JP5922387B2 - Medal supply device for gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal supply device for a gaming machine that can supply and collect medals to each of a plurality of gaming machines installed on an installation island.

  There are usually islands that are installed in amusement halls, such as slot machines and coin game machines, which are placed in parallel to play medals. A gaming machine using such medals automatically supplies and collects medals to each gaming machine because many medals are supplied and many medals are discharged in the process of gaming. In order to make it possible, conventionally, a medal replenishing device is arranged on each installed island (see Patent Document 1).

  Such a conventional medal replenishing device is arranged in the longitudinal direction at the upper part of the installation island, and is installed in the longitudinal direction at the lower part of the installation island, and medal supply and transport means for supplying medals to each gaming machine while transporting medals. And a medal collecting and conveying means for collecting and conveying the medals discharged from each gaming machine; and storing the medals conveyed by the medal collecting and conveying means; The medal supply means includes a medal supply means for supplying medals. When a request signal for medals is transmitted from each gaming machine, the gaming machine can be controlled to automatically supply a predetermined amount of medals.

JP 2005-349909 A

However, the conventional medal supply device has the following problems.
There is a state in which medals remain in the middle of the medal supply and transport means after the replenishment of medals to the gaming machine (specific gaming machine) to which the medal request signal is transmitted. Is not supplied to each gaming machine, but is transported to a recovery chute disposed at the end of the medal supply transport means, and dropped to the medal recovery transport means via the recovery chute and recovered. However, after the supply of medals for a specific gaming machine is completed, if a large amount of medals remain in the medal supply transport means, the large number of medals will be continuously transported to the recovery chute. There was a risk of medals getting stuck in the shoot.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a medal replenishing device for a gaming machine capable of avoiding clogging of medals in a collecting chute disposed at the end of a medal supply transport means. It is to provide.

The invention according to claim 1 is extended to an installation island where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, and a medal supply transporting means for transporting and supplying medals to each gaming machine, and extending to the installation island. A medal collecting / conveying means for collecting and conveying the medals discharged from the respective gaming machines, and a medal collected at the end of the medal supply / conveying means, A collecting chute to be discharged by the conveying means; and a medal replenishing means for receiving the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means and replenishing the medals supplying and conveying means; A medal replenishing device for a gaming machine in which a predetermined amount of medals are supplied to the gaming machine via the medal feeding and conveying means on condition that a medal request signal is received There, after the supply of medals to specific the gaming machine has been completed, together with causing the supply operation of the medal for installation island disposed the other gaming machines or lending machine, other gaming to perform the replenishing operation The machine or the lending machine is characterized by excluding those that have not been paid out or lent out for a predetermined time .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medal replenishing device for a gaming machine according to the first aspect, the medal replenishing means selects a medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. The medal supply / conveying means can be optionally replenished with the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means. A small diameter medal transport unit for transporting the replenished small diameter medal and a large diameter medal transport unit for transporting the large diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishing means are formed, and the small diameter medal transport unit and the large diameter medal transport are formed respectively. A common collecting chute that can be discharged to the medal collecting and conveying means is formed at the end of the section.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the supply of medals to a specific gaming machine is completed, the operation of supplying medals to other gaming machines or lending machines arranged on the installation island is performed. Can be prevented from being continuously and intensively transported to the end of the medal supply transport means, and the collection chute disposed at the end of the medal supply transport means can be prevented from clogging. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the medal supply transport means includes a small diameter medal transport section that transports a small diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means, and a large diameter medal transport section that transports a large diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means. Are formed, and a common collecting chute that can be discharged to the medal collecting and conveying means is formed at the end of the small diameter medal conveying unit and the large diameter medal conveying unit, so that the small diameter medal conveying unit and the large diameter medal conveying unit are formed. It is possible to avoid the medals being continuously conveyed from both of the parts to the common collection chute, and to prevent the collection chute from being jammed.

  That is, in the case where the small diameter medal transport unit and the large diameter medal transport unit are provided and the medal is transported from both the small diameter medal transport unit and the large diameter medal transport unit to the common recovery chute, the recovery chute is used. However, after completing the supply of medals to a specific gaming machine, it is likely that other medals or lending machines installed on the island will be By performing the medal replenishment operation, clogging of the collecting chute can be effectively avoided.

The plane schematic diagram which shows the medal supply device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention Side view showing the medal supply device of the gaming machine Front schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the medal supply means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine Side surface schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the medal supply means The enlarged view which shows the distribution means in the medal supply means Side surface schematic diagram showing medal supply transport means in the medal supply device of the gaming machine Plane schematic diagram showing the medal supply and transport means An enlarged plan view showing the medal supply / conveying means Side enlarged view showing the medal supply / conveying means Sectional view showing the medal supply and conveyance means Flow chart showing a medal replenishment operation in the medal replenishment device of the gaming machine

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The medal supply device for a gaming machine according to the present embodiment is capable of supplying and collecting medals to each of a plurality of gaming machines installed on an installation island. As shown in FIGS. The medal supply / conveying means 1 and the medal collection / conveying means 2, the medal replenishing means 3 installed at one end of the installation island K, and the medal installed at the other end of the installation island K It is mainly composed of a counter 4.

