JP6603079B2 - Gift dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize payout device that is installed in a game store or the like in which a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is installed and that pays out a prize such as a special prize.

  For example, in a game store such as a pachinko store, a prize payout device for paying out special prizes according to the number of pachinko balls acquired by a pachinko machine or the number of medals acquired by a slot machine is installed.

  The prize dispensing device stores a plurality of special prizes on a lifting platform in a storage box, and raises the lifting platform according to the number of pachinko balls and medals that have been acquired, thereby giving a predetermined number of special prizes. I am paying out.

As a prize dispensing device, a contact switch that detects that the top of the special prize stacked on the elevated platform is in contact, and a stacker unit that is arranged adjacent to the platform and temporarily stores a plurality of special prizes For this stacker unit, there is known a rotating belt for extruding a special prize at a high speed one by one from a lifting platform. A claw for extruding a special prize is formed on the rotating belt.
In this prize payout device, special prizes to be paid out are temporarily stacked on the stacker unit to pay out special prizes.

JP 2007-105519 A

In the conventional prize dispenser, the laminated special prizes are pushed out one by one from the elevator and are temporarily laminated. Therefore, when a large amount of special prizes are dispensed, it takes time to dispense. It is also possible to extrude a plurality of sheets together instead of one by one, but the prizes are individually distorted, deformed, etc., and only a predetermined number of precisely stacked and closely arranged prizes are extruded together. It was difficult.
In addition, in order to shorten the payout time, if the speed at which the prizes are pushed out one by one to the stacker section is increased, the pushed prizes will jump in the prize dispenser and do not get on the stacker section or are stacked on the stacker section. Sometimes other prizes were destroyed.
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is capable of improving the payout speed of the prize, accurately paying out a predetermined number of prizes, or preventing the prize from jumping in the dispenser. An object is to provide a giveaway device.

  The prize dispensing device according to the embodiment includes a prize storage section that stacks and stores prizes, a first prize moving section that supports and lifts the prizes stacked in the prize storage section, and the first prize moving section. An insertion port into which the prize raised by the prize moving unit is inserted, and an inclined surface that is inclined toward the prize inserted into the insertion slot, and comes into contact with the prize and as the prize rises, the prize And an inclined wall portion that presses in a direction perpendicular to the ascending direction and away from the inclined surface to shift in a stepped manner.

  According to the prize payout device of the embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required for payout of the prize. Further, according to the prize payout device, only a predetermined number of prizes among a plurality of prizes can be accurately sorted. Further, according to the prize payout device of the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the prize W from jumping or rampaging in the prize payout apparatus 17 or the stacked prizes W from collapsing.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the prize delivery system 1 whole which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a prize dispensing device 17. It is a perspective view which shows the back side of the prize delivery apparatus 17 shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the back door 109 of the prize delivery apparatus 17 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a prize cartridge 111. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining an outer portion of the lower unit 112. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the inside of the lower unit 112. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state where a prize cartridge 111 is accommodated in a lower unit 112. It is a perspective view which shows the upper unit 113. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the inside of an upper unit 113. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a prize extruding unit 210 and a prize counting unit 230. It is a perspective view which shows the prize classification part 220. FIG. It is the top view which looked at the prize classification part 220 of FIG. 12 from the bottom. It is AA cross section of the prize classification part 220 shown in FIG. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 for explaining an operation of paying out the prize W. FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 for explaining an operation of paying out the prize W. FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 for explaining an operation of paying out the prize W. 3 is a functional block diagram showing functions of main control means 104. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of a lane control unit 105. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control of a lane control unit 105. It is the schematic which shows the inside of the upper unit 113a which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows control of the lane control means 105 in the upper unit 113a which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a prize dispensing system and a prize dispensing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(About the giveaway system 1)
First, the prize paying system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a prize paying system 1 according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the prize payout system 1 is a game store system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected via a network 3, and the number of acquired game media (for example, the number of pachinko balls or medals). ) Is a system related to payout of a prize W (prize) to be paid out in response to

In the prize payout system 1, a plurality of pachinko machines 5 (game machines), a plurality of intermediary machines 7 disposed between the pachinko machines 5 and connected to the pachinko machines 5, respectively, a plurality of slot machines 9 (game machines), The machine 11 for paying out medals forms a so-called “island” and is connected to the network 3 via the island computer 13.
In the prize payout system 1, the game media can be lent between the game store and the player by cash or the frequency (value) that can be specified by the IC card 15a for members or the IC card 15b for non-members (recording medium). Done.

