JP5191175B2 - Game media processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium processing system that collects game media used in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, such as medals and pachinko balls, cleans them, and supplies them to the gaming machines again.

  Conventionally, as such a game medium processing system as described above, there is a system disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. In this technique, a medal replenishing device is installed at the island edges of a plurality of game islands, and the medal replenishing devices are connected to each other by an island passing conveyor. A medal supply device cleans medals recovered from each slot machine by a recovery conveyor and medals recovered by being inserted into a counter for exchange with prizes by a built-in cleaning unit, and by a main lift. Pump up and branch off to supply tank or island conveyor. The medals in the replenishment tank are replenished to slot machines and medal lending machines on the island by a replenishment conveyor. The medals branched to the island transfer conveyor are supplied to the supply tank of the adjacent medal supply device. Another medal replenishing device has the same configuration as the medal replenishing device described above except that the medal replenishing device does not include a mounting table on which the counter is placed and a cleaning unit. It is cheaper than the medal replenishing device described above in that there is no cleaning unit and mounting table, and the installation space is small.

  In most amusement stores, in order to reduce costs and save space, the number of medal replenishing devices provided with a cleaning unit is minimized, and other medal replenishing devices are not provided with a cleaning unit. Each medal replenishment device not only performs the process of replenishing medals to the medal use machines on the island alone, but also compares the amount of medals stored inside each medal, and averages the amount of medals stored in each medal replenishment device As is done, medals are handed over by an island conveyor.

JP 2006-136355 A

  In the system as described above, a medal replenishing device that does not have a cleaning unit may replenish the collected medal to the medal use machine on its own island without washing, and the player uses a dirty medal. It will be. In addition, when a medal is handed over to the other medal replenishing device from the medal replenishing device that does not have the cleaning unit by the island passing conveyor, the dirty medal is replenished to the medal using machine from the medal replenishing device that has received the handing over. The

  The present invention relates to a game medium processing apparatus that does not include a cleaning unit, such as a game medium collected by a medal replenishment apparatus, such as a medal, and that can be replenished to a game medium use machine, such as a medal use machine. An object is to provide a processing system.

A gaming medium processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to connect a first and second gaming medium processing apparatus to the first and second gaming medium processing apparatuses. As the game medium, there are a medal and a pachinko ball. As the inter-device transport means, for example, a transport conveyor that supports and transports game media on the upper surface can be used. Only one inter-device transfer means can be provided, or two can be provided. The first game medium processing apparatus has a cleaning means for cleaning the game medium, and the cleaned game medium cleaned by the cleaning means can be transported to the outside by the inter-device transport means. An uncleaned game medium transported from the outside by the transport means can be taken into the cleaning device. The second game medium processing device is capable of accepting the washed game medium conveyed from the first game medium processing device by the collecting means for collecting the game medium discharged from the gaming machine and the inter-device conveying means. A discharge tank that is opened at the top and that is discharged to replenish the game machine received and stored in the gaming machine, a storage tank disposed below the replenishment tank, and a game recovered by the recovery means Distributing means for supplying the medium to either the storage tank or the inter-device transport means. As the collecting means, for example, a game medium ejected from a gaming machine is collected by conveying by means of a conveying means, or a game medium that collects the game medium after completion of the coefficient when the game medium is counted by a game medium coefficient unit. Contains . The replenishing tank forms a tubular overflow means having an upper surface opening and a lower surface opening by dividing its internal space, and the game medium stored in a portion other than the overflow means in the replenishing tank is a predetermined amount or more. At this time, the game medium is overflowed to the overflow means, the upper surface opening of the storage tank is located below the lower surface opening of the overflow means, and the distribution means can be transported by the inter-device transport means At this time, the game medium recovered by the recovery means is supplied to the inter-device transport means, and when the inter-device transport means cannot be transported, the game media recovered by the recovery means is put into the upper surface opening of the overflow means.

  In the game media processing system configured as described above, the game media collected by the second game media processing device is supplied to the inter-device transport device by the distributing device and is transported to the first game media processing device. The transported game medium is cleaned by the cleaning means of the first game medium processing apparatus. The game medium cleaned in the first game medium processing device is transferred to the second game medium processing device by the inter-device transfer means. The transported game media that have been transported are supplied to the replenishment tank of the second game media processing device. As described above, since the inter-device transport cleaning process and the inter-device transport replenishment process are performed, the game medium replenished from the second game medium processing apparatus is not cleaned, but has been cleaned. Become.

  When a predetermined amount or more of the washed game medium is stored in the supply tank, the game medium is stored in the storage tank from the supply tank via the overflow means. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a predetermined amount or more of the washed game media from being stored in the supply tank. Further, when the collected game media cannot be transported to the first game media processing device by the inter-device transport means, the distribution means supplies unwashed game media to the storage tank via the overflow means. As a result, unwashed game media can be prevented from staying in the second game media processing device or the inter-device transport means.

When the inter-device transport means cannot be transported , the distribution means supplies the game medium recovered by the recovery means to the replenishment tank by putting it into the upper surface opening of the replenishment tank other than the overflow means. It is possible.