  The installed island K has a plurality of gaming machines H (throwing medals such as slot machines and coin game machines) and a lending machine J that can lend medals (prepaid cards, coins or bills) Medals can be lent out) are arranged side by side, and in the longitudinal direction in the inner upper part, the medal supply / conveying means 1 is extended, and in the longitudinal direction in the inner lower part, the medal collection and transportation is performed. Means 2 are provided.

  In a game arcade, normally, a plurality of installation islands K (appropriate number depending on the game arcade) are installed, and a distribution tower (not shown) is formed on each installation island. Lifters (not shown) are arranged in the distribution towers, and crossing means (not shown) including a transfer conveyor and the like are arranged between the distribution towers. Thereby, medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) can be supplied from one installed island to other adjacent installed islands, and a lack of medals on other installed islands can be avoided.

  Each installed island K according to the present embodiment is provided with a gaming machine H in which a large diameter medal (medal having a diameter of 30 mm) and a small diameter medal (medal having a diameter of 25 mm) having different outer diameters are used. . However, when a medal request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine H in which the large diameter medal is used, the medal supply means 3 uses the gaming machine H that uses the large diameter medal or the small diameter medal based on the request signal. When a gaming machine H is identified and a large-diameter medal is supplied to the medal supply transport means 1, while a medal request signal is transmitted from the gaming machine H in which a small-diameter medal is used, the medal supply means 3 receives the request signal. Based on the above, the game machine H using the large diameter medal or the game machine H using the small diameter medal is identified and the small diameter medal is supplied to the medal supply transport means 1.

  The medal collecting / conveying means 2 is for collecting medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) discharged from the gaming machine H installed on the installation island K and transporting them to the medal replenishing means 3, as shown in FIG. As described above, the transport conveyor 2a for collection is provided with one end (the left end in the figure) facing the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3. The collection conveyor 2a has a conveyor belt that is suspended by a driving roller W1 and a driven roller W2 that can be driven by a motor M1, and receives medals that are discharged from each gaming machine H and dropped. It is configured so that it can be conveyed into the replenishing means 3.

  The medal counting machine 4 is provided adjacent to the installation island K, and can automatically count and output the medal (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) acquired by the player. Is. In the medal counter 4, an accommodation space U for accommodating the inserted medals is formed, and conveyance including a conveyor for conveying the medals in the accommodation space U to the outside of the medal counter 4. Means 25 are provided. When the transport means 25 is driven, medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) in the accommodation space U reach the medal collection transport means 2 via the chute 26 on the installation island K.

  The medal replenishing means 3 accommodates medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 and supplies medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) to the medal supply and conveying means 1. 3 to 5, mainly, the medal sorting means 5, the sorting means 6, the first storage tank 7, the second storage tank 8, the transport conveyor 21, the cleaning means 9, the lifter 15 are arranged in the housing 3a.

  The medal sorting means 5 is for sorting the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 into small diameter medals and large diameter medals. In this embodiment, there are two medal sorting means 5a and 5b. doing. These medal sorting means 5 a and 5 b have the same configuration and function, and are respectively installed on the upper part of the housing 3 a of the medal replenishing means 3. The medal sorting means 5 has a housing part a for temporarily housing medals and a sending means (not shown) disposed in the housing part a and operable by the motor M2. By driving the motor M2 and operating the sending means, medals (small-diameter medals and large-diameter medals) can be sent out one by one from the storage portion a.

  The sent-out medal is configured to pass through the medal passage 16 communicating with the accommodating portion a, and as shown in FIG. 5, a diameter capable of dropping only a small-diameter medal into a part of the medal passage 16. The notch 16a is formed. Thus, in the process in which the medals sent out from the accommodating portion a of the medal sorting means 5 pass through the medal passage 16, the large diameter medal reaches the large diameter medal passage 29 and the small diameter medal falls from the notch 16a. Thus, the small medal passage 30 is reached.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a detecting means 27 for detecting a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal is disposed upstream of the notch 16 a in the medal path 16, and a small diameter medal is also placed in the small diameter medal path 30. Similar detection means 28 for detecting is arranged. The pair of detection means (27, 28) detect and count the medals passing through, respectively, and thereby the number of small diameter medals and large diameter medals (N1) passing through the medal path 16 and the small diameter medal path 30 are determined. The number (N2) of small diameter medals passing through can be grasped. As a result, the value obtained by subtracting N2 from N1 is the number of selected large-diameter medals, and N2 is the number of selected small-diameter medals, so that these numbers are recognized by the replenishment control means 24. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the distributing means 6 includes an opening / closing means 29a capable of opening / closing a predetermined portion of the large-diameter medal passage 29, an opening / closing means 30a capable of opening / closing a predetermined portion of the small-diameter medal passage 30, and a medal by swinging. It is mainly composed of a sorting member 34 capable of selecting a drop path. In the figure, reference numeral 31 indicates a solenoid for performing the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means 30a, and reference numeral 33 indicates a solenoid for performing the swinging operation of the distributing member 34. The opening / closing means 29a is configured to be opened / closed by a solenoid (not shown) (a solenoid similar to the solenoid 31).

