JP4190797B2 - Free gift dispenser and free gift delivery method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is provided in an amusement store such as a game center, and is used to pay out prizes to be delivered to a player in accordance with the result of the game, such as the number of pachinko balls or medals and the score of the game, and delivered to the player. Related to the machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As a conventional device that can be used as a prize dispenser provided in an amusement shop such as a pachinko store, a prize dispenser disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2722396 is known.
  A prize dispenser disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2722396 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 14, the prize dispenser 71 is provided with a plurality of lanes indicated by symbols A to H, and prize dispensers 74, 74,... For each lane A, B,. Are provided, and prizes are paid out from the payout ports 74, 74. Further, in the case 72 of the prize dispenser 71, cartridges (cassettes) 81, 81,... Corresponding to the lanes A, B,. As shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge 81 can store prizes W, W,... Vertically stacked therein, and the prize W stacked at the lowermost end is moved in the horizontal direction. The cartridge 81 can be taken out. Also, a prize push-out portion 91 is provided which slides the prize W in the horizontal direction and takes it out of the cartridge 81 by moving in the horizontal direction in contact with the prize W stacked at the lowermost end.
[0003]
  In this prize dispenser 71, the cartridge 81 for storing “100” in the lanes A, B, and C in the paragraph number 0015 of Japanese Patent No. 2722396 is the cartridge 81 for storing the prize W of “100” in the lanes D and E. The prize W of “200” is assigned (omitted). ], A predetermined type of prize is assigned to each lane. The store clerk of the amusement store stores the prizes W, W,... In the cartridge 81 for each type of prize, and the cartridge 81 in which the predetermined type of prize W is accommodated in each lane corresponds to the inside of the casing 72. The cartridge 81 is accommodated in the container. Accordingly, the prize dispenser 71 stores a predetermined type of prize for one lane.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  As described above, in the conventional prize dispenser 71, the type of prize to be paid out is determined for each lane. Therefore, if an employee mistakenly stores the cartridge 81 containing the “200” prize W in the lane A to which the “100” prize W is assigned, the “100” prize W is paid out. There is a problem in that the prize W of “200” is paid out when it should be paid out. In addition, when a different type of prize W is mixed in the cartridge 81, a problem that the wrong type of prize W is paid out occurs.
  Therefore, in a play store such as a pachinko store, when an employee stores a prize W in the cartridge 81, it is necessary to check whether or not different types of prizes are stored. Also, when the cartridge 81 is accommodated in each lane of the prize dispenser 71, it is checked whether the type of the prize assigned to the lane is different from the kind of the prize W accommodated in the cartridge 81. There is a need. Therefore, there is a problem that these check operations require a large number of work steps.
[0005]
  Further, in the prize dispenser 71, since one kind of prize is stored for one lane, at least the number of kinds of prizes W to be stored is necessary. Accordingly, it is impossible to make the width of the casing 72 narrower than the number of lanes of the number of types of the prize W, and the outer shape (width) of the prize dispenser 71 is limited. Therefore, there is a problem that there is a restriction on the place where the prize dispenser 71 is installed in the amusement store.
[0006]
  In addition, in the conventional prize dispenser 71, since a plurality of types of prizes W, W ... are paid out from a plurality of lanes at the same time, the player collects the prizes W, W ... There is a problem that it is difficult to pick up prizes W, W.
[0007]
  Traditionally, at amusement stores such as pachinko parlors that have introduced premium dispensers, the premium dispensers are generally replenished several times to a dozen or so times a day. Is hanging. In order to reduce the number of replenishment operations, a large number of prizes may be stored by a prize dispenser.
  However, in the conventional prize dispenser 71, in order to increase the number of prizes W, W ·· that can be stored in the machine, the prizes W, W · that can be accommodated in the cartridge 81 with the height of the cartridge 81 being increased. The only means is to increase the number of lanes or increase the number of lanes (that is, the prize payout ports 74, 74,. Therefore, in order to increase the number of prizes W, W,... That can be stored in the prize dispenser 71, the height of the casing 72 is increased or the width is widened. There are restrictions. Therefore, there is a problem that the place where the prize dispenser 71 is installed is limited in the amusement store.
[0008]
  In particular, when the number of lanes of the prize dispenser 71 (that is, the prize dispensing ports 74, 74,...) Is increased, the lateral width of the prize dispenser 71 is widened. Therefore, the prizes W, W .. are often paid out from a plurality of distant lanes, and there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the player to pick up the prizes W, W ..
[0009]
  Further, when the height of the cartridge 81 is increased to increase the number of prizes W, W... That can be stored in the cartridge 81, the prize W stacked on the lower end of the cartridge 81 is heavily weighted. When W is slid by the prize extruding unit 91, the frictional force becomes too large to be slid and an error that cannot be taken out from the cartridge 81 occurs, and the driving force used for the prize extruding unit 91 to prevent it. There is a problem that needs to be made strong. In addition, since it is considered that the prize W stacked on the lower end of the cartridge 81 is heavily weighted, the prize W may be damaged. Therefore, the number of prizes W that can be stored in the cartridge 81 may not be increased sufficiently. There is a problem that there is.