  With this configuration, the washed game medium is not transferred to the second game medium processing device due to, for example, a failure of the inter-device transfer means, and the second game medium processing device has insufficient supply of game media. In such a case, by supplying unwashed game media to the supply tank, it is possible to supply game media to the game machine and prevent the operation of the game machine from being stopped.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the game media collected by the second game media processing device not provided with the cleaning means is transported to the first game media processing device by the inter-device transport means, and the first game media processing is performed. It is cleaned by the cleaning means of the apparatus, and again transferred to the second game medium processing apparatus by the inter-apparatus transfer means. Therefore, at the normal time, the game medium supplied from the second game medium processing device not provided with the cleaning means is also cleaned. Because of such a configuration, the number of first game medium processing devices provided with cleaning means is reduced to reduce the cost and the installation space, while games supplied from all game medium processing devices. The medium can be washed. In addition, when the washed game medium is stored in the supply tank in a predetermined amount or more, the game medium is stored in the storage tank via the overflow means provided in the supply tank, so that the game medium overflows from the supply tank. Can be prevented. Furthermore, since the distribution means can supply unwashed game media to either the inter-device transport means or the storage tank, the unwashed game media cannot be transported to the first game medium processing device by the inter-device transport means. The uncleaned game medium can be stored in the storage tank. Since the flow path from the distribution means to the storage tank uses the overflow means, it is not necessary to provide a new flow path to the storage tank, and the volume of the replenishment tank can be increased. In addition, if the distribution means can supply unwashed game media to the replenishment tank, the washed game media from the first game media processing device is processed by the second game media processing due to a failure of the inter-device transport means or the like. If the game media in the replenishment tank is insufficient without being returned to the apparatus, it is an unwashed game medium, but it can be supplied to the replenishment tank and the game in the gaming machine can be continued.

  In the game media processing system of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of game media processing devices, for example, four medal supply devices 2a to 2d are used. The medal replenishing devices 2a to 2d are used to play game media such as medals, game media using machines installed on the game island, such as game machines, specifically slot machines, game media lending machines, specifically medal lending. Refill the machine. The medal supply devices 2a and 2c have the same structure, and the medal supply devices 2b and 2d have the same structure.

  The medal supply device 2a is installed on the game island 4 as shown in FIG. The amusement island 4 has a plurality of slot machines 6 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. A medal lending machine 8 is provided so as to be sandwiched between these slot machines 6. The game island 4 has a form called “Ryoshima” in which the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 are arranged on both sides, and a form called “Katashima” in which the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 are arranged only on one side. There is. Any form of amusement island is selected as necessary.

  In the slot machine 6 or the medal lending machine 8, when the amount of medals stored in the inside is smaller than a predetermined amount, a sensor (not shown) provided therein supplies a replenishment request signal. For example, an empty signal is generated. This is supplied to the medal replenishing device 2a, and medals are replenished to the slot machine or medal lending machine that generated the empty signal.

  The medal supply device 2 a is provided at one end of the game island 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the medal replenishing device 2 a has a mounting table including a mounting table 12 for mounting a part of the collecting means, for example, the medal counter 10.

  Below the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8, a part of the collecting means, for example, the collecting conveyor 14 is provided substantially horizontally along the arrangement direction. The recovery conveyor 14 is disposed from one end of the game island 4 to the other end. The medals overflowing from each slot machine 6 are discharged onto the collection conveyor 14 and conveyed to one end of the collection conveyor 14 where the medal replenishing device 2a is arranged. The medals transported to one end are temporarily stored in the bucket 16 provided in the main body of the medal replenishing device 2a, and are put into the cleaning unit 22 in the main body by the intermediate conveyor 18. The medals cleaned by the cleaning unit 22 are transported above the medal replenishing device 2a by a lifting means standing up behind the cleaning unit 22, for example, the main lift 24.

  In addition, as a result of the player's game, medals that are prizes paid out from the slot machine 6 are put into the cleaning storage means, for example, the lower tank 20 via the counter 10. The medals put into the lower tank 20 are also put into the washing unit 22 and washed, and then lifted upward by the main lift 24. The lower tank 20 and the cleaning unit 22 constitute cleaning means.

  The cleaned medals that have been transported by the main lift 24 are transported to a medal replenishing device on another game island by a distribution means, for example, a distribution chute 26, such as an inter-unit transport means, such as an island transfer conveyor 32 or a replenishment means. To the replenishment tank 36 forming a part of The replenishment tank 36 has an upper surface that is fully open, and medals are thrown into the interior from the upper surface. The washed medals conveyed from other medal replenishing devices can be put into the replenishment tank 36 by the branch unit 28. The configuration of the distribution chute 26 and the branch unit 28 will be described later.

  The cleaned medals replenished to the replenishment tank 36 are conveyed almost horizontally above the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 onto a part of replenishing means extending from the main body, for example, on a replenishing conveyor 38, The slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 that have generated the empty signal are replenished by a part of the replenishment means, for example, the branch unit 40. The medals that have not been replenished to the slot machine 6 or the medal lending machine 8 are transported to the other end of the replenishment conveyor 38 and then transferred to the collection conveyor 14 via a return chute indicated by an arrow.

  When the replenishment tank 36 is full, the washed medals overflow and are stored in the upper tank 42. The upper tank 42 also has an upper surface that is fully open, and medals are inserted from the upper surface. Washed medals stored in the upper tank 42 are paid out by a discharging means provided at the lower part of the upper tank 42, for example, a belt conveyor type discharging means 44. The cleaned medal paid out by the discharging means 44 is put into a supplying means, for example, a mug 46. Washed medals that have been spilled out without being inserted into the mug 46 are supplied to the main lift 24 via the chute 48.

  When it is necessary to supply the washed medals stored in the upper tank 42 to the replenishment tank 36 or when it is necessary to supply the medals replenishment device to another game island by the island transfer conveyor 32, the discharge means 44 is driven. Then, medals are replenished to the replenishment tank 36 or the island transfer conveyor 32 through the chute 48, the main lift 24, and the distribution chute 26.

