JP5417657B2 - Giveaway machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize dispenser that dispenses prizes according to the number of game media acquired by a player, and more particularly to a prize dispenser in which the stacking direction of prizes to be accommodated is horizontal.

Special prizes (hereinafter referred to as prizes) that can be exchanged for cash according to the number of game media such as medals and game balls acquired by players are paid to game halls equipped with game machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines. A gift dispenser is installed.
The prize dispenser includes a counter integrated type embedded in a prize counter (for example, Patent Document 1) and a stationary type mounted on a prize counter (for example, Patent Document 2).
The prizes paid out from the prize dispenser are customarily provided to the player in a state where they are overlapped in the vertical direction, so the prizes accommodated in the prize dispenser are also accommodated in a state where they are stacked in the vertical direction. It is common.
In such a prize dispenser, it is necessary to secure a space for storing many prizes in order to pay out the prize without replenishing the prize dispenser during business. In order to secure such an accommodation space with the present prize dispenser, the actual situation is that the height in the vertical direction must be increased.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-38328 JP 2008-79758 A

However, since the prizes paid out from such a prize dispenser are special prizes that can be exchanged for cash, an excessive or insufficient number of prizes may cause trouble. Therefore, in order to avoid such troubles, it is necessary to provide prizes while the store clerk and the player exchange directly.
However, if the height of the prize dispenser increases in the vertical direction, exchange of prizes with the prize dispenser interposed therebetween is hindered by the prize dispenser. In particular, in the case of a prize dispenser of a type that pays out a prize to the player side, it is difficult to confirm the number of prizes paid out to the player.

  Further, when a prize is replenished to the prize dispenser, the prize cartridge for containing the prize must be pulled upward and taken out of the machine. In particular, in the case of a stationary type gift dispenser that is placed on a gift counter, it is difficult to pull the cartridge upward unless the store clerk is somewhat tall. Then, the store clerk who can pull out the premium cartridge upward to replenish the premium is limited.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and the player can keep the height of the stacked prizes in a horizontal direction and keep the height low. The purpose is to provide an innovative prize dispenser that can easily check out paid prizes and replenish prizes.

  In order to achieve the above object, a prize dispenser of the present invention is a prize dispenser that dispenses prizes according to the number of acquired game media, an accommodation unit that accommodates the prizes stacked in a horizontal direction, and an accommodation unit A moving means for moving the given prize in the stacking direction with a predetermined power; and a sending outlet located at an end of the housing portion and communicating with a payout outlet from which the prize is paid out. The means is configured to move the received prize toward the delivery port when paying out the prize.

  According to the prize dispenser of the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm a prize dispensed to a player and replenish the prize.

It is the schematic front view which looked at the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from the front side. It is the schematic perspective view which looked at the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from the back surface side. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state which removed the front cover of the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state which opened the back cover of the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state which pulled out the cartridge in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure controlled by the main control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure controlled by the unit control part of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the upper surface display part display-controlled by the main control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the front display part display-controlled by the main control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the front side which shows the structure of the cartridge in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the A section (near the operation end) of the cartridge in the prize dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the back side which shows the structure of the cartridge in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the accommodating part (lower stage) of the cartridge in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the unit main body which removed the side cover of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the unit main body which removed the front cover of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state by which the shutter of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was open | released. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side and shows the case where the prize accommodated in the accommodating part (lower stage) of the cartridge in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is sent out. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side and shows the case where the prize accommodated in the accommodating part (middle stage) of the cartridge in the prize dispenser concerning one embodiment of the present invention is sent out. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side, and shows the case where the prize accommodated in the accommodating part (upper stage) of the cartridge in the prize dispenser concerning one embodiment of the present invention is sent out. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the storage part seen from the shutter side of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state which the movable floor of the payout unit in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention advanced to the storage part. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the state which the extrusion part of the payout unit in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention advanced to the storage part. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side surface which shows the state which the movable floor advanced in the storage part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side surface which shows the state which the movable floor in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention retracted | retreated from the storage part. It is the schematic which looked at the payout unit from the side showing the state where the extruding part in the prize dispenser concerning one embodiment of the present invention advanced to the storage part, and conveyed the prize to the discharge outlet. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing at the time of power activation performed by the main control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process of the payout unit performed by the unit control part in the prize payer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring process performed by the main control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the prize payout process performed by the unit control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sending process of the prize performed by the unit control part in the prize dispenser which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gift dispenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Premium dispenser body]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prize dispenser as seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prize dispenser as seen from the back side.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prize dispenser showing a state where the front cover is removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the prize dispenser showing a state in which the back cover is opened, and FIG. 5 shows a state in which the cartridge is pulled out in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the payout unit.
As shown in these drawings, the prize dispenser 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 10 having a plurality of payout units, a front cover 11 that detachably covers the front side of the main body 10 from which prizes are paid out, and the main body 10. This is a stationary type gift dispenser formed with a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped housing structure to which a back cover 12 that covers the back side is openable and closable.
The prize dispenser 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in the prize counter so that the front cover 11 side is the player side. As a result, the prize is paid out directly to the player.

  The main body 10 has eight payout units 20-1 to 20-8 detachably built therein, an operation unit 10a having a plurality of operation buttons, an upper surface display unit 10b having a display such as a fluorescent display tube, A buzzer 10c that emits an electronic sound and a main control unit 13 that controls each payout unit 20 and each part in the machine are provided.

  The front cover 11 includes a front outlet 11f having a payout outlet 11f for paying out prizes, a shutter frame 11e surrounding the payout outlet 11f, a table 11g on which the paid out prizes are placed, and a display such as a liquid crystal display. And a speaker 11b for outputting sound.

A lamp such as an LED is embedded in the shutter frame 11e. When the prize is paid out, the lamp is turned on and blinked to prompt the player to receive the prize.
Further, a shutter 231 of each payout unit 20 described later is provided so as to be exposed to the outside from the payout opening 11f, and the shutter 231 is opened when a prize is conveyed from each payout unit 20. ing.

At left and right ends of the table 11g, forgetting prevention sensors 11c and 11d for detecting a placed prize are embedded.
The forgetting prevention sensors 11c and 11d are, for example, a reflection type sensor or a pass type sensor that optically detects a prize, and a signal from each sensor is input to the main control unit 13. Thus, when the main control unit 13 detects a signal continuously for a predetermined time or more after the prize is paid out, the main controller 13 drives the lamps of the speaker 11b and the shutter frame 11e to forget to take away the prize. Notification is made to the outside.
At this time, the main control unit 13 gradually increases the blinking speed of the lamp, gradually increases the sound volume output from the speaker 11b, or shortens the sound output interval with the passage of time when the prize is detected. It is supposed to let you.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent forgetting to pick up the prize.

When the front cover 11 configured in this way is removed, as shown in FIG. 3, the eight payout units 20-1 to 20-8h built in the main body 10 are exposed to the outside, and while gripping the handle 20b, Each payout unit 20 can be inserted and removed.
Thereby, each payout unit 20 can be taken out individually, and maintenance such as repair and adjustment can be performed.