[0010]
  The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to prevent the wrong prize from being paid out due to human error, so that the prize can be stored in the cassette and the cassette in the main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize dispenser and a prize dispensing method capable of reducing the type of prize check operation.
[0011]
  Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispenser capable of designing the outer shape of a main body more freely and improving the degree of freedom of a place where a prize dispenser is installed in an amusement store.
  In addition, it is possible to make it easier for players to pick up prizes by allowing multiple types of prizes to be paid out from the same prize outlet, and more than before without increasing the number of prize outlets. It is an object to provide a prize dispenser that can accommodate the prizes in the main body.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the gift dispenser according to the present invention has the following configuration. In other words, a plurality of prizes to be delivered to a player according to the result of a game such as a pachinko can be stored, and a prize identification that identifies the main body having a prize payout opening formed on the outer surface and the type of the prize stored in the main body Means, a game result input means capable of inputting a game result, and a prize type to be paid out from the prize types identified by the prize identification means in accordance with the game result inputted by the game result input means SelectA prize dispenser comprising a prize selection means and a withdrawal means for paying out a prize selected by the prize selection means, wherein the main body has a plurality of prizes stored in the prize delivery outlet. A cassette is provided so as to be accommodated side by side in correspondence with the prize payout outlet, and the prize identification means identifies the identification part provided in the cassette or identifies the identification part provided in the prize. The type of the prize stored in each cassette is identified by the above-mentioned, and the payout means is selected by the prize selection means from any of the plurality of cassettes arranged corresponding to each of the prize payout outlets. A cassette containing the selected prize type and the prize type identified by the prize identifying means is selected, and the cassette is set so that the prize can be paid out. Characterized in that paying out to the prize payout opening.
[0016]
  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the prize payout method which concerns on this invention is provided with the following structures. That is, the claim1Using the prize dispenser described above, the prize identifying meanscassetteIdentify the type of prize stored in the game, input the game result by the game result input means, select the type of prize to be paid out according to the input game result by the prize selection means, Paying out the prize of the type selected by the prize selection means from the prize payout exit;Features.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a prize dispenser according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  A prize dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a prize dispenser according to the present invention. The prize dispenser 1 is provided in a pachinko parlor as a play shop, and a pachinko ball counter (not shown) as a play result calculation means for calculating a play result by counting the number of pachinko balls, and as a play result input means. Communication is possible via a communication cable connected to the communication terminal. The pachinko ball counting machine calculates a price to be paid out to the player according to the number of pachinko balls, and notifies the prize dispensing machine 1 of the price as game result data. The prize dispenser 1 calculates the type and number of prizes corresponding to the game result data (value) notified from the pachinko ball counting machine, and pays out the prize W to the player.
[0018]
  The game result data notified from the pachinko ball counting machine to the prize dispenser 1 is not limited to the price data, but is the prize number data indicating the number of pachinko balls or the number of prizes W to be dispensed, and the prize dispenser 1 May be configured to calculate the type and number of prizes to be paid out based on the number of pachinko balls or the prize quantity data.
  The game result input means is not limited to a communication terminal that can be connected to a pachinko ball counter. For example, a game reader may be connected to input a game result recorded on a card, a numerical value, etc. It is possible to input a game result and ID information associated with the game result by providing a key that can be input, or connect to a network and receive the game result from the POS system. Can be adopted.
  The game result calculation means is not limited to a pachinko ball counter, but may be a medal counter of a slot machine or a game score. Information input to the game result input means is a prize to be paid out. Arbitrary information can be adopted as long as it represents the result of the game, such as the number of types and the number of each type, the total amount of prizes, the number of medals, and the score of the game.
  Further, the prize dispenser 1 and the game result calculation means (pachinko ball counting machine) may be integrated.
[0019]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the prize dispenser 1 includes a casing 2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped as a main body capable of accommodating a plurality of cassettes 8 (not shown in FIG. 1) in which prizes W are stored. Prepare. On one side surface of the housing 2, a plurality of rectangular openings that are long in the horizontal direction are formed as the prize payout ports 2 c through which the flat prize W is paid out from the inside of the housing 2. A tray 2b for receiving the paid out prize W is formed below the prize payout opening 2c.
[0020]
  In the vicinity of each prize payout exit 2c, a light emitter 4 is provided as a payout notification means for indicating to the player that the prize W will be paid out. When the prize W is paid out from the corresponding prize payout exit 2c, the light emitter 4 is turned on or blinked to notify the player that the prize W is paid out from the prize payout exit 2c.
[0021]
  An LCD 6 as a display unit capable of displaying words, symbols, drawings, and the like is provided on the side surface of the housing 2 where the prize payout opening 2c is provided. For example, when the prize W is paid out from the prize payout exit 2c, the LCD 6 displays "Presents will be paid out" or displays the number of prizes W to be paid out, and is used as the payout notification means. Can do. In addition, when the pachinko ball counter is notified that pachinko balls are being counted, "Please wait for a while" until the prize W is paid out, or "Welcome" when waiting. For example, the LCD 6 can transmit various messages to the player.
  The payout notification means is not limited to the light emitter and the LCD. For example, it can be configured to notify by voice.
