JP4955318B2 - Gift dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize dispensing device installed in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

In amusement halls such as pachinko parlors, there are two types of prize payout devices installed for special prize payouts: a stationary type and a desktop type. Regardless of the type, there is a configuration in which a plurality of storage units that store prizes for each type are provided, and a storage unit that needs to be paid out among the plurality of storage units is conveyed to a prize payout port by a predetermined driving force transmission mechanism. Generally adopted. By the way, at the prize payout exit, an open / close door that closes the prize payout exit is provided when the payout operation is not performed, or the prize payout exit is operated in order to avoid the mixing of foreign matter and the prize discharge. A method is adopted in which a prize that is formed at a position that is difficult for a person (store clerk) to reach and paid out to a payout exit using a transfer means is transferred to a receiving position. Various proposals have been made to prepare for the next payout operation by closing the open / close door after the worker removes the prize from the prize payout exit, and returning the transfer means to the fixed position after taking out the prize from the receiving position. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-126131 A (FIG. 5)

  By the way, the above-described conventional prize payout device is provided with a sensor for detecting the taking out of the prize in order to control the operation of other various apparatuses in cooperation with the taking out operation of the prize. However, since the removal of the prize is performed artificially, once it is determined by the sensor that the prize has been removed, the person (a store clerk or a player) cancels the removal operation for some reason, or the prize is returned to the original. There is a possibility of returning to the position. In particular, when opening and closing doors are used, there are problems that workers and hands get stuck in the door that is being closed, and that the opening and closing doors close while leaving prizes, making it impossible to take out prizes. Will occur.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispensing device that can stably dispense a prize.

The present invention provides a prize payout exit from which a prize is paid out, an opening / closing door capable of opening / closing the prize payout exit, a sensor for detecting whether or not the prize is present at the prize payout exit, and controlling opening / closing of the door. A prize payout device provided with the control part, wherein the control part opens the door when the prizes are paid out to the prize payout outlet, and the control unit opens the door, based on the detection state of the sensor. The opening / closing door is configured to close when detecting the removal of the prize from the prize payout exit , and the control unit monitors a change in the level of the sensor and continues for a predetermined time after the change in the level. The control unit determines whether the on state or the off state is switched by monitoring the change in the level. Even after detecting the removal of the prize from the prize payout exit of the prize, the opening / closing door is monitored when the level change is monitored and it is determined that the level has changed before the opening / closing door is closed. When the level is maintained at the same level continuously for a predetermined time after the opening / closing door is stopped, the opening / closing door is opened or closed according to the on state or the off state. It is configured to operate .

According to this, since the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door thereafter can be performed reliably in accordance with the state of drawing out the prize from the prize payout exit, the prize can be paid out stably.
Further, by monitoring the change in the sensor level even after the prize is extracted, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the opening / closing door is closed while the prize remains at the prize payout port, and the prize cannot be taken out.

Moreover, it is preferable that the door is further provided with a door state sensor for detecting an open / close state, and the forced open state of the door is detected based on an output obtained from the door state sensor .

  According to this, even when the level change of the sensor is not detected, it is possible to detect that a foreign object is caught in the open / close door, and the open / close control of the open / close door can be more reliably performed.

  The sensor also includes a detection piece that protrudes from the bottom of the prize payout exit and is pressed by the paid out prize, and the prize is present at the prize payout exit when the detection piece protrudes. It can be configured to output signals that are not.

  According to this, the extraction of the prize from the prize payout exit can be reliably determined by a simple mechanism.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize dispensing device that can stably dispense a prize.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the prize dispensing device of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the prize dispensing device of the present embodiment, (a) when viewed from the store clerk side, (b) is the player side 3 is a plan view showing a drive mechanism for a prize take-out door, FIG. 4 shows a door state sensor of the door, (a) is in a closed state, and (b) is in an open state. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the state of the door state sensor when the open / close door is closed with the hand positioned at the prize payout exit, and FIG. 6 is a view when the prize is being paid out to the prize payout exit. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the internal structure of the drive unit, FIG. 8 is a plan view when the drive unit is viewed from above, FIG. 9 shows a magazine loaded in the drive unit, (a) FIGS. 10A to 10C are side views, FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10A, and FIG. Lock, and FIG. 11 are views for explaining the operation of the time of installing the magazine to the drive unit, FIG. 12 is a flowchart at the time the prize payout of prize dispensing device of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the prize dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment pays out a card-like special prize (hereinafter abbreviated as a prize Q) in which an expensive prize such as a precious metal is accommodated in a game hall such as a pachinko store. This is a device that is made up of a device body 2, a drive unit 3, a magazine M, and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the prize payout device 1 according to the present embodiment is a desktop type, and is installed on a counter T of a game hall and used.

  The apparatus main body 2 includes a casing 21, unit attaching / detaching doors 22 and 23, and a prize taking-out door (corresponding to an opening / closing door in claims) 24. In the embodiment described below, the side where the unit attaching / detaching doors 22 and 23 and the prize taking out door 24 are provided is the store clerk side, and the opposite side (rear side) is the player side (customer side). Has been. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is a specification that the store clerk takes out the prize Q paid out from the prize dispensing device 1 and hands it to the customer.

