JP5306013B2 - Medal counting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more surely prevent a cheating action of fraudulently feeding tokens using a fraudulent implement. <P>SOLUTION: A token detection part 48 is provided with a first token detection sensor 50 and a second token detection sensor 52. A first light receiving part 55 of the first token detection sensor 50 is provided on a first movable member 64, and a second light receiving part 58 of the second token detection sensor 52 is provided on a second movable member 65. The respective movable members 64 and 65 are freely rotatably attached, and are moved between a first position to make the detection of tokens by the respective token detection sensors 50 and 52 possible and a second position to make the detection impossible. The respective movable members 64 and 65 are urged to the second position by a torsion coil spring, and are moved to the first position by the abutment on the tokens flowing down a token path. In response to the movement, the abutting tokens are counted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal counting device for counting the number of inserted medals.

  Slot machines are known as gaming machines that are installed and used in game halls such as pachinko parlors. In a slot machine, a game is generally performed by inserting 1 to 3 medals from a medal slot. An optical sensor for counting the number of inserted medals is provided in the slot machine. The counted medals are betted or credited up to a preset number (for example, 50).

  By the way, in the slot machine, a so-called goto action in which medals are inserted by a method different from the regular method is a problem. For such goto action, an instrument in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in series at the tip of a plate-like member that can be inserted into the medal slot (hereinafter referred to as an unauthorized instrument) is used. In the case of performing a go-to action using an unauthorized instrument, the unauthorized instrument is first inserted from the medal slot and positioned below the optical sensor, and then moved upward so that the LED faces the light receiving portion of the optical sensor. Then, each LED is blinked at a predetermined timing, and the light of each LED is incident on the light receiving unit. Accordingly, it is possible to erroneously detect that the medal has passed through the optical sensor, and it becomes possible to place a bet and a credit on the medal without actually inserting the medal into the medal slot.

  Such a goth act not only impairs the profit of the game hall, but may also lead to the loss of interest in the game of the player who wants to play the game properly. For this reason, various measures have been proposed in the past to prevent the hacking action using the unauthorized equipment as described above.

  For example, in Cited Document 1, a seismic sensor that detects the vibration of the medal passage accompanying the flow of medals is provided separately from the optical sensor, and the detection order and detection interval of each sensor are confirmed, and the medals flow down properly. A gaming machine that determines that an unauthorized device has been used when a different order or interval is detected is described. Also, in Cited Document 2, two optical sensors are arranged side by side in the direction of the medal flow, the medal insertion interval and the passing speed are detected by these two optical sensors, and the detection result is compared with a reference to illegal equipment. A gaming machine that determines the use of is described.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-287943 JP 2005-31820 A

  However, in the configuration of the cited document 1, it may be determined as appropriate by shaking the improper instrument and applying vibration to the seismic sensor, which is not always sufficient as a countermeasure against the improper instrument. Further, in the configuration of the cited document 2, it is not possible to detect a fraudulent instrument that causes light to enter the light receiving portion of each optical sensor at a timing determined to be appropriate, and this is not always sufficient as a countermeasure against the fraudulent instrument. . In recent years, fraudulent devices used for goto have been improved in performance in line with measures on the slot machine side, such as changing the LED layout and flashing timing for each slot machine model, and more reliably Measures that can prevent the act were desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to more reliably prevent a go-to action that illegally inserts a medal using an unauthorized tool.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a medal counting device for counting the number of inserted medals, a medal passage for the inserted medals to flow down, and a medal detection for detecting the medals flowing through the medal passage. And a medal detection means that holds the medal detection means and swings about a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the medal flow and enables the medal detection means to detect the medal. A movable member that moves between the second position that disables the detection of medals by, a biasing means that biases the movable member to the second position, and the movable member. The movable member is moved from the second position against the urging force of the urging means by entering the medal passage when in the second position and coming into contact with the medal flowing down the medal passage. And when the movable member moves to the first position, the abutting portion that retreats from the medal passage and allows the medal to flow down, and the movable member moves to the first position or the Detection of the medal detection means when the movable member detection means detects that the movable member is in the second position and the movable member detection means detects that the movable member has moved from the second position to the first position. And a counting control means for counting only one medal in response to the above.

  Here, the medal counting device, for example, counts the number of inserted medals and counts the number of inserted medals, and can execute a game according to the number of medals. Such as a gaming machine.

  It is more preferable to provide fraud determination means for determining that fraud has been performed when the movable member detection means detects that the movable member is in the first position for a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, an average time from when the movable member moves from the second position to the first position due to the flow of medals until the movable member returns to the second position as the medal passes. .

  It is preferable that a plurality of the movable members are provided along the flow direction of medals, and the plurality of movable members move between the first position and the second position in conjunction with each other.

  In the present invention, when the movable member detecting means detects that the movable member has moved from the second position to the first position, only one medal is counted in response to the detection by the medal detecting means. When a medal is inserted into the medal passage, the movable member moves from the second position to the first position due to the contact between the medal and the contact portion, and this movement is detected by the movable member detecting means. When the movable member moves to the first position, the medal detection means can detect the medal, and the medal that has moved the movable member is detected by the medal detection means. Thus, one inserted medal is counted. Then, when the medal passes and the contact state between the medal and the contact portion is released, the movable member returns to the second position. Next, the inserted medal comes into contact with the movable member returned to the second position, and is counted in the same procedure as described above. As described above, the medal counting device of the present invention swings the movable member between the first position and the second position every time a medal is inserted, and counts one medal in response to the swing. To do.

  On the other hand, when an unauthorized device is inserted into the medal passage, the movable member does not return to the second position in the inserted state. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is impossible to continuously insert a plurality of medals with the unauthorized device inserted. In addition, each time one medal is counted, the illegal device is pulled out once, the movable member is returned to the second position, the illegal device is inserted again, and alignment with the medal detection means is performed. However, it is very troublesome to repeat insertion and removal in this way. In addition, the behavior of repeating insertion and removal is very conspicuous, and it is easy to be detected by a game hall employee or the like. As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes bothersome to perform a goat act of illegally inserting a medal using an unauthorized device, and it is easy for an employee or the like to find out, so the desire to perform the goto act is reduced. It is possible to more reliably prevent goto acts using unauthorized equipment.

