medals are formed so as to be inserted in the game machine so that game medals can be transferred continuously.
[0035]
(Function)
In the present invention, the game medals discharged from the payout medal outlet (240) are transferred into the inserted medal part (231) through the opening (282). Then, the inserted medal unit (231) inputs the game medal that has dropped onto the inserted medal unit (231) to the input transfer means (270). Then, by the insertion transfer means (270), the game medal can be transferred to the medal insertion slot (42) of the adjacent slot machine (S).
[0036]
Further, since the insertion medal part (231) has an opening (282), when the player inserts a game medal into the insertion medal part (231) from the outside, the payout medal outlet (240) It is possible to transfer game medals from the outside other than those discharged from the slot to the medal slot (42) of the slot machine (S) via the slot transfer means (270).
(Claim 5)
The invention described in claim 5 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
[0037]
That is, a remaining number notifying means (233) for notifying the player of the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214) is provided.
Specifically, the remaining number notification means (233) includes a means for visually displaying numerical values and a means for audibly notifying by voice.
(Function)
In the present invention, the player can know the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means (214) by the remaining number notification means (233). As a result, the player can clearly or visually determine the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passages from the planned number of payouts, that is, the number of remaining game medals that have not yet been actually paid out, as specific numerical data. I can know.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 is an external perspective view of a medal dispensing machine adjacent to a slot machine, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an input / transfer means, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an upper portion of the input / transfer means, and FIG. 4 is a medal payout machine and a slot machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the input / output relationship of signals of the input and transfer means, and FIG. 6 is a schematic conceptual diagram of the game medal pushing mechanism of the upper delivery disk of the medal discharge means. It is.
[0039]
The medal payout machine 200 according to the present embodiment is for paying out game medals to a player adjacent to the slot machine S that uses game medals.
First, the slot machine S arranged adjacent to the medal payer 200 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described.
(Slot Machine S)
The slot machine S performs a game by inserting a disk-shaped game medal from the medal slot 42. The slot machine S is roughly divided into a box-shaped housing 1 having a front opening that opens to the front side, and a door 3 for closing the front opening of the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable. Yes. Various devices for playing games are arranged inside the housing 1 and on the back side of the door 3.
[0040]
(Case 1)
The casing 1 has a substantially box shape as a whole, and has a top plate that covers the top, a side plate that covers the left and right sides, a bottom plate that covers the bottom, and a back plate that covers the back side. The part is covered by a door 3 that can be opened and closed. Although not particularly illustrated, an intermediate plate is passed in the lateral direction at the approximate center inside the housing 1. A reel unit comprising a rotating reel 10 having a plurality of symbols drawn around it and a driving motor for rotating the rotating reel 10 is arranged on the upper portion of the casing 1 on the middle plate. ing. A control device for controlling the internal components of the slot machine S is fixed to the upper side of the housing 1 on the back side. The lower part of the middle plate of the housing 1 stores a power supply device for supplying power to each component and a game medal for the player to put in and pay out to the player. And a payout device 5 capable of paying out game medals to the player in the case of winning a prize.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the “front side” refers to a case where the player is located in front of the slot machine S and the medal dispenser 200 facing the slot machine S and the medal dispenser 200. It means the front side of such a player. Therefore, the near side direction means a direction from the back to the front of the slot machine S and the medal dispensing machine 200. Further, the “back side” refers to a player who is positioned on the front side of the slot machine S and the medal dispenser 200 facing the slot machine S and the medal dispenser 200. It means the back side when viewed. Therefore, the back side direction means a direction from the front of the slot machine S and the medal dispensing machine 200 to the back.
[0042]
(Door 3)
The door 3 is a plate-like door that is formed to be rotatable with a rotation shaft on the left side of the housing 1 and that can be locked to the front opening of the housing 1.
In the substantially central part of the upper part of the door 3, there is a symbol display window 31 through which the symbol of the rotating reel can be seen from the front side. A device is provided.
[0043]
An operation part 41 for operating the slot machine S is formed in the approximate center of the door 3.
A box-shaped payout medal tray 43 for storing game medals paid out by the payout device 5 is formed below the door 3. At the center back side of the payout medal tray 43, a lower payout outlet 45 for payout from the payout device 5 is formed. A front panel 50 for displaying game contents and other guidance is fitted on the payout medal tray 43 below the door 3.
[0044]
As the operation unit 41, a medal slot 42 for a player to insert a game medal for playing a game is formed at the right end of the center of the door 3. A bet switch 35 is formed on the left side of the substantially center of the door 3. This bet switch 35 has a predetermined number of game medals (so-called credited games) stored in the slot machine S up to a predetermined number (the maximum number of games that can be stored as credits in the slot machine S, the so-called maximum credit number 50). The medal) can be replaced with the insertion of three game medals by operation. A lever-type start switch 34 for starting the rotation of the rotary reel 10 by an operation is formed on the left front side of the operation unit 41. A button-type stop switch 36 that can stop each of the three rotary reels 10 by an operation is formed on the front side of the approximate center of the operation unit 41. On the right side of the operation unit 41, a key hole 44 that can unlock the door 3 is formed. When a predetermined key is inserted into the keyhole 44 and turned, the door lock mechanism of the door 3 is unlocked.