[0022]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 2a of the housing 2 is provided so as to be opened and closed by a hinge (not shown). The upper surface 2a can be locked in a closed state by a lock mechanism (not shown), and can be opened with a predetermined key.
  When the upper surface 2 a is opened, a plurality (12) of cassettes 8, 8... Capable of storing the prize W can be taken in and out of the housing 2. The cassettes 8, 8,... Are accommodated in a line with respect to the prize payout exits 2c. That is, in the housing 2, the cassettes 8, 8,... Are arranged in rows corresponding to the number of the prize payout ports 2c. In this embodiment, the cassettes 8, 8,... Are arranged in four rows for the four prize payout outlets 2c, 2c,.
  Note that a handle 8 a is provided on the upper surface of the cassette 8 so that the cassette 8 can be easily inserted into and removed from the housing 2.
[0023]
  As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette 8 accommodated in the housing 2 is formed in a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, one end surface in the longitudinal direction is opened in the cassette 8 to form an opening 8i.
  As shown in FIG. 4, the flat prize W is stacked and stored in the cassette 8. The prize WA stored at the lowermost end in the cassette 8 is exposed to the outside through the opening 8i. A pair of prize holders 8e projecting in the stacking direction of the prize W and projecting by being bent at right angles toward the inside of the opening 8i in the middle part are provided at opposite edges of the opening 8i. The prize WA stored at the lowermost end in the cassette 8 is supported by the prize holder 8e in the stacking direction of the prize W and guided so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.
  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a protruding portion 8f protruding in the longitudinal direction of the cassette 8 is formed and exposed at the edge portion of the opening portion 8i perpendicular to the edge portion where the prize holding portion 8e is provided. The movement of the prize WA in one direction in the horizontal direction is restricted.
[0024]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a plate-like prize movement restricting member 8gb capable of restricting the movement of the prize WA in the horizontal direction is provided on the side surface of the opening 8i facing the edge where the protrusion 8f is provided. It is done. As shown in FIG. 5, the prize movement restricting member 8gb is urged downward by the urging member 8ga and restricts the movement of the prize WA in the horizontal direction. Further, the restriction can be released by pushing the premium movement restricting member 8gb upward against the urging force of the urging member 8ga. In order to push up the prize movement regulating member 8gb, a predetermined claw member is hooked on the opening 8gc formed in the prize movement regulating member 8gb and pushed up. A notch 8j for moving the prize movement restricting member 8gb through the opening 8gc is provided on the side surface of the cassette 8.
  The prize WA stored at the lowermost end in the cassette 8 is moved along the prize holding portion 8e in a state where the prize movement restricting member 8gb is pushed upward, so that the prize WA is moved in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the prize stacking direction). Direction), and is taken out from the cassette 8.
[0025]
  As shown in FIG. 6, one side of the cassette 8 is formed in a removable cassette cover 8b, and by removing the cassette cover 8b, one side can be opened and a prize W can be put inside. It has become. In the present embodiment, the side surface on which the prize movement restricting member 8gb is provided is configured as the cassette cover 8b. The cassette cover 8b has a U-shaped horizontal cross section.
  In order to attach the cassette cover 8b to the main body of the cassette 8, the insertion portion 8ba formed at the upper end portion of the cassette cover 8b is replaced by a leaf spring 8k provided below the upper end side in the cassette 8 and having an inferior force. While pushing up, insert it into the cassette. Subsequently, the hooking portion 8bb formed on the lower end side of the cassette cover 8b is hooked on pins 8l provided on both side surfaces of the cassette 8 main body.
[0026]
  Further, in the cassette 8, a weight 10 is provided as a pressing member that pushes the prize W stacked and stored in the cassette 8 in the direction of the opening 8 i from the inside of the cassette 8. The weight 10 is guided by a rail portion 8c provided as an opening along the stacking direction of the prize W on the side surface of the cassette 8 so as to be movable up and down in the stacking direction of the prize W, that is, in the vertical direction. The weights 10 are arranged so as to be placed on the stacked prizes W. By pushing the prizes W in the stacking direction by their own weight, the prizes W are pushed in the direction of the opening 8i from which the prizes are taken out, and the prizes W successively. In the cassette 8 and prevents the prize W from moving wildly in the cassette 8.
  In addition, from the opening provided in the lower surface of the weight 10, a part of the peripheral edge of the disc-like member 10 a provided rotatably is exposed, and when the last prize W is taken out from the cassette 8. By reducing the frictional force between the weight 10 and the prize W, the last prize W can be taken out smoothly.
[0027]
  As shown in FIG. 3, magnet holders 8da, 8db,... That can attach and detach magnets as identification parts for identifying the type of the received prize W are provided on the side surface of the cassette 8. Two magnet holders 8da, 8db... Are provided on the two horizontal longitudinal surfaces of the cassette 8 in total, and one magnet can be attached to each of them (the magnet holder 8da of the cassette 8). The magnet holders 8dc and 8dd provided on the side surface opposite to the side surface provided with 8db are not shown).
