JP5179388B2 - Medal game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal game machine for paying out medals.

Conventionally, there has been a game machine having a play area where a plurality of players can play independently, and paying out medals to each play area (for example, Patent Document 1).
However, this type of conventional game machine has a large structure for paying out a large amount (for example, hundreds to thousands) of medals to the play area in the case of a big hit. There was a problem that would become large.

JP 2003-245460 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a medal game machine that can reduce the size of a structure for paying out medals to a plurality of play areas and can pay out medals in an interesting manner.

  The present invention solves the problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this. In addition, the configuration described with reference numerals may be improved as appropriate, or at least a part thereof may be replaced with another configuration.

The invention according to claim 1 is a storage unit (15, 5) that stores a plurality of play areas (F1 to F4) that can be played by a plurality of players and a plurality of medals (M) in a state that can be viewed from the plurality of players. 215), a payout unit (20A, 20B, 220A, 220B) that distributes and distributes a plurality of medals in the storage unit to the play area selected from the plurality of play areas, and the storage unit and the payout Connecting portions (23, 23) that are driven between a connection position for connecting a plurality of medals in the storage portion to the payout portion and a cutting position for cutting between the storage portion and the payout portion. 223, 226A, 226B),
At the time of paying out medals, the connecting unit is controlled to drive from the cutting position to the connecting position, and a plurality of medals in the storage unit are transported to the paying unit and distributed to the respective play areas to be paid out ( 42).
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medal game machine according to the first aspect, the connecting portion (23, 223) is provided in the payout portion (20A, 20B, 220A, 220B), and is connected to the payout portion. A medal game machine that is driven to move toward the storage unit (15, 215) to connect between the storage unit and the payout unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medal game machine according to the first or second aspect, the payout portion (20A, 20B, 220A, 220B) includes a payout opening (21a) for paying out the medal (M). And a drive unit (22) that drives to change the direction of the payout port, and the control unit (42) controls the drive unit when paying out medals so that the payout port pays out the medals. The medal game machine is characterized in that it is driven so as to face the play area (F1 to F4).
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medal game machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the connecting portion (23, 223) is provided in the payout portion (20A, 20B). And is driven to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion (15, 215) to connect between the storage portion and the payout portion, and the storage portion is perpendicular to the connection portion. An inclination drive unit (17) which is disposed at an upper position and moves so as to incline the storage unit in the direction of the connection unit and to flow a plurality of stored medals (M) into the connection unit. The control unit (42) controls the connection unit to drive from the cutting position to the connection position when the medal is paid out, and controls the tilt driving unit to tilt the storage unit. Multiple stored medals ( ) To move to the connection unit, a gaming machine which features, characterized.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the medal game machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the connecting portion (23, 223) is the payout portion (20A, 20B, 220A, 220B). And is driven so as to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion (15, 215), connects between the storage portion and the payout portion, and drives the storage portion in the vertical direction. And a vertical driving unit (16) that tilts in the direction of the connecting unit and a tilting driving unit that moves so as to flow a plurality of stored medals (M) into the connecting unit. 17), and when the storage portion is driven in the vertical direction in a state where the connection portion is in the connection position, the storage portion is disposed at a position that interferes with the connection portion, and the connection portion is in the cutting position. In the vertical direction Then, the control unit (42) is arranged at a position retracted from the connection unit, and the control unit (42) controls the vertical direction drive unit in a state where the connection unit is arranged at a cutting position at the time of paying out a medal. It arrange | positions in the perpendicular direction upper side from the said connection part, controls the said connection part, drives from the said cutting position to the said connection position, controls the said inclination drive part, and inclines and stores the said storage part A medal game machine characterized in that a plurality of medals are moved to the connecting portion.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the medal game machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the game machine is provided in each of the play areas (F1 to F4), and each player has a medal insertion machine (3). A pusher base (4) for placing medals inserted from the storage unit (20), and the payout unit (20A, 20B, 220A, 220B) receives a plurality of medals from the storage unit (15, 215) at the time of paying out medals. The medal game machine is characterized by being distributed and paid out to each pusher base in the areas (F1 to F4).
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the medal game machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the payout portion (20A, 20B) is formed by a flow path different from the storage portion (15, 215). , 220A, 220B) and a medal supply unit (12A, 12B, 13A, 13B) for supplying medals (M) to the payout unit, which is supplied by the medal supply unit and supplies the medal in a smaller amount than the storage unit. The medal game machine is characterized by having a payout port (21e) for storing the medal and paying out the medal.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the present invention, a plurality of medals are stored in a state visible from the player, the connecting portion is driven to the connecting position, and the plurality of medals in the storing portion are distributed to each play area and paid out. Thus, the medal payout configuration can be simplified by driving the connecting portion to the connection position, so that the configuration of the payout device can be reduced in size and the game machine can be reduced in size. Further, since the connecting portion is driven so as to connect the storage portion and the payout portion, and the medal stored in a state visible from the player is paid out, it is possible to pay out the medal in a prominent and interesting manner. it can. Furthermore, since the configuration of the storage unit and the medal payout unit is separated during normal play, the internal configuration of the game machine can be shown easily, and the complexity of the internal appearance can be reduced.
(2) In the present invention, since the connecting portion is driven so as to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion, and the storage portion and the payout portion are connected, the connection portion is moved toward the storage portion when the medal is paid out. And pay out medals.