[0045]
Furthermore, a medal selector 48 for detecting game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 is formed below the medal insertion slot 42 on the back side of the door 3. The medal selector 48 is for judging whether the game medal is correct or not while guiding the game medal inserted from the medal slot 42. Inside the medal selector 48 is provided an insertion switch that generates an electric signal when an appropriate game medal is inserted. In the case where game medals exceeding the maximum number of credits (50) are inserted from the medal insertion slot 42, the medal selector 48 inserts game medals inserted exceeding the maximum credit number into the lower payout outlet. It is formed so as to be discharged from 45 to the payout medal tray 43.
[0046]
(Medal slot 42)
The medal slot 42 is for inserting a game medal for use in a game into the slot machine S. The medal slot 42 is a hole having a substantially rectangular opening, and the width of the medal slot 42 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the game medal. The length is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game medal. The medal slot 42 has a passage for transferring game medals to the medal selector 48 disposed below the medal slot 42. Therefore, the game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 are guided to the medal selector 48.
[0047]
In addition, on the medal slot 42, the lower end of the lower vertical passage 275 of the slot transfer means 270 of the medal dispenser 200 is disposed. The semicircular notch-shaped opening hole 276 that is a hole opened on the lower surface of the front end of the lower vertical passage 275 and the medal insertion opening 42 are arranged at positions that are aligned in the vertical direction. As a result, the game medal that has rolled down from the semicircular cutout opening 276 of the lower vertical passage 275 of the insertion transfer means 270 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42.
[0048]
Since the semicircular cutout opening 276 of the lower vertical passage 275 is cut in a semicircular shape, a circular space corresponding to the shape of the game medal is formed above the medal slot 42. Thus, it is possible for a player to insert a game medal into the medal slot 42 by pushing the game medal into the circular space with his / her hand.
In addition, a plurality of stacked game medals are placed in front of the medal insertion slot 42, and a curved guide recess 51 is formed in an upward direction that can be inserted by the player's hand while pushing it by hand. Is formed.
[0049]
(Medal selector 48)
The medal selector 48 is for detecting a game medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 42. The medal selector 48 can determine whether or not the game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 are appropriate ones made of a predetermined size shape and material. Then, the medal selector 48 turns on the insertion switch inside the medal selector 48 if the game medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 is an appropriate game medal determined in advance. The appropriate game medals are stored in the payout device 5. On the other hand, when the game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42 are inappropriate or when game medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are inserted, these game medals go to the payout medal tray 43 below. It is formed so as to be discharged from the lower payout outlet 45.
[0050]
(Dispensing device 5)
The payout device 5 stores the game medals that have passed through the medal selector 48 in the slot machine S and can pay out the game medals toward the player in a predetermined case. This payout device 5 is also called an alias, a hopper unit.
[0051]
(Payout medal plate 43)
The payout medal tray 43 is located at the lower part on the front side of the door 3 and is a box-shaped container for storing game medals paid out from the payout device 5 toward the player. A substantially lower center of the payout medal tray 43 is formed with a lower payout outlet 45 through which game medals paid out from the payout device 5 are discharged toward the payout medal tray 43.
[0052]
Next, a medal payout machine 200 that can pay out game medals used in the slot machine S described above and can automatically insert game medals into the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S will be described.
(Medal dispenser 200)
The medal payout machine 200 has a thin box shape as a whole, and is for paying out game medals to the player adjacent to the slot machine S. In the game hall, the medal dispensing machine 200 is arranged so that one slot machine S is sandwiched between each slot machine S in a so-called island arrangement in which a plurality of slot machines S are arranged in a horizontal direction. It is. As shown in FIG. 1, this medal payer 200 can automatically insert game medals into the slot machine S with the slot machine S arranged on the left side from the front of the medal payer 200. It is what you are doing.
[0053]
The medal dispensing machine 200 has a bill insertion slot 251 near the center of the front surface thereof. The medal dispensing machine 200 includes a bill counter 250 that determines whether or not the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 251 is appropriate and counts the number of inserted bills.
On the front side of the medal dispensing machine 200, below the bill insertion slot 251, there are formed two push button type changeover switches 220 capable of selecting either the total number discharge or the three sheet discharge. ing.
[0054]
On the front side of the medal payer 200, below the changeover switch 220, the remaining number of game medals currently stored in the storage means 310 can be visually displayed as a numerical value. A sheet number notifying means 233 is formed.