  The casing 21 is horizontally long, and when viewed from the side, the casing 21 is formed in a mountain shape having a long depth at the bottom and a tapering shape toward the top. In addition, on the bottom surface of the casing 21, four leg portions 21s whose height can be adjusted are provided so that the apparatus can be installed on the counter T without rattling.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the unit attaching / detaching door 22 is provided on the store clerk side, and is opened widely from the center in the height direction, including the entire upper surface, and is rotatable around the rear end of the upper surface. It is supported by. The unit attaching / detaching door 23 is provided between the unit attaching / detaching door 22 and the prize take-out door 24. When the unit attaching / detaching door 23 is opened, a lower portion of the unit attaching / detaching door 23 is located in the housing 21 with respect to the housing 21. Is supported so as to protrude outside the housing 21.

  The unit attaching / detaching door 22 is provided with a small display device 26 for a store clerk (see FIG. 2A), and the rear panel 22a has a large display device 28 for a player (FIG. 2). (B) is provided. These display devices 26 and 28 are constituted by thin display means such as liquid crystal or organic EL (electroluminescence).

  The prize take-out door 24 is a door that is opened when the payout of the prize Q is completed. When the prize is opened, the lower part of the prize take-out door 24 is located inside the casing 21 and the upper part is located in the casing 21. It is supported so that it can rotate so that it may protrude outside.

  In addition, pivot shafts 24a and 24b are formed at both ends of the prize take-out door 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the pivot shafts 24a and 24b can pivot on the side surface of the apparatus main body 2. It is supported. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation shaft 24 a protrudes into a panel 21 a (see FIG. 1) provided in the apparatus main body 2. A pulley PU1 is fixed to the rotating shaft 24a. An opening / closing motor 410 is provided in the vicinity of the pulley PU1, and the pulley PU2 is fixed to an output shaft 410a of the opening / closing motor 410. The opening / closing motor 410 is of a type that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. An endless belt 411 is stretched over the pulley PU1 and the pulley PU2. Therefore, when the pulleys PU1 and PU2 are rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by the rotational force obtained from the opening / closing motor 410, the prize takeout door 24 is opened, and the pulleys PU1 and PU2 are rotated clockwise in the paper. When it rotates, the prize takeout door 24 is closed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the other rotating shaft 24b protrudes into a panel 21b (see FIG. 1) provided in the apparatus main body 2. A detected object 401 is fixed to the rotating shaft 24b. The detected body 401 has a disc 401a fixed to the rotating shaft 24b, and a detection piece 401b that protrudes in a direction away from the rotating shaft 24b is formed on a part of the outer peripheral edge of the disc 401a. A detection piece 401c that protrudes small in the direction away from the rotation shaft 24b is formed on the outer peripheral edge facing the detection piece 401b.

  Further, a door state sensor S10 is provided around the detected body 401. The door state sensor S10 includes a door open sensor 420, a door close sensor 430, and a hand detection sensor 440.

  The door open sensor 420 detects that the prize take-out door 24 has been opened, and is provided obliquely behind the detected object 401 (in the left direction in the drawing). The door opening sensor 420 is constituted by, for example, an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting part a1 and a light receiving part a2, and the detection piece 401b is located between the light emitting part a1 and the light receiving part a2 to block the detection light. By doing so, it is detected that the prize takeout door 24 has been opened (see FIG. 4B).

  The door closing sensor 430 detects that the prize take-out door 24 has been closed, and is provided below the detected body 401. Further, the door closing sensor 430 is composed of the same sensor, and the detection piece 401b is positioned between the light emitting part a1 and the light receiving part a2 to block the detection light, so that the prize takeout door 24 is closed. It is detected (see FIG. 4A).

  The hand detection sensor 440 is a sensor that detects whether or not a hand or the like is pinched between the prize take-out doors 24, and includes a pinching sensor 441 and a discrimination sensor 442. The sandwiching sensor 441 includes a light emitting unit 441a (see FIG. 3) and a light receiving unit 441b (see FIG. 4A). The light emitting unit 441a is provided on the panel 21a side, and the light receiving unit 441b is provided on the panel 21b side. It has been. In addition, the sandwiching sensor 441 is located at a position where the detection light from the light emitting unit 441a is blocked when the prize take-out door 24 is closed, and when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. It is provided at a position detected by the front end portion of the prize takeout door 24. The discrimination sensor 442 is the same as the door open sensor 420 or the like, and is provided above the detected body 401 facing the door close sensor 430. The discrimination sensor 442 is also composed of the same type of sensor as the door opening sensor 420 and the like.

  In the hand detection sensor 440 described above, as shown in FIG. 4A, the detection object 401 is detected when the detection light is blocked by the closure of the prize take-out door 24 and the pinching sensor 441 is turned on. If the detection light of the discrimination sensor 442 is blocked by the piece 401c and it is on, it can be determined that the prize takeout door 24 is closed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when the detection light is blocked by the hand being caught by the prize take-out door 24 and the pinching sensor 441 is turned on, the detection light of the discrimination sensor 442 is detected by the detection piece 401 c of the detection target 401. If it is not turned on without being shut off, it can be determined that something other than the prize takeout door 24 such as a hand is caught.

  The door state sensor S10 described above is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be used as the door closing sensor 430 without providing the discrimination sensor 442 of the hand detection sensor 440.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a plurality of prize payout outlets 27 for taking out the prize Q that has been paid out behind the door 24 for taking out the prize (see FIG. 1). Yes. On both sides of each prize payout port 27, partition portions 27a and 27a are arranged at intervals slightly wider than the width of the prize Q. In the present embodiment, since the two magazines M are loaded in the drive unit 3 to be described later, the prize payout outlets 27 are provided with eight prize payout outlets 27 in total. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the prize Q stored in the magazine M loaded in the drive unit 3 is paid out to the prize payout exit 27, and the prize Q is dropped from above the prize payout exit 27. Is paid out, and as shown by a two-dot chain line, the prize Q to be paid out is stacked on the prize Q that has been paid out before.