(3) Since the present invention is driven so that the direction of the payout port faces the direction of the play area for paying out medals, the direction of the payout port is changed at the time of paying out medals and the play area for paying out medals is selected. Can do.
(4) In the present invention, the connection portion is provided in the payout portion, and is driven from the payout portion toward the storage portion to connect the storage portion and the payout portion, and the storage portion is perpendicular to the connection portion. It arrange | positions in the position of the direction upper side, inclines a storage part in the direction of a connection part, and moves so that the several medal currently stored may flow into a connection part. For this reason, at the time of paying out medals, the connecting portion can be driven toward the storing portion, and the storing portion can be inclined to move the medal into the connecting portion. Thereby, the space in the vertical direction inside the game machine can be used effectively, and the game machine can be made smaller.

(5) In the present invention, when the storage portion is driven in the vertical direction with the connection portion being in the connection position, the storage portion is disposed at a position that interferes with the connection portion, and when the medal is paid out, the connection portion is disposed at the cutting position. A plurality of the storage unit is controlled by controlling the vertical direction drive unit, arranging the storage unit vertically above the connection unit, driving the connection unit to the connection position, and controlling the tilt drive unit to incline the storage unit. Move the medal to the connection. Thus, in addition to the effect of (4) above, during normal play, the connecting portion is arranged at the cutting position, so that the storage portion storing medals is driven up and down without interfering with the connecting portion, and the player Can interest you.
(6) The present invention can be used for a medal payout device for a medal pusher game because the payout unit distributes and pays out a plurality of medals in the storage unit to each pusher table in each play area when the medals are paid out.

(7) According to the present invention, since the payout unit has a payout port for storing and paying out medals supplied by the medal supply unit, the medal payout mode can be changed according to the payout amount of medals.

It is a perspective view of the game machine of a 1st embodiment. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the game machine of 1st Embodiment, and the perspective view of an opening-and-closing connection part. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view explaining operation | movement of the storage tray and discharge device of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view explaining the operation | movement at the time of medal payout of the game machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the game machine of a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the game machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the game machine of a 2nd embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view explaining operation | movement of the storage tray of the 2nd Embodiment, a pendulum, and a payout apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure of the game system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the game system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the game system of 3rd Embodiment.

  The present invention provides a medal game machine in which a configuration for paying out medals to a plurality of play areas can be reduced in size, and a medal game machine capable of paying out medals in an interesting manner. A plurality of play areas, a storage tray that stores a plurality of medals in a state that can be viewed from a plurality of players, a payout unit that selects and pays out a plurality of medals in the storage dish from the plurality of play areas, and storage A connection portion that is driven between a connection position that connects between the tray and the payout portion and conveys a plurality of medals in the storage tray to the payout portion, and a cutting position that cuts between the storage tray and the payout portion; and medal payout Sometimes, a control unit that controls the connection unit to drive from the cutting position to the connection position, conveys a plurality of medals in the storage tray to the payout unit, distributes them to each play area, and provides a control unit. It was resolved by Rukoto.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medal game machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the game machine 1 according to the first embodiment and a perspective view of the open / close connection portion 23.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the operation of the storage tray 15 and the dispensing device 20A of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the operation at the time of paying out medals of the game machine 1 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game machine 1 (medal game machine) is a rectangular parallelepiped device having a width of about 2 m in the left-right direction X, a length of about 2 m in the depth direction Y, and a height of about 2 m in the vertical direction Z. Installed in stores such as game centers.
The game machine 1 includes a case 2, stations St1 to St4, play areas F1 to F4, medal supply paths 12A (12A-1 to 12A-3) and 12B, and a medal distribution device 13A (13A-1 to 13A). -3), 13B, a storage tray 15, a vertical drive unit 16 (16a.16b), an inclination drive unit 17, payout devices 20A, 20B (payout unit), and a medal recovery hole 25. .

The case 2 is a housing of the game machine 1 and includes a window 2a.
The window 2a is a member that partitions the inside of the game machine 1 from the outside, and the inside of the game machine 1 is a play area F. The window 2a is formed of transparent glass, resin, or the like so that the inside of the game machine 1 can be visually recognized.
Stations St <b> 1 to St <b> 4 are areas having devices that allow four players to play independently. Station St1 is an area on the left side X1 of the front side Y1 of the game machine 1, station St2 is an area on the right side X2 on the near side Y1, and station St3 is an area on the left side X1 on the back side Y2. St4 is a region on the right side X2 of the back side Y2.

Each station St1 to St4 is provided with a corresponding play area F1 to F4.
Note that the play area F refers to an area inside the game machine 1 where the player actually plays with the medal M inserted. In the embodiment, the area inside the window 2a is the play area F, and the play areas F1 to F4 are provided in the play area F. In the play area F, a storage tray 15, a vertical drive unit 16, an inclination drive unit 17, a medal collection hole 25, and the like are provided for large-scale payout and collection of medals.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the station St1 will be mainly described. However, the stations St2 to St4 have the same configuration. The station St1 includes a medal insertion device 3 (medal insertion device), a pusher base 4, a medal drop hole 5 and the like. And an external payout port 6, a checker 7, a slot 8, a roulette injection device 10, a roulette stop hole 11, and a roulette 12.
The medal insertion device 3 is a device for the player to insert a medal M into the play area F1, and is provided on each of the left side X1 and the right side X2 in front of the station St1. The medal insertion device 3 can be rotated by the player in the left-right direction X, and the medal M insertion direction can be changed.

The pusher base 4 is a device that is arranged in the play area F1, places a plurality of medals M, and pushes the medals M to the near side Y1. The pusher base 4 includes a reciprocating table 4a and a fixed table 4b.
The reciprocating table 4a is a table for receiving and placing a medal M inserted from the medal insertion device 3, a medal M paid out as will be described later, and the like. The reciprocating table 4a is provided with a drive device (not shown) constituted by a motor or the like so as to reciprocate in the depth direction Y with respect to the fixed table 4b.
The fixed table 4b is a table for receiving and placing a medal M inserted from the medal insertion device 3, a medal M paid out as described later, a medal M dropped from the reciprocating table 4a, and the like. The medal M on the fixed table 4b is pushed out to the near side Y1 with the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating table 4a, and falls into the medal dropping hole 5 or the checker 7.