The medal payout machine 200 is provided with a medal payout means 210 capable of paying out a predetermined number of game medals to the player.
[0055]
(Medal payout means 210)
The medal payout means 210 can pay out a predetermined number of game medals determined by selection of the changeover switch 220 from the payout medal discharge port 240 to the player according to the number of bills counted by the bill counter 250. Is.
The medal payout means 210 includes a medal discharge means 211 for discharging game medals from the payout medal discharge port 240, a scheduled payout number storage means 212 for storing the expected payout number of game medals to be paid out to the player, and an input transfer. The passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage means 213 is counted from the passing number calculation storage means 213 that counts and stores the passing number of passing game medals through the means 270 and the planned payout number storage means 212 stored. And a remaining number calculation storage unit 214 that calculates and stores the subtracted difference as the remaining number.
[0056]
Note that the scheduled payout number storage means 212, the pass number calculation storage means 213, and the remaining number calculation storage means 214 are not particularly shown, but are incorporated in advance in the control device of the medal payout machine 200 as a program. is there. Although not shown in the figure, this control device is composed mainly of a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The CPU reads a program stored in the ROM so that various data processing can be executed. It is possible.
[0057]
(Medal discharging means 211)
The medal discharging means 211 is for discharging game medals stored in the medal payer 200 from the payout medal outlet 240 on the front of the medal payer 200. The medal discharging means 211 pays out N game medals within a range equal to or less than the remaining number obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculating storage means 213 from the scheduled payout number stored in the scheduled payout number storing means 212. It is discharged from the discharge port 240. The N number of sheets can be discharged within the range equal to or less than the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214, and the player can select either the total number discharging or the three sheet discharging by the changeover switch 220. Is.
[0058]
Specifically, the medal discharging means 211 has a hopper 261 that opens upward and can store game medals, and one game medals stored in the hopper 261 at the bottom of the hopper 261 one by one. An upper feed disk 232 that can be discharged to the payout medal outlet 240, a stepping motor 216 for rotating the upper feed disk 232, and a discharge control means 215 for controlling the driving of the stepping motor 216 are provided. ing. The game medal delivery mechanism of the upper delivery disk 232 of the medal discharge means 211 is similar in principle to the payout device 5 of the slot machine S.
[0059]
A circular medal hole 236 into which one game medal can enter one by one is formed on the surface of the upper delivery disk 232. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper delivery disk 232 is rotated by being pushed by a pin 237 that is fixed to the structure below the upper delivery disk 232 and protrudes toward the lower surface side of the upper delivery disk 232. Accordingly, the game medals entering the medal hole 236 are pushed out one by one and discharged from the payout medal outlet 240 to the outside.
[0060]
(Disbursement medal outlet 240)
The payout medal discharge port 240 is provided on the front side from the medal payout means 210 inside the medal payout machine 200 for playing a game medal to be paid out to the player for the game of the slot machine S on condition that a bill is inserted into the medal payout machine 200. It is a discharge port for discharging to.
[0061]
Specifically, the payout medal discharge port 240 is formed on the front side of the medal transfer means 280 and in the vicinity of the upper portion of the medal payer 200 in the height direction. Under the payout medal discharge port 240, an input medal portion 231 into which a game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 is inserted is formed.
(Introduction medal 231)
The inserted medal unit 231 can insert a game medal for automatically inserting a game medal into the slot machine S from the payout medal outlet 240 of the medal payer 200. The inserted medal unit 231 communicates with an insertion transfer means 270 for transferring a game medal to the medal insertion slot 42 of the slot machine S in the lower part on the front side.
[0062]
The inserted medal unit 231 is positioned on the front side of the payout medal discharge port 240 and at the upper part of the front side of the medal payout machine 200 so that game medals discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 are inserted. It is a substantially square box shape. An inclined bottom surface portion 239 that is inclined downward toward the front side is formed on the bottom surface of the inserted medal portion 231. The front side of the inclined bottom surface portion 239 is formed so as to communicate with the upper end of the upper vertical passage 273 of the input / transfer means 270.
[0063]
(Input transfer means 270)
The insertion transfer means 270 is for transferring game medals discharged to the outside from the payout medal discharge port 240 and entering the insertion medal unit 231 to the medal insertion port 42 of the adjacent slot machine S.
The input and transfer means 270 has a substantially crank shape as a whole, and is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a game medal can move by its own weight. The insertion transfer means 270 includes an upper vertical passage 273 extending vertically downward from the insertion medal portion 231 and descending from the lower end of the upper vertical passage 273 toward the upper side of the medal insertion opening 42 of the left slot machine S. An inclined passage 274 extending in the horizontal direction in an inclined manner and a lower vertical passage 275 extending in the vertical direction downward from the end of the inclined passage 274 are provided.