  At the bottom 27s of each prize payout outlet 27, a prize removal sensor S3 (corresponding to the sensor according to claim 1) is provided. The prize removal sensor S3 has a detection piece 73 that is rotatably supported. The detection piece 73 is provided so as to protrude from the bottom 27s of the prize payout outlet 27, and when the prize Q is paid out. Further, the detection piece 73 is pressed by the prize Q. In the following description, it is assumed that the detection piece 73 protrudes as an off state and the detection piece 73 is pressed as an on state. In the prize dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the prize Q is paid out and the prize sampling sensor S3 is switched from the off state to the on state, so that the prize Q is present at the prize dispensing outlet 27. Further, by extracting the prize Q from the prize payout exit 27, the detection piece 73 protrudes and is switched from the on state to the off state, so that it is possible to recognize that the prize Q has been extracted from the prize payout exit 27.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 2 has a plurality of drive units 3 (four in the present embodiment) having the same basic configuration (the same configuration except for a portion for sorting premium types described later). However, it is not limited to this number) and is provided with a unit accommodating portion 25 that can be accommodated. The unit accommodating portion 25 is constituted by a concave space provided below the casing 21, specifically, below the height position of the unit attaching / detaching door 23.

  The drive unit 3 includes a unit main body 31, drive motors 32A and 32B, and drive force transmission mechanisms 33A and 33B.

  The unit main body 31 is roughly divided into magazine accommodating spaces Sa and Sb for accommodating the magazine M and a drive mechanism accommodating portion U for accommodating the drive mechanism. The magazine accommodating space Sa and the magazine accommodating space Sb are integrated. It is configured.

  The magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb of the unit main body 31 are respectively composed of side plates 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f and 31g formed by bending a thin metal plate and welding. The side plates 31a, 31b, 31c are positioned side by side in the left-right direction (the direction in which the drive units 3 are arranged), and the side plates 31d, 31e, 31f, 31g are positioned in the front-rear direction (the depth direction). An inner space surrounded by the side plates 31a, 31b, 31d, and 31e is configured as a magazine storage space Sa, and an inner space surrounded by the side plates 31b, 31c, 31f, and 31g is a magazine storage space. It is configured as a space Sb. In the present embodiment, the side plate 31b is configured to be a common side plate constituting the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb. Further, the magazine storage space Sa and the magazine storage space Sb have the same configuration.

  The side plates 31a, 31b, and 31c have cutout portions 31a1, 31b1, and 31c1 in which upper corner portions located on the front side in the laterally long rectangular outer shape in a side view are cut out in a substantially square shape. The side plates 31d, 31f are formed at the same height as the front upper edge portions of the side plates 31a, 31b, 31c, and the side plates 31e, 31g are formed at the same height as the rear upper edge portions of the side plates 31a, 31b, 31c. Has been. Thus, the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb are open portions Pa and Pb (see FIG. 7) in which the front is formed one step lower than the rear. The side plates 31d and 31f are formed with openings 31d1 and 31f1 for discharging the prize Q from the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb. The side plates 31a, 31b, and 31c each have a plurality of appropriately sized holes n (four each in the present embodiment) to reduce the weight of the entire unit body 31. The magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb are provided with various members for facilitating the process for housing the magazine M and members for facilitating the attachment / detachment of the unit main body 31, which will be described later.

  The drive mechanism housing portion U provided in the lower portion of the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb has a housing case K formed as shown in the figure by bending, punching, welding, etc., a thin metal plate. Conveying means for paying out a prize constituted by the drive motors 32A, 32B and the driving force transmission mechanisms 33A, 33B and the like is accommodated in the accommodation case K.

  The drive motor 32 </ b> A is an electric type that can obtain a rotational force, and is provided horizontally at the rear of the bottom of the housing case K. Further, the drive motor 32B is the same as the drive motor 32A, and is provided horizontally in front of the bottom portion of the housing case K. The drive motors 32A and 32B may be motors that can rotate only in one direction, or may be motors that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the driving force transmission mechanism 33A is composed of pulleys P1, P2, P3, P4, a driving force transmission belt B1, and a prize transport belt B2. FIG. 7 illustrates the internal structure on the magazine storage space Sa side, but the driving force transmission mechanism 33B on the magazine storage space Sb side is substantially the same as the magazine storage space Sb side. A description of the internal structure on the accommodation space Sb side is omitted. That is, the difference is that the directions of the drive motors 32A and 32B are different, and the positions of the drive motor 32A and the drive motor 32B are different between the front and rear, so the pulley P1 provided on the drive shaft of the drive motors 32A and 32B, The only difference is the length of the driving force transmission belt B1 spanned around the pulley P2.

  The pulley P1 is fixed to the drive shaft m1 of the drive motor 32A, and rotates with the rotation of the drive shaft m1. The pulley P2 is rotatably supported so as to be positioned at the front end in the housing case K and obliquely above the drive motor 32B. The pulley P3 is supported by the unit main body 31 so as to rotate coaxially and integrally with the pulley P2, and is disposed so as to be positioned at the center in the width direction of the magazine housing space Sa (see FIG. 8). The pulley P4 has substantially the same diameter as the pulley P3 and is rotatably supported by the unit main body 31 so as to be positioned at the center and rear in the width direction of the magazine housing space Sa (see FIG. 8).

  The driving force transmission belt B1 is an endless belt made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and is stretched around pulleys P1 and P2.