  The time from when the movable member moves from the second position to the first position as the medal flows and until the movable member returns to the second position as the medal passes is substantially constant. However, when the movable member is in the first position, it can be determined that there is a possibility that a goat action using an unauthorized device is being performed. Therefore, if the movable member detecting means detects that the movable member is in the first position for a predetermined time or more, if it is determined that fraud has been performed, it is possible to further enhance the effect of preventing a gooeing action using an unauthorized instrument. .

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. It is a perspective view showing the inside of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a medal selector schematically. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state where insertion of a medal is not received. It is a perspective view which shows schematically the structure of a medal | token detection part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure in a recessed part roughly. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which has each movable member in a 2nd position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which has each movable member in a 1st position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the magnitude | size of each part and medal of a medal | token detection part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a detection pattern when each medal detection sensor detects the medal normally flowing down. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine (medal counting device) 10 includes a housing 10a formed in a substantially open box shape. A front door 11 provided with a display window 11a is provided on the front surface of the housing 10a. A reel unit 26 (see FIG. 2) in which the first to third reels 12a to 12c are rotatably incorporated is provided in the back of the display window 11a. Below the display window 11a, various operation members such as a MAX bet button 15, a 1 bet button 16, first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c, a start lever 18, a checkout button 19, and a medal 29 (see FIG. 2). ) Is provided. In addition, since the function of each said operation member is known, description is abbreviate | omitted. At the lower part of the front door 11, a medal payout opening 22 for paying out the medal 29, a medal tray 23 for receiving the medal 29 paid out from the medal payout opening 22, and a speaker for emitting music and voice during the game 24 is provided.

  A plurality of types of symbols are arranged at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of the first to third reels 12a to 12c. The display window 11a is configured such that three symbols can be observed per reel while the first to third reels 12a to 12c are stopped. As a result, a total of five straight winning effect lines, each of which is a combination of the symbols of the first to third reels 12a to 12c, are arranged in a horizontal three and two diagonal directions. Prior to the start of the game, when one medal 29 was inserted from the medal insertion slot 20, the winning line for the central one was activated, three for three and three for two, and two more diagonally. Five winning active lines are activated.

  In the slot machine 10, it is possible to credit (store) appropriate medals 29 up to 50 sheets. Below the display window 11a, a credit number display unit 13 for displaying the number of stored medals 29 is provided. Since the maximum number of medals 29 to be credited is 50, the credit number display unit 13 is configured to be able to display a numerical value from 0 to 50.

  In this way, a total of 53 medals 29 can be inserted into the slot machine 10 at the same time by adding 3 cards, which is the upper limit of bets, and 50 cards, which is the upper limit of credits. The 54th and subsequent medals 29 inserted into the medal slot 20 with 3 medals bet and 50 medals 29 credited from the medal payout opening 22 without betting or crediting. Discharged.

  When the slot machine 10 detects various errors related to machine operation, game operation, etc., the slot machine 10 enters an error mode for notifying the detected error and making the game impossible. On the side of the credit amount display unit 13, an error display unit 14 for displaying an error code corresponding to the type of error is provided. When the slot machine 10 enters the error mode, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 24 to notify the player or the game hall employee that an error has been detected, and an error code corresponding to the type of the detected error is displayed as an error. This is displayed on the unit 14 and the type of error is notified.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a control board 25, a reel unit 26, a power supply box 27, a storage tank 28, and the like are provided inside the housing 10a. The control board 25 comprehensively controls each part of the slot machine 10. The control board 25 is enclosed in a board case made of transparent plastic and cannot be opened. As a result, unauthorized modification of the control board 25 is prevented.

  The reel unit 26 is configured by incorporating first to third reels 12a to 12c, a stepping motor, a back lamp, a photo sensor, and the like. A stepping motor, a back lamp, and a photo sensor (all of which are not shown) are provided corresponding to each of the first to third reels 12a to 12c.

  The stepping motor rotates the corresponding first to third reels 12 a to 12 c in response to an instruction from the control board 25. The back lamp individually illuminates each symbol exposed from the display window 11a in a predetermined manner according to the winning combination. The photo sensor detects the rotation angle of the corresponding first to third reels 12 a to 12 c and outputs the detected rotation angle to the control board 25. The control board 25 controls the stop of the first to third reels 12a to 12c by controlling the stepping motor according to the detection result of the photosensor.

  The power box 27 is provided with a power switch 30 for switching the power of the slot machine 10 ON / OFF. In response to the power switch 30 being turned on, the power box 27 supplies power to each part of the slot machine 10 to start the slot machine 10 and in response to the power switch 30 being turned off. The power supply is stopped and the slot machine 10 is stopped.

  The power supply box 27 is provided with a release switch 31 for releasing the error mode. When the release switch 31 is pressed while the slot machine 10 is in the error mode, the error mode is released and the slot machine 10 returns to the normal mode in which a game can be played. The attachment position of the release switch 31 is not limited to the power supply box 27. However, the trigger for the slot machine 10 to shift from the normal mode to the error mode includes detection of fraudulent acts by the player, such as when the use of an unauthorized device that illegally inserts the medal 29 is detected. The switch 31 is preferably provided at a position where only the employee can touch (for example, inside the housing 10a) so that a person other than the employee cannot operate it illegally.

  The storage tank 28 stores an appropriate medal 29 inserted from the medal slot 20. In the storage tank 28, a medal outlet 28a for paying out the stored medal 29 is formed. A hopper device 33 is provided below the storage tank 28. The hopper device 33 is driven when paying out the medals 29 and, under the control of the control board 25, sends out a predetermined number of medals 29 stored in the storage tank 28 from the medal outlet 28a. The sent-out medal 29 is paid out to the medal tray 23 through the medal payout opening 22.

  On the back of the front door 11, a medal selector 34, a medal guide member 35, and a payout chute 36 are provided. The medal selector 34 is arranged so as to be connected to the medal insertion slot 20, and distributes the medal 29 inserted from the medal insertion slot 20 into one stored in the storage tank 28 and discharged from the medal payout opening 22. The number of medals 29 stored in the storage tank 28 is counted, and the count result is output to the control board 25. The control board 25 adds the number of bets or credits according to the count result.

  The medal guide member 35 receives the medal 29 distributed by the medal selector 34 to the storage tank 28 side and guides the medal 29 to the storage tank 28. The payout chute 36 receives the medal 29 distributed by the medal selector 34 to the medal payout exit 22 side, guides the medal 29 to the medal payout exit 22 and discharges it from the medal payout exit 22.