  Further, unwashed medals transported by the inter-device transport means, for example, the island-carrying conveyor 34, are thrown into the lower tank 20 through a cleaning flow path constituted by the branch unit 30 and the bellows chute 56 as will be described later. Is done. The configuration of the branch unit 30 and the bellows chute 56 will also be described later.

  The medal supply device 2b is configured as shown in FIG. 2, and does not include the counter 10, the lower tank 20, the cleaning unit 22, and the upper tank 42 as compared with the medal supply device 2a. The same components as those of the medal supply device 2a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Further, since the cleaning unit 22 is not provided, the uncleaned medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 14 are directly supplied to the main lift 24, transported, and put into the distribution chute 26. As will be described later, the unwashed medals are put into the island transfer conveyor 34 by the distribution chute 26 and are transported by the island transfer conveyor 34 to the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c provided with the cleaning unit 22. Washed medals are conveyed by the island crossing conveyor 32 and stored in the supply tank 36 by the branch unit 28. Further, a storage means, for example, a storage tank 43 is provided in place of the upper tank 42. As will be described later, unwashed medals are supplied to the storage tank 43 via the branch chute 26, or overflowed medals are inserted from the replenishment tank 36. The medals in the storage tank 43 are supplied to the main lift 24 by the discharging means 44 provided in the lower part of the storage tank 43, are transported, and are put into the distribution chute 26.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the medal replenishing devices 2 a and 2 c having the cleaning unit 22 and the medal replenishing devices 2 b and 2 d not having the cleaning unit 22 are alternately arranged in a line, and medals can be handed over to each other. Are connected by the above-mentioned island-carrying conveyors 32 and 34. The island transfer conveyors 32 and 34 are each composed of one belt conveyor driven in both directions, and are installed through the medal supply devices 2b and 2c with the medal supply devices 2a and 2d as the start or end. . Therefore, medals can be handed over to medal supply devices other than the adjacent medal supply devices. For example, when a medal is handed over from the medal replenishing device 2a to the medal replenishing device 2d, an operation of taking the medals into the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2c and discharging them onto the conveyor again is unnecessary, and the medal replenishing device 2a directly. From 1 to 2d can be handed over to the island.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, the island conveyors 32 and 34 are shown to be arranged at different height positions, but actually, they are arranged at the same height position as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 70 is provided in each medal supply device 2a to 2d. The control unit 70 collects and replenishes medals from the slot machine 6, the medal lending machine 8 and the medal counter 10 on the self-island, cleaning the medals by the cleaning unit 22 (only the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c), and other medal replenishing devices. Control the medal supply etc. The control unit 70 includes a CPU, a memory, a timer, and the like. A data input / output device 72 is connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 drives the recovery conveyor 14, the intermediate conveyor 18, the cleaning unit 22, the main lift 24, the upper tank 42, the supply tank 36, the island transfer conveyors 32 and 34, the supply conveyor 38, etc. in the medal supply devices 2 a and 2 c. The drive means group 74 consisting of means is controlled by receiving signals from the sensor group 76 consisting of sensors provided on them. In the medal replenishing devices 2 b and 2 d, the driving means group 74 includes driving means for the storage tank 43 instead of the driving means for the cleaning unit 22 and the upper tank 42. A controller group 78 and a display device 80 are connected to the control unit 70, and various conditions are set and error messages are displayed.

  Further, the control unit 70 performs bi-directional communication with each relay control unit 82 (only one is shown in FIG. 4), and performs medal replenishment control to each slot machine 6 and medal lending machine 8. The control units 70 of the respective medal replenishing devices 2a to 2d perform two-way communication with each other, share data such as a medal storage amount, and carry medals from any medal replenishing device to any medal replenishing device. To decide.

5 and 6 are diagrams showing the periphery of the distribution chute 26 in the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c. The distribution chute 26 is filled with washed medals that have been lifted by the main lift 24 via the connecting chute 50. FIG. Will be paid out. The distribution chute 26 has a top opening serving as a medal receiving port, and the inserted medal is discharged from a medal discharge port 26a formed at a tip portion of a bottom plate inclined downward. The chute body 26c is rotated by the rotating shaft 26b provided in the middle of the bottom plate.

  A top plate 52 is horizontally disposed on the upper surface of the main body of the medal supply devices 2a and 2c, and the upper portion of the main lift 24 protrudes through the top plate 52. The above-described distribution chute 26 is disposed substantially at the center of the top plate 52. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, island transfer conveyors 332 and 34 are arranged on the top plate 52 so as to be positioned below the main body portion 26 c of the distribution chute 26. A cover 53 is provided so as to cover the distribution chute 26, the protruding portion of the main lift 24, and part of the island transfer conveyors 32 and 34. As shown in FIG. 5, a replenishment tank 36 is disposed close to the lower portion of the top plate 52.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the top plate 52 has top holes 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d through which medals pass.

  The top hole 52a is a substantially square opening, and the island-passing conveyor 34 is disposed immediately above the top hole 52a. The length of one side of the top hole 52a is larger than the width dimension of the island transfer conveyor 34, and the island transfer conveyor 34 passes through substantially the center of the top hole 52a. A bellows chute 56 communicating with the lower tank 20 is disposed as a flow path for cleaning immediately below the top hole 52a. A branch unit 30 is provided at a position corresponding to the top hole 52 a on the island transfer conveyor 34. The configuration of the branch unit 30 will be described later. The unwashed medals conveyed by the island transfer conveyor 34 are branched and discharged from the island transfer conveyor 34 by the branch unit 30, passed through the top hole 52 a and the bellows chute 56, and put into the lower tank 20.