  The prize transport belt B2 is an endless belt made of rubber, synthetic resin or the like, and is stretched around pulleys P3 and P4. The prize transport belt B2 is exposed at the center bottom of the magazine housing space Sa of the case 31A (see FIG. 8). Further, on the surface of the prize transport belt B2, a ridged prize hook projection 41 for hooking and transporting the prize Q is formed. In this embodiment, three prize hook protrusions 41 are formed (see FIG. 7).

Next, various members in the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb, a pair of swing guide portions 34, a pair of guide guide portions 35, a pair of positioning guide portions 36 (see FIG. 7, only one is shown), a pair of A guide part 37 is provided. That is, the pair of guide guide portions 35 and the pair of guide portions 37 are positioned at the corners of the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb, and the pair of swing guide portions 35 and the pair of positioning guide portions 36 are connected to the guide guide portion 35. It is located between the guide part 37. Accordingly, the following description will be made with reference to only one swing guide portion 34, guide guide portion 35, positioning guide portion 36, and guide portion 37 of one magazine housing space Sa, and the other components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the swing guide portion 34 is formed of a disk-like member that supports the magazine M while allowing the swing of the magazine M, and is located above the side plate 31b and in the center in the front-rear direction of the magazine housing space Sa. It is fixed to the part.

  The guide guide portion 35 is fixed to the side plate 31e on the side facing the opening portion Pa (the back side in the insertion direction of the magazine M), and is formed to extend in the vertical direction with a predetermined width (see FIG. 8). The guide guide portion 35 has a flat surface 35b formed with a distance L1 between the surface and the center line O in the upper range R1, and a distance between the surface and the center line O in the lower range R2. In the flat surface 35c formed with the dimension L2 shorter than the dimension L1 and the range R3 between the range R1 and the range R2, the surface is smoothly continuous between the flat surface 35b and the flat surface 35c. Such inclined surfaces 35a are respectively formed.

  The positioning guide portion 36 is formed of a substantially rectangular member having the same width (front-rear direction) as the diameter of the swing guide portion 34, and is provided at the lower portion of the side plate 31b and in the center in the front-rear direction of the magazine housing space Sa. It is fixed to the part. That is, the positioning guide portion 36 is formed at a position where the magazine M is stood vertically with respect to the swing guide portion 34 when the magazine M is loaded in the drive unit 3.

  Further, the guide portion 37 is formed on the side plate 31d so as to extend in the vertical direction with a predetermined width (the same width as the guide guide portion 35) at a position facing the guide guide portion 35 with the positioning guide portion 36 interposed therebetween. Yes. Further, the guide portion 37 has a flat surface 37c formed with a short distance (dimension L2) between the surface and the center line O in the range R2 from the bottom portion to the predetermined height position, and is above the predetermined height. Then, it has the inclined surface 37a from which the distance of the surface and the centerline O becomes long gradually.

  The material of the swing guide part 34, the guide guide part 35, the positioning guide part 36, and the guide part 37 described above can smoothly operate the magazine M and has excellent wear resistance. For example, although not particularly limited, for example, polyacetal containing glass fibers (abbreviation: POM) can be given.

  As described above, in the magazine storage space Sa, the side plates 31a and 31b, the flat surfaces 35c and 35c of the guide guide portion 35, and the flat surfaces 37c and 37c of the guide portion 37 are used to prevent the magazine M from swinging. The side wall is configured.

Next, the magazine M loaded in each magazine storage space Sa, Sb of the drive unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the magazine M has an internal space in which a plurality of prizes Q formed in a rectangular thin plate shape can be stored in a stacked state in the thickness direction. It is formed by a cylindrical casing 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, a concave guide groove 51 formed so as to be recessed inward is formed on the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the magazine M with a width dimension W from the upper end surface to the lower end surface. The width dimension W is set to a dimension in which the swing guide portion 34 and the positioning guide portion 36 are guided while sliding. A guide groove 51 that can slide with the swing guide portion 34 and the positioning guide portion 36 is also formed on the opposite side surface of the magazine M (see FIG. 9D).

  As shown in FIG. 9B, a vertically wide and wide window 52 is formed on the front surface of the magazine M, and the received prize Q can be seen from the window 52. In addition, a substantially rectangular plate 53 formed substantially the same as the width of the magazine M is fixed to the lower end portion of the magazine M. The plate 53 is provided at its lower end with a gate-type shutter 54 that can be operated in the vertical direction. The shutter 54 is always urged downward by an urging means (not shown). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a shutter opening / closing plate 31S (shaded portion) that protrudes horizontally and rearward is provided at the front end of the bottom in the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb in which the magazine M is loaded. A convex portion 31h is formed at the front end edge of the opening / closing plate 31S, and the shutter 54 is pushed up and opened by the inner wall ceiling portion of the shutter 54 coming into contact with the convex portion 31h.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a magazine identification unit 55 for identifying the magazine M is provided inside the shutter 54. The magazine identification portion 55 is formed with a pair of identification pieces 55a, 55a protruding forward (front side of the paper). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a pair of slits 31i, 31i formed at the same interval as the identification pieces 55a, 55a are formed in the convex portion 31h formed on the shutter opening / closing plate 31S in the magazine housing spaces Sa, Sb. 31i is formed (see FIG. 8), and the identification pieces 55a and 55a can pass through the slits 31i and 31i, so that the magazine M can be completely loaded into the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb. . Accordingly, by changing the interval between the identification pieces 55a and 55a and the interval between the slits 31i and 31i for each type of the prize Q stored in the magazine M, an error in the loading position of the magazine M can be prevented. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, at the rear end facing the shutter opening / closing plate 31S at the bottom in the magazine housing spaces Sa and Sb, the magazine M is horizontally and forwardly moved to prevent reverse insertion in the front-rear direction. A protruding reverse insertion preventing plate 31T (shaded portion) is provided. The reverse insertion preventing plate 31T has a pair of protruding plate portions 31j and 31j. That is, when the loading position is correct but the front and rear of the magazine M are inserted in reverse, the identification pieces 55a and 55a abut against the protruding plate portions 31j and 31j, thereby preventing reverse insertion.