  However, in a state in which the opening / closing means 29a, 30a are closed, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 reach the chute 17 through the small diameter medal path 30 and the large diameter medal path 29, respectively, and supply and supply the medal. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b of the means 1 are replenished respectively. Further, in a state where the opening / closing means 29a or 30a is opened, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 reach the sorting member 34, respectively. Reference numeral 32 in the drawing denotes a chute that guides the small-diameter medal to the sorting member 34 when the opening / closing means 30a is open.

  The distribution member 34 can be swung between a state indicated by a broken line and a state indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing by driving the solenoid 33. In the state indicated by the broken line, a large-diameter medal is large. In the state shown by the two-dot chain line, the large diameter medal is dropped in the first storage tank 7 while being dropped and accommodated in the diameter medal mug 18a. The small diameter medal is stored in the second storage tank 8 by being stored. Reference numeral 35 in the drawing indicates a passage for guiding the large diameter medal distributed by the distribution member 34 to the first storage tank 7, and the same passage (not shown) (small diameter medal is stored in the second storage). A passage leading to the tank 8) is also arranged on the second storage tank 8 side.

  That is, a path for supplying the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal sorted by the medal sorting means 5 to the small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b of the medal supply transport means 1 by the operation of the sorting means 6, respectively. It is possible to switch between a path accommodated in the small diameter medal mug 18b and the large diameter medal mug 18a and a path accommodated in the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, respectively. The small-diameter medal mug 18b and the large-diameter medal mug 18a can be detached from the medal replenishing means 3, respectively, and it is possible to manually replenish an arbitrary gaming machine H with a medal. .

  The first storage tank 7 is for storing only one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5, and in this embodiment, the large diameter medal can be stored exclusively. The first storage tank 7 is capable of storing a predetermined amount of large-diameter medals, and first detection means 7a for detecting that the medals (large-diameter medals) in the first storage tank 7 have reached a predetermined amount. Is arranged. As the first detection means 7a, a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor can be used.

  The first storage tank 7 has a discharge port 7b that can be discharged by dropping a medal by its own weight on the bottom surface, and the discharge port 7b is blocked by the lower end portion of the stirring means 20. Yes. The stirring means 20 is formed of a spiral member and can be rotated by a motor 19. The stirring means 20 is guided to the discharge port 7b while stirring the medals in the first storage tank 7 by the rotation drive. It is possible to discharge from 7b.

  The second storage tank 8 stores the other of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 (in this embodiment, stores the small diameter medal) and mixes the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. It can be stored. That is, while the first storage tank 7 exclusively stores large-diameter medals, the second storage tank 8 accommodates small-diameter medals in a normal state and small-diameter medals and large-diameter medals under predetermined conditions. It can be stored by mixing.

  The second storage tank 8 is provided with second detection means 8a for detecting that medals (small diameter medals) in the second storage tank 8 have reached a predetermined amount. As the second detection means 8a, a contact sensor, a non-contact sensor, or the like can be used as in the first detection means 7a. Further, the second storage tank 8 is formed with a discharge port 8b that can be discharged by dropping a medal by its own weight on the bottom surface, and the discharge port 8b is blocked by the lower end of the stirring means 20. Yes. This stirring means 20 is made of a spiral member and can be driven to rotate by the motor 19 as in the first storage tank 7. The medal is guided to the discharge port 8b while being agitated, and can be discharged from the discharge port 8b.

  However, the second storage tank 8 is set to have a larger medal storage amount than the first storage tank 7 (that is, a larger capacity than the first storage tank 7). When medals are mixed and stored, more medals can be stored. In the present embodiment, the first storage tank 7 exclusively stores large diameter medals and the second storage tank 8 stores small diameter medals. Instead, the first storage tank 7 It is also possible to store the small diameter medal exclusively and store the large diameter medal in the second storage tank 8.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a first storage tank 7 capable of storing a predetermined amount of one of the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal (large diameter medal in the present embodiment) selected by the medal selection means, and the first storage A second storage tank 8 for storing a predetermined amount of the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal (small diameter medal in the present embodiment) selected by the medal sorting means 5 and having a medal storage amount different from the tank 7 In particular, in the present embodiment, the second storage tank 8 is set to have a larger medal storage amount than the first storage tank 7 (that is, a larger capacity than the first storage tank 7).

