JP5714279B2 - Premium dispensing device and premium management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize payout device for paying out prizes to be exchanged for game media such as pachinko balls, and a prize management system including the same.

In game facilities such as pachinko parlors, a prize payout device is provided for paying out prizes to the player in accordance with the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player. In Patent Document 1 below, a prize payout device that is directly placed on the floor of a game facility is proposed. This prize payout device pays out a card-like prize.
In the prize dispensing device of Patent Document 1, a cassette for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state is built in, and a necessary number of prizes are fed out from the cassette and paid out to the player.

  In addition, since the prize dispensing device includes a counting device that counts the prizes stored in the cassette, it is possible to grasp how many prizes are stored in the prize dispensing device.

JP 2009-297402 A

In the prize dispensing device of Patent Document 1, a plurality of drawer units are housed inside. Each drawer unit includes a plurality of cassettes, a carrier that holds these cassettes, a casing that accommodates the cassettes and the carriers, and a counting device.
When the cassette is located at a predetermined feeding position, the prize in the cassette can be fed. Therefore, the carrier holding a plurality of cassettes can move within the casing so that the cassettes can be sequentially positioned at the feeding positions.

Thus, while the carrier and the cassette held by the carrier are movable in the casing, the counting device is fixed to the inner wall surface of the casing. In this case, since there is a limit in stabilizing the relative position between the prize in the cassette and the counting device, it is difficult to improve the counting accuracy of the prize in the cassette by the counting device.
The present invention has been made under such background, and mainly provides a prize dispensing device capable of improving the counting accuracy of prizes stored in the storage section, and a prize management system including the prize dispensing apparatus. Objective.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize dispensing device capable of shortening the counting time of prizes stored in the storage section, and a prize management system including the same.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a device main body and a prize payout unit built in the apparatus main body, and is a prize payout device for paying out a prize. The prize payout unit includes a housing and the housing. built in a housing portion for accommodating a stacked state in which stacked plurality of prizes, the storage unit holds, lamination of the prize in the housing to a dispensing position in which the payout of the prize in the housing part is possible A holding means movable in a crossing direction with respect to the direction, and a measuring means provided in the holding means and moving in the crossing direction in the housing together with the holding means when the holding means moves, by moving in the stacking direction in the opposing state in the lamination side surface of the stacked housed said prize to, including, and measuring means for measuring the prize to count the prize number in said storage unit Wherein the bets are prize payout device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the retaining means, a plurality of the storage unit, before holding so as to be aligned in Ki交 difference direction, and supported in a state aligned to said measuring means multiple in the intersecting direction, The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a support member that moves in the stacking direction.

The invention according to claim 3 is the prize dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that there are a plurality of the support members, and drive means for moving each of the plurality of support members is included.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the prize dispensing device according to the second or third aspect, further comprising a position adjusting means for adjusting a position of the measuring means supported by the support member.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, according to the conveying means for conveying the prize in the storage section in the stacking direction of the prize in the storage section to the feeding position where the prizes are fed one by one, according to the number of prizes in the storage section The prize dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyance speed adjusting unit that adjusts a conveyance speed of the prize by the conveyance unit.

  The invention described in claim 6 includes the prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a prize management device that is communicable with the prize dispensing apparatus and manages the prize in the storage unit. This is a free gift management system.

According to the first and sixth aspects of the present invention, in the prize dispensing device, the prize dispensing unit is built in the apparatus main body. The prize payout unit includes a casing, a storage unit built in the casing, a holding unit that holds the storage unit, and a counting unit that counts prizes in the storage unit.
The storage unit is for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state. The holding means can be moved within the housing to a payout position where the prize in the storage portion can be paid out. The counting means is provided in the holding means.

In this case, even if the holding means moves, the prize in the storage section and the counting means can move together, so that the relative position between the prize in the storage section and the counting means is stabilized with high accuracy.
As a result, it is possible to improve the counting accuracy of the prize stored in the storage unit by the counting means.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the holding means holds the plurality of storage portions so as to be aligned in a direction intersecting the prize stacking direction in the storage portion. The counting means counts prizes in the storage unit by moving in the stacking direction.

Here, the support member supports the plurality of counting means in a state of being arranged in the intersecting direction and moves in the stacking direction.
In this case, when the support member is moved in the stacking direction, prizes in the plurality of storage units arranged in the intersecting direction can be counted at a time by the plurality of counting means supported by the support member. Thereby, the counting time of the prize stored in the storage unit can be shortened.

According to the invention of claim 3, there are a plurality of support members, and the driving means can move each of the plurality of support members.
Since a single support member supporting a plurality of counting means can move, the prizes in the plurality of storage units can be counted at one time. You can count prizes at once. As a result, the counting time of the prize stored in the storage unit can be further shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to provide driving means for each support member, the number of parts can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the position of the counting means supported by the support member can be adjusted by the position adjusting means. Thereby, the counting means whose position is adjusted can accurately count the prize in the storage unit at a position suitable for counting. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the counting accuracy of the prize stored in the storage unit by the counting means.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the conveying means conveys the prize in the storage section in the stacking direction of the prizes in the storage section to the feeding position where the prizes are fed out one by one. And a conveyance speed adjustment means adjusts the conveyance speed of the prize by a conveyance means according to the number of prizes in a storage part.

  As a result, even if the interval between the prize in the storage unit and the feeding position before the transfer by the transfer unit differs according to the number of the prizes in the storage unit, the transfer unit can receive the prize in the storage unit in almost the same time. Can be conveyed to the feeding position. In other words, regardless of the number of prizes in the storage unit, the transport time by the transporting means until the prize feeding position in the storage unit can be kept substantially constant. As a result, regardless of the number of prizes in the storage unit, the prizes in the storage unit can be paid out and paid out at almost the same timing, so that stable prizes can be paid out.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a prize management system 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prize dispensing device 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit 8 and shows a state in which the drawer portion 21 is in the open position. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the inside of the casing 20 is exposed in FIG. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are perspective views of the cassette 7 viewed from different angles. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the prize 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a longitudinal section of the prize dispensing device 2. FIG. 8A is a front view of the feeding mechanism 14, FIG. 8B is a plan view of the feeding mechanism 14, and FIG. 8C is a side view of the feeding mechanism 14. FIG. 9 is a side view of the dispensing unit 8 in the state of FIG. FIG. 10A is a front view of the counting unit 61, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the counting unit 61. FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view of the dispensing unit 8. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the counting unit 61 and the drive mechanism 70. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the giveaway device 2. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a plane cross section of the prize dispensing device 2. FIG. 16 is a diagram in which a modification is applied to the main part of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a main part of the carrier 22 for explaining the receiving member 100 of FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
<Premium management system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a prize management system 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, a prize management system 1 of the present invention is provided in a game facility such as a pachinko parlor. The prize management system 1 includes a prize dispensing apparatus 2 for dispensing prizes, a prize management apparatus 3 that manages the prize dispensing apparatus 2, and a terminal computer (“T / C” for short) that is a host device for the prize management apparatus 3. 4).