  The dispensing chute 36 has an opening 36a. The position of the opening 36a is determined so as to face the medal outlet 28a of the storage tank 28 when the front door 11 is closed. The medal 29 sent out from the medal outlet 28 a enters the payout chute 36 through the opening 36 a and is paid out from the medal payout outlet 22 by being guided by the payout chute 36.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the medal selector 34 includes a main body base 40 formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The main body base 40 is formed with a medal passage 42 for allowing the medal 29 inserted from the medal insertion slot 20 to flow down. The medal passage 42 is a groove bent in a substantially L shape, and has a width slightly wider than the diameter of the appropriate medal 29 and a depth slightly deeper than the thickness of the appropriate medal 29. The medal passage 42 has a medal inlet 42 a into which the medal 29 enters one end opened to the top surface of the main body base 40, and a medal outlet 42 b from which one end opened to the side surface of the main body base 40 exits.

  The medal selector 34 is attached to the front door 11 so that the medal insertion slot 20 and the medal inlet 42a communicate with each other, and the medal guide member 35 and the medal outlet 42b communicate with each other. Thereby, the medal 29 inserted from the medal insertion slot 20 enters the medal passage 42 from the medal entrance 42a. Then, the medal 29 flowing down the medal passage 42 and exiting from the medal outlet 42 b enters the medal guide member 35 and is stored in the storage tank 28 via the medal guide member 35.

  A sorting member 44 for sorting the inserted medals 29 is provided above the bent portion of the medal passage 42 on the downstream side. The distribution member 44 is a plate-like member formed in a substantially T shape, and is pivotally supported by the main body base portion 40 via a shaft provided at the base end portion 44a. Thereby, the distribution member 44 moves between the passage position shown in FIG. 3 and the discharge position shown in FIG.

  The sorting member 44 at the passing position is substantially parallel to the front surface of the main body base 40 and allows the tip 44b to enter the medal passage 42. On the other hand, the sorting member 44 in the discharge position swings forward in the drawing so that the tip end portion 44 b is separated from the front surface of the main body base portion 40, and causes the tip end portion 44 b to escape from the medal passage 42. The sorting member 44 moves to each position in this manner, and sorts the medal 29 that has entered from the medal inlet 42a toward the medal outlet 42b and the medal 29 that falls from the medal passage 42.

  The main body base 40 is provided with a torsion spring (not shown) and an electromagnet 82 (see FIG. 11). The torsion spring biases the sorting member 44 toward the discharge position. The sorting member 44 is made of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic metal material. The electromagnet 82 applies an exciting action to the distribution member 44 to move the distribution member 44 from the discharge position to the passage position against the urging force of the torsion spring. As described above, the distribution member 44 is held at the discharge position by the biasing force of the torsion spring when the electromagnet 82 is not excited, and when the electromagnet 82 is excited. The passing position is held by the excitation action.

  A passage cover 38 is attached to the front surface of the main body base 40 (see FIG. 2). A cutout 38 a is formed in the passage cover 38 at a location facing the distribution member 44. The passage cover 38 covers the opened front surface of the medal passage 42 and prevents the medal 29 from dropping from the medal passage 42 at a portion other than the portion corresponding to the distribution member 44 and the distribution member 44 is dropped. The medal 29 is inserted into the payout chute 36 through the notch 38a. As described above, the medal 29 dropped from the medal passage 42 by the distribution of the distribution member 44 enters the payout chute 36, is guided by the payout chute 36, and is discharged to the medal payout outlet 22. Further, the medal selector 34 is inclined slightly toward the front side of the main body base 40 so that the medal 29 is easily dropped from the medal passage 42 when the distributing member 44 distributes the medal 29 to the payout chute 36 side. Attached to the front door 11.

  In a state where the distribution member 44 is in the passing position, the distance from the tip 44b to the bottom surface of the medal passage 42 (the surface that contacts the peripheral surface of the flowing medal 29) is slightly smaller than the diameter of the appropriate medal 29. Become. Thereby, when the distribution member 44 is in the passing position, the upper part of the appropriate medal 29 is supported by the distribution member 44 and flows down to the downstream side of the distribution member 44. On the other hand, the illegal medal 29 having a diameter smaller than the appropriate medal 29 is not supported by the sorting member 44 and falls to the front surface side of the main body base 40 through the notch 38a of the passage cover 38. Further, since the medal passage 42 is formed to have a width that is slightly wider than the diameter of the appropriate medal 29, the illegal medal 29 having a diameter larger than the appropriate medal 29 does not enter the medal entrance 42a in the first place. .

  In the state where the sorting member 44 is at the discharge position, the tip end portion 44 b has come out of the medal passage 42, so that all the inserted medals 29 are dropped to the front side of the main body base 40 regardless of appropriateness and fraud. The distribution member 44 moves to the passing position when the insertion of the medal 29 is accepted, and moves to the discharge position when the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted. As described above, the distribution member 44 distributes the appropriate medals 29 and the illegal medals 29 and moves to each position, so that the appropriate medals 29 can be received when the insertion of the medals 29 is not accepted. Is prevented from being stored in the storage tank 28.

  Here, the state where the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted is, for example, when the error occurs and the slot machine 10 enters the error mode, the error mode is canceled in response to the pressing operation of the release switch 31, For example, when the process for returning to the normal mode is executed, the number of bets and credited medals 29 has reached the upper limit, or when a game is being executed. The state where the insertion of the medal 29 is accepted is a state other than these.

  The upper limit number of bets is 3 and the upper limit number of credits is 50, and the slot machine 10 can insert up to 53 medals 29. That is, when 53 medals 29 are inserted, it is determined that the insertion of the medals 29 is not accepted. When the game is being executed, the first lever 3a to 12c are rotated after the start lever 18 is operated until all the first to third reels 12a to 12c are stopped. It is a state.

  The medal passage 42 is provided on the lower side slightly downstream of the distribution member 44 so as to be movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface of the medal passage 42 and enters the medal passage 42 to prevent the medal 29 from flowing down. A blocker 46 is provided that moves between a blocking position (position shown in FIG. 4) and a retreat position (position shown in FIG. 3) that retracts from the medal passage 42 and allows the medal 29 to flow down.