  The top holes 52b and 52c are rectangular openings formed side by side, and the length of the long side is longer than the length of one side of the top hole 52a. The island-carrying conveyors 32, 34 cross each other in parallel so as to straddle the top holes 52b, 52c, and a part 52b ', 52c' of the top holes 52b, 52c faces between the island-carrying conveyors 32, 34. Is arranged.

The top hole 52d is a substantially square opening, and the island-carrying conveyor 32 is located immediately above the top hole 52d. The length of one side of the top hole 52d is longer than the width dimension of the island transfer conveyor 32, and the island transfer conveyor 32 is located at the center thereof.

These top holes 52b, 52c, 52d are all located above the replenishment tank 36, and all washed medals that have passed through these top holes 52b, 52c, 52d are put into the replenishment tank 36.

  The rotating shaft 26b of the distribution chute 26 described above is erected between the top holes 52b and 52c, and the main body portion 26c of the distribution chute 26 is rotatable as indicated by a broken line in FIG. By adjusting the rotational position of the distribution chute 26, the discharge port 26 a can be stopped above any of the top holes 52 b, 52 c, the parts 52 b ′, 52 c ′ and the island crossing conveyors 32, 34. . Accordingly, the cleaned medals lifted by the main lift 24 can be supplied to the replenishment tank 36 through the portions 52b ′ and 52c ′ of the top holes 52b and 52c, or supplied to the island conveyor 32. It can also be transported to other medal supply devices. FIG. 6 shows a state where the discharge port 26 a is located above the island transfer conveyor 32.

  The branch unit 28 is disposed on the island transfer conveyor 32 above the top hole 52d. The branch unit 28 has the same configuration as the branch unit 30. Hereinafter, the configuration of the branch units 28 and 30 will be described.

  The branch units 28 and 30 have plate-like plates 28a and 30a, and these plates 28a and 30a are pivotally supported by rotary shafts 28b and 30b so as to be swingable up and down. The plates 28a and 30a are rotationally driven by a rotational drive mechanism (not shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the plate 28a is in contact with the upper surface of the island transfer conveyor 32 and is perpendicular to the length direction of the island transfer conveyor 32. Take either the evacuation state where you evacuate upwards away from the top surface. Similarly, in the branching unit 30, the plate 30 a is in contact with the upper surface of the island transfer conveyor 34 and is positioned obliquely with respect to the length direction of the island transfer conveyor 34. Take one of the states of being withdrawn upward to leave.

  Therefore, when the plate 28a of the branch unit 28 is positioned in the above-described branching state, the cleaned medal M transported from any direction toward the plate 28a on the island transfer conveyor 32 is also supplied through the top hole 52d. 36. When the plate 28a is positioned in the retracted state, the cleaned medal M passes through the medal supply devices 2a and 2c. Similarly, when the plate 30a of the branch unit 30 is positioned in the branched state, the unwashed medal M transported from any direction toward the plate 30a on the island transfer conveyor 34 is also accordion shot through the top hole 52a. 56 and finally into the lower tank 20. When the plate 30a is positioned in the retracted state, the unwashed medal M passes through the medal supply devices 2a and 2c.

  In this way, even if the branch units 28 and 30 use only one plate 28a and 30a, respectively, the island transfer conveyors 32 and 34 carry the medals M in either direction. The medal can be branched by using the front and back surfaces of one plate 28a, 30a.

  In the replenishing tank 36 of the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 5, a partial space on the side of the replenishing tank 36 is divided to form a vertical medal flow path, for example, An overflow portion 54 is formed. The lower part of the overflow part 54 is opened, and when the medals are excessively supplied to the replenishment tank 36, the overflow part 54 naturally flows down the medals and guides them to the upper tank 42.

  7 and 8 show the periphery of the distribution chute 26 of the medal supply devices 2b and 2d. The structure of the distribution chute 26 is the same as that of the medal supply devices 2a and 2c, but the top plate 52 has a top hole 52b. , 52c, 52d are provided, and the top hole 52a is not provided. Due to the fact that the top hole 52a is not provided, the medal supply devices 2b and 2d are smaller than the medal supply devices 2a and 2c. Further, the branch unit 30 is not provided. Therefore, the unwashed medals on the island transfer conveyor 34 are not supplied to the medal supply devices 2b and 2d.

Moreover, the top hole 52b is provided in the position corresponding to the overflow part 54 of the replenishment tank 36, as shown in FIG. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the discharge port 26a of the distribution chute 26 is positioned above a part 54b 'of the top hole 54b, the uncleaned state that has been lifted by the main lift 24 and introduced into the distribution chute 26. The medal is thrown into the storage tank 43 via the overflow part 54.

  Since the top hole 52c is provided on the replenishing tank 36, the main lift 52c is located above the part 52c ′ of the top hole 52c, as shown by the broken line in FIG. The unwashed medals that have been transported 24 and put into the distribution chute 26 are put into the replenishment tank 36 through a part 52c ′ of the top hole 52c. As will be described later, the unwashed medals are supplied to the replenishment tank 36 only in an emergency situation. In normal times, the washed medals transported by the island transfer conveyor 32 using the branch unit 28 and the top hole 52d. Is supplied to the supply tank 36.

  In a state where the discharge port 26 a of the distribution chute 26 is on the island delivery conveyor 34, unwashed medals lifted by the main lift 24 are thrown onto the island delivery conveyor 34.