The medal drop hole 5 is an opening hole provided on the front side Y1 of the fixed table 4b and communicates with the external payout opening 6.
The external payout port 6 is a payout port for paying out medals M that have fallen into the medal drop hole 5 to the outside. The medal M paid out to the external payout port 6 can be inserted again into the play area F1 by the player acquiring and using the medal insertion device 3.

The checker 7 is a winning opening provided on the front side Y1 of the fixed table 4b. When the medal M on the fixed table 4b wins the checker 7 successfully, a detection unit (not shown) such as an optical sensor provided in the checker 7 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 40 (described later). The control unit 40 performs a lottery process.
The slot 8 is a lottery device for aligning three numbers, and performs a lottery such as a small hit or a medium hit, as will be described later. The slot 8 is disposed on a base 9A disposed across the play areas F1 and F3.

The roulette injection device 10 is arranged in the range of the right side X2 of the front side Y1 of the play area F1. The roulette injection device 10 injects the medal M supplied from the medal distribution device 13A in the direction of the left side X1.
The roulette stop hole 11 is arranged in the range of the left side X1 of the front side Y1 of the play area F1. The roulette stop hole 11 is arranged so that the medal M ejected by the roulette injection device 10 wins. When the medal M is successfully won in the roulette stop hole 11, the roulette 12 is stopped.
As will be described later, the roulette 12 is a lottery device that performs a lottery such as a big hit.

The medal supply paths 12A and 12B and the medal distribution devices 13A and 13B include a storage tray 15, a roulette injection device 10 in each play area F1 to F4, and a small amount payout storage portion 21b in each payout device 20A and 20B ( This is a device for supplying medals M.
The medal supply paths 12A and 12B are configured by rail-shaped members that carry the medal M.
The medal supply path 12A is provided corresponding to the stations St1 and St3. The medal supply path 12A-1 supplies the medal M to the storage tray 15 and the small amount payout storage portion 21b (described later) of the payout device 20A. A supply path 12A-2 for supplying M and a supply path 12A-3 for supplying the medal M to the roulette injection device 10 are provided.
Similarly, the medal supply path 12B is provided corresponding to the stations St2 and St4.

The medal distribution devices 13A and 13B are devices that distribute the medal supply of the medal supply paths 12A and 12B.
The medal distribution device 13A distributes medals M corresponding to the stations St1 and St3. The medal distribution device 13A includes distribution units 13A-1 to 13A-3 that distribute medals M to the supply paths 12A-1 to 12A-3.
Similarly, the medal distribution device 13B distributes medals M corresponding to the stations St2 and St4, and includes the distribution units 13B-1 to 13B-3.

The storage tray 15 is a container that stores medals M to be paid out in large quantities (for example, several hundred to several thousand). The medal M is supplied to the storage tray 15 from the supply paths 12A-1 and 12B-1. The storage tray 15 is disposed substantially at the center of the play area F on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction Z. The storage tray 15 is formed of a transparent resin material or the like, and even if the storage tray 15 is arranged on the upper side, the player can visually recognize the medals M stored.
The game machine 1 can improve the player's willingness to play by storing the medals M that are actually paid out in a visible manner, for example, rather than displaying the number of medals stored in numbers or the like.

The vertical driving unit 16 is a driving device that supports the storage tray 15 and drives the storage tray 15 in the vertical direction Z. The vertical drive unit 16 includes two feed screws 16a and 16b.
The feed screws 16a and 16b are arranged side by side in the play area F so as to extend in the vertical direction Z. The feed screw 16a is disposed on the front side Y1, and the feed screw 16b is disposed on the back side Y2. The feed screws 16a and 16b are driven to rotate about the axis in the vertical direction Z by a DC motor or the like (not shown) to drive the storage tray 15 in the vertical direction Z.

  The tilt drive unit 17 is disposed between the feed screw 16 a and the storage tray 15. The tilt drive unit 17 includes a DC motor or the like (not shown), and rotates and tilts the storage tray 15 around the axis in the depth direction Y. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the tilting drive unit 17 tilts and stores the storage tray 15 in the direction of the opening / closing connection portion 23 (described later) of the dispensing devices 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B. A plurality of medals M are moved so as to flow into the open / close connection portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, the payout device 20A is a device that can distribute a large amount and distribute a small amount (for example, about several tens of sheets) to the stations St1 and St3. The payout device 20A is disposed on a base A9 disposed across the play areas F1 and F3.
In the embodiment, the payout is not limited to giving the medal M to the outside of the game machine 1 but also means giving the medal M to the play area F.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the payout device 20A includes a base portion 21, a rotation drive portion 22, and an opening / closing connection portion 23 (connection portion).
The base 21 is a cylindrical member, and includes a large amount dispensing port 21a, a small amount dispensing storage unit 21b, a small amount dispensing supply port 21d, a small amount dispensing port 21e, and a small amount dispensing injection device 21f.
The mass payout port 21 a is an opening hole provided for paying out to the pusher table 4 medals M that have fallen from the open / close connection portion 23 and slid down the slope 21 c provided inside the base portion 21.

The small amount payout storage unit 21b is an area for storing medals M to be paid out in small amounts. The small amount dispensing storage portion 21b is a lower space separated by the slope 21c in the base portion 21.
The small amount payout supply port 21d is an opening hole for supplying the medal M to the small amount payout storage portion 21b. The small amount dispensing supply port 21d is provided so as to communicate with the small amount dispensing storage unit 21b, and the medal M supplied from the supply path 12A-2 is stored in the small amount dispensing storage unit 21b.
The small amount payout port 21e is an opening hole for paying out the medal M stored in the small amount payout storage portion 21b. The small amount dispensing port 21e is provided on the opposite side of the small amount dispensing port 21d.
The small amount payout injection device 21f is a device for injecting the medal M of the small amount payout storage unit 21b from the small amount payout supply port 21d.