[0064]
In addition, on the front side of the upper vertical passage 273, the inclined passage 274, and the lower vertical passage 275, there is a peephole that opens on the front and back so that it is possible to visually determine the clogging of game medals, etc. Or a member on the front side may be formed from a transparent resin material or the like so that the movement of the internal game medal can be confirmed from the front side.
[0065]
A passage sensor 272 capable of detecting the passage of game medals is formed in the passage below the lower vertical passage 275. This passage sensor 272 is an optical sensor, and an LED lamp disposed inside the front of the lower vertical passage 275 so as to sandwich the inside of the lower vertical passage 275, and a passage on the back of the lower vertical passage 275 It consists of a phototransistor arranged inside. The optical sensor of the passage sensor 272 can detect the passage of the game medal by detecting that the phototransistor blocks light from the LED lamp when the game medal passes. Although not shown in the drawing, a control cable capable of sending a detection signal from the passage sensor 272 to the passage number calculation storage means 213 is formed, and the detection signal of the passage sensor 272 is transmitted to the passage number calculation storage means 213. It is possible to transmit to.
[0066]
On the front side of the lower part of the lower vertical passage 275 of the input / transfer means 270, a passage input switch 281 comprising a contact type sensor is formed. Although not shown in the drawing, a control cable capable of sending a control signal from the passage insertion switch 281 to the discharge control means 215 of the medal discharge means 211 is formed, and the player's finger is connected to the passage insertion switch 281. By touching, the control signal is sent to the discharge control means 215 of the medal discharge means 211. Then, triggered by the input of such a control signal, the discharge control means 215 of the medal discharge means 211 rotates the stepping motor 216 by a predetermined angle, and the total number discharge or the three-sheet discharge selected in advance by the changeover switch 220 is performed. Execution starts.
[0067]
The game medals sent out by the medal discharge means 211 are discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 to the insertion medal section 231. From the insertion medal section 231, the upper vertical passage 273, the inclined passage 274 and the lower vertical passage of the insertion transfer means 270 are discharged. It is formed so as to be transferred to the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S via the passage 275 and finally inserted into the slot machine S from the medal slot 42.
[0068]
The insertion transfer means 270 and the insertion medal unit 231 are integrally formed as a whole and can be easily detached from the medal payer 200. Specifically, although not particularly illustrated, an upper convex portion protruding rearward is formed on the end face of the inserted medal portion 231 on the medal payer 200 side, and the medal payer 200 side aligned with the upper convex portion An upper concave portion in which the upper convex portion can be fitted is formed at a position on the front side. Further, a lower convex portion that protrudes downward is formed on the lower end surface of the lower vertical passage 275 of the insertion transfer means 270, and is aligned with the lower convex portion at the position of the medal insertion slot 42 of the slot machine S. A lower concave portion in which the lower convex portion can be fitted is formed in the periphery. By attaching and detaching the upper convex portion and the upper concave portion, and attaching and detaching the lower convex portion and the lower concave portion, it is possible to easily connect the integrated insertion transfer means 270 and the insertion medal portion 231 to the front of the medal dispensing machine 200. It can be detached from. Thereby, even if the door 3 of the slot machine S must be opened in the game hall, the work can be easily performed.
[0069]
(Scheduled payout storage unit 212)
The scheduled payout number storage means 212 is for storing the planned payout number of game medals to be paid out to the player. This scheduled payout number storage means 212 is based on a control signal that means that a predetermined amount of a predetermined amount of bills from the bill counter 250 has been inserted. For example, the number of game medals paid out when a 1000-yen bill is inserted is added to the current planned payout number, and the added value is stored as a new planned payout number. Specifically, in the case of the above-described example, when 10 sheets are stored as the current scheduled payout number, when a 1000 yen bill is newly inserted, a numerical value of a total of 60 sheets of 10 sheets + 50 sheets. Is stored as a new scheduled payout number. In addition, when a plurality of bills of a predetermined amount are inserted from the bill insertion slot 251, the planned payout number of game medals corresponding to the total amount of the predetermined amount is stored. That is, when two banknotes corresponding to the planned payout number of 50 are inserted in one banknote, the planned payout number of 100 sheets of 50 × 2 is added to the current expected payout number, and a new It is stored as the scheduled payout number. The scheduled payout number storage unit 212 sets the scheduled payout number at the start of power-on to 0. Then, as long as the power supply continues to be in the ON state, it is set to continuously add the scheduled payout number based on the control signal from the bill counter 250. Note that the memory of the scheduled payout number storage unit 212 has a sufficient storage capacity in consideration of the daily operation of the game hall.
[0070]
(Passing number calculation storage means 213)
The passing number calculation storage means 213 is for counting and storing the passing number of passing game medals through the input and transfer means 270.