The back cover 12 is attached to the main body 10 so as to be openable and closable via a predetermined hinge or the like, and can be exposed to the outside by opening as shown in FIG. 4.
Since the cartridge 21 of the present embodiment is provided so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from the dispensing unit 20 by a horizontal operation (see FIG. 6), the cartridge 21 is pulled out in the horizontal direction by opening the back cover 12. , Can be replenished with freebies.
Thus, when the premium is replenished, it is not pulled out in the vertical direction as in the conventional cartridge, so that the height restriction that can be removed is eliminated, and all shop assistants can replenish the premium.
Further, the cartridge 21 is provided with a handle 21a and a lock release button 21b that can release a lock state with the payout unit 20 by a pressing operation.
The lock release button 21b is disposed at an operable position while gripping the handle 21a. Thus, the cartridge 21 can be pulled out by grasping the handle 21a while pressing the locking release button 21b (see FIG. 5).

Next, the control configuration of the gift dispenser 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration controlled by the main control unit 13, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration controlled by a unit control unit 20 c provided in each payout unit 20.
The main control unit 13 and the unit control unit 20c include a central processing unit (CPU), storage means (ROM, RAM) for storing control programs and data, an interface for connecting the I / O port of the CPU to each unit, and the like. It is a computer, and a CPU controls each unit based on a control program stored in a storage means.
And as shown in these figures, the main control part 13 and the unit control part 20c are connected so that mutual communication is possible. Thereby, the main control unit 13 transmits a payout command for instructing the number of prizes to be paid out for each premium color, controls the unit control unit 20c, and is accommodated in the cartridge 21 transmitted from the unit control unit 20c. The operating state of each payout unit 20 is monitored based on the free gift information indicating the presence / absence of the free gift and the free gift color, and the payout information indicating the payout result such as the free payout color and the number of free gifts.
Based on this payout command, the unit control unit 20c pays out a predetermined number of prizes for each prize color and transmits payout information to the main control part 13.
The main control unit 13 is connected to a hall computer (not shown) and a POS management device that performs predetermined prize exchange processing. The main control unit 13 receives the number of game media acquired by the player transmitted from the hall computer. The number of prizes for each prize color corresponding to the number is calculated. Then, by sending a payout command based on the calculation result to each unit control unit 20c, the number of prizes according to the acquired number of game media is paid out from each payout unit 20.

Here, FIG. 9 shows a display example of the upper surface display unit 10b controlled by the main control unit 13 based on the received number of game media and the prize information transmitted from each unit control unit 20c.
For example, the display area 101 displays an amount corresponding to the number of game media calculated by the main control unit 13, and the display area 102 displays the number of prizes paid out corresponding to the amount for each prize color. To do. In this case, red, yellow, and blue indicate the coloring of the prize stored in the cartridge 21. One red prize is 5000 yen, one yellow prize is 1000 yen, and one blue prize is 500 yen. As an equivalent. As a result, “7 red prizes, 4 yellow prizes, 1 blue prize” is displayed in the display area 102 as the number of prizes to be paid out corresponding to the amount of money in the display area 101.

In the display area 103, the states of the payout units 20-1 to 20-8 are displayed.
Specifically, the display area 103a displays the color information of the prize stored in the cartridge 21 of each payout unit 20, and the display area 103b displays the presence / absence of the prize stored in the cartridge 21, Whether or not the payout unit 20 is loaded is displayed with characters, symbols, graphics, and the like.
In this case, the color information of the prize and the presence / absence of the prize are displayed based on the result of the prize sensors 225a to 225c provided in each payout unit 20 described later identifying the color of the prize.
Since the prize sensors 225a to 225c are provided for each of the accommodating portions 210a to 210c that divide the inside of the cartridge 21 into the lower, middle, and upper tiers, the color information of the prizes accommodated in the respective accommodating portions 210 and the presence / absence of the prizes are determined. Can be displayed.
In the present embodiment, since the prizes of the same color are accommodated in each of the accommodation units 210, one color is displayed in the display area 103a, but a prize of a different color for each of the accommodation units 210a to 210c. In the case of accommodation, different colors are displayed for each accommodation unit 210.
As described above, since the prize sensors 225a to 225c can be detected in advance before paying out the color of the contained prize, it is possible to prevent the prize of the wrong color from being paid out.
The main body 10 is provided with detection means (not shown) for detecting whether or not each payout unit 20 is loaded, and whether or not each payout unit 20 is loaded is based on whether or not the detection means is detected. Is displayed.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a display example of the front display unit 11a whose display is controlled by the main control unit 13 based on the payout information transmitted from each unit control unit 20c.
FIG. 10A shows a display mode for displaying the number of payouts for each premium color, and FIG. 10B shows a display mode for displaying the payout amount for each premium color.
Each display mode can be switched to one of the display modes by operating the operation button of the operation unit 10a.
The payout information is transmitted every time a counting sensor 234a provided in each payout unit 20 described later detects a prize.

The display areas 110a to 110c in each figure display the payout status for each prize color.
In FIG. 10A, the display area 111b displays the number of prizes to be paid out corresponding to the above-mentioned amount for each prize color, and the display area 111a is paid out based on the sent payout information. The number of prizes displayed is displayed. As a result, the player can recognize at a glance the total number of prizes to be paid out and the number of prizes that have already been paid out, thereby preventing forgetting to take out unpaid prizes.
On the other hand, in the display areas 112a and 112b in FIG. 10B, the amount obtained by converting the number of prizes in the display areas 111a and 111b into cash is displayed for each prize color, and in the display area 110d, these amounts are displayed. Each total price is displayed.
Thereby, the player can recognize the amount of money that can be acquired as cash at a glance.

[Payout unit]
Next, the configuration of each payout unit 20 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the payout unit 20 includes a unit main body 20 a and a cartridge 21.
The cartridge 21 is a case for storing prizes, and the unit main body 20a is provided with a mechanism for paying out the prizes stored in the cartridge 21 one by one.
The unit main body 20a is open at the side so that the cartridge 21 can be inserted and removed, and a prize sending section 22 for sending prizes stored in the cartridge 21 one by one to the outside of the cartridge 21, and the sent prizes to the payout opening 11f. A prize transport unit 23 that transports the vehicle and a unit control unit 20c that controls these and communicates with the main control unit 13 are provided.
Further, a side cover 20d is provided on the side surface of the unit main body 20a to cover the prize sending unit 22, and a front cover 20e is provided on the front surface of the unit main body 20a.
Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the payout unit 20 will be described in detail.

(cartridge)
First, the cartridge 21 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view on the front side showing the configuration of the cartridge 21, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A (near the operation end) in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the rear surface side showing the configuration of the cartridge 21, and FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the accommodating portion (lower stage) 210a.
As shown in these drawings, the cartridge 21 includes an accommodating part (lower stage) 210a, an accommodating part (middle stage) 210b, and an accommodating part (upper stage) 210c that are divided into three stages of a lower stage, a middle stage, and an upper stage in the cartridge 21 in the vertical direction. And the door 21c which covers this accommodating part so that opening and closing is possible is provided.

Each storage unit 210 can store premiums stacked in the horizontal direction.
The prize is usually formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and the prize is stacked and accommodated in each accommodation section 210 with the long side surface of the prize facing the bottom face of each accommodation section 210 ( (See FIG. 18).
Each storage portion 210 is closed at one end in the horizontal direction (left side in FIG. 11) with a wall surface having a handle 21a and an unlocking button 21b, and the other end is opened. Are respectively provided (see FIG. 13).
As shown in FIG. 14, each delivery port 217 is opened to a size that allows one prize to slide and flow down. For this reason, of the prizes stacked in the horizontal direction, a prize located at each outlet 217 is sent out from the cartridge 21 through each outlet 217.