  The reverse insertion preventing plate 31T is formed with a concave cutout 31k between the protruding plate 31j and the protruding plate 31j so that the knob 61 of the premium weight 60 described later can pass through the cutout 31k. It has become.

  Although not shown in the drawing, a slit-shaped conveyance path through which one prize Q can pass when the shutter 54 is raised is formed in front of the lower end of the magazine M. When the magazine M is extracted from the drive unit 3, the shutter 54 is lowered to close the slit-shaped transport path, and for example, the prize Q is prevented from dropping from the magazine M while the magazine M is being transported. The

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a narrow and long window 56 is formed on the back surface of the magazine M, and the prize Q accommodated in the window 56 can be visually recognized. In addition, two horizontally elongated plates 57 and 58 are fixed to the back of the lower end of the magazine M.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, in the magazine M, a prize weight 60 is placed on the uppermost part of the stacked prizes Q. The prize weight 60 has a plate shape in which the shape when viewed in plan has substantially the same area as the prize Q (see FIG. 13D). The prize weight 60 is provided with a knob 61, and the knob 61 protrudes from the window 56. The prize weight 60 prevents the prize Q from jumping while the magazine M is being transported and disturbs the stacked state, and after the attachment, the prize catching projection 41 ensures the payout of the prize Q.

  The plate 53, the shutter 54, the plates 57 and 58, the knob 61 and the like described above can be formed using a material such as POM as described above.

  On the upper surface of the magazine M, a handle 62 formed by bending a wire is provided. The handle 62 is rotatably supported on the upper part of the magazine M. When the handle 62 is used, the handle 62 can be hooked and carried by protruding outward from the casing 50. It does not protrude outward.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a prize presence sensor S1 for detecting the presence or absence of a prize Q in the magazine M is provided in the magazine accommodating spaces Sa and Sb of the drive unit 3 of the present embodiment. This prize presence sensor S1 has a detection piece 71 that is rotatably supported. This detection piece 71 is located on the side of the conveyor belt B2, and when the magazine M is set in the drive unit 3, the prize is given. It is provided at a position pressed by the lower surface of Q. In this prize presence sensor S1, when the detection piece 71 is pressed by the prize Q and the prize weight 60, it can be determined that the prize Q remains in the magazine M, and when the detection piece 71 rises. Can determine that the prize in the magazine M has become empty. Incidentally, the prize weight 60 is cut out at a corresponding position so that the detection piece 71 is not pressed even when the prize Q is empty and positioned at the bottom of the magazine M.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drive unit 3 is provided with premium count sensors S2 and S2 that detect whether or not the designated number of premiums Q has been discharged. This premium count sensor S2 has a detection piece 72 that is fixed to the outer surface of the side plates 31d and 31f, is urged rearward, and rotates while being pushed forward (front side of the paper surface). And is configured to protrude into the openings 31d1 and 31f1. In the prize count sensor S2, when the prize Q is discharged from the openings 31d1 and 31f1 based on the payout command, the detection piece 72 is pressed forward by the prize Q, and the prize Q is completely paid out. It is determined that one premium Q has been discharged from the drive unit 3 by the elastic return of the detection piece 72.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a unit fixing portion 80 is provided on the back side of the drive unit 3. The unit fixing portion 80 is provided for positioning and fixing the drive unit 3 in the unit housing portion 25 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 2, and is formed by bending a metal plate or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the unit fixing portion 80 has a plate portion 80a that is elongated in the left-right direction, and a long piece portion 80b in which one edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 80a is bent vertically. Short edge portions 80c and 80c are formed by bending the edges at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 80a in a direction perpendicular to the long piece portion 80b. Further, the long piece portion 80b is formed with a screw insertion hole 80b1 at the central portion in the left-right direction. Further, the unit fixing portion 80 is rotatably connected to an upper surface 101a of a case 101, which will be described later, in which a plate portion 80a is formed behind the unit body 31, via hinges 81, 81. The plate portion 80a is set horizontally when mounted on the main body 2, and is set in a folded state as shown by a two-dot chain line when detached.

  Further, a male connector 90 is provided at the lower part of the front of the drive unit 3, and this male connector 90 is connected to a female connector 210 provided in the apparatus main body 2.

  Each drive unit 3 includes a unit control unit 100. The unit controller 100 is accommodated in a metal case 101 formed in a box shape, and is fixed to the back surface of the drive unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the unit controller 100 is electrically connected to drive motors 32A and 32B, a prize presence sensor S1, a prize count sensor S2, and a prize sampling sensor S3. Further, the unit controller 100 transmits a signal indicating that the prize Q is empty to the main controller 200 described later, based on the detection output from the prize presence sensor S1. Further, the unit control unit 100 transmits the number of paid-out premiums Q to the main control unit 200 while counting the paid-out premiums Q based on the detection output from the premium count sensor S2. Further, the unit control unit 100 transmits to the main control unit 200 that the prize Q is extracted and turned off after the prize Q is paid out and turned on based on the detection output from the prize sampling sensor S3. If the detection output from the prize count sensor S2 cannot be obtained due to the jam of the prize Q, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the main control unit 200.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 200 is provided on the apparatus main body 2 side (see FIG. 3), and controls the drive units 3 in an integrated manner. 3 is connected to the unit control unit 100, the door opening / closing control unit 400, and the speech synthesis unit 500 provided in the unit 3. The main control unit 200 is connected to a prize management POS (Point Of Sales) 300 provided separately from the prize dispensing device 1, and based on a prize dispensing instruction (type and number of prizes Q) from the prize management POS 300. A payout signal is transmitted to the unit controller 100 of the drive unit 3 that needs to be paid out. The unit control unit 100, the main control unit 200, and the door opening / closing control unit 400 constitute the control unit described in the claims.