Specifically, the passing number calculation storage means 213 calculates the number of game medals passed based on the passing signal of the game medals from the passage sensor 272 provided at the lower part of the lower vertical passage 275 of the input and transfer means 270. This is added to the current number of passing sheets, and the added value is stored as a new number of passing sheets. Note that the passing number calculation storage means 213 is set to 0 at the start of power-on. Then, as long as the power supply is continuously turned on, the setting is made so as to continue addition. The passing number calculation storage means 213 has a sufficient storage capacity in consideration of the daily operation of the game hall.
[0071]
(Remaining number calculation storage means 214)
The remaining number calculation storage means 214 is for calculating and storing the difference obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage means 213 from the scheduled payout number stored in the planned payout number storage means 212 as a remaining number. It is. The remaining number calculation storage means 214 is set so as to continue calculation and storage as long as the power is continuously turned on. The remaining number calculation storage means 214 has a sufficient storage capacity in consideration of the daily business of the game hall.
[0072]
In order to display the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 on the remaining number notification unit 233 of the medal dispensing machine 200, a data signal of the remaining number is sent from the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 to the remaining number notification unit 233. It is output.
(Changeover switch 220)
As shown in FIG. 1, the change-over switch 220 is two push button switches located at the lower front of the medal dispensing machine 200. The change-over switch 220 then discharges all the remaining game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 and discharges them from the medal discharge port 240, and the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit 214. Among them, the player selects one of the three discharges which are discharged in advance from the medal discharge port 240 for paying out three. The medal payout means 210 is set to discharge all or three game medals based on the player's operation of the changeover switch 220.
[0073]
Specifically, the change-over switch 220 includes a total number discharge switch 222 for discharging all of the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 from the payout medal discharge port 240, so-called total number discharge, and a remaining number A three-sheet discharge switch 221 for discharging three of the remaining number (in the case of three or more) stored in the arithmetic storage means 214 from the payout medal discharge port 240, so-called three-sheet discharge, is provided. Even when the three-sheet discharge switch 221 is operated, when the remaining number of game medals actually stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 is less than one or two, three. The one or all of the two sheets are set to be inserted.
[0074]
This change-over switch 220 selects whether the automatic insertion number from the medal dispensing machine 200 is to be performed by inserting all the pieces or by inserting three pieces, and the number of inserted pieces is only determined in advance. The actual insertion start timing is determined by operating the passage insertion switch 281 of the lower vertical passage 275 of the insertion transfer means 270 so that the selected insertion number can be obtained from the payout medal outlet 240 by the medal transfer means 280. It will be discharged.
[0075]
(Discharge control means 215)
The discharge control means 215 controls the stepping motor 216 for rotating the upper delivery disk 232 by a predetermined angle based on the output signal from the remaining number calculation storage means 214 and the operation signal of the passage closing switch 281. It is. The discharge control means 215 receives an operation signal of either the three-sheet discharge or the total number discharge of the changeover switch 220 via the remaining number calculation storage means 214.
[0076]
The discharge control means 215 is set to the all-sheet discharge mode when the all-sheet discharge is selected, and is set to the three-sheet discharge mode when the three-sheet discharge is selected.
Specifically, when the all-sheets discharge mode is set, the discharge control unit 215 stores the remaining number of games stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 based on the operation of the passage input switch 281. The stepping motor is rotated by a predetermined rotation number and a predetermined angle (predetermined step) corresponding to the remaining number so that medals can be discharged and discharged from the medal discharge port 240.
[0077]
Then, when the three-sheet discharge mode is set, the discharge control means 215 can discharge only three game medals from the medal discharge port 240 based on the operation of the passage insertion switch 281. In this way, it is rotated by a predetermined angle (predetermined step). When the three-sheet feeding mode is set, the discharge control means 215 applies the stepping motor by the same angle as the three-sheet discharge even when the remaining number calculation storage means 214 has two or one remaining sheets. Although it is rotated, what is actually discharged is the remaining two or one.
[0078]
(Remaining number report means 233)
As shown in FIG. 1, the remaining number notifying means 233 is located at the lower front of the medal dispensing machine 200 and is composed of 7 segment LEDs, and can display numerical data. The remaining number notification means 233 is for displaying the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 to the player. Specifically, numerical data of the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 is output to the remaining number notifying unit 233 and can be displayed. Thereby, the remaining number of game medals that have not been paid out among the number of game medals corresponding to the inserted banknote amount can be notified to the player as specific numerical data.
[0079]
The remaining number notifying means 233 may be one that notifies the remaining number by voice.
(Function)
In the medal payout machine 200 according to the present embodiment, the medal discharge means 211 of the medal payout means 210 discharges game medals from the payout medal outlet 240 to the inserted medal unit 231. Then, the game medals discharged to the inserted medal unit 231 are transferred to the input transfer means 270. Then, the insertion transfer means 270 transfers the game medals to the medal insertion slot 42 of the adjacent slot machine S. Then, the transferred game medal is inserted into the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S. Thereby, the game medal from the medal payer 200 can be thrown into the adjacent slot machine S without the player holding it by hand.