  The prize payout system 1 includes a prize payout device 17 for paying out a prize W. Here, the prize dispensing device 17 is connected to a prize management device (POS) 19 by a dedicated cable, and is connected to the network 3 via the POS 19. In addition, for example, the prize dispensing device 17 and the POS 19 may be connected via the network 3 instead of a dedicated cable.

The network 3 is, for example, a local area network (LAN). The network 3 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.
The network 3 is further connected to a counter 21 that counts the number of game media and issues a prize payout card or a receipt. Information based on the counted number of balls or medals is called valuable information.
The valuable information includes information indicating the number of balls counted or the number of stored balls converted from the number of medals or the number of stored medals. The counter 21 issues a ticket so that valuable information can be specified by a card or a receipt.
The network 3 is connected to a settlement machine 23 and a management device 25 that return the received balance of the member IC card 15a or the non-member IC card 15b in cash.

The network 3 is further connected to a replay acceptance machine 27, a ticket issuing machine 29, a data display machine 31, a data disclosure machine 33, and the like.
Based on the ID stored in the member IC card 15a, the replay accepting machine 27 has the number of stored balls or the number of stored medals stored in the storage unit of the management device 25, and the number of stored balls for replay or for replaying. A request signal to rewrite the information on the number of stored medals is transmitted to the management device 25. As a result, the player can play again.

The ticket issuing machine 29 accepts banknotes. The ticket-issuing machine 29 includes a “purchase button” for purchasing the frequency, and the frequency corresponding to the selected amount can be specified by the member IC card 15a, or the frequency corresponding to the amount can be specified. The member IC card 15b is issued.
The data display 31 is attached to the upper part of each gaming machine, and displays information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, and the number of jackpots in each gaming machine.

The data publishing machine 33 is a device that can search information such as a slump graph, the number of start times, and the number of jackpots of each gaming machine, and displays the search information on a display unit and provides it to the player.
Information from each device described above is output to the management device 25 via the network 3, and further transmitted to the overall management device 39 a included in the external overall information center 39 via the protocol converter 35 and the modem 37.

  Also, various signals (information) can be output from the management device 25 to each device via the network 3. “Various signals (information)” includes, for example, a payout instruction signal for instructing the payout of the prize W to the prize payout device 17, an inventory count instruction signal for instructing the inventory of the prize W, and the prize W. This is a take-out instruction signal for taking out a prize storage unit (a prize cartridge 111 to be described later) to be held from the prize payout device 17.

  With these signals, a predetermined number of prizes W are paid out, or the inventory of prizes W is counted. The payout instruction signal includes information indicating the number of prizes W to be paid out to the player (payout number information). The payout instruction signal, inventory count instruction signal, and takeout instruction signal may be transmitted to the prize payout device 17 from each device connected to the network 3 such as the POS 19 and the personal computer (PC) 41.

Various information is transmitted to the overall management device 39a from other game stores, for example. As a result, it is possible to perform aggregation for each amusement store or total for the amusement store. Further, each piece of information collected in the overall management device 39a can be viewed on the PC 41 or the like.
Further, each device can be controlled by the PC 41 via the network 3 and information managed by each device can be used (display, edit, and print information).

(About the giveaway device 17)
Next, the prize dispensing device 17 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prize dispensing device 17. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back side of the prize dispensing device 17 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rear door 109 of the prize dispensing device 17 shown in FIG. 3 is opened. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the prize cartridge 111.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the giveaway device 17 includes a housing 100, a shutter 102, a lighting unit 103, a main control unit 104, a lane control unit 105 (control unit), a display unit 106, and an operation display panel 107. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the prize dispensing device 17 includes a back door 109 and a prize dispensing unit 110. Note that the display unit 106 and the operation display panel 107 may be provided in the POS 19. In this case, the prize payout device 17 may not include the display unit 106 and the operation display panel 107. In addition, the prize dispensing device 17 may not include the lighting unit 103.