The prize payout device 2 stores a large number of prizes, and gives the player the type and the number of prizes according to the number of game media (pachinko balls and medals) acquired by the player on the game table. Pay out. The details of the prize payout device 2 will be described later.
The prize management device 3 is also called “POS”, and is arranged at a prize exchange counter or the like in a game facility. One or a plurality of premium payout devices 2 are connected to the premium management device 3 so as to communicate with each other. When a player acquires a game medium, a recording medium (receipt, possession card, etc.) on which the acquired number is recorded is issued. The prize management device 3 reads the acquired number of game media recorded on the recording medium, specifies the type / number of prizes according to the acquired number, and pays out the type / number of prizes. 2 is instructed. Also, the prize management device 3 manages the number of prizes stored in the prize dispensing device 2 for each type. In FIG. 1, a plurality of free gift management devices 3 are illustrated, but one of the free gift management devices 3 serves as a parent device, and the remaining free gift management devices 3 serve as child devices. You may be comprised so that a subunit | mobile_unit may be managed.

T / C4 is installed in an office or the like in a game facility. The prize management device 3 is connected to the T / C 4 so as to be communicable. The T / C 4 not only manages prizes, but also manages the entry and exit of gaming media on the gaming table, the flow of money in the entire gaming facility, and the like.
<Premium dispenser>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prize dispensing device 2. In the following, the up / down / front / rear / right / left directions of the giveaway device 2 are defined based on the attitude of the giveaway device 2 in FIG. That is, in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction of the prize dispensing device 2 (the direction connecting the upper left and the lower right in FIG. 2) is the left-right direction (width direction), and the front side of FIG. 2 is the front side of the prize dispensing device 2. The back side of the sheet of FIG. 2 is the rear side of the giveaway device 2.

The prize payout device 2 is used by being directly installed on the floor of the game facility. The customer who receives the payout of the prize is located at the rear side of the prize payout apparatus 2, and the employee is located at the front side of the prize payout apparatus 2 for customer service.
The prize 5 handled by the prize payout device 2 is a valuable card body that is exchanged according to the number of game media such as pachinko balls acquired by the player at the game facility, and is also called a special prize (see FIG. 6 described later).

The prize dispensing device 2 has a wide, hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cabinet 6 (device main body) that forms an outer shell, and a plurality (for example, seven) of gifts 5 that can be stacked in a cassette 7 (storage portion). ) Payout unit 8 (premium payout unit) (see also FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 described later).
The front side of the cabinet 6 is open, and the cabinet 6 is provided with a door 18 that opens and closes an open portion of the front side.

The plurality of payout units 8 are built in the cabinet 6 in a state of being aligned in the width direction (in FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, only the rightmost payout unit 8 is drawn forward).
A display unit 9 is provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 6. The display unit 9 includes a first display unit 9A that can be viewed from the customer side and a second display unit 9B that can be viewed only from the employee side, and each display unit displays necessary information. Further, for example, an operation unit 10 that is operated by an attendant to control the operation of the gift payout device 2 is provided beside the second display unit 9B.

  On the upper surface of the cabinet 6, an outlet 11 is formed above each payout unit 8. A plurality (seven in this case) of outlets 11 are formed according to the number of payout units 8. Each outlet 11 communicates with the inside of the cabinet 6. Each outlet 11 is provided with a shutter 12. The shutter 12 opens and closes the outlet 11 by sliding individually back and forth.

In addition, the prize dispensing device 2 has a lift mechanism 13 (conveying means) for lifting the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7 (see FIG. 5) as a mechanism for paying out the prize 5 stored therein. A payout mechanism 14 for paying out the prize 5 to the exit 11 side, a temporary holding part 15 for holding the payout prize 5 below the exit 11, and a lift for holding the reserved prize 5 toward the exit 11 An elevator mechanism 16 and a delivery mechanism 17 for pushing the prize 5 lifted up to the outlet 11 to the upper surface of the cabinet 6 are provided (see FIG. 7). The above-described shutter 12 and the configuration for sliding the shutter 12 are included in the above-described delivery mechanism 17. These mechanisms will be described individually when the payout unit 8 is described below.
<Discharge unit>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit 8 and shows a state in which the drawer portion 21 is in the open position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each payout unit 8 has a hollow box shape that is slightly thin in the left-right direction. The dispensing unit 8 includes a casing 20 (housing) that forms an outer shell, a drawer portion 21 that can be pulled out from the casing 20, a plurality of (here, four) cassettes 7, and a carrier 22 that holds these cassettes 7 ( Holding means). The drawer part 21, the cassette 7, and the carrier 22 are normally housed in the casing 20 (see FIG. 2). The carrier 22 integrally holds the four cassettes 7 in a state where they are arranged in the front-rear direction. The four cassettes 7 arranged in the front-rear direction may be distinguished from the cassette 7A, the cassette 7B, the cassette 7C, and the cassette 7D in order from the front (see FIG. 7). In FIG. 3, only the fourth cassette 7D from the front is shown.

A longitudinal opening 23 is formed in the front wall of the casing 20 in the vertical direction. The opening 23 communicates with the inside of the casing 20.
The drawer portion 21 is integrally provided with a front plate 24, a side plate 25, and a bottom plate 26. The front plate 24 is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front side, and has a size that can just block the opening 23 of the casing 20. The side plate 25 is thin in the width direction and continuously extends from the left edge of the front plate 24 to the rear side. The bottom plate 26 connects the lower end of the front plate 24 and the lower end of the side plate 25.

  The side plate 25 is supported in a slidable manner in the front-rear direction by a rail 27 provided on an inner wall surface 20A that divides the inside of the casing 20 from the left side. Thereby, the drawer | drawing-out part 21 is slidable to the front-back direction. Specifically, the drawer 21 can slide between a closed position (see FIG. 2) and an open position (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer portion 21 is in the closed position, the front plate 24 closes the opening 23 of the casing 20 from the front side (see the right end dispensing unit 8). When the drawer portion 21 in this state is pulled out by a predetermined amount to the front side, the drawer portion 21 is arranged at the open position shown in FIG. When the drawer portion 21 is in the open position, the front plate 24 is positioned in front of the opening 23 to open the opening 23, and almost all of the side plate 25 and the bottom plate 26 are drawn to the front side.

  The carrier 22 is integrally provided with a plurality of partitions 28 and a frame 29. These partitions 28 have a plate shape that is thin in the front-rear direction and extends in the up-down direction, and is arranged along the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval. The frame 29 is a substantially rectangular plate having a size slightly smaller than the side plate 25, and the left end portion of each partition 28 is connected to the frame 29. Each cassette 7 is held by the carrier 22 by being sandwiched between two partitions 28 that are adjacent to each other with a gap in the front-rear direction.

  The carrier 22 is supported on the frame 29 by the side plate 25 of the drawer portion 21 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Here, regarding the relative position of the carrier 22 with respect to the side plate 25, the position of the carrier 22 at the most front side is referred to as the front position (see FIG. 7B), and the position of the carrier 22 at the most rear side. Is referred to as a rear position (see FIG. 7A). That is, the carrier 22 is movable between the front position and the rear position. In FIG. 3, the carrier 22 in the front position is shown.