Further, a U-shaped guide groove 2171 having a groove width communicating with each of the delivery outlets 217a to 217c and allowing one premium to flow down is provided on the delivery outlet 217 side. It becomes the flow path A in which the prize sent out from each delivery port 217 flows down.
Further, a discharge port 2172 communicating with an inflow port 234e provided in the prize transport unit 23 described later is opened at the lowermost part of the guide groove 2171 (see FIG. 13).

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, projecting valves 218 a to 218 c projecting toward the delivery ports 217 a to 217 c are provided on the side portions of the bottom surfaces of the respective housing units 210.
The projecting valves 218a to 218c are biased by a spring or the like so as to project with respect to the delivery ports 217, and the delivery ports 217 are closed by this projection.
Thus, when a prize is replenished in a state where the cartridge 21 is removed from the unit main body 20a, it is possible to avoid a prize located at each outlet 217 being sent out of the cartridge 21 from each outlet 217.
In the state where the cartridge 21 is inserted into the unit main body 20a, the protruding valves 218a to 218c are retracted with respect to the respective outlets 217, and the blocking of the respective outlets 217 is released. The prizes located at the respective outlets 217 can flow down the flow path A.

As shown in FIG. 11, each storage unit 210 is provided with operation ends 212 a to 212 c that can be moved in the prize stacking direction. Each operation end 212 has a cylindrical shape, and can be operated by picking it with a finger.
Each operation end 212 is integrally provided with contact portions 211a to 211c formed in a plate shape substantially the same shape as the prize. Each contact portion 211 moves in accordance with the movement operation of each operation end 212.
Then, each abutment portion 211 is brought into contact with the prizes positioned at the end of the stack, so that the prizes are held in a stacked state between the respective outlets 217 and the abutment portions 211. It has become.

Pinion gears 213a to 213c are attached to each operation end 212 (see FIG. 12).
Each pinion gear 213 has a latch structure that can rotate only in the right direction in FIG. 11 with a pin (not shown) inserted into each operation end 212 as an axis.
In addition, rack gears 215 a to 215 c that mesh with the pinion gears 213 are provided on the bottom surface of each housing portion 210 along the prize stacking direction.
The rack gears 215a to 215c are attached to the bottom surface of each housing part 210 so as to be slidable along the prize stacking direction.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the rack gear 215a is slidably attached to the bottom surface of the housing portion 210a through the long hole 2151a within the range of the long hole 2151a (about 10 mm). . The rack gear 215a is urged rightward in FIG. 14 by a spring 2152a. When an external force in the leftward direction in FIG. 14 against the restoring force of the spring 2152a is applied, the rack gear 215a slides in the C direction (about 10 mm). It is supposed to be.
When the pinion gears 213 and the rack gears 215 are engaged with each other, the latch structure functions to restrict the rotation direction of the pinion gears 213, and the operation ends 212 and the contact portions 211 are connected to each other as shown in FIGS. It is movable only in the right direction inside, that is, toward each outlet 217.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, each pinion gear 213 is biased by a spring 214a so as to mesh with each rack gear 215.
When the operation end 212 is pushed down in the B direction with a finger or the like against the spring 214a, the pinion gear 213 moves in the B direction accordingly. The pinion gear 213 can move to a position where the meshing with the rack gear 215 is released (slide structure).
As a result, in this released state, the latch structure of the pinion gear 213 does not function, so that the operation end 212 can be moved in any direction in which the prizes are stacked.
In such a state, the operation end 212 is operated, and a space in which prizes can be replenished can be ensured between the outlets 217 and the contact portions 211.
The cartridge 21 can be opened largely by opening the door 21c. For this reason, the prize can be replenished at a time between each delivery port 217 and the abutting portion 211 while keeping the prizes laminated with both hands, so that the work efficiency at the time of replenishment is improved.
After the prizes are stacked and replenished, the abutment 211 is brought into contact with the prize located at the end, and at this time, the pressing operation on the operation end 212 is stopped, so that the pinion gear 213 restores the spring 214a. Due to the force, the rack gear 215 is restored to the meshed state.
Thereby, the contact part 211 can be moved only toward the respective outlets 217 by the latch structure of the pinion gear 213, and cannot be moved in the opposite direction (the wall surface side having the handle 21a and the release button 21b). .
As a result, the replenished prize is held in a non-swingable manner between each outlet 217 and the contact portion 211. The prizes can be kept in the laminated state even if the cartridge 21 is shaken in any direction with the door 21c closed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, each contact portion 211 includes sliding contact portions 216 a to 216 c that are formed integrally with the contact portion 211.
Each slidable contact portion 216 is made of a cylindrical rubber material. When power is applied to the slidable contact portion 216 in the direction in which the prizes are stacked, each contact portion 211 can be moved.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 14 showing a state in which the pinion gear 213a and the rack gear 215a are engaged with each other, when power in the right direction in FIG. 14 is applied to the sliding contact portion 216a, the pinion gear 213a is applied to the rack gear 215a. It rotates while meshing | engaging, and the prize accommodated in the accommodating part 210a can be moved toward the delivery port 217a. As a result, the prize sending unit 22 described later can send the prize to the prize transport unit 23.
Conversely, when power in the left direction in FIG. 14 is applied, the rotation of the pinion gear 213a is limited by the latch structure.
However, as described above, the rack gear 215a slides in the C direction with respect to the bottom surface of the housing portion 210a. Therefore, when power in the left direction in FIG. 14 is applied, the latch structure of the pinion gear 213a remains functioning. In this state, the rack gear 215a is slid in the C direction. As a result, the operation end 212a and the contact portion 211a are also moved in the C direction.
In this way, with the pinion gear 213a and the rack gear 215a engaged with each other, the force for holding the prize accommodated between the abutting portion 211a and the outlet 217a by applying power in the C direction to the sliding contact portion 216a. Can be relaxed.
That is, when a later-described prize sending unit 22 sends one prize located at the delivery port 217a to the prize transport unit 23, a subsequent prize added to the prize by applying power in the C direction to the sliding contact part 216a. Pressure can be reduced, and natural fall due to the weight of the prize located at the delivery port 217a is promoted.

  In addition, on the wall surface in the vicinity of each outlet 217, prize windows 219a to 219c that expose a part of prizes located in the front row stacked and accommodated to the outside are opened for each accommodating part 210 ( (See FIG. 13). Then, the prize sensors 225a to 225c, which will be described later, provided so as to face the prize windows 219 through the prize windows 219 can detect / identify the presence / absence and prize color of the prizes accommodated in the accommodation units 210. It is like that.

As described above, the cartridge 21 according to the present embodiment stores the prizes in the horizontal direction so as to be long in the horizontal direction, but can suppress the height in the vertical direction. In addition, the cartridge 21 is provided with the three-stage accommodation portions 210 stacked in the vertical direction. However, the cartridge 21 is accommodated with the long side surface of the prize to be accommodated facing the bottom surface of each accommodation portion 210. The height can be minimized.
As a result, the overall height of the prize dispenser 1 in which the cartridge 21 is inserted is suppressed, and the clerk actually pays out to the player in a state where the prize dispenser 1 is interposed between the clerk and the player. It is possible to easily confirm the given prize.