  In the medal replenishing devices 2 a and 2 c having the cleaning unit 22 in the game medium processing system configured as described above, unwashed medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 14 are transferred to the cleaning unit 22 via the bucket 16 and the intermediate conveyor 18. It is thrown into. Similarly, unwashed medals collected by the medal counter 10 are also put into the washing unit 22 via the lower tank 20.

  The medals cleaned by the cleaning unit 22 are lifted by the main lift 24 and put into the distribution chute 26. When it is not necessary to pass the island, the discharge port 26a of the distribution chute 26 is set above the top holes 52b, 52c of the top plate 52, 52c 'and 52c'. It is put into the replenishment tank 36 through 52b and 52c. When either of the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 generates an empty signal, these cleaned medals are conveyed onto the supply conveyor 38 and are automatically sent to the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 that have generated the empty signal. To be replenished.

When an excessively washed medal is put into the replenishment tank 36, the washed medal flows down the overflow portion 54 of the replenishment tank 36 and is stored in the upper tank 42. In this way, only the cleaned medals are stored in the replenishment tank 36 and the upper tank 42, and the cleaned medals are also supplied to the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8.

  When manually replenishing medals, the discharging means 44 of the upper tank 42 is driven, a predetermined amount of medals are inserted into the mug 46, the clerk takes out the mug 46 from the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c, and the medals are insufficient. It is carried to the slot machine 6 and the medal rental machine 8, and the cleaned medals are replenished manually.

  The medals supplied to the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 on each game island are preferably washed. Since the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c are provided with the washing unit 22, the washed medals can be replenished to the slot machine 6 and the medal lending machine 8 as described above. However, since the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d do not include the cleaning unit, the medal cannot be cleaned by themselves, and the supplied medal is supplied from the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c including the cleaning unit 22. Inter-device transport supply processing is performed. The unwashed medals collected by the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d are transported to the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c by the inter-device transport cleaning process, and are cleaned by the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c. Note that even between the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2c provided with the cleaning unit 22, if there is a shortage of medals, the medal is handed over to the island.

  In the inter-device transport replenishment process, a predetermined one of the medal replenishment devices 2a to 2d, for example, the medal replenishment device 2a serves as a parent device, and its control unit 70 monitors whether the inter-device transport replenishment process is possible. ing. That is, it is determined whether to start the inter-device transport supply processing from the medal supply device 2a to 2b, 2c, or 2d, or from the medal supply device 2c to 2a, 2b, or 2d.

  For example, with the medal replenishing device 2a as the sending side of the inter-device transport replenishment process and the medal replenishing device 2b as the receiving side, it is determined whether all the following conditions are satisfied. (1) There is an empty space in the supply tank 36 of the medal supply device 2b. (2) There are enough medals in any one of the upper tank 42, the lower tank 20, and the recovery bucket 16 of the medal supply device 2a. (3) The supply tank 36 of the medal supply device 2a is not empty. (4) The island transfer conveyor 32 used for island transfer can be used. For example, there is a case where the island-carrying conveyor 32 is not broken or a case where the island-carrying conveyor 32 is not used for the inter-device transport supply processing between other medal supply devices. (5) The medal supply devices 2a and 2b are not in a special processing state such as during maintenance. (6) There is no abnormality in all units related to the island-passing process. The control unit 70 of the medal replenishing device 2a, which is the parent machine, has its own medal reserving amount, abnormality of the main lift 24 and the distribution chute 26, medal reserving amount of the medal replenishing devices 2b to 2d that are the child devices, and the branch unit 28 30 and the abnormality of the island passing conveyors 32 and 34 are also monitored, so that the abnormality of each unit related to the island passing process can be determined.

  The other combinations are similarly determined. When a plurality of combinations of medal replenishing devices satisfying the start condition of the inter-device transport replenishment process are extracted, priority is given depending on conditions such as the amount of medals stored in the replenishment tank 36 of the receiving side medal replenishing device and the presence or absence of the counter 10. Determine the ranking. In this way, the inter-device transport replenishment process is executed according to the priority order for the combination of the extracted medal replenishment devices, and the inter-device transport is performed when any of the above conditions (1) to (6) is not satisfied. The supply process ends.

  When the above conditions are satisfied and, for example, the replenished medals are supplied from the medal replenishing device 2a to 2d, the medal replenishing device 2a that is the parent machine performs the islanding of the washed medals to itself and the medal replenishing device 2d. To instruct. In response to this, in the medal supply device 2d, the branch unit 28 is set to the above-described branch state. The island transfer conveyor 32 is driven in the 2d direction from the medal supply device 2a. The branch unit 28 of the medal supply devices 2a, 2b, and 2c is in a retracted state. The distribution chute 26 of the medal replenishing device 2a is rotationally driven so that the washed medal can be supplied from the distribution chute 26 onto the island conveyor 32. The main lift 24 is driven. Medals are put into the main lift 24 from the upper tank 42, the lower tank 20, or the collection bucket 16. At this time, when there is a medal in the collection bucket 16, the medal is preferentially thrown into the main lift 24. The priority order between the upper tank 42 and the lower tank 20 is appropriately determined by comparing the respective storage amounts. The medals from the lower tank 20 or the recovery bucket 16 are washed through the washing unit 22 and then put into the main lift 24.

  By these operations, the cleaned medals are thrown into the island conveyor 32 via the main lift 24 and the distribution chute 26 of the medal replenishing device 2a. Since the island transfer conveyor 32 is a single conveyor that extends through the four medal replenishing devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, the cleaning that has been put on the island transfer conveyor 32 by the medal replenishing device 2a. The completed medals are conveyed non-stop to the medal replenishing device 2d by setting the branch unit 28 of the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2c in the retracted state. Then, since the branch unit 28 of the medal replenishing device 2d is in a branched state, the medal replenishing device 2d is put into the replenishment tank 36 from the island transfer conveyor 32.