  The blocker 46 is connected to the distribution member 44 via a connection mechanism (not shown), and the movement of the blocker 46 to each position moves to each position of the distribution member 44 due to the excitation / demagnetization of the electromagnet 82. Performed in conjunction with movement. As shown in FIG. 3, the blocker 46 moves to the retracted position when the sorting member 44 moves to the passing position, and allows the medal 29 to flow down. As shown in FIG. 4, the blocker 46 moves to the blocking position when the sorting member 44 moves to the discharge position, and blocks the medal 29 from flowing down. Thereby, when the distribution member 44 is at the discharge position, the medal 29 is prevented from being vigorously moved toward the medal outlet 42b, and the medal 29 can be surely dropped from the medal passage 42.

  A medal detection unit 48 for detecting the medal 29 passing through the sorting member 44 and flowing down toward the medal outlet 42b is provided above the blocker 46 in the medal passage 42 on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 5, the medal detection unit 48 is provided with first and second medal detection sensors 50 and 52. Each medal detection sensor 50, 52 is arranged in the direction in which the medal 29 flows down. The first medal detection sensor 50 is a so-called reflection-type optical sensor, and includes a first light emitting unit 53, a first reflecting plate 54, and a first light receiving unit (medal detection means) 55. The second medal detection sensor 52 is a reflective optical sensor similar to the first medal detection sensor 50, and includes a second light emitting unit 56, a second reflecting plate 57, and a second light receiving unit (medal detection means) 58. ing.

  Each of the light emitting portions 53 and 56 is provided at a predetermined interval near the upper end of the contact wall surface 42c of the medal passage 42 (the surface that contacts the front surface or the back surface of the flowing medal 29). A mounting plate 60 for mounting the reflecting plates 54 and 57 is provided above the light emitting portions 53 and 56 of the contact wall surface 42c. The mounting plate 60 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the contact wall surface 42 c and is formed in a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the flow-down direction of the medal 29. In addition, an inclined surface 60a that faces the contact wall surface 42c and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the contact wall surface 42c is formed on the lower surface side of the front end of the mounting plate 60. Each of the reflection plates 54 and 57 is attached to the inclined surface 60a of the attachment plate 60 so as to face the corresponding light emitting portions 53 and 56 across the medal passage 42.

  Each light emission part 53,56 irradiates the detection light for detecting the medal 29 toward each reflection plate 54,57 which faces. Detection light emitted from the light emitting units 53 and 56 enters the reflecting plates 54 and 57 across the medal passage 42. Each of the reflection plates 54 and 57 reflects the detection light from the light emitting units 53 and 56 and crosses the medal passage 42 again. The light receiving portions 55 and 58 are provided on the main body base 40 so that the detection light reflected by the reflecting plates 54 and 57 is incident thereon. In this way, the detection light emitted from the light emitting units 53 and 56 is received by the light receiving units 55 and 58 so as to reciprocate through the medal passage 42, so that the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 are operated by the medal 29. Can be detected.

  When the medal 29 flows down the medal passage 42, the detection light of each medal detection sensor 50, 52 is blocked by the medal 29. Each medal detection sensor 50, 52 detects the flow of the medal 29 by confirming that the detection light is blocked from the light receiving state of each light receiving unit 55, 58. Further, each part of the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 is arranged so that the detection light is blocked in the vicinity of the upper end of the flowing down medal 29. In this way, even when two medals 29 flow down in succession, the state in which the detection light is blocked by the gap formed above each medal 29 is once released, so that each medal 29 is accurately detected. be able to.

  Further, since the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 are arranged side by side in the flow down direction, when the medal 29 normally flows down in the medal passage 42, after the first medal detection sensor 50 detects the medal 29, The second medal detection sensor 52 detects the medal 29 after a certain time has elapsed. Thereby, the abnormality in the medal selector 34 can be detected by confirming the detection order and interval of the medals 29 of the respective medal detection sensors 50 and 52.

  For example, when the second medal detection sensor 52 detects first, it can be determined that the medal 29 is flowing backward. Further, when the detection light of the first medal detection sensor 50 or the second medal detection sensor 52 remains blocked for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the medal 29 stays in the medal passage 42. be able to. As described above, the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 can detect the flow of the medal 29 and can also detect an abnormality in the medal selector 34. Note that the abnormality detection method by the respective medal detection sensors 50 and 52 arranged side by side in the flow direction is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-31820, and the description thereof is omitted in this specification. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contact wall surface 42 c of the medal passage 42 is provided with a recess 62 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped groove shape that is long in the flow-down direction of the medal 29. In the recess 62, a first movable member 64, a second movable member 65, a first stopper 66, and a second stopper 67 are provided. The 1st movable member 64 is formed in the shape bent in the substantially V shape, and has the 1st square bar part 64a and the 2nd square bar part 64b. The second movable member 65 is formed in substantially the same shape as the first movable member 64, and similarly has a first rectangular bar portion 65a and a second rectangular bar portion 65b.

  A round bar-shaped first rotary shaft 70 and second rotary shaft 71 are attached to the bent portions 64c and 65c of the movable members 64 and 65, respectively. The first rotating shaft 70 is attached so as to be substantially orthogonal to the upper surface and the bottom surface of the first movable member 64 configured by the first rectangular bar portion 64a and the second rectangular rod portion 64b. The first rotation shaft 70 is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the contact wall surface 42c and substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the medal 29, and is rotatably supported by the main body base 40 via the ceiling surface and the inner bottom surface of the recess 62. ing. Accordingly, the first movable member 64 is attached to the main body base 40 so that the upper surface and the bottom surface of the first movable member 64 are substantially parallel to the flow-down direction of the medal 29 and rotates around the first rotation shaft 70.

  The first movable member 64 rotates about the first rotation shaft 70 as described above, thereby causing the first rectangular bar portion 64a to be substantially orthogonal to the contact wall surface 42c (see FIG. 8), The second square bar portion 64b moves between a second position (see FIG. 7) that is substantially orthogonal to the contact wall surface 42c.

  The first square bar portion 64a is formed so that the tip surface 64d thereof is substantially flush with the contact wall surface 42c when the first movable member 64 is moved to the first position. When the first movable member 64 is moved to the second position, the second rectangular bar portion 64b has a tip surface (contact portion) 64e that enters the medal passage 42, and the first movable member 64 is the first movable member 64. The tip surface 64e is formed so as to retract from the medal passage 42 when moved to the position. The tip surface 64e of the second square bar portion 64b is inclined so that the amount of entry increases toward the downstream side when the first movable member 64 moves to the second position and enters the medal passage 42. It is an inclined surface.