  As described above, the game machine 1 can store the medal M through a flow path different from that of the storage tray 15 and can take out the medal M. Thereby, the game machine 1 can change the mode of medal payout according to the payout quantity of medals M.

  The rotational drive unit 22 is a drive device such as a DC motor that rotationally drives the payout device 20A about the axis in the vertical direction Z. The rotational drive unit 22 changes the orientation of the large-volume dispensing port 21a and the small-volume dispensing port 21e and the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing connection unit 23 by rotationally driving the dispensing device 20A. The rotation drive unit 22 is disposed below the base 21 and rotates the base 21 to rotate the entire dispensing device 20A.

The open / close connection portion 23 connects between the storage tray 15 and the payout device 20A, and connects the plurality of medals M of the storage tray 15 to the payout device 20A (positions in FIGS. 3B and 4). It is driven between a cutting position for cutting between the storage tray 15 and the dispensing device 20A (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A).
In the embodiment, the meaning of connection includes connecting the flow path of the medal M, and the meaning of cutting includes cutting the flow path of the medal M. For example, if the opening / closing connecting portion 23 can deliver the medal M from the storage tray 15 regardless of whether or not it physically contacts the storage tray 15, it is in a position to connect the flow path of the medal M, If the delivery of the medal M from the storage tray 15 is impossible, the medal M is in a position to cut the flow path.

The open / close connection portion 23 is provided above the base portion 21. The opening / closing connection part 23 is composed of opening / closing connection members 23a, 23b. The open / close connecting members 23a and 23b have a shape in which a cylindrical member is separated into two parts by a cut surface passing through the central axis.
As shown in FIG. 2B, inclined surfaces 23c and 23d are formed on the upper surfaces of the open / close connection members 23a and 23b so as to be inclined downward toward the center.
The opening / closing connection unit 23 is driven to open / close by an opening / closing drive unit 24 (see FIG. 5) including a slider mechanism, a motor, and the like. Then, the open / close connection portion 23 moves in the horizontal direction from the dispensing device 20 </ b> A toward the storage tray 15. As a result, the opening / closing connection portion 23 connects the storage tray 15 and the dispensing device 20A from the storage tray 15 from the cutting position where the medal M cannot be transferred from the storage tray 15 (the position shown in FIG. 3A). The medal M is arranged at a connection position (position shown in FIG. 3B) where the medal M can be delivered.

The payout device 20B has the same configuration as the payout device 20A, and distributes a large amount of medals M to the stations St2 and St4, and pays out a small amount. Detailed description is omitted.
The medal recovery hole 25 is an opening hole for recovering the medal M of the storage tray 15. The medal recovery hole 25 is disposed below the play area F so as to be difficult for the player to see, and is further disposed so as to be hidden by the bases 9A and 9B. The medal recovery hole 25 communicates with an internal medal stock portion (not shown), and the recovered medal M is again supplied to the play area F from the medal supply paths 12A and 12B.

Next, arrangement | positioning of the storage tray 15 and the opening-and-closing connection part 23 is demonstrated.
As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the storage tray 15 is disposed at a position where the storage tray 15 interferes with the opening / closing connection portion 23 when driven in the vertical direction Z with the opening / closing connection portion 23 being in the connection position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the storage tray 15 is driven in the vertical direction Z while the open / close connection portion 23 is in the cut position, the storage tray 15 is disposed at a position retracted from the open / close connection portion 23. Yes.
That is, the open / close connection portion 23 is retracted from the movement area A1 of the storage tray 15 in the state of the cutting position, and moves to the upper side of the movement area A1 of the storage tray 15 in the state of the connection position. It is connected to a certain storage tray 15.

Thereby, the game machine 1 arrange | positions the opening / closing connection part 23 in a cutting | disconnection position at the time of the normal play which is not paying out medal, and the storage tray 15 which stored the medal M is moved up and down without interfering with the opening / closing connection part 23. It can drive and attract the player's interest.
Here, in the conventional game machine, a large model or the like or a large payout device is required to select a medal in the storage unit for each play area and pay out a large amount. On the other hand, in the game machine 1 of the embodiment, since the opening / closing connection portion 23 is driven toward the connection position toward the storage tray 15, the structure of the payout device can be reduced in size and simplified, so the game machine 1 itself can be reduced in size.
Furthermore, in the game machine 1, since the storage tray 15 and the medal payout device 20 </ b> A are separated during normal play, the internal configuration of the game machine 1 can be easily and clearly shown, and complexity can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal M in the storage tray 15 may be dropped into the medal collection hole 25 and collected in addition to being paid out. This medal collection process is performed by driving the storage tray 15 downward and tilting it. Since the medal recovery hole 25 is disposed at a position where it is difficult for the player to see the game machine 1, the medal recovery process can be performed inconspicuously and the player's willingness to play can be maintained. Details of the medal collection process will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the game machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
In addition to the above hardware, the game machine 1 includes a storage unit 30 and a control unit 40.
In the drawing, medal insertion devices 3B to 3D, checkers 7B to 7D, slots 8B to 8D, and roulette injection devices 10B to 10D are medal insertion devices, checkers, slots, and roulette injection devices for stations St2 to St4. This configuration is the same as that of the medal insertion device 3, the checker 7, the slot 8, and the roulette injection device 10 of the station St1.
Note that the computer in the present invention refers to an information processing apparatus including a storage device, a control device, and the like, and the game machine 1 is an information processing device including the storage unit 30, the control unit 40, and the like. Included in computer concept.