  The prize payout device 17 pays out the prize W obtained as a result of the game for each lane. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the “lane” is a unit in which one lighting unit 103, one lane control means 105, and one prize paying unit 110 are combined. Here, the prize dispensing device 17 has six lanes.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 100 includes a discharge top plate 100a, a front portion 100b (a player-side surface portion), and a back surface portion 100c (an employee-side surface portion). A prize W is stored in the housing 100.
A prize payout exit 100d (payout exit) through which the prize W is discharged is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the discharge top plate 100a. Here, the prize payout outlets 100d are provided at six locations. By providing the prize payout outlet 100d in this way, the prize W can be discharged simultaneously from a maximum of six locations. The number of prize payout outlets 100d is not limited to six, and the number of prizes may be increased or decreased depending on the amount of prizes W discharged at one time.

  The shutter 102 closes the prize payout exit 100d. The shutter 102 is opened when the prize W is paid out, and is normally closed. The shutter 102 slides along the surface direction of the discharge top plate 100a to expose the prize payout outlet 100d.

  The lighting part 103 is provided in the vicinity of the prize payout outlet 100d on the discharge top plate 100a. The lighting unit 103 includes, for example, an LED lamp. The number of lighting units 103 corresponding to the prize payout outlet 100d is installed. When the lighting unit 103 corresponding to the prize payout exit 100d from which the prize W is discharged is turned on, the position of the prize payout exit 100d from which the prize W is discharged can be indicated to the player or the employee.

  The display unit 106 is a display device for displaying the number of prizes W to be paid out, and includes a liquid crystal monitor, for example. The display unit 106 may include a speaker. In this case, voice information such as “Please come” or “Please wait for a prize” can be issued to the player. Further, for example, a speaker may be provided in the giveaway device 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation display panel 107 is provided facing the back side of the giveaway device 17. The operation display panel 107 is provided with a display unit 107a and an error occurrence lighting unit 107b.
Similar to the display unit 106, the display unit 107a is a display device for displaying the number of prizes W to be paid out, and includes a liquid crystal monitor, for example.

  The error occurrence lighting unit 107 b is provided at the left and right ends of the operation display panel 107. The error lighting unit 107b is lit when an error such as a request for replenishing the prize W or a conveyance failure occurs. Further, lighting when an error occurs may be performed by the lighting unit 103.

  Further, the operation display panel 107 is provided with a lighting unit 107c indicating the number of connected POSs 19. The lighting unit 107c includes, for example, an LED lamp. When one POS 19 is provided, one LED lamp is lit, and when two POS 19 are provided, two are lit.

In addition, the operation display panel 107 is provided with a ready lighting unit 107d that indicates the ready state of the prize payout device 17 in the vicinity of the lighting unit 107c. The ready lighting unit 107d also includes, for example, an LED lamp.
The operation display panel 107 is further provided with a button group 107e.

The button group 107e is composed of various buttons. The button group 107e can include, for example, an “stock confirmation button”, a “freebie cartridge takeout button”, a “ten-key”, a “payout button”, and the like.
The stock count of the prize W can be performed by pressing the stock confirmation button. By pressing the prize cartridge take-out button, the prize cartridge 111 holding the prize W in a stacked manner can be taken out from the prize dispensing device 17.
For example, if the operation display panel 107 is a touch panel and a liquid crystal, the button group and each lighting unit are not necessary.