  Note that the second movable member 65 and the second rotation shaft 71 are configured in the same manner as the first movable member 64 and the first rotation shaft 70, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  The first stopper 66 abuts on the first movable member 64 to restrict the first movable member 64 from rotating counterclockwise (when viewed from above) from the first position. The second stopper 67 abuts on the first movable member 64 to restrict the first movable member 64 from rotating in the clockwise direction from the second position. Thus, the 1st movable member 64 moves between the 1st position and the 2nd position because the range which rotates by contact with each stopper 66 and 67 is controlled.

  The movable members 64 and 65 are connected to each other via a connecting member 72. The connecting member 72 is a round bar bent in a substantially U-shape, and is rotatably supported by the movable members 64 and 65 so that both ends thereof are substantially parallel to the rotary shafts 70 and 71. . The connecting member 72 interlocks the rotation of the movable members 64 and 65 by connecting the movable members 64 and 65 in this way. Thus, when the first movable member 64 swings between the first position and the second position, the second movable member 65 also swings between the first position and the second position in conjunction with this.

  A torsion coil spring (biasing means) 74 is attached to the first rotating shaft 70. The torsion coil spring 74 is inserted through the first rotating shaft 70 and is disposed between the first movable member 64 and the bottom surface of the recess 62. The torsion coil spring 74 has one end fixed to the inner bottom surface of the recess 62 and the other end fixed to the first movable member 64, thereby applying a biasing force to the first movable member 64, Each movable member 64, 65 is held in the second position.

  The first stopper 66 is provided with a contact sensor (movable member detecting means) 75 for detecting that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved to the first position. The contact sensor 75 is disposed so as to come into contact with the first movable member 64 that is in contact with the first stopper 66, and detects that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved to the first position due to this contact.

  The first light receiving portion 55 of the first medal detection sensor 50 is provided on the distal end surface 64 d of the first square bar portion 64 a of the first movable member 64. The second light receiving portion 58 of the second medal detection sensor 52 is provided on the front end surface 65 d of the first square bar portion 65 a of the second movable member 65. The concave portion 62 and the movable members 64 and 65 are disposed on the contact wall surface 42c so that the detection light from the reflecting plates 54 and 57 is incident on the light receiving portions 55 and 58 when in the first position. For this reason, when each movable member 64 and 65 moves to the 2nd position, each light-receiving part 55 and 58 will remove | deviate from the optical path of each detection light. Therefore, the detection of the medal 29 by each medal detection sensor 50, 52 is possible when each movable member 64, 65 is in the first position, and when each movable member 64, 65 is in the second position, Detection of the medal 29 by each medal detection sensor 50, 52 becomes impossible.

  Each of the movable members 64 and 65 is normally held at the second position by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 74 as shown in FIG. When the movable members 64 and 65 are in the second position, the front end surfaces 64e and 65e of the second square bar portions 64b and 65b enter the medal passage 42, respectively. When the medal 29 flows down the medal passage 42 in this state, as shown in FIG. 8, the medal 29 comes into contact with the front end surface 64 e of the first movable member 64 and resists the urging force of the torsion coil spring 74. The movable member 64 moves from the second position to the first position, and the second movable member 65 also moves from the second position to the first position in conjunction with this.

  When the movable members 64 and 65 move to the first position, the distal end surfaces 64e and 65e are retracted from the medal passage 42, allowing the medal 29 to flow down, and the light receiving portions 55 and 58 to detect the detection light. It arrange | positions on an optical path and each light-receiving part 55 and 58 can light-receive a detection light. Thereby, the medal 29 flows down so as to pass through the medal detection unit 48, and this medal 29 is detected by each medal detection sensor 50, 52. When the first movable member 64 moves to the first position, the first movable member 64 contacts the contact sensor 75, and the contact sensor 75 detects that the movable members 64, 65 have moved to the first position. .

  As shown in FIG. 9, the distance d1 between the tip of the second square bar portion 64 b of the first movable member 64 and the tip of the second square bar portion 65 b of the second movable member 65 is the medal 29 flowing down the medal passage 42. The width d2 is narrower on the line connecting the bottom surfaces of the movable members 64 and 65. As a result, the movable members 64 and 65 move the medals 29 and the front ends after the medals 29 come into contact with the front end surface 64e of the first movable member 64 and the movable members 64 and 65 move from the second position to the first position. Before the contact state with the surface 64e is released, the tip surface (contact portion) 65e of the second movable member 65 contacts the medal 29, and the contact state between the medal 29 and the tip surface 65e is released. Up to the first position. The movable members 64 and 65 are returned from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 74 after the contact state between the medal 29 and the tip surface 65e is released.

  Further, the interval d1 is narrower than the interval d3 between the medals 29 on the line connecting the bottom surfaces of the movable members 64 and 65 when the two medals 29 are continuously inserted and flowed continuously. . Thus, even when the two medals 29 flow down in succession, the movable members 64 and 65 are not held at the first position across the medals 29, but between the medals 29. And the front end surfaces 64e and 65e are released from contact with each other and once returned to the second position. That is, each movable member 64, 65 swings between the first position and the second position every time one medal 29 flows down. Thus, each part of the medal detection part 48 is formed by adjusting the size and interval so that the relations d1 <d2 and d1 <d3 are established.

  When the movable members 64 and 65 move to the first position, the light receiving portions 55 and 58 can receive the detection light. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the movable members 64 and 65 are moved to the first position. At the moment of movement, the medal 29 is already positioned in front of the first light receiving unit 55, and the detection light from the first reflecting plate 54 is blocked by the medal 29. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, at the moment when the output of the contact sensor 75 is switched from OFF to ON and the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position is detected, only the second light receiving unit 58 is detected. The detection light is received, and only the output of the second light receiving unit 58 is turned on (t1).