A slide mechanism 30 that slides the carrier 22 back and forth is provided below the carrier 22. The slide mechanism 30 is configured by, for example, a motor-driven rack and pinion mechanism or the like, and is fixed to the bottom plate 26 of the drawer portion 21.
FIG. 4 shows a state in which the inside of the casing 20 is exposed in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the casing 20, two lifts 31 are provided that are arranged at an interval in the arrangement direction (front-rear direction) of the cassettes 7. Each lift 31 has a flat plate shape in the front-rear and left-right directions, is supported by the casing 20, and can be raised and lowered in the casing 20 along the vertical direction. The standby position of the lift 31 is the position of the lift 31 shown in FIG. 4 and is near the bottom wall of the casing 20. The lift 31 and the configuration for raising and lowering the lift 31 are included in the lift mechanism 13 described above.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are perspective views of the cassette 7 viewed from different angles.
As shown in FIG. 5, the cassette 7 is long in the vertical direction, and its flat cross section is substantially U-shaped. The upper surface and the bottom surface of the cassette 7 are open. One side surface of the cassette 7 (the right side surface in a state of being held by the carrier 22) is opened over the entire range in the vertical direction so as to form the above-described substantially U shape, and the portion thus opened. Is referred to as an open part 32. The open portion 32 is continuous with both the top surface and the bottom surface opened in the cassette 7. Further, referring to FIG. 5B, both ends (front and rear end portions) in the horizontal direction of the other side surface opposite to the one side surface in the cassette 7 are cut out over almost the entire range in the vertical direction. Such a notched portion is referred to as a notched portion 33. Each notch 33 is vertically partitioned into a strip shape, and the inside of the cassette 7 is exposed.

  The cassette 7 can store, for example, a maximum of 100 prizes 5 of a predetermined type in a stacked state in which they are stacked in the vertical direction. The lower end of the cassette 7 is provided with a claw 34 that engages the lowermost prize 5 in the cassette 7 from the lower side, and the prize 5 may fall off from the bottom surface opened in the cassette 7. It is prevented. Further, in a state in which the prizes 5 are filled in the cassette 7, the end faces of all the prizes 5 are exposed to the outside of the cassette 7 from the open portions 32 and the respective cutout portions 33 (FIGS. 5A and 5). b)).

Further, a substantially U-shaped handle 19 is attached to the upper end portion of the cassette 7 so that the cassette 7 is sandwiched between two free end portions that are substantially U-shaped. The handle 19 is rotatable around two free ends.
Here, the arrangement direction of the four cassettes 7 held by the carrier 22 is the front-rear direction as described above, and the crossing direction (strictly, orthogonal) to the stacking direction (vertical direction) of the prize 5 in the cassette 7. Direction) (see FIG. 7 described later). The arrangement direction of the cassettes 7 may not necessarily be orthogonal as long as it intersects the stacking direction of the prizes 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the prize 5.
As shown in FIG. 6, the giveaway 5 is generally a resin card having a thickness of about 1 mm to several mm. The prize 5 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and its four corners are rounded. The prize 5 has a built-in object having a predetermined monetary value. For example, there are three types according to the monetary value such as 200 yen, 1000 yen, and 5000 yen. In addition, the giveaway 5 may have a built-in RFID tag or the like for identifying its type, or may have been subjected to processing for preventing fraud such as forgery.

  In the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7, the end face of the long side portion of the prize 5 is exposed from the open portion 32 of the cassette 7 (see FIG. 5A). A mark 35 indicating the type of the prize 5 may be attached. In FIG. 6, for example, a mark 35 composed of two thick lines is attached to the end face of the 1000 yen prize 5. On the other hand, for example, in the case of the gift 5 of 200 yen, the mark 35 is one thick line, and in the case of the gift 5 of 5000 yen, the mark 35 is three thick lines (not shown). )

  The mark 35 is applied to the end face of the prize 5 in this manner when the prize 5 is stored in a stacked state in the cassette 7 or a return box (a box for accommodating the prize 5 outside the prize dispensing device 2). In order to determine which kind of prize 5 is stored or whether a different kind of prize 5 is mixed by the mark 35 on the end face of each prize 5 exposed from the opening of the section 32 or the return box. It is. For the sake of printing, a mark 35 can be attached to the longitudinal central region (see FIG. 5A) exposed from the opening 32 of the cassette 7 on the end surface of the long side portion of the prize 5. The marks 35 cannot be attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction (for example, curved regions near the four corners of the prize 5).

On the other hand, in each prize 5 stored in the cassette 7, both end portions (front end portion and rear end portion) of the end surface opposite to the side where the mark 35 is attached are exposed from the notch portion 33 of the cassette 7. (See FIG. 5 (b)).
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a longitudinal section of the prize dispensing device 2.
Referring to FIG. 7, the above-described feeding mechanism 14 is disposed above each lift 31 in the casing 20 of each dispensing unit 8. That is, two feeding mechanisms 14 are provided according to the number of lifts 31. The feeding mechanism 14 is disposed adjacent to the upper wall of the casing 20 and is supported by the casing 20.

Each feeding mechanism 14 is composed of a pair of gates that are opposed to each other with a feeding roller 40 rotatably supported, a prize detection sensor 41, and a gap X (see FIG. 8A described later). 42 and a pair of feed rollers 43 rotatably supported.
In the feeding mechanism 14 on the front side (left side in FIG. 7), a feeding roller 40, a prize detection sensor 41, a pair of gates 42, and a pair of feed rollers 43 are arranged in this order from the front side. In the feeding mechanism 14 on the rear side (right side in FIG. 7), a feeding roller 40, a prize detection sensor 41, a pair of gates 42, and a pair of feed rollers 43 are arranged in this order from the rear side.

FIG. 8A is a front view of the feeding mechanism 14, FIG. 8B is a plan view of the feeding mechanism 14, and FIG. 8C is a side view of the feeding mechanism 14.
The feeding mechanism 14 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8A, the feed roller 43 is not shown, and in FIG. 8B, the prize detection sensor 41 and the gate 42 are not shown.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, in each feeding mechanism 14, a pair of feeding roller 40 and premium detection sensor 41 is provided at an interval in the width direction. In the pair of feeding rollers 40, the respective circular center portions are connected by a connecting shaft 44 extending in the width direction, and these feeding rollers 40 are integrated. The distance between the pair of prize detection sensors 41 is wider than the distance between the pair of delivery rollers 40, and the prize detection sensor 41 is located on the outer side in the width direction of the delivery roller 40. In addition, the pair of upper and lower gates 42 are located between the pair of feeding rollers 40 in a front view. Here, the upper and lower gaps X of the pair of gates 42 are slightly larger than the thickness of one prize 5, but smaller than the thickness of two prizes 5.

Referring to FIG. 8 (b), not only one pair of feed rollers 43 is provided (see FIG. 7), but also a pair is provided with an interval in the width direction. That is, in each feeding mechanism 14, four feed rollers 43 are provided. The pair of feed rollers 43 arranged vertically are pressed against each other.
Referring to FIG. 8C, each feeding mechanism 14 is arranged so as to be biased toward one end portion (an end portion on the feeding space 51 side described later) side in the longitudinal direction of the prize 5. The press-contact portion of the pair of upper and lower feed rollers 43, the gap X between the pair of upper and lower gates 42, the lower end portion of the prize detection sensor 41, and the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the feed roller 43 are substantially the same in the vertical direction. In position.

With reference to FIG. 7, a feeding space 51 is formed in a portion located between the two feeding mechanisms 14 on the upper wall of the casing 20. In a state where the dispensing unit 8 is housed in the cabinet 6, the feeding space 51 of the casing 20 communicates with the corresponding outlet 11 in the cabinet 6 from below.
In each feeding mechanism 14, the feed roller 43 is disposed at a position closest to the feeding space 51 in the front-rear direction.