(Unit body)
Next, the prize sending unit 22 of the unit main body 20a will be described. In this description, it is assumed that the cartridge 21 is inserted.
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the unit main body 20a with the side cover 20d removed. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the unit main body 20a with the front cover 20e removed, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a state where the shutter 231 is opened in FIG.
The prize sending unit 22 mainly has a mechanism (moving means) for moving the prizes stacked and accommodated in the cartridge 21 in the horizontal direction, and a mechanism for dropping the prizes positioned at each delivery port 217 one by one (sending). Means).

A mechanism (moving means) for moving the prize in the horizontal direction is directly connected to the belts 222a to 222c that are in sliding contact with the sliding contact portions 216a to 216c described above, a feed motor 220 that drives each belt 222, and the feed motor 220. The main shaft 221 around which one end of each belt 222 is wound and the pulley 222d around which the other end of each belt 222 is wound. When the feed motor 220 rotates, the main shaft 221 rotates accordingly, and the main shaft 221 is rotated. The belts 222a to 222c stretched between the pulley 222d and the pulley 222d are driven all at once.
When the belts 222 are driven all at once, the power in the same direction is applied to the sliding contact portions 216a to 216c of the cartridge 21 at the same time. As a result, the contact portions 211 move horizontally in the same direction. ing.
In this way, by using one feed motor 220 for driving each belt 222, the product cost can be reduced.

Here, when the delivery motor 220 is rotated so as to move the prize stored in the accommodation section 210 toward each delivery port 217 (hereinafter referred to as forward rotation, rotation for moving the prize in the opposite direction is referred to as reverse rotation). The prizes stored in the storage units 210 are guided to the outlets 217 all at once, and the prizes located at the outlets 217 are all dropped from the outlets 217.
Therefore, a restraint piece that stops the prize before reaching each delivery port 217 in a state of protruding to each delivery port 217, and allows a prize to enter the delivery port 217 while retracted from each delivery port 217. 223b and 223c (restraining means).

  The restraining piece 223 includes a restraining piece 223b that restrains the prize stored in the housing portion 210b, and a restraining piece 223c that restrains the prize received in the housing portion 210c, and each of them includes a delivery port 217b and a delivery port 217c. It is provided so as to oppose. Each stop piece 223 is retracted from each delivery port 217 to release its stop state when the prize stored in the storage section 210 located on the lower side of the storage section 210 facing each other is exhausted. Yes.

  Specifically, when there is a prize accommodated in the accommodating part (lower stage) 210a, the restraining pieces 223b and 223c project to the outlets 217b and 217c and are accommodated in the accommodating parts (middle and upper stages) 210b and 210c. The prize is stopped before reaching the respective outlets 217b and 217c. As a result, when the delivery motor 220 is rotated forward, only the prize stored in the storage unit (lower stage) 210a can be guided to the delivery port 217a.

  On the other hand, when there is no prize stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a and there is a prize stored in the storage section (middle stage) 210b, the stop piece 223b is in a state of being retracted from the delivery port 217b, and the prize delivery port While allowing entry to 217b, the restraining piece 223c protrudes to the delivery port 217c and restrains the prize stored in the accommodation part (upper stage) 210c before reaching the delivery port 217c. As a result, when the delivery motor 220 is rotated forward, only the prize stored in the storage unit (middle stage) 210b can be guided to the delivery port 217b.

Further, when there are no prizes stored in the storage units (lower and middle stages) 210a and 210b and there is a prize stored in the storage unit (upper stage) 210c, the stop pieces 223b and 223c are retracted from the outlets 217b and 217c. And the entry of the prize to the delivery port 217c is permitted. As a result, when the delivery motor 220 is rotated forward, the prize accommodated in the accommodation part (upper stage) 210c can be guided to the delivery port 217c.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the restraining pieces 223b and 223c are projected, so that the prizes are preferentially sent out from the prize stored in the storage unit 210 located on the lower side. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is sent out from a prize stored in the storage unit 210 positioned below.
The prizes guided to the respective outlets 217 fall from the respective outlets 217 due to their own weight, flow down the flow path A, and are stored in the storage unit 230 described later. Thus, since each delivery port 217 is provided at a high position with respect to the storage portion 230 communicating with the delivery port 11f, it is possible to pay out prizes without particularly using power.

In addition, these restraining pieces 223 project and retract in conjunction with the position of a slider 227 (a slide range described later) that contacts the prize and promotes the fall of the prize.
Specifically, as the slider 227 moves upward from below, the protruding restraining pieces 223b and 223c retreat in the order of the restraining piece 223b and restraining piece 223c, and conversely as the slider 227 moves downward from above. The stopping pieces 223b and 223c that have been retracted are configured to protrude in the order of the stopping piece 223c and the stopping piece 223b.

In addition, unlike this embodiment, you may provide the stop piece 223a for stopping the prize accommodated in the accommodating part (lower stage) 210a.
In this case, the stopping pieces 223a to 223c can be stopped without protruding to the respective outlets 217, that is, provided so as to stop the prize so as not to block the flow path A (for example, the side face of the prize is provided). If the control pieces 223a to 223c can be controlled independently, the prizes stored in any storage part 210 can be sent without giving priority to the storage part 210 for sending the prizes. it can.

Presence / absence of prizes and prize colors accommodated in the accommodation units 210c are detected and identified by prize sensors 225a to 225c provided facing the prize windows 219a to 219c of the cartridge 21.
Each premium sensor 225 is a reflective color sensor that emits a predetermined wavelength from the light emitting unit and identifies the color (red, yellow, blue) of the premium based on the difference in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.
The detection signal from the prize sensor 225 is decoded by the unit controller 20c to determine the presence / absence of the prize and the prize color.
Based on this determination, the storage unit 210 that stores the premium color corresponding to the payout command is selected, the slide range of the slider 227 described later is set, and the corresponding premium color premium is sent from the cartridge 21. At the same time, premium information is transmitted from the unit control unit 20c to the main control unit 13, and the presence / absence of the premiums stored in each storage unit 210 and the premium color are displayed on the upper surface display unit 10b. .

Further, a cartridge detection sensor 229 that detects the insertion of the cartridge 21 when the actuator is pressed is provided in the vicinity of the prize sensor 225c. The detection signal from the cartridge detection sensor 229 is transmitted to the main control unit 13 via the unit control unit 20c so that the main control unit 13 can identify the controllable dispensing unit 20 in which the cartridge 21 is inserted. It has become.
Then, the main control unit 13 transmits, to the controllable payout unit 20, a payout command indicating the number of prizes for each prize color according to the number of game media received from the POS management device based on the sent prize information. It is like that.