  The storage unit 30 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, information, and the like necessary for the operation of the game machine 1. The storage unit 30 temporarily stores information necessary for play progress. In addition, the storage unit 30 stores a game program 31 for progressing this medal game.

The control unit 40 is a control unit for controlling the game machine 1 in an integrated manner, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The game machine 1 includes a medal distribution control unit 41, a payout control unit 42, and a play progress control unit 43, and can transmit information between these control units as necessary.
The control unit 40 reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 30 as appropriate, thereby realizing various functions according to the present invention in cooperation with the hardware described above.
The medal distribution control unit 41 is a control unit that controls the medal distribution devices 13A and 13B to perform the distribution process of the medals M in the play area F.
The payout control unit 42 is a control unit that controls the vertical direction drive unit 16, the tilt drive unit 17, the payout devices 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> B, and the like to perform a medal payout process.
The play progress control unit 43 is a control unit for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game.

Next, the operation of the game machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game machine 1 of the first embodiment.
The operation of the station St1 will be mainly described below, but the operation of the stations St2 to St4 is the same.
First, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 10, when the player inserts a medal M from the medal insertion device 3, a detection unit (not shown) of the medal insertion device 3 outputs a signal to the control unit 40. Then, the control unit 40 starts processing.
At the start of play, as shown in FIG. 1, the large-volume payout port 21a and the small-volume payout supply port 21d of the payout device 20A are arranged so as to face inward (right side X2). It is arrange | positioned in the position above this. In addition, the open / close connection portion 23 is in a closed state, that is, a state where it is disposed at a cutting position.

In S20, the payout control unit 42 controls the vertical direction driving unit 16 to drive the storage tray 15 up and down. As described above, the storage tray 15 does not interfere with the opening / closing connection portion 23 in a state where the opening / closing connection portion 23 is in the cut position, so that the storage tray 15 storing a large amount of medals M is driven up and down. , The player can be interested.
In S30, the play progress control unit 43 counts the number of inserted medals M based on the output from the medal insertion device 3, and determines whether or not 10 medals M have been inserted. When it is determined that 10 medals M have been inserted (S30: YES), the play progress control unit 43 proceeds to S40, whereas when it is determined that 10 medals M have not been inserted (S30: NO), go to S50.
In S <b> 40, the medal distribution control unit 41 controls the medal distribution device 13 </ b> A to supply the medal M to the storage tray 15. Further, the play progress control unit 43 resets the medal insertion number to “0”.

In S <b> 50, the play progress control unit 43 determines whether or not the medal M has won the checker 7 in accordance with the output of the detection unit (not shown) of the checker 7. When the medal M wins in this scene, the player inserts the medal M from the medal insertion device 3 and the medal M on the pusher table 4 wins the checker 7.
When the play progress control unit 43 determines that the medal M has won the checker 7 (S50: YES), the play progress control unit 43 proceeds to S60, and when it determines that the medal M has not won the checker 7 ( (S50: NO), the process proceeds to S100.

In S60, the play progress control unit 43 controls the slot 8 to perform a lottery process.
In S70, the play progress control unit 43 determines whether or not the lottery result of the slot 8 is a small hit. Note that the small hit is when the numbers other than “7” are aligned, that is, when the display of the slot 8 becomes “000”, “111” or the like.
If the play progress control unit 43 determines that it is a small hit (S70: YES), the process proceeds to S71. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a small hit (S70: NO), the process proceeds to S80.

In S71, the payout control unit 42 controls the rotation drive unit 22 to drive the payout device 20A to rotate 90 degrees clockwise (in the direction of the arrow θ1 shown in FIG. 1), thereby pushing the small amount payout port 21e to the pusher in the play area F1. Turn to the direction of the table 4.
In S72, the payout control unit 42 controls the small amount payout injection device 21f to pay out the medal M stored in the small amount payout storage unit 21b to the pusher base 4. Thereafter, the payout control unit 42 controls the rotational drive unit 22 to rotate the payout device 20A 90 degrees counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow θ2 shown in FIG. 1), and the small amount payout port 21e is again inward (right side X2). ).

  As a result, the medals M placed on the pusher base 4 increase, so that the medals M on the pusher base 4 can move to the front side Y1 as the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating table 4a and fall from the fixed table 4b. Increases sex. When the medal M falls from the fixed table 4 b to the medal dropping hole 5, the medal M is paid out to the external payout opening 6 and can be obtained by the player.

  Note that when the medal M is paid out to the play area F3 because the station St3 on the back side Y2 has reached a small hit, the payout control unit 42 rotates the payout device 20A counterclockwise by 90 degrees to make a small amount. The payout port 21e is directed toward the play area F3. Thereby, the payout device 20A can select the play area F where the medal M is paid out when paying out a small amount.

In S80, the play progress control unit 43 determines whether or not the lottery result of the slot 8 is medium hit. The middle hit is when the numbers “7” are aligned, that is, when the display of the slot 8 is “777”.
The play progress control unit 43 proceeds to S81 when it is determined that it is a middle hit (S80: YES), and proceeds to S90 when it is determined that it is not a middle hit (S80: NO).

  In S90, the medal distribution control unit 41 controls the medal distribution device 13A to supply the medal M to the small amount payout storage unit 21b. As a result, the medal M wins the checker 7 in the small amount payout storage unit 21b (S50: YES), and every time the lottery process loses the small hit (S70: NO) and the medium hit is lost (S80: NO). The medal M is stored one by one.