  And in the casing 20, the temporary storage part 15 connected from the bottom with respect to the delivery space 51 is divided under the delivery space 51, and the elevator mechanism 16 mentioned above is provided in the temporary storage part 15. FIG. . The elevator mechanism 16 includes an elevator 53. The elevator 53 has a flat plate shape in the front-rear and left-right directions, is supported by the casing 20, and can move up and down along the up-down direction in the casing 20. When the elevator 53 is in the standby position, the upper surface of the elevator 53 is at a position lower than the feed roller 43 of each feeding mechanism 14. A mechanism for raising and lowering the elevator 53 is included in the elevator mechanism 16.

Next, the payout operation of the prize 5 by the prize payout device 2 will be described focusing on one payout unit 8.
First, the door 18 of the cabinet 6 is opened (see FIG. 2), and the drawer unit 21 is pulled out to the open position in the dispensing unit 8 as shown in FIG. In this state, the cassette 7 (see FIG. 5) containing the same type of prize 5 is inserted into the carrier 22 from above and is held by the carrier 22. Although the types of the prizes 5 in the cassette 7 are the same, the types of the prizes 5 accommodated in the cassettes 7 may be different.

  After the cassette 7 is held by the carrier 22, the drawer 21 is pushed into the closed position (see FIG. 2), and is housed (built in) in the casing 20 together with the cassette 7 and the carrier 22. At this time, the carrier 22 is moved to the rear position (see FIG. 7A). When the door 18 (see FIG. 2) is closed, the prize 5 can be paid out by the prize dispensing device 2.

  Thus, when the drawer part 21 is in the closed position and the carrier 22 is in the rear position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the two lifts 31 described above are in the standby position (in FIG. 7A). (See the lift 31 indicated by the dotted line). Specifically, among these lifts 31, the bottom surface of the first cassette 7A from the front is located above the front lift 31, and the third cassette 7 C from the front is above the rear lift 31. The bottom is located.

  When the carrier 22 moves from this state to the front position, the four cassettes 7 move relative to the front side relative to the lift 31 as shown in FIG. In this case, the bottom surface of the second cassette 7B from the front is positioned above the front lift 31, and the bottom surface of the fourth cassette 7D from the front is positioned above the rear lift 31. (Refer to the lift 31 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 7B).

  When the carrier 22 is in the rear position, the prize 5 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 7A and the cassette 7C (see FIG. 7A). When the carrier 22 is in the front position, the prize 5 can be paid out from either or both of the cassette 7B and the cassette 7D (see FIG. 7B). From which cassette 7 the prize 5 is paid out can be arbitrarily set. Here, the carrier 22 can move within the casing 20 to a payout position (front position) at which the premium 5 in the cassette 7B and the cassette 7D can be paid out, and the premium 5 in the cassette 7A and the cassette 7C can be paid out. It can be said that it can move within the casing 20 to a payout position (rear position) where it can be performed.

Next, taking the cassette 7A as an example, a procedure for paying out the prize 5 from the cassette 7 will be specifically described.
First, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the standby position lift 31 (see lift 31 indicated by the dotted line) located below the cassette 7A is opened as shown by the solid line. It rises from the bottom through the cassette 7A. As a result, all the prizes 5 in the cassette 7A are pushed up by the lift 31.

When the top prize 5 is pushed up to the feeding mechanism 14 and comes into contact with the lower outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller 40 and the prize detection sensor 41, the prize detection sensor 41 reaches a feeding position where the prize 5 of the cassette 7A can be fed. Detecting that The payout position is the position of the prize 5 when it comes into contact with the prize detection sensor 41.
Here, the prize detection sensor 41 slightly rises when the prize 5 comes into contact with the lower end portion thereof (the part indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8A) from below, whereby the prize 5 is in the feeding position. Detects that it has reached. In addition, since the prize detection sensors 41 are provided in pairs in the width direction with an interval, even if the prize 5 is inclined or warped with respect to the width direction (horizontal plane), either prize is detected. The sensor 41 can reliably detect that the prize 5 has reached the payout position (see FIG. 8A). When the premium 5 at the top is in contact with the lower outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller 40, the portion corresponding to the lower outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller 40 (the portion indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8A) is slightly compressed. The

  Then, in response to detection by the prize detection sensor 41, the lift of the lift 31 stops, and the feeding mechanism 14 feeds the highest prize 5 out. Specifically, the feeding roller 40 rotates in a direction in which the lower peripheral surface approaches the feeding space 51 side. In the case of the cassette 7A, the front feeding roller 40 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. At this time, since the uppermost prize 5 is in contact with the lower peripheral surface of the feeding roller 40, the feeding roller 40 slides the uppermost prize 5 toward the feeding space 51 along with the rotation. The gap 42 of the gate 42 and the pair of feed rollers 43 are sequentially passed. Here, since the portion corresponding to the lower outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller 40 is slightly compressed by contacting the prize 5 (see FIG. 8A), the feeding roller 40 is And grip enough. For this reason, even if the prize 5 is warped, the feeding roller 40 slides the uppermost prize toward the feeding space 51 without swinging as it rotates, so that the gap X and one pair of the pair of gates 42 are slid. The feed rollers 43 can be sequentially passed.

  Here, the prize detection sensor 41 (feeding mechanism 14) is arranged so as to be biased toward one end (end on the feeding space 51) side in the longitudinal direction of the prize 5 as described above. Specifically, the prize detection sensor 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the gap X between the pair of gates 42. Therefore, when the prize detection sensor 41 detects that the prize 5 has reached the feeding position, the one end of the prize 5 is located in the vicinity of the gap X. Therefore, the prize 5 can pass through the gap X without hitting the pair of gates 42 from the one end side as the feeding roller 40 rotates. In this case, even if the prize 5 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane S toward the other end in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 8C) or warped on the other end, the degree of inclination of the prize 5 Regardless of the degree of warpage or the degree of warping, the gap X can be quickly passed from the one end in response to detection by the prize detection sensor 41. As described above, the gap X is slightly larger than the thickness of one premium 5 but smaller than the thickness of two premiums 5 (see FIG. 8A). , Even the prize 5 below is prevented from being conveyed (multiple feeding) at a time.

The prize 5 is discharged to the feeding space 51 side by a pair of rotating feed rollers 43 after passing through the gap X, and is placed on the upper surface of the elevator 53 at the standby position in the temporary storage unit 15.
Then, the lifting of the lift 31 and the feeding of the prize 5 by the feeding mechanism 14 are repeated for each prize 5, and the prizes 5 in the cassette 7 </ b> A are stacked on the elevator 53 in order from the top and temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 15. Deferred. Here, it can be seen that the lift mechanism 13 having the lift 31 conveys the prize 5 in the cassette 7A upward in the vertical direction to the feeding position where the prize 5 is fed one by one by the feeding mechanism 14. .

  In addition, when the prize 5 is fed out by the feeding mechanism 14, the elevator 53 is appropriately lowered from the standby position so that the prize 5 is stacked on the elevator 53 satisfactorily. Specifically, every time one prize 5 is placed on the elevator 53, the elevator 53 may be lowered, or even if the elevator 53 is lowered after a predetermined number of prizes 5 are stacked on the elevator 53. Good.