[0080]
In the medal payout machine 200 according to the present embodiment, the passed number calculation storage means 213 counts and stores the number of game medals passed through the insertion transfer means 270. Then, the remaining number calculation storage unit 214 calculates and stores a difference obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage unit 213 from the planned number of payments stored in the planned payout number storage unit 212 as a remaining number. Then, the medal payout means 210 described above discharges a predetermined number of game medals from the payout medal discharge port 240 by the medal discharge means 211 within a range equal to or less than the remaining number obtained by subtracting the number of passages from the expected payout number. The game medals discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 are transferred to the medal insertion port 42 of the adjacent slot machine S via the input transfer means 270.
[0081]
More specifically, the medal discharge means 211 stores the remaining number calculation based on the operation of the passage insertion switch 281 by the player's hand when the total number discharge switch 222 of the changeover switch 220 is operated. All the remaining number of game medals not yet paid out stored in the means 214 are discharged from the payout medal outlet 240 to the inserted medal unit 231. The game medals are transferred to the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S by the slot transfer means 270.
[0082]
Further, the medal discharge means 211 is stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 based on the operation of the passage insertion switch 281 by the player's hand when the three-sheet discharge switch 221 of the changeover switch 220 is operated. From the remaining number of game medals that have not yet been paid out, three game medals are discharged from the payout medal outlet 240 to the inserted medal unit 231. The game medals are transferred to the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S by the slot transfer means 270.
[0083]
As described above, the medal payer 200 according to the present embodiment is a slot machine adjacent to the medal payer 200 for a predetermined number of game medals (the remaining number or three) among the remaining game medals. It can be automatically inserted into the medal slot 42 of S.
Therefore, the player can save the trouble of grabbing the game medal paid out from the medal dispensing machine 200 with his hand and carrying it to the medal insertion slot 42 of the adjacent slot machine S. The collection of the game medals and the subsequent operation to the slot machine S can be facilitated, and the work burden on the player during the game can be reduced. In addition, since the frequency of grasping the game medal with the hand can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the hand due to the oil or dirt adhering to the game medal adhering to the hand.
[0084]
Then, the medal payout machine 200 according to the present embodiment uses the changeover switch 220 to discharge all of the remaining number of game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 from the payout medal discharge port 240 and insert them. Inserting into the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S via the transfer means 270, or discharging a predetermined number of three game medals from the payout medal outlet 240 and via the slot transfer means 270 The player can select whether or not to insert into the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S.
[0085]
In other words, a so-called three-card insertion style in which three game medals are actually inserted into the slot machine for each game without using a credit stored in advance by storing game medals in the slot machine. Can also provide a mechanism that allows three game medals from the medal dispensing machine 200 to be automatically inserted into the slot machine S simply by operating the passage insertion switch 281. . Thereby, the diversity of games can be increased, the demands of various players with different preferences of the input style can be met, and the games can be made interesting.
[0086]
(Second embodiment)
7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the input and transfer means, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the upper part of the input and transfer means. .
In the first embodiment, the insertion medal unit 231 has a substantially square box shape and the upper surface is closed so as to cover the payout medal discharge port 240, whereas in this embodiment, the insertion medal unit 231 is inserted. The medal unit 231 has an opening (282) that opens below the payout medal discharge port 240 and opens upward so that the game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 falls and is inserted, It is characterized by being formed in a substantially square dish shape. Further, on the peripheral edge of the inserted medal part 231, a dish standing part 238 standing upward is formed. That is, as a result, the payout medal outlet 240 and the opening 282 are in communication with each other. An inclined bottom surface portion 239 that is inclined downward toward the front side is formed on the bottom surface of the inserted medal portion 231. The front side of the inclined bottom surface portion 239 is formed so as to communicate with the upper end of the upper vertical passage 273 of the input / transfer means 270.
[0087]
Further, the present embodiment is characterized in that the passage sensor 272 is not provided in the lower vertical passage 275 as in the first embodiment, and is formed above and below the payout medal outlet 240. Thereby, the game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 is formed so as to be detectable.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0088]
In the medal payout machine 200 according to the present embodiment, an insertion medal portion 231 having an opening 282 that opens upward in a dish shape is located below the payout medal discharge port 240. For this reason, the game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 falls into the opening 282 of the lower insertion medal part 231. Since the inserted medal unit 231 communicates with the inserted transfer means 270, the game medal dropped on the inserted medal unit 231 is sent to the inserted transfer means 270, and the adjacent slot machine S is transmitted by the inserted transfer means 270. Can be transferred to the medal slot 42.