In S <b> 81, the medal distribution control unit 41 controls the medal distribution device 13 </ b> A to supply the medal M to the roulette injection device 10.
In S82, the play progress control unit 43 rotates the roulette 12, drives the roulette injection device 10, and fires the medal M toward the left side X1.
In S83, when the medal M wins the roulette stop hole 11, the play progress control unit 43 stops the roulette 12 at the timing of winning and determines whether or not it is a big hit as a result. Note that the big hit is a case where the “◯” portion of the roulette 12 stops in the state indicated by the arrow 12a as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the play progress control unit 43 is a big hit (S83: YES), the process proceeds to S84. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a big hit (S83: NO), the process proceeds to S100.

In S <b> 84, the payout control unit 42 controls the vertical direction driving unit 16 to arrange the storage tray 15 above the opening / closing connection unit 23 in the vertical direction.
In S85, the payout control unit 42 controls the rotation driving unit 22 to rotate the payout device 20A clockwise by 90 degrees so as to direct the large payout port 21a toward the pusher table 4 in the play area F1.
As a result, the arrangement shown in FIG. 3A is obtained by the processing of S84 and S85.

In S86, as shown in FIG. 3B, the payout control unit 42 controls the opening / closing drive unit 24 to drive the opening / closing connection unit 23 to be disposed at the connection position.
In S <b> 87, the payout control unit 42 tilts the storage tray 15 by controlling the tilt driving unit 17.
As shown in FIG. 4, as a result, the medal M of the storage tray 15 is transferred and moved so as to flow into the open / close connecting member 23a, and further flows into the inside of the base portion 21 from the open / close connecting member 23a. Then, it pays out from the mass payout opening 21a.

  In this way, the game machine 1 drives the open / close connection portion 23 so as to connect between the storage tray 15 and the payout device 20A, and pays out the medal M stored in a state that is visible to the player. So that medals can be paid out in an interesting manner.

  When the large-scale payout is completed, the payout control unit 42 controls the tilt drive unit 17 to return the storage tray 15 to the horizontal position again, controls the open / close drive unit 24 to drive the open / close connection unit 23 to close, and to the cutting position. Return to. Thereafter, the dispensing control unit 42 controls the rotation driving unit 22 to rotationally drive the dispensing device 20A counterclockwise by 90 degrees, and again arranges the small amount dispensing port 21e so as to face inward (right side X2).

  Note that when the medal M is paid out to the play area F3 of the station St3 on the back Y2 because the station St3 on the back Y2 has a big hit, the payout control unit 42 turns the payout device 20A 90 degrees counterclockwise. Rotational drive is performed so that the mass payout opening 21a is directed in the direction of the play area F3, and the open / close connection member 23b of the open / close connection portion 23 is disposed at the connection position. Accordingly, the payout device 20A can select the play area F where the medal M is paid out when a large amount is paid out.

  In S <b> 100, the play progress control unit 43 determines whether or not the play has ended based on the output of the medal insertion device 3. The play progress control unit 43 determines that play has ended when there is no output from the medal insertion device 3 for a predetermined time (for example, about 60 seconds) (S100: YES), proceeds to S110, and ends a series of processing. On the other hand, when there is a continuous output from the medal insertion device 3, the play progress control unit 43 determines that the play is continued and the play is not finished (S100: NO), and repeats the processing from S20.

  As described above, the game machine 1 can be downsized because the medal payout configuration can be simplified. Further, the game machine 1 can pay out medals in a prominent and interesting manner. Further, the game machine 1 can easily show the internal configuration and reduce complexity.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the medal game machine to which the present invention is applied will be described.
Note that, in the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game machine 201 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the operation of the storage tray 15, the pendulum 226A, and the dispensing device 220A of the second embodiment (a figure corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment).
As shown in FIG. 7, the game machine 201 includes a storage tray 15, pendulums 226A and 226B, and payout devices 220A and 220B.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pendulum 226 </ b> A has a circular arc portion 226 a having a circular cross-sectional shape that can be rotated around the axis Y <b> 3 in the depth direction Y by two arm portions 226 b (see FIG. 7). It is supported by. The pendulum 226A is rotationally driven by a control unit (not shown) controlling a pendulum drive unit (not shown) including a DC motor or the like.
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the medals M are paid out in large quantities, the control unit first arranges the storage tray 15 above the payout device 220A, and places the storage tray 15 between the payout device 220A and the storage tray 15. The pendulum 226A is disposed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit drives the opening / closing connection unit 223 to open, and controls the pendulum driving unit to rotate the pendulum 226A counterclockwise in the drawing.
Thereby, the game machine 201 can connect the flow path between the storage tray 15 and the payout device 220A by the opening / closing connection part 223 and the pendulum 226A, and can pay out a large amount of medals M.

As described above, the game machine 201 can connect the flow path between the storage tray 15 and the payout device 220A by the open / close connection portion 223 and the pendulum 226A, and pay out a large amount of medals M.
Thereby, the game machine 201 can make the payout device 220A smaller by making the height of the open / close connection portion 223 lower than the open / close connection portion 23 of the first embodiment, and make the medal payout mode interesting. be able to.

In addition, the open / close connection part 223 may be deleted from the above configuration, and the storage tray 15 and the dispensing device 220A may be connected only by the pendulum 226A. In this case, in the game machine 201, the payout device 220A can be further reduced in size, and the configuration can be simplified.
The payout device 220B and the pendulum 226B have the same configuration as the payout device 220A and the pendulum 226A. Detailed description is omitted.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the medal game system to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 300 according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a game system 300 according to the third embodiment.
The game machines 301 and 401 are installed in the same store.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the game system 300 (medal game system) includes game machines 301 and 401 having the same configuration as the game machine 1 of the first embodiment, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. The communication line 360 is connected.
In the block diagram shown in FIG. 10, the components (hardware) of the stations St <b> 301 to St <b> 304 of the game machine 301 are indicated by suffixes A to D. The same applies to the configurations of the stations St401 to St404 of the game machine 401.