  Further, not only the prize 5 of the cassette 7A but also the prize 5 of the cassette 7C may be stacked on the elevator 53 in the same procedure as in the case of the cassette 7A. When there is no prize 5 in the cassette 7A and the cassette 7C, the carrier 22 moves from the rear position to the front position (see FIG. 7B), and the prize 5 in the cassette 7B and the cassette 7D is the same as in the case of the cassette 7A. Are stacked on the elevator 53 by the following procedure.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the number of prizes 5 required for payout are stacked on the elevator 53, the corresponding shutter 12 moves forward on the upper surface of the cabinet 6 (the shutter 12 indicated by the dotted line is moved). Open the outlet 11 above this elevator 53. Along with this, the elevator 53 rises to the exit 11 through the feeding space 51 of the dispensing unit 8. When the elevator 53 is raised until the upper surface of the elevator 53 is flush with the upper surface of the cabinet 6, the shutter 12 moves rearward to close the outlet 11, and at that time, is stacked on the upper surface of the elevator 53. The prize 5 is pushed out to the upper surface of the cabinet 6. Thereby, the prize 5 is paid out to the customer side (rear side).
<Counting sensor>
FIG. 9 is a side view of the dispensing unit 8 in the state of FIG.

The payout unit 8 is provided with a counting sensor 60 (counting means) for counting the number of prizes 5 stored in a stacked state in the cassette 7 for each cassette 7.
As shown in FIG. 9, in each payout unit 8, two counting sensors 60 are adjacent to each other to form one set, and two sets are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. That is, each dispensing unit 8 is provided with four counting sensors 60 arranged side by side. In FIG. 9, the counting sensor 60 on the rearmost side (right side in FIG. 9) is hidden behind the cassette 7D and cannot be seen.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the counting unit 61, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the counting unit 61.
Referring to FIG. 10, the above-described two counting sensors 60 forming one set constitute one counting unit 61. As shown in FIG. 10A, the counting unit 61 includes two counting sensors 60 and a holder 62 (supporting member) having a substantially rectangular thin plate shape (see FIG. 10B). Counting sensors 60 are attached to both ends in the horizontal direction of the upper end of the front surface of the holder 62 (the side surface viewed from the right side when incorporated in the dispensing unit 8). That is, one counting unit 61 has two counting sensors 60. In the state where the counting unit 61 is incorporated in the dispensing unit 8, the two counting sensors 60 are arranged in the front-rear direction and are supported by the holder 62 in this state (see FIG. 3). A guide member 63 is provided on the surface of the holder 62 between the two counting sensors 60. The guide member 63 has a substantially U-shaped flat cross section and can be connected to a guide rail 64 described later (see FIG. 11 described later).

FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view of the dispensing unit 8. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 11, in each dispensing unit 8, two counting units 61 are attached to the frame 29 (see FIG. 3) of the carrier 22 with an interval in the front-rear direction. That is, the counting sensor 60 of each counting unit 61 is provided on the carrier 22.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 12, in the frame 29, when the cassettes 7A to 7D are held by the carrier 22 (see FIG. 7), the position between the cassette 7A and the cassette 7B, and the cassette 7C and the cassette A guide rail 64 extending vertically is provided at a position between 7D. That is, the two guide rails 64 are provided on the frame 29 in a state where a predetermined interval is provided in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 12).

  A guide member 63 (see FIG. 10A) of the holder 62 in the front counting unit 61 is connected to the front guide rail 64, and the rear counting unit is connected to the rear guide rail 64. The guide member 63 of the holder 62 in 61 is connected. In this state, the entire counting unit 61 is supported by the corresponding guide rail 64 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. In each counting unit 61, the two counting sensors 60 face the right side (the front side in FIG. 12 and the side facing the cassette 7). Here, the position of the counting unit 61 (counting sensor 60) when it is located at the lower end of the guide rail 64 is defined as a standby position.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the counting unit 61 and the drive mechanism 70. In FIG. 13, the left side is the front side of the giveaway device 2.
As a configuration for sliding the counting unit 61 up and down, for example, the carrier 22 of each payout unit 8 is provided with a drive mechanism 70 (drive means). The drive mechanism 70 includes a drive motor 71, a transmission gear 72, connection gears 73 and 74, a drive gear 75, and a belt 76.

The drive motor 71 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is disposed at the lower end of one of the two guide rails 64 (here, the front guide rail 64). The drive motor 71 has an output shaft (not shown), and a drive gear 75 having gear teeth formed on the outer peripheral surface is attached to the output shaft.
The transmission gear 72 is disposed at the lower end of the other guide rail 64 (in this case, the rear guide rail 64) instead of the one of the two guide rails 64. Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission gear 72.

The connecting gear 73 is disposed at the lower end of the one (front) guide rail 64 and is connected to the counting unit 61 supported by the guide rail 64 by a drive transmission member (not shown). Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection gear 73, and the connection gear 73 meshes with the drive gear 75.
The connecting gear 74 is disposed at the lower end of the other (rear) guide rail 64 and is connected to the counting unit 61 supported by the guide rail 64 by a drive transmission member (not shown). Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection gear 74, and the connection gear 74 meshes with the transmission gear 72.

The belt 76 is an endless belt having gear teeth formed on the inner peripheral surface, and is wound around the drive gear 75 and the transmission gear 72.
In such a drive mechanism 70, when the drive motor 71 is driven, the drive gear 75 rotates in a predetermined direction. As a result, the connecting gear 73 meshing with the drive gear 75 rotates, and the driving force of the drive motor 71 is transmitted to the front counting unit 61 by the drive transmission member described above, and the front counting unit 61 is moved in the vertical direction. Slide to either. This driving force is also transmitted to the connecting gear 74 via the belt 76 and the transmission gear 72. Accordingly, the connecting gear 74 rotates, and the driving force of the drive motor 71 is transmitted to the rear counting unit 61 by the drive transmission member described above, and the rear counting unit 61 is in the same direction as the front counting unit 61. Slide to.

Conversely, when the drive motor 71 is driven so that the drive gear 75 rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, both the front and rear counting units 61 slide in the opposite direction.
That is, the drive mechanism 70 moves each of the two counting units 61 in the vertical direction.
Since the counting unit 61 and the lift 31 are offset from each other in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 11), the counting unit 61 and the lift 31 do not interfere with each other during operation.

  The counting sensor 60 is disposed adjacent to the cassette 7 accommodated in the casing 20 from the left side. Specifically, the counting sensor 60 can face the notch 33 (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding cassette 7 from the left side. As described above, each dispensing unit 8 has two counting units 61, and each counting unit 61 has two counting sensors 60. Therefore, in the counting unit 61 on the front side (left side in FIG. 13), the front side counting sensor 60 can face the rear notch 33 in the frontmost cassette 7A from the left side (the back side in FIG. 13). The rear counting sensor 60 can be opposed from the left side to the front notch 33 in the second cassette 7B from the front. In the rear counting unit 61, the front counting sensor 60 can be opposed to the rear notch 33 in the third cassette 7C from the front, and the rear counting sensor 60 is The front-side notch 33 in the fourth cassette 7D from the front can be opposed from the left side.

  Here, the holder 62 of each counting unit 61 is provided with an adjustment knob 77 (position adjustment means). In each counting unit 61, the holder 62 includes a front portion 62A that supports one (here, the front side) counting sensor 60 and a rear portion 62B that supports the other (here, the rear side) counting sensor 60. Is included. The front portion 62A and the rear portion 62B are separated. The front portion 62A is integrally provided with a rack portion 65 (position adjusting means) having a rack gear formed at the lower end surface while extending rearward, and the rear portion 62B is provided with a rack gear at the upper end surface while extending frontward. A rack portion 66 (position adjusting means) in which is formed is integrally provided. The adjustment knob 77 is a pinion gear having gear teeth formed on the outer peripheral surface, and meshes with the rack gears of the rack portions 65 and 66. That is, the adjustment knob 77 and the rack portions 65 and 66 constitute a rack and pinion mechanism.