  When the medal 29 flows down from this state, the detection light from the second reflecting plate 57 is also blocked by the medal 29, and the outputs of both the light receiving portions 55 and 58 are turned off (t2). When the medal 29 further flows down, the light blocking state of the detection light of the first medal detection sensor 50 located upstream is first released, the output of the first light receiving unit 55 is turned on (t3), and then the second medal detection is performed. The light shielding state of the detection light of the sensor 52 is canceled, and the outputs of both the light receiving portions 55 and 58 are turned on (t4). Then, after this state continues for the width of the leading end portions of the first and second rectangular bar portions 65a and 65b of the second movable member 65, the contact state between the medal 29 and the leading end surface 65e is released. Thus, the movable members 64 and 65 return to the second position, and the light receiving portions 55 and 58 cannot receive the detection light (t5). Each medal detection sensor 50, 52 detects the flow of the medal 29 based on the ON / OFF pattern (hereinafter referred to as a detection pattern) of each of the light receiving portions 55, 58 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a control circuit (counting control means) 80 is provided on the control board 25. The control circuit 80 includes a memory that stores various programs and data, a CPU that reads out the programs stored in the memory and executes various processes, and the like. A simple circuit is configured. A reel drive controller 81 is connected to the control circuit 80. The reel drive controller 81 controls the rotation of the first to third reels 12 a to 12 c in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit 80.

  Further, the credit circuit number display unit 13, the error display unit 14, the light receiving units 55 and 58, the contact sensor 75, and the electromagnet 82 are connected to the control circuit 80. Operations of the credit number display unit 13, the error display unit 14, and the electromagnet 82 are controlled by the control circuit 80. Each of the light receiving units 55 and 58 inputs an output result corresponding to the presence or absence of detection light, that is, a detection result of the medal 29 by the respective medal detection sensors 50 and 52 to the control circuit 80. The contact sensor 75 inputs an output result corresponding to the presence or absence of contact of the first movable member 64 to the control circuit 80.

  The control circuit 80 performs a process of counting the number of medals 29 based on the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 and the output of the contact sensor 75. As described above, each movable member 64, 65 swings between the first position and the second position every time one medal 29 flows down, so that the medal 29 normally flows down the medal passage 42. In this case, two or more medals 29 cannot continuously flow down with the movable members 64 and 65 in the first position. Therefore, after the contact sensor 75 detects the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position, the control circuit 80 outputs the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 corresponding to detection of two or more medals 29. If so, ignore the output.

  Further, when the contact sensor 75 does not detect the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position, that is, when the light receiving units 55 and 58 cannot receive the detection light, the light receiving units 55 and 58 The output cannot be turned on. For this reason, the control circuit 80 ignores the output even when the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 are turned on while the output of the contact sensor 75 is turned off. As described above, when the contact sensor 75 detects that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved from the second position to the first position, the control circuit 80 responds to the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 in response to the medal. Only 29 is counted.

  In the control circuit 80, detection pattern information indicating a detection pattern (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the output of each light receiving unit 55, 58 when each medal detection sensor 50, 52 detects a normally flowing medal 29 is stored. Has been. The control circuit 80 reads the detection pattern information in response to the contact sensor 75 detecting the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position. And the detection pattern which this detection pattern information shows and the detection pattern according to the output of each light-receiving part 55,58 are compared, and it is determined whether each detection pattern corresponds.

  When determining whether or not each detection pattern matches, first, the ON / OFF state of each of the light receiving units 55 and 58 between t1 and t2 is confirmed, and the detection pattern t1 indicated by the detection pattern information is displayed. It is confirmed whether the time between t1 and t2 of the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 is within a predetermined error range with respect to the time between t2. And this confirmation is performed with respect to each of t2-t3, t3-t4, and t4-t5.

  The control circuit 80 determines that each detection pattern is identical when the ON / OFF states of the light receiving units 55 and 58 are the same and the time between timings is within the error range between all timings t1 to t5. If the detection pattern does not match if any one of the light receiving units 55, 58 is in a different ON / OFF state or the time between timings is out of the error range judge.

  When it is determined that the detection patterns match, the control circuit 80 determines that the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 have detected the medals 29 that normally flow down, and determines the number of medals 29 as described above. Count to enable the winning line and add the number of credits.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection patterns do not match, the control circuit 80 determines that some error has occurred. As described above, the control circuit 80 determines that a backflow error has occurred when the second medal detection sensor 52 performs detection first, and determines whether the first medal detection sensor 50 or the second medal detection sensor 52 If the detection light remains blocked for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that a retention error has occurred.

  When the control circuit 80 determines that a backflow error has occurred, the control circuit 80 shifts the slot machine 10 to the error mode, emits a warning sound from the speaker 24, and causes the error display unit 14 to display an error code corresponding to the backflow error. To notify that a backflow error has occurred. Similarly, when the control circuit 80 determines that a stay error has occurred, the control circuit 80 shifts the slot machine 10 to the error mode, emits a warning sound from the speaker 24, and displays an error code corresponding to the stay error on the error display unit 14. To notify that a retention error has occurred.

  As described above, the control circuit 80 executes the game when the slot machine 10 is in the error mode, when the error mode is canceled, and when the number of bets 29 and the number of medals 29 that have been credited reach the upper limit. It is determined that the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted, for example, when it is, and it is determined that the insertion of the medal 29 is accepted at other times.

  When determining that the insertion of the medal 29 is accepted, the control circuit 80 controls the electromagnet 82 to move the sorting member 44 and the blocker 46 to the passing position and the retracted position, respectively. When the control circuit 80 determines that the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted, the control circuit 80 controls the electromagnet 82 to move the sorting member 44 and the blocker 46 to the discharge position and the blocking position, respectively.

  The control circuit 80 is further connected to various sensors such as a start signal sensor 83, a first stop signal sensor 84a, a second stop signal sensor 84b, a third stop signal sensor 84c, and a release signal sensor 85. The start signal sensor 83 detects a pressing operation of the start lever 18 and inputs a game start signal to the control circuit 80 in response to this detection. When the game start signal is input from the start signal sensor 83, the control circuit 80 instructs the reel drive controller 81 to rotate the first to third reels 12a to 12c, and starts the variable display of the symbol row.

  The first to third stop signal sensors 84a to 84c detect pressing operations of the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c, and instruct to stop the first to third reels 12a to 12c in response to the detection. A stop signal is input to the control circuit 80. The control circuit 80 determines whether or not the first to third reels 12a to 12c are rotating when a stop signal is input. The control circuit 80 controls the reel drive controller 81 when the first to third reels 12a to 12c are rotating, and corresponds to the pressed first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c. Stop control of the first to third reels 12a to 12c is performed.

  The release signal sensor 85 detects a pressing operation of the release switch 31 and inputs a release signal instructing release of the error mode to the control circuit 80 in response to this detection. The control circuit 80 determines whether or not the slot machine 10 is in the error mode in response to the input of the release signal. When the control circuit 80 determines that the error mode is set, the control circuit 80 returns the mode of the slot machine 10 from the error mode to the normal mode.