  The display device 26 is used for a store clerk and displays a remaining amount of the prize Q, a prize jam warning, and the like. Further, the display device 26 is, for example, a touch panel type, and can perform various input instructions on the screen. The display device 28 is used for a player, and displays the number of prizes Q to be paid out.

  When the main control unit 200 receives a signal from the unit control unit 100 that the prize Q in the magazine M has been emptied, the main control unit 200 displays a message to that effect on the display device 26 on the store clerk side. Control. In addition, the main control unit 200 receives the number of prizes Q to be paid out from the unit control unit 100 at any time when the prize Q is paid out, and reflects it in the remaining amount display of the prize Q displayed on the display device 26. Control. Further, the main control unit 200 monitors the extraction state of the prize Q based on the on / off signal from the unit control unit 100.

  The door opening / closing control unit 400 monitors the state of the prize take-out door 24 based on the output from the door state sensor S10. That is, the rotation, stop, and rotation direction of the opening / closing motor 410 are controlled based on signals from the door open sensor 420, the door close sensor 430 and the hand detection sensor 440 constituting the door state sensor S10, and the signal from the main control unit 200. To do.

  Based on the output from the main controller 200, the voice synthesizer 500 appropriately selects and reads out the voice pattern information stored in the memory in advance, and outputs the selected voice from a speaker (not shown). Is. The voice toward the store clerk includes empty detection of the prize Q, a warning of clogging, and the voice toward the player side is the status of payout of the prize Q (payment start of the prize Q is continued, Payout, instruction to extract premium Q).

  Next, an example of the operation of the giveaway device 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, the mounting procedure of the drive unit 3 to the apparatus main body 2 will be described. While the unit attaching / detaching doors 22 and 23 are opened (see FIG. 1), the unit fixing portion 80 provided in the drive unit 3 is folded. (Refer to the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7), and insert into the unit accommodating portion 25 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 2. After the insertion is completed, the drive unit 3 is slid forward (forward), whereby the male connector 90 provided in the drive unit 3 and the female connector 210 provided in the apparatus main body 2 are connected.

  Then, by rotating the unit fixing portion 80 in the clockwise direction (see FIG. 7), the wall surface 2b in the unit accommodating portion 25 and the surface of the long piece portion 80b are abutted and positioned. At this time, since the position of the screw insertion hole 80b1 of the long piece portion 80b and the position of the screw hole 2b1 formed in the wall surface 2b coincide, the screw 82 with the knob is manually moved from the screw insertion hole 80b1 side to the screw hole 2b1. The drive unit 3 is positioned and fixed to the apparatus main body 2 by screwing. Note that in the prize dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment, four drive units 3 are attached, and the remaining drive units 3 can be mounted in the same manner as described above.

  By providing the unit fixing portion 80 having such a configuration, it is possible to secure a slide space for the drive unit 3, so that the drive unit 3 can be attached and detached in a small space.

  Next, a procedure for mounting the magazine M to the drive unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11A, the store clerk holds the magazine M in which the prize Q is stored and holds the guide groove 51 formed in the magazine M in a state where the magazine M is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle. Insert into the swing guide 34. The inclination angle at this time is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to an angle at which the prize Q in the magazine M does not fall down, for example, about 20 degrees.

  Further, when the magazine M is inserted in such a direction that the knob 61 of the prize weight 60 is on the upper side (back side) (not shown), the plate 57 of the magazine M comes into contact with the flat surface 35b of the guide guide portion 35. (See FIG. 11 (a)). Then, when the magazine M is swung back (back side in the insertion direction), the guide groove 51 is lowered while being slid by the swing guide portion 34 due to the weight of the magazine M, and the plate 57 is further moved to the flat surface 35b. It slides on the inclined surface 35a and the flat surface 35c to reach the state shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 11B, the lower end surface of the plate 53 of the magazine M faces the flat surface 37 c of the guide portion 37, and the outer surface of the plate 57 faces the flat surface 35 c of the guide guide portion 35. As a result, the magazine M is in a vertical state and swinging is restricted. Then, when reaching FIG. 11B, the guide groove 51 of the magazine M is guided by fitting with the positioning guide portion 36 due to the weight of the magazine M, and the state shown in FIG. Loading is complete. Note that, as described above, in the state of FIG. 11C, the shutter 54 provided in the magazine M is lifted so that the prize Q can be carried out of the magazine M.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the magazine M can be inserted in an inclined state, it is not necessary to insert the magazine M while confirming the position from directly above the apparatus, and the magazine M can be easily loaded. Can do. Therefore, even a short store clerk can easily load the magazine.

  Next, payout control of the prize Q in the prize dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. Note that the prize take-out door 24 is closed before the prize Q is paid out. In step S100, when the lead information (information regarding the number of balls or medals) is read by a reader (not shown) connected to the prize management POS 300, the main control unit 200 gives a prize according to the prize information or the like. The payout information (type and number of prizes Q) is acquired.