  Therefore, in each counting unit 61, when the adjustment knob 77 is pinched and operated (twisted), the operation of the rack and pinion mechanism causes the two counting sensors 60 to move back and forth in a direction toward or away from each other. Therefore, the distance between the front and rear of the counting sensor 60 can be adjusted. Therefore, if each counting sensor 60 faces the mark 35 (see FIG. 6) on the end surface of the prize 5 at the corresponding notch 33, the position of the counting sensor 60 is adjusted by operating the adjustment knob 77. The counting sensor 60 may be adjusted so as to face the position where the mark 35 on the end face of the prize 5 is avoided. Accordingly, the counting sensor 60 whose position has been adjusted can accurately count the prize 5 in the cassette 7 at a position suitable for counting regardless of the shape and type of the prize 5.

A known mechanism other than such a rack and pinion mechanism can be used as a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the two counting sensors 60. Further, it is not necessary to synchronize the movements of the two counting sensors 60, and the two counting sensors 60 may be moved individually.
At a predetermined timing, the drive motor 71 is driven, and each count sensor 60 slides up and down while facing the notch 33 (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding cassette 7 from the left side. At this time, the counting sensor 60 counts the number of prizes 5 exposed from the notch 33 in the cassette 7. That is, the counting sensor 60 counts the prizes 5 in the cassette 7 by moving in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the prizes 5 in the cassette 7).

  As the predetermined timing, the timing at which the above-described operation unit 10 (see FIG. 2) is operated to instruct the execution of the counting operation, the timing at which the prize dispensing device 2 is turned on, and the cassette 7 in which the prize 5 is replenished. Is set in the payout unit 8 and the door 18 (see FIG. 2) is closed, the timing at which the execution command of the counting operation is transmitted from the prize management device 3 or T / C 4 (see FIG. 1), or when the staff is changed Is mentioned. Further, the counting by the counting sensor 60 may be automatically performed every predetermined interval.

The counting by the counting sensor 60 will be specifically described. The counting sensor 60 is a so-called optical reflective sensor, and a light emitting element (not shown) and light emitted from the light emitting element (not shown) (for example, , Blue light) and a light receiving element (not shown) that receives light reflected by the object to be detected.
When such a counting sensor 60 counts the number of the prizes 5 in the cassette 7, referring to FIG. 10B, the counting sensor 60 has a front end of the left side surface 5A of the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7 in a stacked state. Slides upward from the standby position while facing from the left side the rear or rear end (the portion exposed from the notch 33 of the cassette 7). Here, the left side surface 5A of all the prizes 5 stored in the cassette 7 in a stacked state is collectively referred to as a stacked side surface 5B. Further, the portion exposed from the notch 33 of the cassette 7 on the stacked side surface 5B of the prize 5 (the front end portion or the rear end portion in each prize 5) is a portion where the aforementioned mark 35 (see FIG. 6) is not attached. is there.

If the left side edges of the prizes 5 that are vertically adjacent to each other in the cassette 7 are aligned in a straight line along the vertical direction by an aligning member (not shown), the prizes 5 can be easily counted.
As the counting sensor 60 slides upward, the counting sensor 60 rises in a state of facing the laminated side surface 5B of the prize 5 from the left side with a predetermined interval. While the counting sensor 60 is moving up, in the counting sensor 60, a light emitting element (not shown) projects light sequentially from the lower prize 5 toward the left side surface 5A of the prize 5. The reflected light reflected by the left side surface 5A is received by a light receiving element (not shown). Here, when light from a light emitting element (not shown) is applied to the boundary Y of the left side surface 5A of the prize 5 adjacent to the top and bottom, light is received compared to the case where light is applied to the left side surface 5A of the prize 5. The amount of reflected light (light reception amount) received by the element (not shown) changes. Therefore, every time the amount of light received by the light receiving element (not shown) in the counting sensor 60 changes, the counting sensor 60 counts that there is one prize 5. Then, according to the same procedure, the counting sensor 60 counts the prizes 5 one by one in order from the lower prize 5, counts the number of prizes 5, and when it reaches the upper end of the guide rail 64 (see FIG. 12), Complete counting of all prizes 5. Thereafter, the counting sensor 60 returns to the standby position.

Note that the counting sensor 60 may count the prize 5 when it reaches the standby position after reaching the upper end of the guide rail 64.
As described above, the counting sensor 60 counts the number of prizes 5 in a non-contact manner in accordance with a change in a light reception signal (light reception amount) of a light receiving element (not shown).
Here, referring to FIG. 7, since the counting sensor 60 is provided on the carrier 22 (see FIG. 3), the carrier 22 is in the front position (see FIG. 7B) and the rear position (see FIG. 7A). )), The prize 5 in the cassette 7 and the counting sensor 60 can be moved together. Therefore, the relative position between the prize 5 and the counting sensor 60 in the cassette 7 (in other words, the interval between the counting sensor 60 and the left side 5A of the prize 5 in FIG. 10B) is stabilized with high accuracy. In particular, since the counting sensor 60 is an optical type, the relative position between the prize 5 and the counting sensor 60 greatly affects the accuracy of the counting sensor 60. Since the relative position can be stabilized with high accuracy, the counting accuracy of the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7 by the counting sensor 60 can be improved.

  Further, in this case, the cassette 7 (that is, the entire carrier 22) is moved to a position where the counting sensor 60 can count the prize 5 as compared with the case where the counting sensor 60 is provided other than the carrier 22 (inner wall surface of the casing 20). It is not necessary to slide excessively, and accordingly the size of the dispensing unit 8 in the sliding direction (front-rear direction) of the carrier 22 can be reduced. Further, if the counting sensor 60 is provided on the carrier 22, it is not necessary to secure a space for arranging the counting sensor 60 in the casing 20, so that the dispensing unit 8 can be reduced in size particularly in the width direction (FIG. 11). That is, by providing the counting sensor 60 on the carrier 22, an efficient layout of each member in the dispensing unit 8 can be realized (see FIG. 11). Further, in this layout, the counting sensor 60 (counting unit 61) and the lift 31 that move up and down are separated from each other, and the lift 31 is moved up and down by separate drive mechanisms (the drive mechanism 70 and the lift mechanism 13). It can be moved individually by configuration).

  Further, when each counting unit 61 is moved in the stacking direction (vertical direction) of the prize 5, a plurality (cassettes) arranged in the front-rear direction by a plurality (two) counting sensors 60 supported by the holder 62 of the counting unit 61. The prizes 5 in the cassette 7 (two of the cassette 7A and the cassette 7B, or two of the cassette 7C and the cassette 7D) can be counted at a time. Thereby, the counting time of the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7 can be shortened.

  Further, by moving a plurality of holders 62 (that is, a plurality of counting units 61) by the drive mechanism 70 (see FIG. 13), more (in this case, four) prizes 5 in the cassette 7 are counted at a time. it can. As a result, the counting time of the prize 5 stored in the cassette 7 can be further shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to provide the drive mechanism 70 (drive motor 71) for each counting unit 61, the number of parts can be reduced.