  Thus, in the gaming machine installed on the installation island K, depending on the number of gaming machines H using small diameter medals and the number of gaming machines H using large diameter medals, the first storage tank 7 or the second It is possible to arbitrarily set which of the storage tanks 8 stores the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal. Accordingly, a gaming machine H that uses a small diameter medal and a gaming machine H that uses a large diameter medal can be installed on the installation island K, and a small diameter medal and a large size are made compatible with the gaming machine H installed on the installation island K. Diameter medals can be stored efficiently and smoothly.

  That is, since the types of medals stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be set according to the gaming machine H installed on the installation island K, the gaming machine H installed on the installation island K Thus, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be more efficiently and smoothly stored while correspondingly. In the present embodiment, the second storage tank 8 has a larger medal storage amount than the first storage tank 7 (that is, a larger capacity than the first storage tank 7). The second storage tank may be set to have a smaller medal storage amount than the first storage tank (that is, a capacity smaller than that of the first storage tank 7).

  The conveyor 21 includes a conveyor belt 21a disposed below the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 and below the discharge port 8b of the second storage tank 8, and may have different conveyance directions. It was made possible. Thus, when the transport direction of the transport conveyor 21 is set from left to right in FIG. 3, medals discharged from the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 or the discharge port 8b of the second storage tank 8 are shown in FIG. When the transport direction of the transport conveyor 21 is set from right to left in the figure while being transported to the right side and reaching the receiving portion 23 of the lifter 15, the discharge port 7b of the first storage tank 7 or the discharge of the second storage tank 8 is performed. The medals discharged from the outlet 8b are transported to the left side in the figure and are configured to reach the receiving portion 10 via the receiving passage 22.

  The cleaning means 9 is for cleaning the medals recovered by the medal recovery and transport means 2, and has an alignment conveyor 11 and cleaning conveyors 12 and 13. The alignment conveyor 11 conveys medals (small diameter medals and large diameter medals) received by the receiving unit 10 while aligning them. A cleaning conveyor 12 is disposed on the end side of the alignment conveyor 11, and a cleaning conveyor 13 is subsequently disposed on the end side of the cleaning conveyor 12. These washing conveyors 12 and 13 can wipe the medal front and back surfaces by pressing members immersed in a desired cleaning liquid against the medal front and back surfaces. A receiving portion 14 for the lifter 15 is formed on the terminal end side of the cleaning conveyor 13 so that the medals cleaned by the cleaning conveyors 12 and 13 reach the lifter 15 via the receiving portion 14. .

  The lifter 15 is composed of conveying means extending vertically in the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3, and conveys medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) received by the receiving part 23 or the receiving part 14 upward, This is for reaching the medal sorting means 5 through the chute 15a. Thus, the medals transported to the receiving section 23 by the transport conveyor 21 and the medals cleaned by the cleaning means 9 are transported to the medal sorting means 5 by the lifter 15 and sorted into a small diameter medal and a large diameter medal. The Rukoto.

  The replenishment control means 24 is composed of, for example, a control panel equipped with a microcomputer or the like, and can receive a medal request signal from each gaming machine H and can perform an operation according to the request signal. For example, when the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a large-diameter medal from the gaming machine H side, the agitation means 20 in the first storage tank 7 is operated, and the transport conveyor 21 is driven in the leftward transport direction. At this time, the opening / closing means 29a and 30a of the distribution means 6 are closed. As a result, the large-diameter medal in the first storage tank 7 is washed by the washing means 9 and then conveyed by the lifter 15 and after being sorted by the medal sorting means 5, the medal supply and conveying means 1. Will be replenished.

  When the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a small-diameter medal from the gaming machine H side, the agitation means 20 in the second storage tank 8 is operated and the transport conveyor 21 is driven in the leftward transport direction. At this time, the opening / closing means 29a and 30a of the distribution means 6 are closed. Thus, the small-diameter medal in the second storage tank 8 is washed by the cleaning means 9 and then conveyed by the lifter 15 and after being sorted by the medal sorting means 5 and then to the medal supply and conveyance means 1. To be replenished.

  When medals are quickly replenished to the gaming machine H side, the conveyor 21 is driven in a rightward conveying direction. In this case, after the medals in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 reach the lifter 15 without passing through the cleaning means 9, are transported by the lifter 15, and are sorted by the medal sorting means 5. The medal supply / conveyance means 1 is replenished. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the small-diameter medal or the large-diameter medal stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8 can be optionally supplied to the medal supply transport means 1.