  On the other hand, the prize dispenser 1 is provided with a prize identifying means for distinguishing the types of prizes W stored in the cassettes 8, 8. The prize identifying means determines whether or not magnets are attached to the magnet holders 8da, 8db,... Of each cassette 8 by a hall element sensor (not shown) attached in the housing 2 and a control unit such as a microcomputer. The type of the prize W stored in the cassette 8 is identified by the combination of the positions of the magnet holders 8da, 8db.
  The prize type identified by the prize identifying means is recognized as a predetermined numerical value that is different for each kind by the prize selecting means provided in the control unit of the prize dispenser 1. For example, when a magnet is attached only to the magnet holder 8da among the four magnet holders 8da, 8db... Of the cassette 8, it is recognized that a premium equivalent to 200 yen is stored in the cassette 8. As such, the prize identification means is configured. When a magnet is attached only to 8 db, a prize equivalent to 500 yen, when a magnet is attached only to 8 dc, a prize equivalent to 1000 yen, and when a magnet is attached only to 8 dd The prize identifying means is configured to recognize that prizes equivalent to 5000 yen are respectively stored in.
  In this way, the prize dispenser 1 is accommodated in each accommodated cassette 8, 8,... By identifying the identification part provided in the cassette 8 by the prize identification means provided in the housing 2. It is possible to identify the type of the present prize W.
[0028]
  The identification unit provided in the cassette 8 and the prize identification means provided in the housing 2 do not necessarily have to be magnets and hall element sensors, and any type can be used as long as the type of the cassette 8 can be identified. It may be. For example, the surface of the cassette 8 is provided with a plurality of concave and convex portions having different patterns depending on the type of prize as an identification portion, and a plurality of sensors that are fitted in the concave and convex portions of the cassette 8 are provided inside the housing 2 as a prize identification means. The type may be identified by the detection pattern of the sensor. Alternatively, a configuration in which an RFID tag is used as the identification unit and an RFID reader is used as the prize identification means can be used.
[0029]
  Next, FIG. 7 shows an explanatory view showing the prize dispenser 1 that accommodates the cassette 8 in which the prizes W are stacked and accommodated. In FIG. 7, cassettes 8A, 8B, and 8C are accommodated in the housing 2 in a line toward the prize payout exit 2c.
  The prize take-out means 12 includes an endless belt 16 serving as a conveying member that is stretched between two pulleys 14A and 14B that are disposed to face each other in the horizontal direction, and an endless belt 16 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt 16. A pusher 18 that is driven in accordance with the drive of 16 is provided. The endless belt 16 includes a pulley 14Aa fixed coaxially with the pulley 14A, a pulley 20a fixed to a rotating shaft of a motor 20 as a driving device, and an endless belt 22 stretched between the pulley 14Aa and the pulley 20a. Via the motor 20.
[0030]
  When the endless belt 16 is driven to rotate, the upper half of the endless belt 16 moves in the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the prizes), the direction in which the cassettes 8A, 8B,. . The pusher 18 provided on the endless belt 16 is also moved in the horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the prizes) and in the direction in which the cassettes 8A, 8B,. Moving.
[0031]
  Each of the cassettes 8A, 8B,... Is sent through the opening 8i to the prize WA stacked at the lowermost end in each cassette 8 by a cassette moving means 24 as a cassette selection means (not shown in FIG. 7). It is moved so as to selectively come into contact with or separate from the take-out means 12. In the present embodiment, each cassette 8 is moved up and down by the cassette moving means 24 so that the prize WA stacked at the end of the cassette can be brought into contact with the pusher 18 as a prize taking-out means. It is possible to move over a position where contact is impossible.
[0032]
  In FIG. 7, the cassette 8 </ b> A at the left end (the prize payout outlet 2 c side) is moved downward so as to approach the endless belt 16, and the cassettes 8 </ b> B and 8 </ b> C arranged at the center and right end are separated from the endless belt 16. It is in a state of being moved upward. Here, the cassette 8A at the left end is brought close to the endless belt 16 so that the distance from the upper surface of the endless belt 16 to the prize WA at the lower end is shorter than the height of the pusher 18. Further, the cassettes 8B and 8C are separated from the endless belt 16 so that the distance from the upper end to the lower prize premium WA of the endless belt 16 is longer than the height of the pusher 18.
[0033]
  Further, when the cassette 8 is accommodated in the housing 2, a claw member (not shown) provided in the housing 2 is inserted into the opening 8gc of the prize movement restricting member 8gb as a prize movement releasing means. In the state where the cassette 8 is moved upward, the claw member holds the premium movement restricting member 8gb in a state in which the movement of the premium WA is restricted by contacting the side surface of the lower prize premium WA. Further, in a state where the cassette 8 is moved downward, the prize movement restricting member 8gb is moved upward relative to the cassette 8 to release the movement of the prize WA at the lower end along the prize holding part 8e. .