  If the above-described mark 35 (see FIG. 6) is positioned ahead of the light projected by the light emitting element (not shown) of the counting sensor 60, normal reflected light is received by the light receiving element (not shown). Therefore, the counting accuracy of the counting sensor 60 may be reduced. However, as described above, by operating the adjustment knob 77 (see FIG. 13), the position of the counting sensor 60 can be adjusted so that the light of the light emitting element does not hit the mark 35, so that the counting accuracy is reduced. Can be prevented.

  Then, the data (counting data) of the number of prizes 5 in each cassette 7 counted by the counting sensor 60 is the above-described second display unit 9B (see FIG. 2) or the prize management apparatus 3 connected to the prize dispensing apparatus 2. (See FIG. 1) is displayed on the display screen 80, whereby the number of prizes 5 stored in each cassette 7 of the prize dispensing device 2 is collectively managed. Of course, this data may be output to a printing device (not shown) and printed on paper, or may be stored in the T / C 4 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, when the counting sensor 60 fails, the prize 5 can be paid out from the cassette 7 other than the cassette 7 to be counted by the counting sensor 60, but a predetermined number of the operation unit 10 (see FIG. 2) by an attendant. The prize 5 may be paid out from the cassette 7 to be counted by the counting sensor 60 by the confirmation operation. In this case, the fact that the counting sensor 60 is out of order, the prize 5 being paid out from the cassette 7 to be counted by the counting sensor 60, and the prize 5 in the cassette 7 are out of management. It is displayed on the second display unit 9B (see FIG. 2) and notified to the staff.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the giveaway device 2.
Referring to FIG. 14, the prize dispensing device 2 includes a control unit 85 (conveying speed adjusting means). The control unit 85 includes a CPU and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) that stores the program and the like, and executes predetermined processing according to the program.
The control unit 85 is connected to the above-described lift mechanism 13, feeding mechanism 14, elevator mechanism 16, delivery mechanism 17, and slide mechanism 30 in each payout unit 8, and further includes the above-described counting sensor 60 and drive mechanism 70. A prize counting unit 86 is connected.

The control unit 85 is connected to the operation unit 10 and the display unit 9 (first display unit 9A and second display unit 9B) described above, and further includes a communication unit 87, a door opening / closing detection unit 88, a storage unit 89, and the like. Is connected.
The control unit 85 communicates with the prize management device 3 (see FIG. 1) via the communication unit 87. The door opening / closing detection unit 88 detects opening / closing of the door 18 (see FIG. 2). The storage unit 89 stores the number of prizes 5 (stock quantity) in the prize dispensing device 50 counted by the counting sensor 60 and the like.

Here, the control unit 85 can adjust the transport speed of the prize 5 to the feeding position described above by the lift 31 of the lift mechanism 13 according to the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7.
Referring to FIG. 7, for example, it is assumed that the conveyance speed has been about 82 mm / second regardless of the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7 (the number of prizes). On the other hand, since the number of prizes is known by the counting sensor 60 this time, the conveyance speed is about 246 mm / second when the number of prizes is 1 to 25, and about 205 mm / second when the number of prizes is 26 to 50. The speed is about 164 mm / second when the number of prizes is 51 to 75, and about 123 mm / second when the number of prizes is 76 to 100, and the conveyance speed is increased as the number of prizes decreases. In this case, the time from when the highest prize 5 in the cassette 7 starts to be conveyed (after the lift 31 starts to rise from the standby position) to the delivery position is, for example, 1 It is constant at about 7 to 2.1 seconds, enabling quick conveyance.

  That is, even if the interval between the prize 5 in the cassette 7 and the feeding position before the transport by the lift mechanism 13 is different depending on the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7, the lift mechanism 13 is almost the same time. The prize 5 in the cassette 7 can be conveyed to the feeding position. That is, regardless of the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7, it is possible to keep the transport time by the lift mechanism 13 to the feeding position of the prize 5 in the cassette 7 almost constant.

  As a result, by switching the cassette 7 for paying out the prize 5 or by setting a cassette 7 with few prizes 5 in the payout unit 8 from the beginning, the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7 is the same for each cassette 7 or the same cassette. Even if they are different from each other, the prize 5 in the cassette 7 can be paid out and paid out at almost the same timing, so that the prize 5 can be paid out stably.

  When the highest prize 5 in the cassette 7 reaches the feeding position after the cassette 7 is set in the dispensing unit 8, the prize dispensing device 2 completes preparation for dispensing. For this reason, as described above, regardless of the number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7, the time until the top prize 5 in the cassette 7 reaches the feeding position is quick and stable (about 4 seconds earlier). If so, the preparation for payout of the prize payout device 2 is executed stably, which is convenient for the staff.

The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a plane cross section of the prize dispensing device 2.
For example, the type of giving out the giveaway 5 to the customer side (customer side throwing type) giveout device 2 has been described, but the present invention is a type of giving out the giveaway 5 to the store clerk (shop side throwing type). The present invention can also be applied to the dispensing device 2. In the store-side throw-out type gift dispenser 2, the store clerk hands the gift 5 dispensed to the store clerk to the customer.

  Here, in the prize dispensing device 2 shown in FIG. 2, the top wall 6 </ b> A of the cabinet 6 and the members (the display unit 9, the operation unit 10, the shutter 12, etc.) provided on the top wall 6 </ b> A are collected as a top unit 95. It can be moved while standing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, in the prize dispensing device 2 of the customer-side throwing type, the top unit 95 is arranged such that the first display unit 9A faces the front side and the second display unit 9B faces the rear side. Is rotated 180 ° in a horizontal plane. Then, the prize dispensing device 2 becomes a store-side dispensing type.

By rotating the top unit 95 in this way, in the prize dispensing device 2 that is both a customer-side dispensing type and a store-side dispensing type, the interior of the cabinet 6 is centered in the width direction with reference to FIG. Therefore, it is necessary to be symmetrical about the reference plane W extending vertically.
In this prize dispensing device 2, a power supply box 96 containing a control board, a power supply board, and the like is arranged at the left end portion inside the cabinet 6. Since it needs to be symmetrical, it is necessary to secure a space Z in which the power supply box 96 can be arranged at the right end portion inside the cabinet 6. Since this space Z becomes a dead space, the spare cassette 7 can be accommodated in this space Z.

  That is, a box-shaped cassette holder 97 capable of storing a plurality of (in this case, four) spare cassettes 7 is provided, and four cassettes 7 filled with prizes 5 are set in the cassette holder 97 (the state in which it is pulled out). The cassette holder 97 is indicated by a dotted line). The cassette holder 97 is accommodated in the space Z. Thereby, the prize dispensing device 2 itself can also serve as a safe for the spare prize 5. This eliminates the need for the safe for the prize 5 that has been installed in the office.

Further, the counting sensor 60, the guide rail 64, and the driving mechanism 70 (see FIG. 13) are provided in the cassette holder 97 or the like so that the prize 5 in the spare cassette 7 in the cassette holder 97 can be counted. Also good. Then, the prize 5 in the game facility can be managed by the prize dispensing device 2.
Referring to FIG. 7, as a configuration for transporting the prize 5 in the cassette 7 to the temporary holding unit 15, a predetermined number of prizes 5 in the cassette 7 are scooped or sandwiched instead of the feeding mechanism 14. A configuration may be used in which the information is collectively taken out and conveyed to the temporary holding unit 15. Alternatively, the prizes 5 corresponding to the number of payouts in the cassette 7 may be pushed together and conveyed to the temporary holding unit 15.