In the game machine 301, the control unit 340 includes a transmission / reception unit 344 that controls a communication circuit (not shown) and transmits / receives information to / from the game machine 401.
Similarly, the game machine 401 includes a transmission / reception unit 444 that transmits and receives information to and from the game machine 301 in the control unit 440.

In the game system 300, when a worker selects which of the game machines 301 and 401 is a host computer, the control unit of the selected game machine controls the system in an integrated manner. Yes.
In the present embodiment, the case where the game machine 301 is selected as a host computer will be described below as an example.
In the transmission / reception unit 444 of the game machine 401, the play progress control unit 443 receives information on play progress (for example, output information from the medal insertion devices 403 </ b> A to 403 </ b> D, information on a lottery result on whether or not a big hit is received) and the like on the communication line 360. To the game machine 301.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game system 300 of the third embodiment.
In S310, the medal distribution control unit 341 receives outputs from the medal insertion devices 303A to 303D. The game machine 401 transmits output information of the medal insertion devices 403 </ b> A to 403 </ b> D of the game machine 401 to the game machine 301. Then, when a medal is inserted from any of the medal insertion devices 303A to 303D and 403A to 403D, the control unit 340 starts a series of processes. The control unit 340 controls each hardware of the game machine 301 and controls each hardware of the game machine 401 via the communication line 360.

  In S320, the payout control unit 342 drives the storage tray 315 of the game machine 301 up and down. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 344 transmits information related to the vertical driving of the storage tray 415 to the game machine 401 via the communication line 360. In the game machine 401, when the transmission / reception unit 444 receives this information, the payout control unit 442 drives the storage tray 415 up and down.

  In S330, the medal distribution control unit 341 determines whether ten medals M have been inserted from any one of the medal insertion devices 303A to 303D and 403A to 403D. If the medal distribution control unit 341 determines that ten medals M have been inserted (S330: YES), the medal distribution control unit 341 proceeds to S340, whereas if it determines that ten medals M have not been inserted (S330). : NO), the process proceeds to S350.

  In S <b> 340, the medal distribution control unit 341 supplies the medal M to the storage tray 315. The transmission / reception unit 344 transmits information related to medal supply to the game machine 401. When the transmission / reception unit 444 receives this information, the medal distribution control unit 441 supplies the medal M to the storage tray 415. Thereby, the game system 300 can synchronize the supply of medals in the game machines 301 and 401 and sequentially store the same number of medals M in the storage plates 315 and 415.

In S350, the play progress control unit 343 determines whether or not a big hit has occurred in the game machine 301. When the play progress control unit 343 determines that a big win has occurred in the game machine 301 (S350: YES), the play progress control unit 343 proceeds to S384, and on the other hand, when it is determined that no big win has occurred in the game machine 301 ( (S350: NO), the process proceeds to S450.
In S384 to S387, the payout control unit 342 pays out medals M in the same manner as the processing in S84 to S87 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Then, the process proceeds to S390.
In S <b> 390, the transmission / reception unit 344 of the game machine 301 transmits information for collecting the medals M of the storage tray 415 to the game machine 401. When the transmission / reception unit 444 of the game machine 401 receives this information, the payout control unit 442 controls the vertical direction driving unit 416 to drive the storage tray 415 downward, and proceeds to S391.
In S391, the payout control unit 442 controls the tilt driving unit 417 to tilt the storage tray 415 in the direction of the medal recovery hole 425 (see the medal recovery hole 25 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9). Thereby, the game machine 401 can collect the medal M of the storage tray 415 in the medal collection hole 425.

  Through the above-described processing of S384 to S391, the game system 300 pays out a large amount of medals M on the storage tray 315 in the game machine 301 when a big hit occurs in the game machine 301, while the game machine 401 stores it. The medal M on the plate 415 can be collected. In addition, the medal collection hole 425 is disposed below the play area F400, and the storage tray 415 is driven vertically downward to collect medals, so that medals can be collected without being noticeable from the player. The player's willingness to play can be maintained.

In S450, the play progress control unit 343 determines whether or not a big hit has occurred in the game machine 401. The play progress control unit 343 performs this determination based on the play progress information of the game machine 401 received by the transmission / reception unit 344.
When the play progress control unit 343 determines that a big hit has occurred in the game machine 401 (S450: YES), the play progress control unit 343 proceeds to S484, and on the other hand, when it is determined that no big win has occurred in the game machine 401 ( (S450: NO), the process proceeds to S500.
In S <b> 484, the play progress control unit 343 transmits information related to mass payout to the game machine 401. When the transmission / reception unit 444 of the game machine 401 receives this information, in S484 to S487, the payout control unit 442 pays out medals M in the same manner as in S384 to S387 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
In S490 and S491, the payout control unit 342 of the game machine 301 drives the storage tray 315 downward to incline in the direction of the medal recovery hole 325 (see FIG. 9), similarly to S390 and S391. Thereby, the game machine 301 can collect the medal M of the storage tray 315 in the medal collection hole 325.

  By the process of S484 to S491, the game system 300, contrary to the process of S384 to S391 described above, in the case where a big hit occurs in the game machine 401, the game machine 401 receives the medal M of the storage tray 315. On the other hand, the game machine 301 can collect the medals M in the storage tray 315. In addition, similar to the game machine 401, the medal collection by the game machine 301 can be performed so as not to stand out from the player.

  In S500, the play progress control unit 343 determines that the play has ended when there is no output from the medal insertion devices 303A to 303D and 403A to 403D for a predetermined time (S500: YES), and proceeds to S510 to end the process. To do. On the other hand, the play progress control unit 343 determines that the play has not ended when there is continued output from the medal insertion devices 303A to 303D and 403A to 403D (S500: NO), and repeats the processing from S320.