  The above inter-device transport supply processing is executed in order according to the priority order for the combination of medal supply devices that satisfy the start condition. For example, the island transfer from the medal replenishing device 2a to 2b and the island transfer from the medal replenishing device 2c to 2d can be performed simultaneously. This is because the same island-passing conveyor 32 is used in both processes, but the transfer direction of the island-passing conveyor 32 is the same in both processes, and the use section of the island-passing conveyor 32 is different.

  Even in the inter-device transport cleaning process, the medal replenishing device 2a, which is the parent machine, can use all combinations of medal replenishing devices that can perform the inter-device transport cleaning process, that is, the medal replenishing devices 2b to 2a, 2d to 2c, For the four combinations 2a, it is determined whether a start condition for starting the inter-device transport cleaning process is satisfied.

  As a start condition, for example, in the case of the inter-device transport cleaning process from the medal replenishing device 2b to 2a, (1) there is an empty space in the lower tank 20 of the medal replenishing device 2a. (2) The replenishment tank 36 and the upper tank 42 of the medal replenishing device 2a are empty. (3) There is a medal in the storage tank 43 of the medal replenishing device 2b or there is a medal currently being collected. Whether or not there is a medal being collected is determined by a sensor provided at the lower end entrance of the main lift 24 of the medal replenishing device 2b. (4) The island transfer conveyor 34 used for island transfer is in a usable state. For example, there is a case where the island-carrying conveyor 34 is not broken or a case where the island-carrying conveyor 34 is not used for the inter-device transport cleaning process between other medal supply devices. (5) The medal supply devices 2a and 2b are not in a special processing state such as during maintenance. (6) There is no abnormality in each unit related to the island passing process. When all these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the inter-device transport cleaning process should be started. Similar determinations are made for the other three combinations. When a plurality of combinations of medal replenishing devices satisfying the start condition of the inter-device transport cleaning process are extracted, the priority order is determined according to conditions such as the medal storage amount of the replenishing tank 36 of the receiving medal replenishing device. In this way, the inter-device transport cleaning process is executed in accordance with the priority order for the combination of the extracted medal replenishment devices, and the inter-device transport is performed when any of the above conditions (1) to (6) is not satisfied. The cleaning process is terminated.

  For example, when the unwashed medal is transported from the medal replenishing device 2d to 2a when the above conditions are satisfied, the medal replenishing device 2a which is the parent machine performs the islanding of the unwashed medal to itself and the medal replenishing device 2d. To instruct. In response to this, in the medal supply device 2a, the branch unit 30 is set to the above-described branch state. The island transfer conveyor 34 is driven in the direction 2a from the medal supply device 2d. The branch unit 30 of the medal replenishing device 2c is in a retracted state. The distribution chute 26 of the medal replenishing device 2d is rotationally driven so that unwashed medals can be supplied from the distribution chute 26 onto the island conveyor 34. The main lift 24 is driven. Unwashed medals are put into the main lift 24 from the storage tank 43. At this time, if medals from the collection conveyor 14 have already been put into the main lift 24, the unwashed medals from the collection conveyor 14 are preferentially lifted.

  As a result, the unwashed medals are thrown into the island conveyor 34 via the main lift 24 and the distribution chute 26 of the medal replenishing device 2d. The island-carrying conveyor 34 is a single conveyor that extends through the four medal replenishing devices 2a to 2d. Unwashed medals are transported at the stop. Then, the branch unit 30 of the medal replenishing device 2a branches and discharges from the island transfer conveyor 34, is stored in the lower tank 20 via the bellows chute 56, is cleaned by the cleaning unit 22, and is used as a cleaned medal.

  Such island-passing processing is sequentially performed according to the priority order for the combinations that satisfy the start condition. Note that the inter-device transport cleaning process from the medal replenishing device 2b to 2a and the inter-device transport cleaning process from the medal replenishing device 2d to 2c can proceed simultaneously. This is because the same island-passing conveyor 34 is used in both processes, but the transfer direction of the island-passing conveyor 34 is the same in both processes, and the use section of the island-passing conveyor 34 is different.

  In this embodiment, since the island conveyor 34 for transporting unwashed medals and the island conveyor 32 for transporting cleaned medals are provided separately, the above-described inter-device transport replenishment processing and inter-device transport cleaning are performed. Processing can be executed independently and in parallel.

  In each medal replenishing device, a unit that handles washed medals and a unit that handles unwashed medals are completely separated by the above-described medal collection processing, replenishment processing, inter-device transport replenishment processing, and inter-device transport cleaning processing. be able to. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining this. A white unit is a unit that handles only washed medals, and a hatched unit is a unit that handles unwashed medals.

In the medal replenishing device 2a, the recovery conveyor 14 and the lower tank 20 process unwashed medals, but since the cleaning unit 22 is disposed between them and the main lift 24, the main lift 24 and the distribution chute 26 include Only washed medals are supplied. In addition, since the replenishment tank 36 is supplied with only washed medals from the distribution chute 26 or washed medals transported by the island transfer conveyor 32 by inter-device transport replenishment processing, the replenishment tank 36 is cleaned. Only used medals are stored. Further, only the cleaned medals are supplied to the supply conveyor 38, the upper tank 42, the discharge means 44, and the mug 44 to which medals are supplied from the supply tank 36.