  Furthermore, the medal replenishing means 3 according to the present embodiment can replenish the medal supply transport means 1 with the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal selected by the medal sorting means 5 without going through the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8. It is said that. That is, when the replenishment control means 24 receives a request signal for a medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) from the gaming machine H side, the medal collected by the medal collecting and conveying means 2 and then washed by the washing means 9 Can be selected by the medal sorting means 5 and the medals can be directly supplied to the medal supply and transport means 1 (without being stored in the first storage tank 7 or the second storage tank 8). Thereby, the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal collected by the medal collecting / conveying means 2 can be quickly supplied to the medal supply / conveying means 1.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first storage tank 7 that has been detected on the condition that either the first detection means 7a or the second detection means 8a has detected that the medal has reached a predetermined amount, or The medals in the second storage tank 8 are replenished to the medal supply / conveyance means 1, and the medals are circulated by collecting the replenished medals by the medal collection / conveyance means 2. As a result, it is possible to suppress the medal from being biased toward one of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8, and to store the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal more efficiently. it can.

  Furthermore, when the medals are circulated as described above, the transport means 25 (see FIG. 2) in the medal counter 4 arranged in parallel on the installation island K is driven to collect the medals counted by the medal counter 4. It is preferable that the medals in the medal counter 4 are also circulated together with the conveying means 2. In this case, it is possible to more smoothly and surely prevent the medal from being biased toward one of the first storage tank 7 and the second storage tank 8.

  The medal supply / conveying means 1 includes a conveyer for conveying and supplying medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) replenished from the medal replenishing means 3 to each gaming machine H. As shown in FIG. 10, a small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and a large-diameter medal transport unit 36b arranged in a pair on the left and right sides, and the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b are arranged at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction. It is mainly composed of a supply means A and a chute 38 provided, and a collection chute 39 disposed at the end of a small diameter medal transport section 36a and a large diameter medal transport section 36b (medal supply transport means 1).

  The small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b are arranged with their base ends (the left end in FIGS. 6 and 7) facing the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3, and on the base end side. The driven pulley R2 is composed of a pair of left and right conveying belts suspended on a driving pulley R1 on the tip (right end in FIGS. 6 and 7) side. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b according to this embodiment are given a predetermined tension by a tension pulley R3, and the drive pulley R1 is connected to the output shaft Ma of the motor M3. Yes.

  On the other hand, a base end portion of the small diameter medal transport portion 36a is positioned below the chute 17 for discharging the small diameter medal, and a base end of the large diameter medal transport portion 36b is positioned below the chute 17 for discharging the large diameter medal. The part is located. Thus, by driving the motor M3, the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are operated, and the small diameter medal discharged from the chute 17 is transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a. The large-diameter medals discharged from the large-diameter medals are transported by the large-diameter medals transport unit 36b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the medal supply transport unit 1 is provided with a small-diameter medal transport unit 36a and a large-diameter medal transport unit 36b, and a supply unit A, a chute 38, and a closing member 44 to be described later. A main body 1a is provided, and the main body 1a extends in the longitudinal direction of the installation island K. Openings 1aa are respectively formed in portions of the main body 1a corresponding to the installation locations of the gaming machines H, and the edges of the openings 1aa (specifically, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge) A locking portion M that can lock the chute 38 or the closing member 44 is integrally formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a partition 1ab (separating means) is formed between the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b in the main body 1a, and the small diameter medal is formed by the partition 1ab. The conveyance part 36a and the large diameter medal conveyance part 36b are separated. The partition wall 1ab is formed of a wall portion formed to extend in the extending direction of the medal supply transport means 1. The partition 1ab separates (separates) the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, and when the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal are transported at the same time, the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal are transported. It is possible to avoid mixing.

  The chute 38 can be locked to the locking portion M at an arbitrary position in the main body 1a, and an opening communicating with the opening 1aa is formed at a predetermined portion while being locked to the locking portion M. The medal (small diameter medal or large diameter medal) from the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b can be brought to the inside. However, the chute 38 can be selectively locked to the locking portion M on the small diameter medal transport portion 36a side or the locking portion M on the large diameter medal transport portion 36b side, and can be freely attached and detached at any position. It is said that. The chute 38 is connected to a supply pipe T made of a flexible tube at the discharge port at the lower end thereof, and is connected to each gaming machine H through the supply pipe T. Thus, the medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) that have reached the chute 38 are configured to be supplied to the gaming machine H through the supply pipe T.

  The supply means A can selectively supply medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b to the chute 38 locked at a desired position. Thus, the main body 1a is detachably attached to a portion above the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. The supply means A has a solenoid 40, a swing member 43 that can swing by the solenoid 40, and a scraper 37 attached to the swing member 43.

  More specifically, a swing member 43 is connected to the operating shaft 40a of the solenoid 40 via an arm portion 42, and the swing member 43 can swing about the axis L1. ing. In the normal state (the state where the solenoid 40 is not energized), the swing member 43 is in the state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 by the urging force of the coil spring 41, and the scraper 37 has a small diameter. It is in a state of being separated from the medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. In this state, medals transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36 a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36 b pass below the scraper 37.