[0089]
Further, since the inserted medal unit 231 is opened in a dish shape upward, the payout medal discharge port is provided when the player himself inserts the game medal into the inserted medal unit 231 from the outside. Game medals from the outside other than those discharged from 240 can be transferred to the medal slot 42 of the slot machine S through the slot transfer means 270. Thereby, a player can easily insert a plurality of game medals manually, which is convenient.
[0090]
As described above, even if a player inserts a game medal other than a game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 from the insertion medal unit 231, the passage unit sensor 272 is moved from the game medal movement path from the outside. Since it is arranged on the upstream side, that is, above and below the payout medal outlet 240, there is no influence on the remaining number of the remaining number calculation storage means 214. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the remaining number obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculating storage unit 213 from the planned payout number stored in the planned payout number storing unit 212 is: In addition to being able to discharge from the payout medal outlet 240 and obtain the same actions and effects as in the first embodiment, in addition to game medals discharged from the payout medal outlet 240 A game medal can be inserted from above the insertion medal unit 231.
[0091]
(Third embodiment)
In the slot machine S, a bet switch 35 for reducing the number of game medals stored in the slot machine S and replacing it with a medal is formed. In the present embodiment, the medal payout means 210 is operated by operating the bet switch 35 instead of or in addition to the passage insertion switch 281 described in the first and second embodiments. It is formed so that the discharge of all sheets or the discharge of three sheets is performed in conjunction with each other. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0092]
Specifically, the medal dispenser 200 and the slot are arranged so that the same signal as the signal output to the discharge control means 215 by the operation of the passage insertion switch 281 is output to the discharge control means 215 by the operation of the bet switch 35. This is feasible by providing a transmission means comprising wiring such as an electric cable between the machines S. Thereby, the medal payout means 210 executes the discharge of all the remaining number of game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means 214 based on the operation of the bet switch 35 of the slot machine S, and the remaining number calculation storage means 214. Of the remaining number of game medals stored in, three can be discharged. Whether all sheets are discharged or three sheets is discharged is set in advance by the changeover switch 220. Thus, a player who wants to discharge 3 game medals for each game and perform a game can operate the familiar bet switch 35 without having to hold the game medals with his / her own hand. It is convenient that game medals corresponding to the remaining number can be discharged from the payout medal discharge port 240 and automatically inserted into the medal insertion port 42 of the slot machine S.
[0093]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the first, second and third embodiments described above, the automatic insertion from the medal dispenser 200 is performed by operating the passage insertion switch 281 of the lower vertical passage 275 of the insertion transfer means 270 and the bet switch 35. As a trigger, it is set so that all sheets or three sheets discharged in advance by the selector switch 220 are discharged. In the present embodiment, the change-over switch 220 including the all-sheet discharge switch 222 or the three-sheet discharge switch 221 described above is provided without providing such a passage input switch 281 or the bet switch 35 that also serves as the passage input switch 281. Are operated so that all the sheets are discharged and three sheets are discharged at the same time. That is, the discharge control means 215 inputs an operation signal of the all-sheet discharge switch 222 or the three-sheet discharge switch 221 to determine whether the discharge mode is all-sheet discharge or three-sheet discharge, and then performs stepping as it is. The motor 216 is set to start driving. Thereby, the number of switches operated by the player can be reduced, and the operation can be easily understood.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect as described below.
(Claim 1)
According to invention of Claim 1, there exist the following effects.
[0095]
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily collect the game medals from the medal payer and subsequently insert them into the slot machine. Since the frequency of grasping the game medal with the hand can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the oil adhering to the game medal and dirt from adhering to the hand. A medal dispenser can be provided.
Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the game medal on the guide recess can be inserted into the medal insertion slot by providing the semicircular cutout opening hole in the lower vertical passage.
Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the player's finger touches the passage insertion switch on the lower front of the lower vertical passage, the medal discharge means is driven to start the execution of the game medal discharge. can do.
[0096]
(Claim 2)
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the following effect is obtained.
That is, according to the second aspect of the invention, the player can select whether the total number is inserted or the M number is inserted by the medal payout means. It is possible to provide a medal payer which can be automatically inserted from the medal payer and can make the game interesting.
[0097]
(Claim 3)
According to invention of Claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of Claim 1 or Claim 2 described above, the following effect is obtained.
That is, according to the invention described in claim 3, there is provided a medal payout machine capable of automatically inserting game medals stored in the storage means into the medal slot of the slot machine by operating a familiar bet switch. Can be provided.
[0098]
(Claim 4)
According to invention of Claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3, there exist the following effects.
That is, according to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the game medals discharged from the payout medal outlet to the inserted medal part, game medals from the outside other than those discharged from the payout medal outlet are also inserted medals. It is possible to provide a medal dispenser that can be inserted into the medal slot of the slot machine.
[0099]
(Claim 5)
According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the following effect is provided.