  In the medal replenishing device 2b, the unwashed medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 14 are directly lifted by the main lift 24 and put into the distribution chute 26. Therefore, the main lift 24, the distribution chute 26, the storage tank 43 to which medals are supplied from the distribution chute 26, and the island transfer conveyor 34 of the medal supply device 2b process unwashed medals. On the other hand, since the replenishment tank 36 is normally supplied only with medals that have been cleaned by the inter-device transport replenishment process, the replenishment tank 36 and the replenishment conveyor 38 process only cleaned medals. The unwashed medals transported from the medal replenishing device 2b to the 2a by the inter-device transport cleaning process flow down the bellows chute 56 of the medal replenishing device 2a and are put into the lower tank 20 and the cleaning unit 22.

  In this way, as long as this game medium processing system is operating normally, a unit that handles washed medals and a unit that handles unwashed medals can be completely separated, and only washed medals can be used. The unit to be handled is not contaminated by dust or oil adhering to the medal, and dust or oil is not reattached to the cleaned medal. In the medal replenishing device 2b as well, when the amount of washed medals supplied to the replenishing tank 36 exceeds a predetermined amount, the washed medals are inserted into the storage tank 43 via the overload unit 54.

  Normally, the medals supply device 2b, 2d is supplied with the cleaned medals from the medal supply device 2a or 2c, and from the medals supply device 2b, 2d without the cleaning unit 22, the slot machine 6 or the like. The medals supplied to the medal lending machine 8 are also washed medals, and the player can always play with clean medals.

  However, if a situation occurs in which the inter-device transport replenishment process cannot be performed due to, for example, a failure of the island transfer conveyor 32, the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d are not replenished with medals, and the amount of stored medal is transferred to the slot machine 6 or the like. Each time the replenishment process is performed, the number decreases. Eventually, the stored medals disappear, the medal replenishment to the slot machine 6 or the like becomes impossible, and the slot machine 6 or the like is stopped. This is the situation that should be avoided most for amusement stores.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the replenishment of medals by inter-device transport replenishment processing becomes impossible in the medal replenishment devices 2b and 2d that do not have the cleaning unit 22, before the operation of the slot machine 6 or the like stops, As an emergency measure, an emergency process is prepared in which unwashed medals stored in the storage tank 43 are transferred to the supply tank 36 and used as supply medals.

  The control unit 70 of the medal replenishing device 2b, 2d monitors the storage amount of its own replenishment tank 36, and a predetermined time, for example, 20 seconds elapses after the storage amount of the replenishment tank 36 becomes near empty. However, when the condition that the inter-device transport supply process is not started is established, it is determined that the inter-device transport supply process cannot be executed, and the self-supply process is started. The near empty is a state where only a few, for example, three medals that can be replenished are stored in the replenishment tank 36, and the near empty state can be detected by a sensor provided in the replenishment tank 36. The inter-device transport replenishment process is not started when the inter-device transport replenishment processing to the medal replenishment device 2b or 2d is not instructed by the parent machine, and the cause is the medal replenishment device 2a on the sending side or 2c medal shortage, main lift 24 failure, island transfer conveyor 32 failure, and the like.

  When the above condition is satisfied, the self-replenishment process is started. This self-replenishment process is continued until a predetermined amount or more of medals are stored in the replenishment tank 36, or the storage amount of the storage tank 43 falls below a predetermined amount, or an interruption of special processing such as maintenance processing occurs. Is done. This self-replenishment process is a process in the medal replenishment devices 2b and 2d, and can be executed independently in parallel.

  In the self-replenishment process, the distribution chute 26 is rotationally driven, and the discharge port 26a is positioned at the position of a part 52c 'of the top hole 52c as shown by a broken line in FIG. The main lift 24 is driven. The discharging means 44 is driven to insert medals into the main lift 24 from the storage tank 43. At this time, when medals from the collection conveyor 14 are put in the main lift 24, the medals from the collection conveyor 14 are preferentially lifted. As a result, unwashed medals are supplied to the supply tank 36 via the distribution chute 26, and medals are supplied to the slot machine 6 and the like via the supply conveyor 38.

  Normally, unwashed medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 14 of the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d are directly transferred to the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c by the inter-device transport cleaning process. However, if the start condition of the inter-device transport cleaning process is not established due to, for example, a failure of the island conveyor 34, or there is no room for storing unwashed medals in the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2b, the medal replenishment is performed. The unwashed medals recovered by the devices 2b and 2d lose their place and stay on the recovery conveyor 14, the main lift 24, the distribution chute 26, or the island transfer conveyor 34. Although it is conceivable to perform self-replenishment processing and put it into the replenishment tank 36, in the state where there are enough washed medals in the replenishment tank 36, unwashed medals are thrown into the replenishment tank 36 as replenishment medals. That is not preferred. Therefore, when an unwashed medal cannot be carried out from the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d that do not have the washing unit 22 by the inter-device transport washing process, a collecting and storing process for storing the collected medal in its own storage tank 43 is performed. Is called.

  The control unit 70 of the medal replenishing devices 2b and 2d starts the collecting and storing process when there is no instruction from the medal replenishing device 2a that is the parent machine that the inter-device transport cleaning process is executable. The state where there is no instruction that the inter-device transport cleaning process can be performed is a state where the inter-device transport cleaning process to the medal replenishing device 2b or 2d is not instructed by the parent machine, and the cause is accepted The medal replenishing device 2a or 2c on the side has a large amount of stored medal, and it is difficult to accept, there is a failure of the cleaning unit 22, a failure of the island conveyor 34, or the like.