  As described above, the game system 300 can be played by regarding the game machines 301 and 401 installed separately in the same store as one game machine. Thereby, even if the game machines 301 and 401 are small devices for four players, it is possible to play with eight players. Moreover, since each game machine can be reduced in size, since each game machine can be arrange | positioned separately in each empty space in a store, the empty space in a store can be utilized effectively.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made as in the modifications described later, and these are also included in the present invention. Within the technical scope. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and modifications described later can be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Deformation)
(1) In the third embodiment, the example in which the two game machines are arranged in the same store is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may install in a different store via communication lines, such as the internet. Thereby, remote play is possible.

(2) Although an example in which two game machines are connected has been shown in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when three or more game machines are connected, if one game machine is selected as a host computer, play using three or more game machines is possible.
In this way, if more game machines are connected and the medal supply is synchronized, the medal supply to the storage tray of each game machine increases, and the time between paying out medals can be shortened. You can speed up the progress. Thereby, a play does not become monotonous and a player's willingness to play can be maintained.

(3) In the third embodiment, an example in which any of the connected game machines is a host computer is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a server for controlling and controlling a plurality of game machines may be provided separately.

(4) In 3rd Embodiment, although the example which does not provide the function which alert | reports the information of another game machine with respect to the player of each game machine was shown, it is not limited to this. For example, a payout notification unit for notifying a player of another medal game machine of a medal payout at each medal game machine may be provided. In this case, the game machine may be provided with a speaker (audio output unit) or a monitor (display unit), and other game machines may output information relating to the payout of each game machine. Thereby, when medals are paid out in each game machine, the player of other medal game machines is regretted, and the player's willingness to play can be improved.

  1, 301, 301, 401 ... Game machine: 3, 303A to 303D, 403A to 403D ... Medal insertion device: 4 ... Pusher table: 12A, 12B ... Medal supply path: 13A, 13B ... Medal distribution device: 15, 315 , 415 ... Reservoir: 16, 316, 416 ... Vertical drive unit: 17 ... Inclined drive unit: 20A, 20B, 220A, 220B ... Dispensing device: 21a ... Mass dispensing port: 22 ... Rotation drive unit: 23, 223 ... Opening / closing connection part: 25, 325, 425 ... medal recovery hole: 30 ... storage part: 40, 340, 440 ... control part: 41, 341, 441 ... medal distribution control part: 42, 342, 442 ... payout control part: 43, 343 ... Play progress control unit: 226A, 226B ... Pendulum: 300 ... Game system System: 344, 444 ... Transmission / reception unit: 360 ... Communication line: F, F1-F4, F300, F400 ... Play area: M ... Medal: St1-St4, St301-St304, St401-St404 ... Station

Claims (7)

A plurality of play areas each of which a plurality of players can play;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of medals in a state visible from the plurality of players;
A payout unit that distributes and pays out a plurality of medals in the storage unit to the play area selected from the plurality of play areas;
It is driven between a connection position that connects between the storage section and the payout section and conveys a plurality of medals in the storage section to the payout section, and a cutting position that cuts between the storage section and the payout section. A connecting portion,
A control unit that controls the connection unit to drive from the cutting position to the connection position at the time of paying out medals, transports a plurality of medals in the storage unit to the payout unit, and distributes and distributes them to each play area; ,
Medal game machine equipped with. The medal game machine according to claim 1,
The connecting portion is provided in the payout portion and is driven to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion to connect between the storage portion and the payout portion;
A medal game machine characterized by In the medal game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The payout unit
A payout slot for paying out the medal;
A drive unit that drives to change the direction of the payout port,
The control unit controls the driving unit at the time of paying out medals, and drives the payout port to face the direction of the play area in which the medals are paid out;
A medal game machine characterized by In the medal game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The connecting portion is provided in the payout portion, is driven to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion, and connects between the storage portion and the payout portion,
The storage part is arranged at a position on the upper side in the vertical direction than the connection part,
Inclining the storage part in the direction of the connection part, comprising a tilt drive part that moves so as to flow a plurality of stored medals into the connection part,
The control unit controls the connection unit to drive from the cutting position to the connection position at the time of paying out medals, and controls the tilt driving unit to tilt the storage unit for storage. Moving to the connection,
A medal game machine characterized by In the medal game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The connecting portion is provided in the payout portion, is driven to move from the payout portion toward the storage portion, and connects between the storage portion and the payout portion,
A vertical driving unit for driving the storage unit in the vertical direction;
An inclination drive unit that inclines the storage unit in the direction of the connection unit, and moves so as to flow a plurality of stored medals into the connection unit;
The storage portion is disposed at a position that interferes with the connection portion when driven in the vertical direction with the connection portion being in the connection position, and is driven in the vertical direction with the connection portion being in the cutting position. Then, it is arranged at a position retracted from the connection part,
The control unit controls the vertical driving unit in a state where the connection unit is disposed at a cutting position when paying out medals, and arranges the storage unit above the connection unit in the vertical direction. Controlling and driving from the cutting position to the connection position, controlling the tilt drive unit to tilt the storage unit and moving a plurality of stored medals to the connection unit;
A medal game machine characterized by In the medal game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Provided in each of the play areas, each player has a pusher table for placing medals inserted from a medal insertion machine,
The payout unit distributes and pays out a plurality of medals in the storage unit to each pusher table in each play area when paying out medals;
A medal game machine characterized by In the medal game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A medal supply unit that supplies medals to the payout unit by a flow path different from the storage unit,
The payout unit is provided with a payout port for storing medals in a smaller amount than the storage unit supplied by the medal supply unit and paying out the medals;
A medal game machine characterized by

Images