  However, when the solenoid 40 is energized, the operating shaft 40a pulls the arm portion 42 against the urging force of the coil spring 41, and the swinging member 43 is swung about the shaft L1, thereby causing the scraper 37 to move. The small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b is brought close to. In such a state, the medals transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b interfere with the scraper 37, and the transport direction is changed to the opening 1aa side at that portion, and the opening 1aa is locked. It will reach the inside of the chute 38 attached to the part M.

  The supply means A and the chute 38 according to the present embodiment can be attached at an arbitrary position corresponding to the gaming machine H by being optionally attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a side or the large diameter medal transport part 36b side. Has been. That is, for the gaming machine H that uses small diameter medals, the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a side, and for the gaming machine H that uses large diameter medals, the supplying means A and An appropriate medal can be supplied by attaching the chute 38 to the large-diameter medal transport part 36b side.

  Furthermore, the supply means A according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily change the direction of the scraper 37. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the scraper 37 is rotatable about an axis L2 formed on the swing member 43 and fixed to the swing member 43 with a screw n. It is possible. In addition, the code | symbol 43a in a figure has shown the notch formed in the arc shape in order to avoid the interference of the screw n when the scraper 37 rotates.

  Thus, when the supply means A attached to the small diameter medal transport section 36a is attached to the large diameter medal transport section 36b, or the supply means A attached to the large diameter medal transport section 36b is used as the small diameter medal transport section 36a. When attaching to the side, the screw n is loosened and the scraper 37 is rotated to change its direction, and then the screw n is tightened again to fix the scraper 37. As a result, the supply means A can be easily attached to either the small diameter medal transport section 36a or the large diameter medal transport section 36b. In the present embodiment, since the screw n can be tightened in the middle of the notch 43a, the angle of the scraper 37 can be arbitrarily adjusted, and the angle of the scraper 37 according to the type of medal can be set. it can.

  On the other hand, a closing member 44 is attached to the opening 1aa of the small-diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large-diameter medal transport unit 36b opposite to the side on which the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached. The closing member 44 is composed of a member in which a side wall portion 44a and a lid portion 44b are integrally formed, and an edge portion of the side wall portion 44a (specifically, a left edge portion, a right edge portion, and a lower edge portion). Can be attached to the small diameter medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b.

  In the state where the closing member 44 is attached, the side wall 44a closes the opening 1aa, and the lid 44b covers the upper part of the small diameter medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b. Thus, in the process of being transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, the small diameter medal or the large diameter medal is intended from the opening 1aa on the side opposite to the side where the supply means A and the chute 38 are attached. It is possible to prevent the overflow without overflowing.

  The collection chute 39 is disposed at the end of the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b constituting the medal supply transport means 1, and transports to the end of the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. This is to cause the medal collecting and conveying means 2 to discharge the medal that has been made. More specifically, the recovery chute 39 is located at the end of both the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, and a supply pipe T made of a flexible tube is connected to the discharge port at the lower end thereof. The medal can be dropped to the lower medal collecting / conveying means 2 via the supply pipe T.

  That is, in the medal supply transport means 1 according to the present embodiment, a common recovery chute 39 that can be discharged to the medal recovery transport means 2 is formed at the end of the small diameter medal transport part 36a and the large diameter medal transport part 36b. The medals (small diameter medal and large diameter medal) transported by the small diameter medal transport section 36a and the large diameter medal transport section 36b can be discharged to the medal collection transport means 2 through the common recovery chute 39. is there.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the chute 38, the supply means A, and the closing member 44 are detachable at arbitrary positions on the medal supply transport means 1. It can be appropriately supplied. Further, in the present embodiment, the chute 38, the supply means A, and the closing member 44 are detachable at arbitrary positions corresponding to the lending machine J so that medals according to the lending machine J can be appropriately supplied. It has become. In addition, since the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are arranged side by side, the plurality of gaming machines H can simultaneously supply the small diameter medal and the large diameter medal. Thus, the medal can be supplied appropriately and smoothly. Particularly in this embodiment, since the chute 38 is a separate member from the supply means A, it is easy to change the mounting position of only the chute 38.

  With the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the medal supply transport unit 1 transports the small diameter medal transport unit 36 a that transports the small diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3 and the large diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3. The small diameter medal and the large diameter medal can be simultaneously conveyed in parallel by providing the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. From both the gaming machine using the small diameter medal and the gaming machine using the large diameter medal When a request signal for medals is issued, the small-diameter medals and the large-diameter medals sorted by the medal sorting means 5 can be simultaneously conveyed and supplied to both of the gaming machines.