  When the above condition is satisfied, the collection and storage process is started. This collection and storage process is stopped when the inter-device transport cleaning process can be executed, and medals stored in the storage tank 43 and newly collected medals are transported to the medal replenishing device 2a or 2c by the inter-device transport cleaning process. The This collection and storage process is a process in the medal supply devices 2b and 2d, and can be executed independently in parallel.

  In the collection and storage process, the distribution chute 26 is rotationally driven, and the discharge port 28a is positioned on a part 52b 'of the top hole 52b as shown in FIG. In this state, the medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 14 are lifted by the main lift 24 and put into the storage tank 43 via the distribution chute 26 and the overflow part 54 of the supply tank 36.

  FIG. 10 shows a game medium processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the game medium processing system of the first embodiment, two island-passing conveyors 32 and 34 are used. In the game medium processing system of the second embodiment, one island-passing conveyor 35 is used. An inter-apparatus transport replenishment process and an inter-apparatus transport cleaning process are performed. Therefore, in the medal replenishing device 2 a provided with the cleaning unit 22, the branch units 28 and 30 are provided on the island transfer conveyor 35. In this embodiment, dirt on unwashed medals adheres to the island transfer conveyor 35, and the dirt may adhere to washed medals. However, for units other than the island conveyor 35, it is possible to completely separate a unit that handles washed medals from a unit that handles unwashed medals. It is possible to prevent dirt from reattaching to a used medal. In FIG. 10, the white unit is a unit that handles only washed medals, the unit that is marked with solid lines is the unit that handles unwashed medals, and the units that are marked with broken lines are washed and This unit handles unwashed medals.

  The game medium processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is of a type in which the medals are replenished only by the mug 46 as shown in FIG. The medal replenishing devices 3a and 3b according to this embodiment do not include the replenishment tank 36 and the replenishment conveyor 38 provided in the medal replenishing devices 2a and 2b according to the first embodiment, and carry medals manually as replenishment means. Only a discharging means 44 for supplying medals to the mug 46 is provided. In the medal replenishing device 3a, the cleaned medal that has been lifted by the main lift 24 and the cleaned medal that has been transported by the inter-device transport replenishment processing is directly put into the upper tank 42 and stored. Further, in the medal replenishing device 3b, the washed medal that has been transported by the inter-device transport replenishment processing is directly put into the upper tank 42 and stored. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, a unit that handles only washed medals and a unit that handles only unwashed medals can be completely distinguished. As in FIG. 9, a white unit indicates a unit that handles only washed medals, and a hatched unit indicates a unit that handles unwashed medals.

  In each of the above embodiments, a medal is used as a game medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a pachinko ball can be used. In the first embodiment, four medal supply devices are used. However, the number of medal supply devices to be used can be arbitrarily increased or decreased. In each of the embodiments described above, the overflow portion 54 is provided inside the replenishment tank 36, but can be formed integrally with the replenishment tank 36 outside the replenishment tank 36.

It is a side view of a game island provided with a medal replenishment device 2a used in the game medium processing system of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of a game island provided with medal supply device 2b used with the game media processing system of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the game media processing system of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit provided in the medal supply devices 2a and 2b of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a schematic front view of the periphery of the distribution chute 26 of the medal supply device 2a of FIG. It is a schematic plan view of the periphery of the distribution chute 26 of the medal supply device 2a of FIG. It is a schematic front view of the periphery of the distribution chute 26 of the medal supply device 2b of FIG. It is a schematic plan view of the periphery of the distribution chute 26 of the medal supply device 2b of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the unit which handles the washing | cleaning medal and the non-washing medal in the medal supply apparatus of FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is a block diagram of the game media processing system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the game media processing system of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2a 2b Medal supply device (game media processing device)
6 Slot machines (game machines)
14 Recovery conveyor (first and second recovery means)
36 Supply tank (first and second supply means)
38 Supply conveyor (first and second supply means)
40 branch unit (first and second supply means)
22 Cleaning unit (cleaning means)
26 Distribution chute (first and second distribution means)
32 34 Island Conveyor (Transport between devices)
70 Control unit

Claims (2)

First and second game medium processing devices;
An inter-device transport means for connecting the first and second game medium processing devices and enabling the game media to be transferred between the first and second game media processing devices;
A game media processing system comprising:
The first game medium processing apparatus has a cleaning means for cleaning the game medium, and the cleaned game medium cleaned by the cleaning means can be transported to the outside by the inter-device transport means. Uncleaned game media transported from the outside by transport means can be taken into the cleaning device,
The second game medium processing device is capable of accepting the washed game medium conveyed from the first game medium processing device by the collecting means for collecting the game medium discharged from the gaming machine and the inter-device conveying means. A discharge tank that is opened at the top and that is discharged to replenish the game machine received and stored in the gaming machine, a storage tank disposed below the replenishment tank, and a game recovered by the recovery means Distributing means for supplying a medium to either the storage tank or the inter-device transport means;
The replenishing tank forms a tubular overflow means having an upper surface opening and a lower surface opening by dividing its internal space, and the game medium stored in a portion other than the overflow means in the replenishing tank is a predetermined amount or more. At that time, the game medium is overflowed to the overflow means, the upper surface opening of the storage tank is located below the lower surface opening of the overflow means,
The distribution means supplies the game medium collected by the collecting means to the inter-device conveying means when the inter-device conveying means can be conveyed, and collects by the collecting means when the inter-device conveying means cannot be conveyed. A game medium processing system for throwing the played game medium into the upper surface opening of the overflow means . The game media processing system according to claim 1,
When the inter-device transport means cannot be transported, the distribution means puts the game medium collected by the collection means into the upper surface opening of a portion other than the overflow means of the replenishment tank, so that A game media processing system that can be supplied.

Images