  The control circuit 80 is provided with a winning combination lottery unit 90, a timer 91, and a fraud determination unit 92. The winning combination lottery unit 90 is activated in response to an input of a game start signal from the start signal sensor 83, and acquires a random number value from a random number generator (not shown). Then, the winning combination lottery is performed based on the acquired random number value, and any one of BB (Big Bonus), small combination, and replay as the winning combination is determined.

  When the BB symbols are stopped on the winning line, and the BB is won, a process of shifting from the normal mode to the BB mode (advantageous mode) is performed. When winning a small role, a prescribed number of medals 29 are paid out from the medal payout opening 22 to the medal tray 23. When winning the replay, the next game can be performed without inserting the medal 29.

  In the BB mode, the number of inserted medals 29, which is three in the normal mode, is two, the winning probability of the small role is higher than in the normal mode, and the payout number of the medals 29 when winning the small role is also increased. To do. Therefore, in the BB mode, the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals 29 to be paid out with respect to the number of inserted medals 29) is higher than in the normal mode, which is advantageous for the player.

  The control circuit 80 performs the winning combination lottery in response to the input of the game start signal, and then rotates the first to third reels 12a to 12c to start the variation display of the symbol row, and the first to third stops. In response to the stop signal input from the signal sensors 84a to 84c, the stop control of the first to third reels 12a to 12c is performed. Then, when all of the first to third reels 12a to 12c are stopped, the control circuit 80 wins the winning combination by combining the symbols of the first to third reels 12a to 12c stopped on the winning effective line. It is determined whether or not. If the control circuit 80 determines that the winning combination has been won, the control circuit 80 performs processing corresponding to the winning combination such as shifting to the BB mode or paying out the medals 29 and ends one game.

  The timer 91 starts timing when the contact sensor 75 detects that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved to the first position, and contacts the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 from the first position. By ending the timing with the detection of the sensor 75, the time when the movable members 64 and 65 are in the first position is counted. When the timer 91 finishes timing, the timer 91 clears the count value and prepares for the next detection of the contact sensor 75. Note that the timer 91 may be used to measure the time between the timings t1 to t5, or another timer may be provided.

  The fraud determination unit 92 stores reference time information 92a indicating the reference time of the time when the movable members 64 and 65 are in the first position when the medal 29 normally flows down the medal passage 42. The reference time indicated by the reference time information 92a is obtained, for example, by acquiring a plurality of time count results of the timer 91 when the medal 29 is normally flowed down and adding an allowable error to these average values.

  When the timer 91 starts measuring time, the fraud determination unit 92 refers to the count value and confirms whether or not the count value of the timer 91 is equal to or greater than the reference time. When the medal 29 normally flows down the medal passage 42, the medal 29 passes in front of each movable member 64, 65 in a substantially constant time, and each movable member 64, 65 returns to the second position. The count value of the timer 91 never exceeds the reference time. On the other hand, when an unauthorized device that illegally inserts the medal 29 is inserted into the medal passage 42, the unauthorized device continues to exist in front of the movable members 64 and 65, so that the movable members 64 and 65 are in the second position. Without returning, the count value of the timer 91 becomes equal to or greater than the reference time. Therefore, the fraud determination unit 92 determines that a go-to action using a fraudulent instrument has been performed when the count value of the timer 91 is equal to or greater than the reference time.

  When the fraud determination unit 92 determines that a got action using an illegal instrument has been performed, the control circuit 80 shifts the slot machine 10 to an error mode, emits a warning sound from the speaker 24, and an error code corresponding to the got action Is displayed on the error display unit 14 to notify that a go-to action using an unauthorized device has been performed.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 configured as described above will be described. When the slot machine 10 is in a state where the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted, the sorting member 44 and the blocker 46 move to the discharge position and the blocking position, respectively. When the medal 29 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 20 in this state, the flow is prevented by the blocker 46, and the medal 29 falls from the medal passage 42 via the sorting member 44 at the discharge position. The dropped medal 29 passes through the notch 38a formed in the passage cover 38, enters the payout chute 36, is guided by the payout chute 36, and is discharged from the medal payout outlet 22.

  On the other hand, when the slot machine 10 is in a state where the insertion of the medal 29 is accepted, the sorting member 44 and the blocker 46 move to the passing position and the retracted position, respectively. When the medal 29 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 20 in this state, the medal 29 passes through the sorting member 44 and the blocker 46, and the first movable member 64 held in the second position by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 74 is retained. The medal 29 comes into contact with the front end face 64e. When the medal 29 comes into contact with the front end face 64e, the movable members 64 and 65 move from the second position to the first position.

  When each movable member 64, 65 moves to the first position, the second square bar portion 64b of the first movable member 64 contacts the contact sensor 75, and movement of each movable member 64, 65 to the first position is a contact sensor. 75. When the contact sensor 75 detects the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position, the timer 91 starts counting and corresponds to the detection pattern indicated by the detection pattern information and the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58. The control circuit 80 determines whether the detected pattern matches.

  If it is determined that the detection patterns match, it is determined that the medal detection sensors 50 and 52 have detected the medal 29 that normally flows down. Then, the number of medals 29 is counted, and the winning line is validated and the number of credits is added according to the number. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection patterns do not match, it is determined that an error such as a backflow error or a retention error has occurred. When it is determined that an error has occurred, the slot machine 10 shifts to an error mode, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 24, and an error code corresponding to the error is displayed on the error display unit 14 to generate an error. Informed.

  Further, the control circuit 80 counts only one medal 29 in response to the outputs of the light receiving portions 55 and 58, and after the contact sensor 75 detects the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position, When there is an output from each of the light receiving units 55 and 58 corresponding to detection of two or more medals 29, the output is ignored. When an unauthorized device is inserted into the medal passage 42, the movable members 64 and 65 do not return to the second position in the inserted state. Therefore, if the output is ignored as described above, a plurality of unauthorized members are used even if the unauthorized device is used. The medal 29 cannot be inserted continuously.

  Furthermore, if the unauthorized device is left inserted in the medal passage 42, the count value of the timer 91 becomes equal to or greater than the reference time, and the unauthorized determination unit 92 determines that a go-to action using the unauthorized device has been performed. . In response to this determination, the slot machine 10 shifts to the error mode, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 24, and an error code corresponding to the goto action is displayed on the error display unit 14 to It is informed that the action has been performed.