Next, in the vicinity of the prize sensor 225c, stoppers 224a to 224c are provided that prevent the prize located at each delivery port 217 from dropping due to its own weight.
The stoppers 224a to 224c are open / close valves that open and close the flow path A and rotate up and down along the flow path A formed by the guide grooves 2171 around a predetermined horizontal axis.
FIG. 15 shows a state in which each stopper 224 is closed, and each stopper 224 in this state rotates to a horizontal position that is substantially the same height as the bottom surface of each housing portion 210 to close the flow path A. .
In this state, the prize located at each delivery port 217 is placed on the stopper 224, and the prize is prevented from dropping due to its own weight.
On the other hand, at the position where each stopper 224 is inclined downward, the flow path A is opened, and the prize located at each delivery port 217 is allowed to fall naturally (see FIGS. 18 to 20).

Such an opening / closing operation of each stopper 224 is performed when the stopper solenoid 226 controlled by the unit controller 20c is excited / de-energized (see FIG. 16).
Specifically, when the stopper solenoid 226 is not energized, the slider plate 226b connected to a predetermined plunger is biased downward by the spring 226a, and in conjunction with this, each stopper 224 is connected to the bottom surface of each housing portion 210. It rotates to a horizontal position that is almost the same height (see FIG. 15).
On the other hand, in the excited state, when the plunger is attracted by the stopper solenoid 226, the slider plate 226b moves upward against the restoring force of the spring 226a, and in conjunction with this, each stopper 224 tilts downward. It will be in a state (refer to Drawing 18-Drawing 20).

  The open / closed state of each stopper 224 is detected by a stopper operation detection sensor 226c that detects the closed state of each stopper 224 when the actuator is pressed by the bottom surface of the slider plate 226b (see FIG. 16). Thereby, the unit control part 20c can monitor the open / close state of each stopper 224 and the malfunction of the stopper solenoid 226 and its interlocking mechanism.

Next, as a mechanism (sending means) for dropping the prizes located at each delivery port 217 one by one, the prizes located at each delivery port 217 are contacted and slid downward to force the prizes to fall due to their own weight. A slider 227 is provided (see FIG. 15).
Specifically, the slider 227 is made of a rectangular resin piece, and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction in the flow path A.
The slider 227 is formed integrally with a rack gear 227 c provided on the back side of the slider 227. The rack gear 227c meshes with a pinion gear 227b that is fixed to the slider motor 227a, and the rack gear 227c and the slider 227 slide up and down as the slider motor 227a rotates (see FIG. 16). .
Slider position sensors 228a to 228d for detecting the position of the slider 227 are attached in a range in which the rack gear 227c slides up and down.
Each slider position sensor 228 includes a photo interrupter, and detects the position of the slider 227 by blocking light by a light shielding plate 227d provided integrally with the rack gear 227c.

The slider 227 slides up and down within three different slide ranges according to the accommodation state of the prizes accommodated in each accommodation unit 210.
Specifically, when there is a prize in the storage unit (lower stage) 210a, the slider 227 is within a slide range (lower storage unit) where the slider position sensors 228a (end point) and 228b (start point) can detect the light shielding plate 227d. ) Slide up and down.
When there is no prize in the accommodation section (lower stage) 210a and there is a prize in the accommodation section (middle stage) 210b, the slider 227 can detect the light shielding plate 227d by the slider position sensors 228b (end point) and 228c (start point). Slide up and down within the middle slide range (middle storage).
Further, when there is no prize in the accommodating part (lower stage) 210a and the accommodating part (middle stage) 210b, and there is a prize in the accommodating part (upper stage) 210c, the slider 227 includes slider position sensors 228c (end point), 228d (end point). The starting point slides up and down within the slide range (upper housing portion) where the light shielding plate 227d can be detected.

In each case, after the slider 227 moves from the upper slider position sensor (start point) to the lower slider position sensor (end point), the slider 227 comes into contact with the upper side surface of the prize located at each delivery port 217. The prize is moved downward as it is, and the fall due to the weight of the prize is forced.
As a result, the stopper 224 is opened, and the slider 227 reciprocates between the upper slider position sensor (start point) and the lower slider position sensor (end point), and at this time, the feed motor 220 is rotated forward. Thus, the prizes stored in the storage unit 210 can be sent out one after another from the outlet 217.

  The operation of delivering prizes from the respective outlets 217 will be described with reference to schematic views of the dispensing unit 20 shown in FIGS. FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a case where the prize Ka stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a is sent out, and FIG. 19 shows a case where the prize Kb stored in the storage section (middle stage) 210b is sent out. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the prize Kc accommodated in the accommodating portion (upper stage) 210c is sent out.

First, with reference to FIG. 18, the operation when the prize Ka stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a is sent will be described.
First, the delivery motor 220 is rotated forward, the belts 222a to 222c are driven, and the contact portions 211a to 211c are moved rightward in the drawing. As a result, the prize stored in each storage unit 210 moves toward each delivery port 217.
In this case, as described above, when there is a prize accommodated in the accommodation portion (lower stage) 210a, the stop pieces 223b and 223c lead the prize accommodated in the accommodation portions 210b and 210c to the outlets 217b and 217c. Since it is stopped in front, only the prize Ka accommodated in the accommodating portion (lower stage) 210a is sent to the outlet 217a.

Then, the feed motor 220 is reversely rotated to retract each contact portion 211, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time. Thereby, the pressure from the subsequent prize applied to the prize Ka sent to the delivery port 217a can be reduced, and the fall due to the weight of the prize Ka located at the delivery port 217a is promoted.
In this state, the stopper solenoid 226 is excited to open the stoppers 224a to 224c. Then, the slider motor 227a is driven to wait for the slider 227 at a position (start point) where the slider position sensor 228b detects the light shielding plate 227d, and then to a position (end point) where the slider position sensor 228a detects the light shielding plate 227d. Slide. As a result, the slider 227 slides downward while contacting the upper surface of the prize Ka located at the delivery port 217a, so that the prize Ka flows down the flow path A and flows into the storage section 230 of the prize transport section 23. To do.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the operation when the prize stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a runs out and the prize Kb stored in the storage section (middle stage) 210b is sent will be described.
First, similarly, the feed motor 220 is rotated forward, the belts 222a to 222c are driven, and the contact portions 211a to 211c are moved rightward in the drawing. As a result, the prize stored in each storage unit 210 moves toward each delivery port 217.
In this case, as described above, when there is no premium stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a and there is a premium stored in the storage section (middle stage) 210b, the stop piece 223b is retracted from the outlet 217b. Thus, while allowing the prize Kb to enter the delivery port 217b, the restraining piece 223c protrudes to the delivery port 217c and restrains the prize accommodated in the accommodation part (upper stage) 210c before reaching the delivery port 217c. Therefore, only the prize Kb accommodated in the accommodation part (middle stage) 210b is sent to the outlet 217b.

Then, the feed motor 220 is reversely rotated to retract each contact portion 211, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time. As a result, the pressure from the subsequent prize applied to the prize Kb sent to the delivery port 217b can be reduced, and the fall of the prize Kb located at the delivery port 217b due to its own weight is promoted.
In this state, the stopper solenoid 226 is excited to open the stoppers 224a to 224c. Then, the slider motor 227a is driven to wait for the slider 227 at a position (start point) where the slider position sensor 228c detects the light shielding plate 227d, and then to a position (end point) where the slider position sensor 228b detects the light shielding plate 227d. Slide. As a result, the slider 227 slides downward while contacting the upper side surface of the prize Kb located at the outlet 217b, so that the prize Kb flows down the flow path A and flows into the storage unit 230.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, in the state in which the prize stored in the storage section (lower stage) 210a is exhausted, the contact portion 211a becomes one wall surface of the flow path A and does not hinder the flow of the prize Kb. It is like that.