[0034]
  In FIG. 7, when the endless belt 16 is rotationally driven by the motor 20, the upper half of the endless belt 16 and the pusher 18 positioned in the upper half of the endless belt 16 are free of premiums below the cassettes 8A, 8B,. It moves toward the direction of the exit 2c. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the left end cassette 8 </ b> A is moved downward so as to approach the endless belt 16, and the cassettes 8 </ b> B and 8 </ b> C arranged at the center and right end are moved upward so as to be separated from the endless belt 16. Since it is in the moved state, the pusher 18 passes below the cassettes 8B and 8C without contacting the prize WA in the cassettes 8B and 8C. On the other hand, when the pusher 18 further moves and reaches the leftmost cassette 8A, the pusher 18 passes between the protruding portions 8f of the cassette 8A and comes into contact with the lower prize WA, so that the prize WA is held by the prize holder. The prize WA is taken out from the cassette 8A by being moved along 8e, and the prize WA is transported by the endless belt 16 and the pusher 18 and paid out from the prize payout exit 2c. In other words, the endless belt 16 and the pusher 18 serve not only as a prize takeout means 12 but also as a prize payout means for paying out the prize WA from the prize payout exit 2c.
  The transport body is not limited to an endless belt, and a plurality of chains and strings are used as the transport body, and the prize W is placed and transported across the plurality of chains and strings. It can be configured in any form.
[0035]
  Next, the cassette moving means 24 will be described with reference to FIG.
  The cassette 8 is housed in the housing 2 by supporting the protrusions 8 m provided on the opposite side surfaces thereof from below with a cassette support member 26. By moving the cassette support member 26, the cassette 8 is moved up and down. The cassette support member 26 is formed in a crank shape that is bent at substantially right angles at two locations, and is disposed so that one end portion is directed upward and the other end portion is directed downward, and is provided near the bent portion from the other end portion. The shaft 26a is pivotally supported on the housing 2 by the shaft 26a. The cassette 8 is supported by placing a protruding portion 8 m on the one end of the cassette support member 26. One end of the biasing member 32 is attached to the other bent portion of the cassette support member 26. The other end of the urging member 32 is fixed to a portion fixed to the casing 2 above the cassette support member, and urges the cassette support member 26 upward.
  Due to the urging force of the urging member 32, the cassette 8 is lifted upward via the one end of the cassette support member 26 and is supported away from the prize taking-out means 12.
[0036]
  The other end side of the cassette support member 26 is supported by being pressed against the cam 28 from the inner corner side of the bent portion provided with the shaft 26a through the protruding portion 26b fixed to the cassette support member 26.
  When the cam 28 rotates, the convex portion 28a of the cam 28 pushes the protruding portion 26b of the cassette support member 26 from the inner corner side of the bent portion provided with the shaft 26a, and the cassette support member 26 moves the shaft 26a. Rotating to the center, the one end side of the cassette support member 26 is lowered downward against the urging force of the urging member 32, and the cassette 8 is moved downward.
  Further, when the cam 28 further rotates and passes through a position where the convex portion 28 a of the cam 28 pushes the protruding portion 26 b of the cassette support member 26, the cassette supporting member 26 is moved by the biasing force of the biasing member 32. The cassette 8 is rotated so as to move along the outer peripheral shape of the cam 28, and the cassette 8 is lifted upward.
[0037]
  The cassettes 8, 8... Arranged in a row in the back direction of the prize payout opening 2 c are operated so that only one of them is brought close to or in contact with the prize taking-out means 12 and the remainder is separated from the prize taking-out means 12. To do. In order to realize the operation, the cams 28, 28,... Corresponding to the cassettes 8, 8,... Arranged in a line in the back direction of the prize outlet 2c are hooked on pulleys 28b fixed coaxially with the cams 28. When the passed endless belt 30 is driven, each of them rotates synchronously at the same angular velocity. The endless belt 30 is rotated by a motor 34 as a driving device.
[0038]
  FIG. 9 shows how the cassettes 8, 8... Are selectively approached or brought into contact with the prize take-out means 12 by the cams 28 operating in synchronization.
  FIG. 9 shows a left end cam 28 that moves the cassette 8 at the left end (the prize payout exit 2c side) up and down in FIGS. 7 and 8, a center cam 28 that moves the central cassette 8 up and down, and a right end that moves the cassette 8 at the right end up and down. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the cam 28 for each state of “all cassette non-selected state”, “left end cassette selected state”, “center cassette selected state”, and “left end cassette selected state”.
[0039]
  The cams 28, 28,... Are arranged in a state where the angular positions of the convex portions 28a are shifted from each other by 90 degrees. The angular positions of the cams 28, 28,... Are fixed to the respective cams 28, 28,... In a disk-like notch disk 36 with a part of the outer periphery cut off, and a sensor terminal 38a. The movement of the sensor terminal 38a is detected by the sensor 38 that is urged against and brought into contact with the outer peripheral portion of the notch disc 36 and can be detected in a binary manner. The sensor 38 detects “ON” when the sensor terminal 38a biased upward is pressed, and detects “OFF” when the sensor terminal 38a is released. That is, the sensor 38 is “OFF” when the sensor terminal 38 a is in contact with the notch portion of the notch disc 36, and when the sensor terminal 38 a is in contact with the circular portion of the notch disc 36. Detects “ON” respectively. Further, in the cutout disk 36, the convex portion 28a of the cam 28 pushes the protruding portion 26b of the cassette support member 26 at the position where the cutout portion touches the sensor terminal 38a (that is, the cassette is lowered and the premium is taken out). The cam 28 is fixed coaxially in an arrangement (close to the means 12).