  On the other hand, a hopper (not shown) capable of storing a predetermined amount of medals is disposed inside each gaming machine H, and a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal conveyed by the medal supply conveying means 1, or A small diameter medal or a large diameter medal inserted by the player is accommodated in the hopper, and can be paid out to the player at the time of a big hit or a small hit. The hopper is provided with detection means (not shown) for detecting that the number of stored medals is less than a predetermined amount. Based on the detection by the detection means, a request signal for medals is supplied to the supply control means 24. Can be outgoing.

  In addition, at a position adjacent to each gaming machine H, a lending machine J that is capable of lending a predetermined amount of medals by inserting a prepaid card, money or banknotes is disposed. In the lending machine J, similarly to the gaming machine H, hoppers (not shown) capable of accommodating a predetermined amount of medals are respectively disposed. A diameter medal is accommodated in the hopper, and a medal corresponding to the amount inserted can be discharged at the time of lending. The hopper is provided with detection means (not shown) for detecting that the number of stored medals is less than a predetermined amount. Based on the detection by the detection means, a request signal for medals is supplied to the supply control means 24. Can be outgoing.

  Here, the medal supply device of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is another gaming machine arranged on the installation island K after the supply of the medal to the specific gaming machine H that has transmitted the medal request signal is completed. The medals are supplied to H or the lending machine J. More specifically, the replenishment control means 24 supplies the medal by the supply means A corresponding to the gaming machine H on condition that the supply of the medal to the specific gaming machine H that has transmitted the medal request signal is completed. , The supply means A corresponding to the other gaming machine H or the rental machine J different from the specific gaming machine H is operated for a predetermined time (that is, the scraper 37 is made to have a small diameter by energizing the solenoid 40). The small diameter medal or large diameter in the small diameter medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b with respect to the hopper of the other gaming machine H or the lending machine J) in proximity to the medal transport part 36a or the large diameter medal transport part 36b) Replenish the diameter medal.

Next, the control contents by the replenishment control means 24 according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, when a request signal for a medal from a specific gaming machine H is received, it is determined whether the specific gaming machine H uses a small diameter medal or a large diameter medal. Medals (small diameter medals or large diameter medals) are selectively replenished from the medal replenishing means 3 and transported by the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, and correspond to the specific gaming machine H. The supply means A is operated to supply medals (S1).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the supply of medals to a specific gaming machine H has been completed (S2). If it is determined that the medals have been completed, the process proceeds to S3, and the operation of supplying medals to other gaming machines or lending machines J is performed. Done. The replenishment operation in S3 operates the supply means A corresponding to another gaming machine H or a lending machine J different from the specific gaming machine H while maintaining the driving of the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b. The small diameter medal or large diameter medal in the small diameter medal transport unit 36a or the large diameter medal transport unit 36b is supplied to the hopper of the other gaming machine H or lending machine J.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the replenishment operation has elapsed for a predetermined time (S4). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the supply corresponding to another gaming machine H or a rental machine J different from the specific gaming machine H is provided. The energization to the solenoid 40 in the means A is stopped, whereby the replenishment operation of medals for the other gaming machine H or the lending machine J different from the specific gaming machine H is ended. The medal replenishment operation in S3 is preferably performed for all gaming machines H and lending machines J other than the specific gaming machine H in the same island facility K. For example, a specific medal in the same island facility K is specified. All gaming machines H and lending machines J upstream of the gaming machines H (side where the medal replenishing means 3 is located) may be targeted.

  In addition, the medal replenishment operation in S3 is performed on all the lending machines J other than the specific gaming machine H in the same island facility K, or on the upstream side of the specific gaming machine H (the side where the medal replenishing means 3 is located). The lending machine J may be the target. In this case, the medal replenishment operation in S3 is performed exclusively for the lending machine J, so that supply of medals to the gaming machine H without the medal request signal can be avoided.

Further, since the payout and lending of the gaming machine H and the lending machine J output a signal for each gaming machine H and the lending machine J, instead of the above control, the replenishment operation of the medal in S3 is a specific game. At the time when the replenishment of medals to the machine H is completed, among other gaming machines H and lending machines J on the same island facility K, payout and lending have been performed once since the opening of the day (or a predetermined time). It excludes things that are not . As a result , the gaming machine H or the lending machine J that would have a smaller medal holding amount can be replenished.

  According to this embodiment, after the supply of medals to a specific gaming machine H (the gaming machine H that transmitted the medal request signal) is completed, the other gaming machines H or lending machines J arranged on the installation island K The medal replenishment operation is performed, so that a large amount of medals are continuously and intensively transported to the end of the medal supply transport means 1 and are collected at the end of the medal supply transport means 1. It is possible to avoid clogging medals in the work chute 39.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, the medal supply transport unit 1 transports the small diameter medal transport unit 36 a that transports the small diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3 and the large diameter medal supplied by the medal supply unit 3. Since the large diameter medal transport portion 36b is formed, and a common recovery chute 39 that can be discharged to the medal recovery transport means 2 is formed at the end of the small diameter medal transport portion 36a and the large diameter medal transport portion 36b. In addition, it is possible to avoid that medals are continuously and intensively transported from both the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b to the common recovery chute 39. It is possible to avoid clogging.