Next, referring to FIG. 20, the operation when the prizes stored in the storage unit (lower stage) 210 a and the storage part (middle stage) 210 b run out and the prize Kc stored in the storage unit (upper stage) 210 c is sent out. explain.
First, similarly, the feed motor 220 is rotated forward, the belts 222a to 222c are driven, and the contact portions 211a to 211c are moved rightward in the drawing. As a result, the prize stored in each storage unit 210 moves toward each delivery port 217.
In this case, as described above, when the prizes stored in the storage part (lower stage) 210a and the storage part (middle stage) 210b disappear and there is a prize stored in the storage part (upper stage) 210c, the stop pieces 223b and 223c are present. Both of them are retracted from the outlets 217b and 217c, and the prize Kc is allowed to enter the outlet 217c, so that the prize Kc accommodated in the accommodating portion (upper stage) 210c is sent to the outlet 217c. The

Then, the feed motor 220 is reversely rotated to retract each contact portion 211, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time. As a result, the pressure from the subsequent prize applied to the prize Kc sent to the delivery port 217c can be reduced, and the fall of the prize Kc located at the delivery port 217c due to its own weight is promoted.
In this state, the stopper solenoid 226 is excited to open the stoppers 224a to 224c. Then, the slider motor 227a is driven, and the slider 227 waits at a position (start point) where the slider position sensor 228d detects the light shielding plate 227d, and then reaches a position (end point) where the slider position sensor 228c detects the light shielding plate 227d. Slide. As a result, the slider 227 slides downward while contacting the upper surface of the prize Kc located at the delivery port 217c, so that the prize Kc flows down the flow path A and flows into the storage unit 230.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, in the state where the prizes stored in the storage part (lower stage) 210 a and the storage part (middle stage) 210 b disappear, these contact parts 211 a and 211 b Thus, the flow of the prize Kc is not hindered.

Next, the prize transport unit 23 of the unit body 20a will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 and FIGS.
16 is a schematic perspective view of the unit main body 20a showing a state where the shutter 231 is closed, and FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the unit main body 20a showing a state where the shutter 231 is opened.
FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the storage section 230 viewed from the shutter 231 side. FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the movable floor 236 has advanced into the storage unit 230, and FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the pushing unit 237 has advanced into the storage unit 230.
FIGS. 24 to 26 are schematic views of the prize transport unit 23 as viewed from the side. FIG. 24 shows a state where the movable floor 236 has advanced into the storage unit 230, and FIG. FIG. 26 shows a state in which the extruding unit 237 has advanced into the storage unit 230 and conveyed a prize to the payout port 11f.
As shown in these figures, the prize transport unit 23 mainly opens the shutter 231 and the storage mechanism that guides the prizes sent from the above-mentioned prize sending unit 22 to the storage unit 230 and aligns and stacks the prizes. And the mechanism which conveys the stored prize toward the discharge outlet 11f is comprised.

  The storage mechanism that guides the prize to the storage unit 230 and arranges and stacks the prizes includes a storage unit 230 that stores the prize, a shutter 231 that covers the front side of the storage unit 230 so as to be openable and closable, and a slope at which the prize slides down. 234, the slope upper plate 235 that holds the posture of the prize sliding down the slope 234, the top board 235a that regulates the vertical space of the storage unit 230, and when the number of prizes to be paid out is small (three or less), It consists of a movable floor 236 that advances into the storage unit 230 and reduces the vertical space.

The storage unit 230 is provided with a bottom surface 230a on which the prize is placed, a side face 230b that restricts a movable range in the lateral direction of the prize, and a rear face 230c that is connected to the slope 234 and restricts a movable range with respect to the rear of the prize. Yes.
And while restrict | limiting the movable range with respect to the front-back direction of a prize between the rear surface 230c and the shutter 231 of the closed state, it is maximum between the bottom face 230a and the top plate 235a provided facing this. A space in which the five prizes K1 to K5 are stacked is secured (see FIG. 25).
In this way, by limiting the movable range of the prize from four directions, the prize is arranged and stacked in the storage unit 230.

As shown in FIG. 16, the shutter 231 is a door that slides up and down by the power of the shutter motor 232a. A rack gear 232c is integrally attached to the shutter 231, and the rack gear 232c is meshed with a pinion gear 232b that is fixed to the shutter motor 232a.
Thereby, the shutter 231 slides up and down with rotation of the shutter motor 232a.
Within the range in which the shutter 231 slides up and down, the shutter position detection sensor (upper) 233a for detecting the position of the shutter 231 in the opened state (see FIG. 17) and the shutter 231 in the closed state (see FIG. 16). A shutter position detection sensor (lower) 233b for detecting the position is attached.
Each shutter position detection sensor 233 includes a photo interrupter, and detects the position of the shutter 231 by blocking light by a light shielding plate 231 a provided integrally with the shutter 231.
When the shutter 231 is closed, prizes are sent out from the cartridge 21 and stored in the storage unit 230 (see FIGS. 24 and 25). When the shutter 231 is open, the stored prizes are stored. Then, it is conveyed by the push-out unit 237 and is discharged from the discharge outlet 11f (see FIG. 26).

The slope 234 is an inclined surface for sliding down the prize K, and the flow path A for guiding the prize to the storage unit 230 is formed with the slope upper plate 235.
The slope 234 and the slope upper plate 235 are arranged with an interval through which one prize can pass (the thickness of one prize), and the upper opening formed by these is an outlet 2712 of the cartridge 21 described above. And an inflow port 234e into which the prize K sent from each outlet 217 flows.
At the center of the slope 234, a notch 234c through which a later-described pushing portion 237 is inserted is opened.

On both sides of the notch 234c, there are a counting sensor 234a that includes a reflective photosensor that counts down the prize K, and a stay detection sensor 234b that detects a prize that has stayed on the slope 234 due to a prize jam or the like. Is provided.
The signal that the counting sensor 234a has detected a prize is input to the unit controller 20c (see FIG. 8).
As a result, the unit control unit 20c counts the prize based on this signal, and controls the aforementioned prize sending unit 22 until the count reaches the number of payouts corresponding to the payout command so as to pay out the prize. It has become. The count value is transmitted as payout information from the unit control unit 20c to the main control unit 13, and the number of prize payouts is updated and displayed on the front display unit 11a.
Note that the counting sensor 234a may be a color sensor that identifies the colors (red, yellow, and blue) of the prize, similarly to the prize sensors 225a to 225c.
In this way, the payout can be performed while the unit controller 20c monitors the sent prize color. For example, when the sent prize is not a prize color corresponding to the payout command, the payout from the payout unit can be stopped and switched to payout from another payout unit.

  Similarly, the signal that the stay detection sensor 234b detects a prize is input to the unit controller 20c (see FIG. 8). The unit controller 20c monitors this signal. When this signal is continuously input for a predetermined time or longer, the unit controller 20c controls a transport motor 238 described later to move the push-out unit 237 forward and backward, thereby causing a prize jam or the like. The staying state is canceled.