[0040]
  The control unit provided inside the giveaway machine 1 drives the motor 34 to recognize the state of the sensor 38 and stops the driving of the motor 34 when the sensor 38 is in a predetermined state, thereby making a row of cassettes. Only one of 8, 8,... Can be selectively brought close to the prize take-out means 12, or all cassettes 8, 8,.
  Therefore, each time the cams 28, 28,... Are rotated by 90 degrees, the prize dispenser 1 “all cassette non-selected state”, “left end cassette selected state”, “center cassette selected state” and “left end cassette selected state” One of the four states can be selected alternatively.
[0041]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the prize dispenser 1 according to the present embodiment has four prize outlets 2c, 2c,..., And three cassettes 8 in the depth direction with respect to each prize outlet 2c. , 8... Are arranged so as to be accommodated in a line. Therefore, compared to the conventional prize dispenser 71, it is possible to store three times as many prizes W as the number of lanes (horizontal width). In addition, when it is desired to further reduce the lateral width of the prize dispenser 1, the number of lanes is reduced and the cassettes 8, 8,... Are further arranged in the depth direction of the prize delivery outlet 2c, so that the same number of cassettes 8 can be stored. Although it is possible, the outer shape of the prize dispenser 1 can be configured more freely than in the past, such as being able to be configured narrowly.
[0042]
  Further, by accommodating cassettes 8, 8... Containing different types of prizes W in the back direction with respect to the same prize payout exit 2c, from the same lane (the prize payout exit 2c), A plurality of types of prize W can be paid out, and it becomes easy for a player to pick up the prize W from the prize tray 2b.
[0043]
  Next, a series of operations when using the gift dispenser 1 will be described.
  First, the cassette cover 8 b of the cassette 8 is removed, and the prize W is stacked and stored in the cassette 8. At this time, the operator confirms the magnet holders 8da, 8db,... Of the cassette 8, and depending on the position where the magnet is attached for each cassette, the prize equivalent to 200 yen, the prize equivalent to 500 yen, and the equivalent to 1000 yen. Stores prizes worth 5000 yen. Next, the cassette cover 8 b is closed, and the twelve cassettes 8 in which the prizes W are stored are stored at predetermined positions in the housing 2. Then, the control part of the prize dispenser 1 recognizes which type (equivalent amount) of prizes is stored for each cassette by the hall element sensor. Next, the control unit of the prize dispenser 1 shifts to a standby state, displays a predetermined message such as “Welcome” on the LCD 6, and issues an instruction to pay out a prize from the pachinko ball counter. wait.
[0044]
  Here, the type of the prize stored in the cassette 8 is identified by a hall element sensor as a prize identifying means after the cassette 8 is accommodated in the housing 2. As a result, the cassette 8 in which an arbitrary type of prize is stored can be stored at an arbitrary position in the housing 2. Accordingly, the type of the prize stored in the cassette generated when using the conventional prize dispenser 71 that must accommodate the cassette of a predetermined type of prize determined for each lane (premium payout exit) is wrong. Such a problem does not occur in the gift dispenser 1 of the present invention.
[0045]
  When the player finishes the game and inserts the pachinko balls acquired in the pachinko ball counter, the pachinko ball counter counts the number of pachinko balls and calculates price data as play result data corresponding to the number of pachinko balls. The pachinko ball counter notifies the price data to the prize dispenser 1 via a communication cable and a communication terminal as a game result input means. The prize selection means provided in the control unit of the prize dispenser 1 calculates the types of prizes corresponding to the price data and the number of each kind from the type of the cassette 8 stored and the entered price data. To select the prize to be paid out. For example, if the price data notified from the pachinko ball counter is equivalent to 2900 yen, two prizes worth 1,000 yen, one prize worth 500 yen, two prizes worth 200 yen, etc. In addition, the types of prizes to be paid out and the number for each type are calculated so that the number of prizes to be paid out can be minimized.
[0046]
  Next, the prize dispenser 1 pays out the selected prize W calculated by the prize selection means.
  In order to pay out the prize W, the cassette 8 in which the prize W to be paid out is stored is moved downward by the cassette moving means 24 and brought close to the prize taking-out means 12.
  For example, in FIG. 8, it is assumed that a premium equivalent to 1000 yen is stored in the cassette 8A, a premium equivalent to 500 yen is stored in the cassette 8B, and a premium equivalent to 200 yen is stored in the cassette 8C. . In this case, the cams 28, 28,... Are first rotated to bring the cassette 8A closer to the prize taking-out means 12. Next, the endless belt 16 is driven to rotate, and the pusher 18 takes out two prizes W equivalent to 1000 yen from the cassette 8A. In the case of the present embodiment, since two pushers 18 are provided on the endless belt 16, the two prizes W in the cassette 8A can be paid out by rotating the endless belt 16 by one turn. Next, the cam 28 is rotated again, and only the cassette 8B is brought close to the prize taking-out means 12. Since the number of prizes W equivalent to 500 yen to be taken out from the cassette 8B is one, the endless belt is rotated by a half turn to take out the prize W. Similarly, the cassette 8C is brought close to the prize taking-out means 12, and two prizes W are taken out from the cassette 8C.