That is, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the number of remaining game medals that have not yet been paid out can be clearly identified visually or audibly as specific numerical data by the player. A medal dispenser can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a medal dispensing machine adjacent to a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the input and transfer means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the upper part of the input transfer means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of game medals in a medal payout machine and a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a signal input / output relationship of the input transfer means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a game medal push-out mechanism of an upper feed disk of the medal discharge means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of the present invention and showing an input and transfer means.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the upper part of the input and transfer means according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
S slot machine 1 chassis
3 Door 5 Dispensing device
10-turn reel 31 Display window
34 Start switch 35 Bet switch
36 Stop switch 41 Operation section
42 Medal slot 43 Dispensing medal plate
44 Key hole 45 Lower discharge outlet
48 Medal selector 50 Front panel
51 Guide recess 200 Medal dispenser
210 Medal payout means 211 Medal discharge means
212 Planned payout number storage means 213 Passage number calculation storage means
214 Remaining number calculation storage means 215 Discharge control means
216 Stepping motor 220 selector switch
221 Three-sheet ejection switch 222 All-sheet ejection switch
230 Dispensing medal tray 231 Inserting medal section
232 Upper feed disk 233 Remaining number notification means
236 Medals hole 237 pins
238 Plate standing part 239 Inclined bottom part
240 Dispensing medal outlet 250 Banknote counter
251 Banknote slot 261 Hopper
270 Input and transfer means 272 Passage sensor
273 Upper vertical passage 274 Inclined passage
275 Lower vertical passage 276 Semi-circular notch opening hole
281 Passage switch 282 Opening

Claims (5)

A medal payer that is adjacent to a slot machine that uses game medals and that pays out game medals to the player.
A medal payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game medals to the player;
A payout medal outlet for discharging game medals from the medal payout means to the outside;
An input transfer means for transferring game medals discharged from the payout medal discharge port to the medal input port of the adjacent slot machine;
The medal payout means is
Medal discharging means for discharging game medals from the payout medal outlet;
A scheduled payout number storage means for storing a planned payout number of game medals to be paid out to a player;
A passing number calculation storage means for counting and storing the passing number of game medals transferred by the input transfer means;
A remaining number calculation storage means for calculating a difference obtained by subtracting the passing number stored in the passing number calculation storage means from the scheduled payout number stored in the planned payout number storage means and storing it as a remaining number;
The medal discharge means discharges N game medals from the payout medal discharge port within the range of the remaining number or less,
The insertion transfer means includes an upper vertical passage extending vertically downward from an insertion medal portion into which a game medal is inserted from the payout medal discharge port,
An inclined passage extending in the lateral direction of the downward inclination from above the medal slot of the adjacent slot machine from the lower end of the upper vertical passage;
It extends in the vertical direction downward from the end of the inclined passage, and is aligned with the medal slot in a vertical direction so that the dropped game medal can be thrown into the medal slot. With a lower vertical passage,
The lower vertical passage is
A semicircular notch-shaped opening hole for forming a circular space corresponding to the shape of the game medal is provided on the near side of the lower part of the lower vertical passage, and the game medal is inserted from the semicircular notch-shaped opening hole. Is made possible,
A game medal that allows game medals to be inserted by means of a guide recess where a plurality of game medals can be placed and positioned in front of the medal slot and the semi-circular notch opening hole. is formed circular space corresponding to the shape, the game medals placed on the guide recess, by pushing to such circular space, with insertion of a game medal to the medal insertion slot is formed so as to be capable of ,
A medal dispensing machine, characterized in that a path insertion switch for driving the medal discharging means to discharge game medals is provided on the front face of the lower part of the lower vertical passage . The medal payout means is a predetermined M within a range of discharging the total number of remaining game medals stored in the remaining number calculation storage means and not more than the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage means. A changeover switch is provided for the player to select either one of the M discharges for discharging the sheets,
2. The medal payer according to claim 1, wherein the medal paying means discharges the total number of game medals or the M number of game medals based on a player's operation of the changeover switch. The slot machine adjacent to the medal payer includes a bet switch that replaces the medal insertion by reducing the number of game medals stored in the slot machine,
Between the medal payer and the slot machine, there is formed a transmission means for executing the game medal discharge by the medal discharge means of the medal payout means based on the operation of the bet switch,
3. The medal payout machine according to claim 1, wherein the medal discharge means of the medal payout means executes discharge of game medals in conjunction with operation of the bet switch of the slot machine. . The medal payout machine includes an insertion medal portion provided with an opening between the insertion transfer means and the medal discharge means,
The insertion medal part is formed so that the payout medal discharge port and the opening communicate with each other, and the game medal discharged from the payout medal discharge port is inserted into the input transfer means. The medal dispensing machine according to any one of 1 to 3.   5. The medal payer according to claim 1, further comprising a remaining number notifying unit for notifying a player of the remaining number stored in the remaining number calculation storage unit.

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