The movable floor 236 can place a prize on the upper surface thereof, and slides on the bottom surface 230a by the power of the transport motor 238 and advances / retreats with respect to the storage unit 230, so that the vertical direction of the storage unit 230 is reached. It is a member that expands or contracts the space (space expansion / contraction means).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the movable floor 236 includes a slope 236 a that inclines downward toward the shutter 231, and a recess 236 b that is recessed so that the pushing portion 237 can pass therethrough. In the state of having advanced with respect to 230, the vertical space formed between the slope 236a and the top plate 235a is limited to a height at which the prize K cannot stand upright with its side face as a placement surface.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 24, the prizes are placed on the slope 236a in a state where the prizes are advanced to the storage unit 230 until the number of prizes to be paid out is three or less. As a result, the prizes can be stacked on the slope 236a without standing upright, and the prizes clogged when the prizes stand upright are prevented.
Furthermore, when the number of prizes exceeding three is additionally paid out, the movable floor 236 is temporarily retracted from the storage unit 230 and accommodated in the rear surface 230c, as shown in FIG.
At the time of the retreat, the prize placed on the slope 236a is gradually lowered along the slope of the slope 236a and placed on the bottom face 230a with the rear side face in contact with the rear face 230c. As a result, the prize can be placed on the bottom surface 230a while maintaining the stacked state (see FIGS. 24 and 25). Further, at this time, the prize is prevented from standing upright with its side surface as a placement surface.

As shown in FIG. 25, new prizes (K4 or K5) are stacked on the three prizes placed on the bottom surface 230a. At this time, three prizes are already stacked on the bottom face 230a, and the vertical space formed between the top face of the prize located at the top and the top plate 235a is limited to a height at which the prize cannot stand upright. ing. As a result, new prizes (K4 or K5) can be stacked on the three prizes without standing upright.
As described above, the movable floor 236 moves forward and backward to the storage unit 230 according to the number of prizes to be paid out, thereby effectively using the vertical space of the storage unit 230 while preventing the prizes from standing upright. , Can be stored in a stacked state.

A mechanism for transporting the stored prize toward the payout opening 11f is composed of an extruding portion 237.
Similar to the movable floor 236, the push-out unit 237 slides on the bottom surface 230 a by the power of the transport motor 238, and advances / retreats with respect to the storage unit 230, so that the prize stored in the storage unit 230 is discharged. It is a member conveyed to 11f.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the push-out portion 237 is formed in a square bar shape, advances from the notch 234c to the storage portion 230, and abuts its front portion on the stored prize, The prize is conveyed to the payout opening 11f by sliding.
The extruding unit 237 waits at a position retracted from the notch 234c when the prize is delivered from the cartridge 21 and stored in the storage unit 230 (see FIGS. 22 and 24), and the delivery of the prize is completed. When the shutter 231 is opened, it slides toward the payout opening 11f (see FIG. 26).
As shown in FIG. 23, the upper end portion 237a of the pushing portion 237 is formed higher than the lowermost portion 234d of the slope 234. For this reason, regardless of whether or not the stay detection sensor 234b detects staying, when there is a prize remaining on the slope 234, the pushing-out section 237 advances to the storage section 230 to forcibly store the staying prize. It can be guided to the section 230 (see FIG. 26).

Next, the mechanism of the movable floor 236 and the pushing portion 237 that perform such operations will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The movable floor 236 and the pushing portion 237 slide in the horizontal direction by the power of the transport motor 238 as shown in FIG. A rack gear 238 b is integrally attached to the pushing portion 237, and the rack gear 238 b is meshed with a pinion gear 238 a that is fixed to the transport motor 238.
Since the movable floor 236 is loosely fitted in a groove portion having a play of a predetermined width in the sliding direction provided in the pushing portion 237, the movable floor 236 follows the movement of the pushing portion 237.
With such a configuration, the movable floor 236 and the push-out portion 237 move forward and backward with respect to the storage portion 230 as the transport motor 238 rotates.

In the range in which the push-out portion 237 slides horizontally, a push-out position detection sensor (rear) that detects the position of the push-out portion 237 retracted from the storage portion 230 and waited behind the notch 234c (see FIG. 24). ) 238c, and a pushing position detection sensor (front) 238d for detecting the position of the pushing portion 237 further projecting forward from the shutter 231 and protruding from the payout opening 11f (see FIG. 26).
Each push-out position detection sensor 238c, 238d is made of a photo interrupter, and detects the position of the push-out portion 237 by blocking light by a light-shielding plate 238e provided integrally with the rack gear 238b.

The movable floor 236 has a state (see FIGS. 24 and 26) advanced to the storage unit 230 and a state (see FIG. 25) retracted from the storage unit 230, and this is determined by the moving position of the pushing unit 237. It has become.
Specifically, the movable floor 236 is moved when the push-out unit 237 is moved backward from the position where the push-out position detection sensor (rear) 238c detects the light shielding plate 238e by further rotating the transport motor 238 for a predetermined time. Is in a state of being retracted from the reservoir 230 (see FIG. 25).
On the other hand, when the push-out portion 237 is moved to a position where the push-out position detection sensor (front) 238d detects the light shielding plate 238e, the movable floor 236 moves into the storage portion 230 (see FIG. 26).

The movable floor 236 places the prize on the slope 236a, with the state where the movable floor 236 has advanced into the storage unit 230 (see FIGS. 24 and 26) as an initial position. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent the movable floor 236 from deviating from the initial position as the pusher 237 moves.
Accordingly, a through hole (not shown) is opened in the movable floor 236, and a lock pin 239a to be inserted into the through hole is provided at this initial position. Thereby, the movable floor 236 can be fixed (locked) in the state (initial position) advanced to the storage unit 230 regardless of the movement of the pushing unit 237.
The lock pin 239a is a plunger of the lock solenoid 239. By exciting the lock solenoid 239, the lock pin 239a is removed from the through hole, and the lock is released.
Then, in order to place the movable floor 236 in the state of being retracted from the storage unit 230, the lock is released, and the push-out unit 237 is further moved backward from the position where the push-out position detection sensor (rear) 238c detects the light shielding plate 238e. (See FIG. 25).

Next, control processing executed based on the control programs stored in the storage units of the main control unit 13 and the unit control unit 20c will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a control process at power-on performed by the main control unit 13, and FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a payout unit initialization process performed by the unit control unit 20c. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process performed by the main control unit 13, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a prize payout process performed by the unit control unit 20c, and FIG. 31 is a unit control unit 20c. 5 is a flowchart showing a prize sending process performed by the process.

When the power is turned on, the main control unit 13 performs a power-on process as shown in FIG.
Specifically, first, a prize dispenser initialization process for initializing each part of the prize dispenser 1 is performed (S10). This includes, for example, initial processing such as initialization of a work area (storage means) in the main control unit 13 and output stop of each output device (speaker, display, etc.).
Next, a payout unit initialization process for initializing each payout unit 20 is executed (S20). This payout unit initialization process is performed in each payout unit 20 when power is supplied to the unit controller 20c of the payout unit 20 loaded in the main body 10 (described later).
When the initialization process is completed in each payout unit 20, the cartridge 21 of each payout unit 20 is inserted and removed, and the prize information periodically transmitted from the unit control unit 20c is monitored and transmitted from the POS management device. A monitoring process for monitoring the number of game media is performed (S30).