  Each time the medal 29 is counted, the illegal instrument is pulled out once, the movable members 64 and 65 are returned to the second position, the illegal instrument is inserted again, and alignment with the light receiving portions 55 and 58 is performed. A plurality of medals 29 can be illegally inserted into the slot machine 10 using an unauthorized tool. However, after inserting the improper instrument and moving the movable members 64 and 65 from the second position to the first position and aligning with the light receiving portions 55 and 58 so that the detection patterns match, the reference time is reached. It is extremely difficult and practically impossible to pull out the fraudulent instrument before it is over.

  In recent years, measures on the slot machine 10 side, such as receiving detection light of each medal detection sensor 50, 52 and making light modulated according to the detection light incident on the light receiving portions 55, 58 of each medal detection sensor 50, 52, etc. In response to this, various measures have been taken for the light emitting part of the unauthorized device. On the other hand, when the contact sensor 75 detects that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved from the second position to the first position as in the present embodiment, it responds to the outputs of the light receiving portions 55 and 58. If only one medal 29 is counted, it will be difficult to perform a goto action, so no matter what measures are taken on the light emitting part of the unauthorized device, By using this, it is possible to surely prevent the goto action that illegally inserts the medal 29.

  In addition, it is very troublesome to repeat the insertion and removal of unauthorized equipment every time one medal 29 is counted. Furthermore, the behavior of repeating insertion / removal in this way is very conspicuous, and is easily detected by employees of the game hall. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the willingness to perform the goto act itself.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the contact sensors 75 detect the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 to the first position, the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 corresponding to the detection of two or more medals 29 are present. When the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 are turned on while the light receiving units 55 and 58 cannot receive the detection light, the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58 are ignored. However, when the medals 29 flow down normally, the above cases cannot occur. Therefore, in each of the above cases, instead of ignoring the outputs of the light receiving units 55 and 58, it is determined that a go-to action using an unauthorized device has been performed, and the slot machine 10 is shifted to the error mode. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the fraud determination unit 92 determines that a gore action using an unauthorized device has been performed, the slot machine 10 is shifted to the error mode. , A process of outputting an image or sound indicating that the got action has been performed, and a so-called hall computer that collectively manages the state of a plurality of gaming machines (including the slot machine 10) installed in the game hall Processing may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the light receiving portions 55 and 58 are provided on the movable members 64 and 65 as medal detection means. On the contrary, the light emitting portions 53 and 56 are used as medal detection means and the movable members 64 and 65 are provided. May be provided. In the above embodiment, the reflection type optical sensor that reflects the detection light on each of the reflection plates 54 and 57 is used as the medal detection means. However, the present invention is not limited to this type, and the medal 29 reflects the detection light. Other types of optical sensors such as a reflective optical sensor or a transmissive optical sensor in which a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged to face each other may be used as the medal detection means. Furthermore, a known switch or sensor such as a mechanical switch, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor may be used as the medal detection means.

  In the above-described embodiment, the movable members 64 and 65 are formed in a substantially V-shaped shape, but the shape of the movable members 64 and 65 is not limited to this. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the two movable members and the medal detection means were provided in the medal detection part 48, the number of these may be one and may be three or more.

  In the above-described embodiment, the contact sensor 75 is shown as the movable member detection unit. However, the movable member detection unit is not limited to this, and a well-known switch or sensor such as a mechanical switch, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor may be used. It's okay. In the above embodiment, the movable member detecting means is provided in the first stopper 66 to detect that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved to the first position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A movable member detecting means such as a contact sensor 75 may be provided at 67 to detect that the movable members 64 and 65 have moved to the second position. In this case, after each medal detection sensor 50, 52 detects the flow of the medal 29, in response to the movement of the movable member 64, 65 to the second position detected by the movable member detection means. One medal 29 may be counted. In the above embodiment, the movable member detecting means is provided so as to detect the movement of the first movable member 64. On the contrary, the movable member detecting means is used to detect the movement of the second movable member 65. May be provided. Furthermore, a movable member detection unit may be provided for each of the movable members 64 and 65 so that the movement of the movable members 64 and 65 is detected. If it carries out like this, it can detect reliably that each movable member 64 and 65 moved to the 1st position or the 2nd position in conjunction.

  In the above embodiment, the blocker 46 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the distribution member 44. However, the distribution member 44 and the blocker 46 may be individually moved. In this case, it may be determined that the insertion of the medal 29 is not accepted in response to the operation of the blocker 46 (movement to the blocking position).

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to, for example, a medal counter that counts the number of medals and notifies the result. Also good. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a game machine using medals.

10 Slot machine (medal counting device)
34 medal selector 42 medal passage 48 medal detection unit 50 first medal detection sensor 52 second medal detection sensor 55 first light receiving unit (medal detection means)
58 Second light receiving part (medal detection means)
64 1st movable member 64e Front end surface (contact part)
65 Second movable member 65e Front end surface (contact portion)
72 connecting member 74 torsion coil spring (biasing means)
75 Contact sensor (movable member detection means)
80 Control circuit (counting control means)
92 Fraud determining unit (fraud determining means)

Claims (3)

In a medal counting device that counts the number of inserted medals,
The medal passage where the inserted medals flow down,
Medal detection means for detecting medals flowing down the medal passage;
Holding the medal detection means and swinging about a direction substantially perpendicular to the medal flow direction as an axis, the medal detection means enables a medal detection by the medal detection means, and a medal detection means by the medal detection means A movable member that moves between a second position that disables detection;
A biasing means for biasing the movable member to the second position;
It is provided in the movable member, and enters the medal passage when the movable member is in the second position, and resists the urging of the urging means by contact with the medal flowing down the medal passage. The movable member is moved from the second position to the first position, and when the movable member is moved to the first position, the contact is retracted from the medal passage to allow the medal to flow down. And
Movable member detection means for detecting that the movable member is in the first position or the second position;
Counting control means for counting only one medal in response to detection by the medal detection means when the movable member detection means detects that the movable member has moved from the second position to the first position; A medal counting device characterized by comprising:   The medal according to claim 1, further comprising fraud determination means for determining that fraud has been performed when the movable member detection means detects that the movable member is in the first position for a predetermined time or more. Counting device. A plurality of the movable members are provided along the flow direction of the medal,
The medal counting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of movable members move between the first position and the second position in conjunction with each other.

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