  When the endless belt 16 is driven and the prize W is paid out from the prize payout exit 2c, the control unit of the prize dispenser 1 causes the light emitter 4 to emit light and the LCD 6 displays the message "Premium is paid out". Is displayed to inform the player that the prize will be paid out.
[0047]
  In this way, the prize dispenser 1 identifies the type of prize W stored in the plurality of cassettes 8 accommodated in the housing 2 by the prize identification means, and inputs the result of the game by the game result input means. The type of prize W to be paid out is selected by the prize selection means according to the input game result, and the prize W of the selected type is paid out from the prize payout exit 2c by the prize payout means 12. A flow chart showing the flow of this processing is shown in FIG.
  According to the prize dispenser 1 and the prize dispenser method using the prize dispenser 1, the cassette 8 in which any kind of prize is accommodated can be accommodated in an arbitrary position in the housing 2. There is no problem of wrong type of prizes stored in the box.
  The prize dispensing machine according to claim 1 and the prize dispensing method according to claim 7 are not applicable only to the prize dispensing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, but the prize giving means and the prize are added to the conventional prize dispensing machine. This can be realized by providing selection means. For example, in the conventional prize dispenser 71, an identification part such as a magnet is provided in the cartridge 81, a prize identification means such as a Hall element sensor is provided in the casing 72, and the control part is paid out according to the result of the game. This can be realized by providing a prize selection means for selecting the type of the prize W. Therefore, the prize dispenser according to claim 1 and the prize dispense method according to claim 7 are not limited to the mechanism of the prize dispenser 1 according to the present embodiment and the prize dispense method using the mechanism.
[0048]
  In addition, an identification unit that can identify the type of the prize, for example, an RFID tag, is attached to each of the prizes W, and the type of the prize W is identified after the prize W is taken out from the cassette 8, and this is the prize. If the type of the prize recognized as being stored in the cassette 8 by the identification means is different from that of the prize W, the prize W is stored in the cassette 8 by providing a prize check means for not paying out the prize W. In doing so, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of paying out the wrong type of prize even if the wrong type of prize is stored. Further, it is possible to reduce the amount of prize type check work when the prize W is stored in the cassette 8.
  Note that when the prize checking means detects a different kind of prize W mixed in error, it is desirable to pay out the mixed prize W preferentially. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a problem that the prize W correctly stored in the cassette in which the mixed prize W is stored cannot be paid out.
[0049]
  In the present embodiment, the prize identifying means identifies the type of the prize stored by the identification unit provided in the cassette 8, but the identification part is located on the portion of the prize W exposed from the opening 8 i of the cassette 8. And the type of the prize may be identified from the identification unit. According to this, even if different types of prizes are mixed in the cassette 8, the wrong prizes will not be paid out.
  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the premium payout method when this premium identification means is employed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, after selecting the type of the prize W to be paid out according to the input game result, the type of the prize W stacked on the lower end of the cassette 8 may be identified. Further, as described above, the type of the prize may be identified after the game result is input.
  As described above, in the present embodiment and claims, as the prize payout method, the type of prize is identified by the prize identification means, the result of the game is input by the game result input means, and the prize type to be paid out is selected. However, this time-order does not necessarily need to be in this order, and the stage of identifying the prize type may be before or after the game result input, and the prize type. Either before or after selection. Even if it comprises in this way, there is no essential difference in the effect of this invention, and it belongs to the technical scope of this invention.
  Even when the identification unit is provided in the prize W, as in the case where the identification unit is provided in the cassette 8, any type of identification unit and prize identification means such as a magnet and a hall element, an RFID tag and an RFID reader are used. Also good.
  In addition, when the method of providing the identification unit for each prize, not in the cassette, is employed, the prize dispenser 1 does not necessarily have to take a form in which the prize is stored in the cassette. You may employ | adopt the form accommodated in a housing | casing.
[0050]
  The prize takeout means 12 may be provided for each lane. However, the pulley 14A, the pulley 14B, and the endless belt 16 are arranged across all the lanes, etc. It can be configured to pay out premiums from the cassettes 8, 8.
[0051]
  In the present embodiment, the procedure for sequentially paying out the prize W from each of the cassettes 8A, 8B, 8C arranged in a line toward the single prize dispenser 1 has been described. In the prize dispenser 1 in which a plurality of cassettes 8, 88... Are accommodated toward each prize outlet 2 c, another prize cassette 12 is brought close to the prize take-out means 12 to receive the prize W. By taking it out, it is possible to pay out a plurality of prizes W at the same time, so that it is possible to shorten the time required for payout.
[0052]
  In the present embodiment, the cassette selecting means 24 is configured to move the cassette 8 with respect to the prize taking-out means 12 so that the prize taking-out means 12 can come in contact with and away from the prize W in the cassette 8. However, as the cassette selection means, the prize take-out means 12 (or both the prize take-out means 12 and the cassette 8) is moved so that the prize take-out means 12 can come in contact with and away from the prize W in the cassette 8. Means moving means may be employed.
  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the prize taking-out means moving means is a means 40 for pressing the endless belt 16 in the direction of the prize W in the cassette 8 from the inner peripheral side of the endless belt 16. By configuring so as to be able to contact / separate the prize WA, the cassette 8 for taking out the prize WA can be configured to be selectable.