  In step S101, the main control unit 200 transmits a payout start signal to the unit control unit 100 of the drive unit 3 in which a prize that needs to be paid out is stored, and starts paying out the prize Q. To do. Upon receiving this signal, the unit controller 100 selectively controls the rotation of the drive motor 32A and the drive motor 32B in accordance with the number of prizes Q to be paid out. At the time of paying out the prize Q, the prize taking-out door 24 is closed, and the prize Q is paid out so as to fall from the top to the prize payout exit 27 as shown in FIG. When the prize Q is discharged to the prize payout exit 27, the unit control unit 100 confirms that the prize Q is present at the prize payout exit 27 by the detection piece 73 of the prize removal sensor S3 being pressed by the prize Q. Detected.

  In step S102, the unit control unit 100 counts the number of prizes Q to be paid out by the prize count sensor S2, and determines whether or not the prize Q has been paid out. If the payout of the prize Q is not completed in step S102 (No), the process returns to step S101, the payout of the prize Q is continued, and if all the prizes Q have been paid out (Yes), the step In step S103, the unit control unit 100 transmits a payout completion signal to the main control unit 200.

  In step S <b> 103, the main control unit 200 that has received the signal transmits a signal for opening the prize take-out door 24 to the door opening / closing control unit 400 to the door opening / closing motor 410. Receiving this signal, the door opening / closing control unit 400 drives the opening / closing motor 410 in the opening direction. When the opening / closing motor 410 rotates in a predetermined direction, the pulleys PU1 and PU2 and the belt 411 operate to open the prize take-out door 24. At this time, in the door opening / closing control unit 400, the detection piece 401b is detected from the position of the door closing sensor 430 (see FIG. 4A) to the position of the door opening sensor 420 (see FIG. 4B). Then, it is recognized that the prize take-out door 24 has been opened from the closed state, that is, it is recognized that the prize take-out door 24 has been opened, and the opening operation of the opening / closing motor 410 is stopped.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S104, and it is determined whether or not the prize Q is completely extracted from the prize payout exit 27. Completion of the extraction of the prize Q is determined based on whether or not the prize extraction sensor S3 is switched from the on state to the off state. If it is determined in step S104 that the prize Q has not yet been extracted, that is, if it is determined that the prize Q remains in the prize payout exit 27 and the prize extraction sensor S3 remains in the ON state. (No), the process returns to step S103, and the prize takeout door 24 is left open. In step S104, if the unit control unit 100 determines that the prize Q has been extracted, that is, all the prizes Q stacked from the prize payout exit 27 are extracted, and the prize extraction sensor S3 is turned on. If it is determined that the state has been switched to the off state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S105, and a signal indicating completion of extraction of the prize Q is transmitted to the main control unit 200. When the prize Q is paid out at a plurality of prize payout outlets 27, when all the prizes Q are extracted from all the prize payout outlets 27, a signal indicating completion of extraction of the prize Q is sent to the main control unit 200. Send to.

  In step S105, the main control unit 200 that has received the extraction completion signal determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the prize extraction sensor S3 was switched from the on state to the off state. The predetermined time T1 at this time can be set as appropriate, but is set so that the hand is not caught by the prize take-out door 24 after the clerk removes the prize Q. If it is determined in step S105 that the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (No), the process of step S105 is repeated. If it is determined that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. move on. That is, in other words, when the prize extraction sensor S3 is switched from the on state to the off state, and this off state is detected continuously for a predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S106. Incidentally, for example, a timer (not shown) is provided in the main control unit 200, and the predetermined time T1 can be determined by this timer.

  In step S <b> 106, the main control unit 200 transmits a signal for driving the prize take-out door 24 to close the door opening / closing control unit 400. Receiving this signal, the door opening / closing control unit 400 drives the opening / closing motor 410 in the direction to close the prize take-out door 24.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S107, and during the closing of the prize removal door 24, the main control unit 200 determines whether the output of the prize removal sensor S3 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state based on the output from the unit control unit 100. Judge whether or not. In other words, the determination is made based on whether or not the output of the prize removal sensor S3 is ON for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds).

  In step S107, when the main control unit 200 determines that the prize removal sensor S3 has not switched from the OFF state to the ON state (No), the main control unit 200 proceeds to step S112, and the pinch sensor 441 of the door state sensor S10 is turned on. Then, it is determined whether or not the discrimination sensor 442 is on and the prize sampling sensor S3 is off. Incidentally, the state in which both the pinching sensor 441 and the discrimination sensor 442 are on and the prize extraction sensor S3 transmitted from the unit control unit 100 is off is a state in which the prize taking-out door 24 is instructed. This is a case where nothing is sandwiched and the prize takeout door 24 is normally closed. In this case (Yes), the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the main control unit 200 determines whether or not the prize Q needs to be paid out. In other words, since the payout number of the prize Q is large and may not be completed by one payout operation, in such a case (S113, No), after the prize takeout door 24 is closed, the process returns to step S101. Continue to pay out premiums. If there is no need to continuously pay out the premium Q (S113, Yes), the payout of the premium Q is terminated.

  In step S112, if the pinch sensor 441 of the door state sensor S10 is ON, the determination sensor 442 is ON, and the prize removal sensor S3 is not OFF (No), for example, after the store clerk takes out the prize Q For the reason, when the hand (finger) is moved to the free gift outlet 27 and the detection light of the pinch sensor 441 is blocked by the hand (finger), the pinch sensor 441 is turned on, but the discrimination sensor 442 is turned on. Therefore, it can be determined that another foreign object such as a hand is caught. As described above, when the main control unit 200 determines that a foreign object is caught, the process proceeds to step S114, where the door opening / closing control unit 400 immediately stops the rotation of the opening / closing motor 410, and the giveaway door 24 is removed. Is driven in the opening direction, and the process returns to step S105. In addition, after opening the door 24 for taking out the prize in step S114, the main control unit 200 controls the display device 26 for the store clerk to display a warning indicating that the foreign object has been caught and interrupt the process. You may make it return to the process of step S105 when a warning display is cancelled | released.