  In other words, in addition to the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b, the medal is transported from both the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b to the common collecting chute 39. However, it is highly likely that a large amount of medals will be intensively transported to the collecting chute 39 and clogged. However, after the supply of medals to a specific gaming machine H is completed, it is arranged on the installation island K. By causing the other gaming machine H or the lending machine J to perform the replenishment operation of the medals, the clogging of the collecting chute 39 can be effectively avoided.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an installation in which only gaming machines in which medals having the same diameter (either a large diameter medal or a small diameter medal) are used are installed. It may be applied to the island. Even in this case, after the supply of the medal to the specific gaming machine H (the gaming machine H that has transmitted the medal request signal) is completed, another gaming machine H or a lending machine J arranged on the installation island K By performing the replenishment operation of the medals for the medals, it is possible to prevent a large amount of medals from being continuously and intensively transported to the end of the medal supply transport means, and to collect the medals supplied to the end of the medal supply transport means It is possible to avoid the medal clogging the shoot.

  In this embodiment, the replenishment operation of S3 is performed for a predetermined time, but other parameters such as the number of revolutions of the motor M3 that drives the small diameter medal transport unit 36a and the large diameter medal transport unit 36b are set. You may make it stop supply operation | movement as a trigger. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medal replenishment operation (S3) is performed under the control of the replenishment control means 24, but the medal replenishment operation may be performed by other control means. In the present embodiment, the cleaning means 9 is disposed in the housing 3a of the medal replenishing means 3. However, the cleaning means 9 may be disposed in the installation island K, and includes the cleaning means 9. You may not do it.

After the supply of medals to specific gaming machine it has been completed, together with causing the supply operation of the medal for installation island disposed the other gaming machines or lending machine, other gaming machines to perform the replenishing operation or lending machine Is a medal replenishing device for gaming machines that excludes items that have not been paid out or lent out for a predetermined time, and can also be applied to devices with different external shapes or with other functions added .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medal supply conveyance means 2 Medal collection conveyance means 3 Medal replenishment means 4 Medal counter 5 Medal selection means 6 Distribution means 7 First storage tank 7a First detection means 8 Second storage tank 8a Second detection means 9 Cleaning means 10 Section 11 Alignment conveyor 12 Washing conveyor 13 Washing conveyor 14 Receiving section 15 Lifter 16 Medal passage 17 Chute 18a Large diameter medal mug 18b Small diameter medal mug 19 Motor 20 Agitating means 21 Conveying conveyor 22 Receiving path 23 Receiving section 24 Replenishing control means 25 Transport means 26 Chute 27 Detection means 28 Detection means 29 Large diameter medal passage 30 Small diameter medal passage 31 Solenoid 32 Chute 33 Solenoid 34 Distributing member 35 Passage 36a Small diameter medal transport section 36b Large diameter medal transport section 37 Scraper 38 Chute 39 Recovery chute 40 Solenoid 41 Coil spring 42 Arm 43 Swing member 44 Closure member A Supply means K Installation island

Claims (2)

Medal supply and transport means extending to an installation island where a plurality of gaming machines are installed and transporting and supplying medals to each gaming machine;
Medal collecting and conveying means that extends to the installation island and collects and conveys medals discharged from each gaming machine;
A collecting chute disposed at the end of the medal supply transporting means for discharging the medal transported to the end of the medal supply transporting means to the medal recovery transporting means;
A medal supply means for storing medals recovered by the medal recovery transport means and supplying medals to the medal supply transport means;
And a medal of a gaming machine in which a predetermined amount of medals are supplied to the gaming machine via the medal supply transport means on condition that a medal request signal is received from the specific gaming machine. A replenishing device,
After the supply of medals to the specific gaming machine is completed, the supply operation of medals to other gaming machines or lending machines arranged on the installation island is performed, and other gaming machines or rentals that perform the supply operation A medal replenishing device for a gaming machine, wherein a machine excludes those that have not been paid out or lent out for a predetermined time . The medal replenishing means comprises medal sorting means for sorting the medals collected by the medal collecting and conveying means into small diameter medals and large diameter medals, and the small diameter medals or large diameter medals sorted by the medal sorting means Optionally, the medal supply transport means can be replenished,
The medal supply transport means includes a small diameter medal transport section that transports a small diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means, and a large diameter medal transport section that transports a large diameter medal replenished by the medal replenishment means, 2. A medal replenishment for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a common collecting chute that can be discharged to the medal collecting and conveying means is formed at the end of the small diameter medal conveying unit and the large diameter medal conveying unit. apparatus.

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