  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the pusher 18 is provided so as to be able to protrude or retract with respect to the surface of the endless belt 16, and the pusher 18 is attached to the premium W in the cassette 8 from the inner peripheral side of the endless belt 16. The pusher 18 may be configured to be able to contact and separate from the prize WA by means 42 for pressing in the direction.
  In addition, either the cassette moving means or the prize taking-out means moving means as the cassette selecting means should not necessarily be adopted, but both the cassette and the prize taking-out means are moved to take out the prize and the prize in the cassette. You may provide so that a means can contact / separate.
[0053]
  In the present embodiment, the stacking direction of the prize W is configured in the vertical direction, but is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be configured to stack in any direction, for example, stacked in the horizontal direction. In this case, the pressing member that pushes the prize W stacked and stored in the cassette 8 in the direction from the cassette 8 toward the opening 8i of the cassette 8 is not a weight 10 but a biasing member such as a spring. It is preferable to use power. In addition, it is preferable that the prize taking-out means 12 is formed so that the pusher 18 has a shape that can sandwich the prize W, for example, a U-shape in which the opening is directed in the traveling direction.
  Further, the prize W stacked at the uppermost end of the prize W stacked in the vertical direction may be configured to abut on the prize taking-out means.
[0054]
  In the present embodiment, the means for taking out the prize W from the cassette 8 and the means for transporting the prize W to the prize payout port 2c use the same mechanism (the prize taking-out means 12). The prize take-out means that moves in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the prize W in contact with the prize W stacked on the machine and the prize transport means for carrying the prize W taken out from the cassette 8 by the prize payout outlet 2c are different from each other. You may comprise in a mechanism.
  The cassette moving means 24 employs a mechanism using a cam. However, any mechanism may be used as long as it can move the cassette.
[0055]
  According to the present invention,The outer shape of the main body can be designed more freely, and the degree of freedom of the place where the prize dispenser is installed in the amusement store can be improved.
  Also, multiple types of prizes can be sent from the same prize outletMake it pay outIt is possible to make it easier for the player to pick up the prize, and there is an effect that more prizes can be accommodated in the main body without increasing the number of prize payout exits.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prize dispenser according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a prize dispenser according to the present invention and a cassette accommodated in the housing thereof.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cassette.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration around an opening of a cassette in which a prize is stored.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a prize movement restricting member.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cassette with the cassette cover removed.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory side sectional view of a prize dispenser according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory side sectional view of the cassette moving means.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam state of the cassette moving means and the cassette selection state.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a prize payout method according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the prize payout method according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory side sectional view of another embodiment of the gift dispenser according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory side sectional view of another embodiment of the gift dispenser according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a conventional prize dispenser.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory side sectional view of a conventional prize dispenser.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 free gift dispenser
  2 Housing (main body)
  2b saucer
  2c Free gift exit
  4 luminous body (payment notification means)
  6 LCD (payout notification means)
  8, 8A, 8B, 8C cassette
  8b Cassette cover
  8c rail part
  8da, 8db, 8dc, 8dd magnet holder
  8e Prize holder
  8i opening
  8m protrusion
  8gb premium movement restriction member
  10 weight (pressing member)
  12 Premiums retrieval means
  14A, 14B pulley
  16 Endless belt (conveyer)
  18 Pusher
  20 Motor (drive device for prize takeout means)
  24 cassette moving means (cassette selecting means)
  26 Cassette support member
  26a shaft
  26b Projection
  28 cams
  32 Biasing member
  34 Motor (cam mechanism drive)
  36 Notched Disc
  38 sensors
  40, 42 Pressing means (freebie taking means moving means, cassette selecting means)
  W Premium
  WA Gifts stacked at the end

Claims (2)

A main body in which a plurality of prizes to be delivered to a player according to the result of a game such as a pachinko can be stored, and a prize outlet is formed on the outer surface,
A prize identifying means for identifying the type of prize stored in the main body;
A game result input means capable of inputting a game result;
A prize selection means for selecting a prize type to be paid out from among the prize types identified by the prize identification means, in accordance with the game result input by the game result input means ;
A prize dispenser comprising: a dispensing means for dispensing a prize selected by the prize selection means;
The main body is provided so that a plurality of cassettes for storing prizes can be arranged side by side in correspondence with the prize payout outlets for one prize payout exit,
The prize identifying means identifies the type of prize stored in each cassette by identifying the identification part provided in the cassette, or by identifying the identification part provided in the prize,
The payout means is a type of a prize selected by the prize selection means from any of the plurality of cassettes arranged corresponding to each of the prize payout outlets, and is identified by the prize identification means. A prize dispenser that selects a cassette in which a prize type is stored, sets the cassette so that a prize can be dispensed, and dispenses the prize to the prize payout exit. Using the gift dispenser according to claim 1 ,
Identifying the type of the prize stored in the cassette by the prize identifying means;
The result of the game is input by the game result input means,
The prize selection means selects the type of prize to be paid out according to the input game result,
A prize payout method, wherein a prize of the type selected by the prize selection means is paid out from the prize payout exit.

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