  In step S107, when the main control unit 200 determines that the prize removal sensor S3 has been switched from the off state to the on state (Yes), the main control unit 200 proceeds to step S108 and immediately stops the prize extraction door 24.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S109, and the main control unit 200 determines whether the on state or the off state is continuously maintained for a predetermined time T1 (for example, 3 seconds) based on the output of the unit control unit 100. In step S109, when the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (No), the process of step S109 is repeated, and when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the main control unit 200 determines whether or not the prize extraction sensor S3 is in an off state. In step S110, when the main control unit 200 determines that the prize extraction sensor S3 is in the OFF state based on the output from the unit control unit 100 (Yes), for example, the prize Q is input to the prize payout port 27. This is the case where the prize Q is extracted from the prize payout exit 27 immediately after being returned (OFF → ON → OFF). In this case, the process proceeds to step S111, and the door opening / closing control unit 400 is instructed to receive the prize 24. A signal for driving the door opening / closing motor 410 in a direction to close the door is transmitted. In step S110, when the main control unit 200 determines that the prize removal sensor S3 is in the on state (No), for example, the prize Q is returned to the prize payout port 27 and the on state continues. In this case, the process proceeds to step S114, and a signal for driving the door opening / closing motor 410 is transmitted to the door opening / closing control unit 400 in the direction to open the prize taking-out door 24. To do.

  As described above, in the prize dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment, the state (displacement) of the detection piece 73 is monitored even after the prize Q is extracted. Even if it is returned, it can be operated in the direction to open the prize take-out door 24, so that the prize take-out door 24 is closed while the prize Q remains at the prize payout exit 27, and the prize Q cannot be taken out. Inconvenience can be prevented.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the door state sensor S10 is provided separately from the prize sampling sensor S3, foreign matter such as a hand is caught even when the level of the prize sampling sensor S3 is not changed. Thus, the opening / closing control of the prize take-out door 24 can be more reliably performed.

  In the present embodiment, since the detection piece 73 is provided as the prize removal sensor S3 so as to protrude from the bottom 27s of the prize payout outlet 27, the prize Q is present (residual) at the prize payout exit 27. Since the detection piece 73 is reliably pressed by the prize Q, it can be reliably determined by a simple mechanism whether or not the prize Q has been extracted from the prize payout opening 27. As a result, the opening / closing control of the prize take-out door 24, that is, whether the prize take-out door 24 is to be opened or closed can be reliably performed, and the prize Q can be dispensed stably. .

It is a disassembled perspective view of the prize dispensing device of this embodiment. The external appearance perspective view of the prize paying device of this embodiment is shown, (a) when it sees from the store clerk side, and (b) when it sees from the player side. It is a top view which shows the drive mechanism of the door for prize taking-out. The door state sensor of an opening / closing door is shown, (a) is an open / closed door state, (b) is an open / closed door state. It is a top view which shows the state of a door state sensor when an opening-and-closing door closes in the state where the hand is located in the prize payout exit. It is a perspective view which shows a state when the prize is paid out to the prize payout exit. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of a drive unit. It is a top view when a drive unit is seen from the upper part. The magazine loaded in a drive unit is shown, (a)-(c) is each side view, (d) is the sectional view on the AA line of (a). It is a block diagram which shows the prize delivery apparatus of this embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of loading a magazine in a drive unit. It is a flowchart at the time of prize payout in the prize payout apparatus of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Premium Dispensing Device 24 Premium Extracting Door (Open / Close Door)
27 prize outlet 27s bottom 73 detection piece 420 door open sensor 430 door close sensor 440 hand detection sensor Q prize S3 prize extraction sensor (sensor)
S10 Door state sensor

Claims (3)

A prize payout exit from which a prize is paid out, an opening / closing door capable of opening / closing the prize payout exit, a sensor for detecting whether or not the prize is present at the prize payout exit, and a control unit for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing door; , Provided with a prize dispensing device,
The controller is
When the prize is paid out to the prize payout exit, a predetermined number of the prizes are opened,
It is configured to close the open / close door when detecting the removal of a prize from the prize paying exit based on the detection state of the sensor ,
Furthermore, the control unit
Monitoring a change in the level of the sensor, and after the change in the level, it is determined that the same level is continuously maintained for a predetermined time to switch to an on state or an off state;
The controller is
Even after detecting the removal of the prize from the prize payout outlet of the prize by judging the switching between the on state and the off state by monitoring the change in the level, the change in the level is monitored,
Stops the closing operation of the door when it is determined that the level has changed before the door is closed,
After the opening / closing door is stopped, the opening / closing door is configured to open or close according to the on state or the off state when the level is maintained at the same level continuously for a predetermined time. Yes,
A prize dispensing device characterized by that. Wherein the door is provided with a door state sensor for detecting a further closed state, according to claim 1, characterized in that for detecting the forcing open of the door based on the output obtained from the door state sensor Gift giving device. The sensor includes a detection piece that protrudes from the bottom of the prize payout exit and is pressed by the paid out prize, and the prize is present at the prize payout exit when the detection piece protrudes. The premium payout device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein an output signal is output.

Images