When the power is supplied, the unit controller 20c executes a payout unit initialization process as shown in FIG.
The unit controller 20c determines whether or not the cartridge 21 is inserted based on a signal from the cartridge detection sensor 229 (S21). When the cartridge 21 is not inserted (for example, during replenishment of prizes), initialization processing is performed. Is finished (S21-NO).
When the cartridge 21 is inserted (S21-YES), the slider 227 is moved to the initial position (the start point of the slide range in the storage section (lower stage) 210a) and stopped (S22).
Next, the shutter 231 is opened (S23), and the pushing portion 237 is slid back and forth to bring the movable floor 236 into the storage portion 230 (S24). Thereafter, the shutter 231 is closed (S25), and the initialization process is terminated.

When the power-on process is completed, the main control unit 13 always executes a monitoring process as shown in FIG.
Specifically, the main control unit 13 monitors the insertion / extraction state of the cartridge 21 of each payout unit 20 (S31), and when there is an insertion / removal (S31-YES), the payout unit 20 includes the above-mentioned payout unit. An initialization process is executed (S32).
If the cartridge 21 is not inserted or removed (S31-NO), a prize payout command including the number of acquired games transmitted from the POS management device is monitored (S33).
When a prize payout command is received (S33-YES), the number of prizes for each prize color corresponding to the number of games acquired is calculated, and the prize is paid based on the presence / absence of prizes contained in the cartridge 21 and the prize color. The payout unit 20 to be selected is selected (S34), and a premium payout process described later is executed (S35).
When the premium payout command is not received (S33-NO), the monitoring of the insertion / extraction state of the cartridge 21 (S31) and the reception of the premium payout command (S33) are repeatedly performed.

When the unit control unit 20c of the payout unit 20 selected based on the prize payout command receives a payout command for instructing payout of five prizes, for example, a prize payout process as shown in FIG. 30 is executed. .
First, a prize sending process for sending a prize stored in the cartridge 21 to the prize transporting section 23 is performed by operating a prize sending section 22 described later (S41).
This prize sending process is executed every time one prize is sent.
Then, the number of prizes sent out is monitored based on the signal from the counting sensor 234a (S42), and prize sending processing is executed until three prizes are sent out (S42-NO).
When three prizes are sent out (S42-YES), the movable floor 236 is moved backward from the storage unit 230. Further, a prize sending process is performed (S44), the number of sent prizes is monitored (S45), and the prize sending process is executed until five prizes are sent (S45-NO).
When five prizes are sent (S45-YES), the shutter 231 is opened (S46), and the push-out unit 237 is advanced (S47), so that the five prizes are placed on the table 11g.
At this time, the speaker 11b and a lamp such as an LED embedded in the shutter frame 11e are driven to prompt the player to receive the prize.
Then, by closing the shutter 231 (S49), the prize payout process is completed.

The prize sending process performed by the unit control unit 20c by controlling the prize sending unit 22 in the prize payout process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the delivery motor 220 is rotated forward, and each contact portion 211 is moved toward each delivery port 217 (S51). Then, the delivery motor 220 is reversed to retract each contact portion 211 (S52), and the pressure from the subsequent prize applied to the prize delivered to the delivery port 217 is reduced.
Next, based on the signal from the prize sensor 225a, the presence / absence of a prize accommodated in the accommodation unit (lower stage) 210 is determined (S53).
Since the slider 227 normally stands by at the initial position, if there is a prize in the storage unit (lower stage) 210a (S53-YES), the subsequent processing is executed (S59 to S62).

  On the other hand, when there is no prize in the accommodation unit (lower stage) 210a (S53-NO), the presence / absence of a prize accommodated in the accommodation part (middle stage) 210b is determined based on the signal from the prize sensor 225b (S54). If there is a prize in the storage section (middle stage) 210b (S54-YES), the slide range of the slider 227 is set to the slide range in the storage section (middle stage) 210b, and the slider 227 is set as the starting point of the slide range. It is moved (S55), and the subsequent processing is executed (S59 to S62).

Further, when there is no prize in the accommodating part (middle stage) 210b (S54-NO), the presence / absence of a prize accommodated in the accommodating part (upper stage) 210c is determined based on the signal from the prize sensor 225c (S56). If there is a prize in the storage section (upper stage) 210c (S56-YES), the slide range of the slider 227 is set to the slide range in the storage section (upper stage) 210c, and the slider 227 is set as the starting point of the slide range. It is moved (S57), and the subsequent processing is executed (S59 to S62).
Further, when no prize is stored in the storage section (upper stage) 210c (S56-NO), it is assumed that no prize is stored in the cartridge 21, for example, the upper surface display section 10b and the buzzer 10c are driven to the outside. An error process for informing the error state is executed (S58).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a prize based on a signal from any prize sensor 225, each stopper 224 is opened (S59) and the slider 227 is moved from the start point to the end point (S60). Then, the signal from the counting sensor 234a is monitored (S61-NO). When the signal is input and there is a count (S61-YES), each stopper 224 is closed (S62), and the prize sending process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the prize dispenser 1 of the present embodiment, the height of the prize dispenser 1 can be kept low by making the stacking direction of the prizes horizontal, and the prize dispenser 1 is paid out to the player. It is possible to easily confirm the prize and replenish the prize.

  The preferred embodiment of the gift dispenser of the present invention has been described above. However, the gift dispenser according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

For example, in this embodiment, the prize dispenser is a stationary type, but may be a type embedded in a prize counter.
Further, in the present embodiment, the accommodating portion of the cartridge 21 is configured in three stages, but it may be configured in one or two stages, or even four stages or more.
Moreover, in the space expansion / contraction means of this embodiment, although the space of the storage part's vertical direction was expanded / contracted upward from the bottom face side, it can also be expanded / contracted downward from the upper side.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a prize dispenser that dispenses special prizes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Prize dispenser 10 Main body 10b Upper surface display part 11 Front cover 11a Front display part 11f Discharge outlet 12 Back cover 13 Main control part 20 Discharge unit 21 Cartridge 21a Handle 21b Lock release button 210 (210a-210c) Storage part 211 (211a) To 211c) Contact portion 212 (212a to 212c) Operation end 213 (213a to 213c) Pinion gear 215 (215a to 215c) Rack gear 217 (217a to 217c) Outlet 219 (219a to 219c) Premium window 220 Sending motor 222 (222a) To 222c) Belt 223 (223b, 223c) Stopping piece 224 (224a to 224c) Stopper 225 (225a to 225c) Premium sensor 227 Slider 230 Storage section 234 Slope 234c Notch 236 Movable floor 237 Extruding section

Claims (1)

A prize dispenser that dispenses prizes according to the number of acquired game media,
A storage section for storing the prizes in a horizontal direction;
Moving means for moving the stored prize in the stacking direction by a predetermined power;
A delivery port provided at a position higher than the payout port, which is located at an end of the housing portion and communicates with a payout port from which the prize is paid out,
The moving means includes an abutting portion that abuts on the prize located at the tail end with respect to the delivery port, and transmits the power to the abutting portion and is accommodated when the prize is paid out. The prize is moved toward the delivery port, and when the prize to be paid out is moved to the delivery port, the abutment portion is moved in a direction opposite to the delivery port. Dispenser.

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