The counting sensor 60 (see FIG. 10) of the above-described embodiment is an optical sensor using blue light, but may be an optical sensor using visible light of other colors, infrared rays, or the like. Furthermore, the sensor which can count the prize 5 by other systems, such as a sensor (contact type) sensor which counts the prize 5 by directly contacting the prize 5, may be used.
FIG. 16 is a diagram in which a modification is applied to the main part of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a main part of the carrier 22 for explaining the receiving member 100 of FIG.

  The cassette 7 (see FIG. 5) containing the prize 5 is held by the carrier 22 by being inserted from above between the two partitions 28 adjacent to each other at a distance in the front and rear of the carrier 22 (see FIGS. 3 and FIG. 5). 9). At this time, if the cassette 7 is inserted between the two partitions 28 from the upper side vigorously due to the handling of the clerk, etc., when the cassette 7 reaches the lower limit, the premium 5 in the cassette 7 reacts. Jumps up, stands up, and assumes a vertically long posture. If the prize 5 that stands up is present in the cassette 7, the prizes 5 are not correctly stacked in the cassette 7, and there is a possibility that an error may occur in the payout and counting of the prizes 5 in the cassette 7.

Therefore, the receiving member 100 shown in FIG. 16 is provided on the carrier 22. The receiving member 100 is disposed between two partitions 28 (referred to as “first reference partitions 28 </ b> A”) to be disposed between the two front cassettes 7 and the two rear cassettes 7. Two are provided for each of the two partitions 28 (referred to as “second reference partitions 28B”).
Here, the space between the front first reference partition 28A and the partition 28 disposed on the front side with a space therebetween is an accommodation space A in which the frontmost cassette 7A (see FIG. 7) is accommodated. The second cassette 7B from the front (see FIG. 7) is accommodated between the first reference partition 28A on the rear side and the partition 28 disposed on the rear side with an interval therebetween. Space B is assumed. The space between the front second reference partition 28B and the partition 28 disposed on the front side with a space therebetween is a storage space C in which the third cassette 7C (see FIG. 7) from the front is stored. The rear cassette 7D (see FIG. 7) is accommodated between the second reference partition 28B on the rear side and the partition 28 disposed on the rear side with an interval therebetween. Space D is assumed.

Since the interval between the two first reference partitions 28A and the interval between the two second reference partitions 28B are narrow, the cassette 7 does not enter these intervals.
The receiving member 100 is provided in each of the first reference partition 28A on the front side, the first reference partition 28A on the rear side, the second reference partition 28B on the front side, and the second reference partition 28B on the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 17, each receiving member 100 includes a holder 100A and a lever 100B.
The holder 100A has a plate shape that is thin in the front and back direction and is vertically long, and extends along the first reference partition 28A or the second reference partition 28B (see FIG. 16). In this state, the holder 100A (that is, the entire receiving member 100) is supported by the first reference partition 28A or the second reference partition 28B so as to be slidable up and down.

The lever 100B is thin in the width direction, has a plate shape that is long along the substantially horizontal direction, and is attached to the lower end of the holder 100A. Therefore, the entire receiving member 100 is substantially L-shaped.
In the receiving member 100 of the first reference partition 28A on the front side, the lever 100B extends to the front side and protrudes into the accommodation space A (see FIG. 16). In the receiving member 100 of the first reference partition 28A on the rear side, the lever 100B extends rearward and protrudes into the accommodation space B (see FIG. 16). In the receiving member 100 of the second reference partition 28B on the front side, the lever 100B extends to the front side and protrudes into the accommodation space C (see FIG. 16). In the receiving member 100 of the second reference partition 28B on the rear side, the lever 100B extends rearward and protrudes into the accommodation space D (see FIG. 16).

An upper end 101A of a tension spring 101 extending vertically is fixed to the first reference partition 28A and the second reference partition 28B, and a lower end 101B of the tension spring 101 is attached to the lever 100B. Thereby, each receiving member 100 is urged upward by the tension spring 101.
Therefore, as shown by the receiving member 100 of the first reference partition 28A in FIG. 16, when the cassette 7 is not mounted on the carrier 22, the receiving member 100 is disposed at a standby position where the lever 100B floats in the air by a predetermined amount. Has been. Here, the predetermined amount is, for example, about 50 mm upward from the bottom surface of the cassette 7 (see cassette 7D in FIG. 16) after completion of mounting.

  Then, as shown by the receiving member 100 of the second reference partition 28B on the rear side in FIG. 16, when the cassette 7 (here, the cassette 7D) is inserted into the accommodation space D from above, the cassette 7 is inserted vigorously. However, when it is inserted to some extent, it contacts the lever 100B of the receiving member 100 at the standby position from above at the bottom. Then, when the tension spring 101 (see FIG. 17) extends, the receiving member 100 slowly descends together with the cassette 7 while reducing the momentum when the cassette 7 is inserted. Therefore, the receiving member 100 having such a plate-like and compact configuration can prevent the premium 5 from rising in the cassette 7 described above.

Thereafter, when the receiving member 100 is lowered to the lower limit position, the insertion of the cassette 7 is completed, and the mounting of the cassette 7 to the carrier 22 is completed. At this time, the receiving member 100 at the lower limit position is in a position where it does not interfere with the vertical slide of the counting unit 61 and the pushing up of the prize 5 in the cassette 7 by the lift 31 (see FIGS. 7 and 11).
On the other hand, when the cassette 7 is pulled upward, the receiving member 100 is raised by the urging force of the tension spring 101 and is again placed at the standby position (see the receiving member 100 of the first reference partition 28A).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Premium offer system 2 Premium release device 3 Premium management device 5 Premium 6 Cabinet 7 Cassette 8 Delivery unit 13 Lift mechanism 20 Casing 22 Carrier 60 Count sensor 62 Holder 65 Rack part 66 Rack part 70 Drive mechanism 77 Adjustment knob 85 Control part

Claims (6)

A prize payout device for paying out a prize, comprising an apparatus main body and a prize payout unit built in the apparatus main body,
The prize dispensing unit is
A housing,
A storage unit built in the housing for storing a plurality of prizes in a stacked state; and
Holding means that holds the storage unit and is movable in a direction intersecting the stacking direction of the prizes in the housing to a payout position where the prizes in the storage part can be paid out;
Measuring means provided in the holding means and moving in the crossing direction in the housing together with the holding means when the holding means moves, and is opposed to the stacked side surfaces of the prizes stacked and stored in the storage unit. Measuring means for measuring the prize in order to count the number of prizes in the storage unit by moving in the stacking direction in the state ,
A prize dispensing device characterized by comprising: It said holding unit holds a plurality of the accommodating portion, so as to line up in front Ki交 difference direction,
Supporting said measuring means multiple state aligned in the cross direction, characterized in that it comprises a supporting member that moves in the stacking direction, prize dispensing apparatus according to claim 1. There are a plurality of the support members,
3. The prize dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising driving means for moving each of the plurality of support members. 4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the measuring means supported by the support member. Transport means for transporting the prize in the storage unit in the stacking direction of the prize in the storage unit, until the prize is fed out one by one;
A transport speed adjusting means for adjusting a transport speed of the prize by the transport means according to the number of prizes in the storage unit;
The prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A prize management system, comprising: a prize management apparatus capable of communicating with the prize dispensing apparatus and managing prizes in the storage unit.

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