  In some cases, the POS 19 is provided with a gift cartridge eject button. In this case, in response to pressing of the prize cartridge take-out button of the POS 19, a take-out instruction signal for instructing the take-out of the prize cartridge 111 is transmitted from the POS 19 to the prize dispensing device 17. As a result, the prize cartridge 111 can be taken out from the prize dispensing device 17. The prize cartridge 111 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  For example, the number of prizes W to be paid out can be input with the numeric keypad. With the payout button, for example, the type of the prize W can be input, or the payout of the prize W can be started. Thus, a predetermined number of prizes W can be paid out from the prize payout exit 100d. That is, by providing a numeric keypad and a payout button, the prize W can be paid out even if a payout instruction signal is not transmitted from the POS 19, the management device 25, the PC 41, or the like. Note that the number and type of prizes W to be paid out can be automatically calculated according to the number of pachinko balls and medals acquired.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back door 109 is provided on the back surface portion 100 c of the housing 100. The back door 109 includes a grip portion 109a and a locking mechanism 109b.
The back door 109 is a double-open door, and an employee of the amusement shop can open and close the left and right back doors 109 by grasping the grip portion 109a.
The locking mechanism 109b has, for example, a structure that can be locked or unlocked by inserting a key into a key hole. The locking mechanism 109b may be connected to the main control unit 104 shown in FIG. 2 via a line.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an opening detection means 109 c is disposed on the side surface of one back door 109. This door opening detection means 109c is comprised by a contact switch etc., for example. The opening detection means 109c can detect that the side surface of the other back door 109 has contacted itself (the opening detection means 109c).

  The prize dispensing unit 110 includes a prize cartridge 111, a lower unit 112, and an upper unit 113. The prize payout unit 110 is arranged in parallel in the lateral direction of the prize payout device 17 for each lane. In this embodiment, the prize payout units 110 for 6 lanes are arranged. However, the number of the prize payout units 110 is not limited to 6 lanes, and the number may be increased or decreased.

  The prize cartridge 111 is a box that holds the prize W in a stacked manner. As shown in FIG. 5, the prize cartridge 111 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole, and is composed of a prize storage row 120 comprising a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped spaces arranged in one row. The prize cartridge 111 is inserted into the lower unit 112 so as to be freely inserted into and removed from the lower unit 112, and is arranged so as to be movable in the lower unit 112.

  A grip portion 121 that is gripped by an employee is provided on one outer surface of the prize cartridge 111. A metal plate 122 is disposed on the outer surface of the prize cartridge 111 opposite to the outer surface on which the grip portion 121 is installed. Here, the two metal plates 122 are arranged at the lower part of the outer surface of the prize cartridge 111, but the number and arrangement position are not limited to this.

  The prize storage columns 120 each store a prize W. For example, when the prize W has a thickness of 3 mm, the prize storage row 120 can store 150 prizes W. Therefore, a total of 450 prizes W can be stored in the three prize storage rows 120. Here, the prize cartridge 111 is composed of three prize storage rows 120, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of the prize storage rows 120 may be increased or decreased. In the prize storage row 120, different types of prizes W may be stored, or the same type of prize W may be stored.

The back surface and both side surfaces of the prize storage row 120 are formed of wall surfaces. The prize storage row 120 shares a side surface 120a between adjacent prize storage rows 120, respectively.
The front and ceiling surfaces of the prize storage row 120 are opened. A plate-shaped guide 124 is provided along the premium storage column 120 at the front side of the premium storage column 120.
On the bottom surface of the prize storage row 120, a center part and a part of the front face part are cut out, and a prize stopper 125 formed in a substantially C shape is fixed. The prize stopper 125 supports the prize W stacked in the prize storage row 120.

  Next, the lower unit 112 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining an outer portion of the lower unit 112. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the inside of the lower unit 112. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state where the prize cartridge 111 is accommodated in the lower unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower unit 112 includes a lower housing 112a, a cartridge insertion door 112b, a lock function unit 112c, and a contact switch 112d.
The lower housing 112a is a hollow box, and accommodates the prize cartridge 111 so that it can freely enter and exit. The lower casing 112a is formed with a prize cartridge insertion port 112e that opens to the outside of the lower casing 112a, and the prize cartridge 111 is taken in and out from the prize cartridge insertion slot 112e.

The cartridge insertion slot door 112b, the lock function part 112c, and the contact switch 112d are respectively arranged in the vicinity of the premium cartridge insertion slot 112e. The contact switch 112d is provided to detect opening and closing of the cartridge insertion opening door 112b.
The lock function unit 112c and the contact switch 112d may be connected to the lane control unit 105 via a line.

  The cartridge insertion opening door 112b functions as an opening / closing door capable of closing the prize cartridge insertion opening 112e. One end side of the cartridge insertion opening door 112b is fixed to the lower housing 112a by a rotation support member 112f such as a hinge, for example. By providing the rotation support member 112f, the cartridge insertion door 112b can be opened and closed with the rotation support member 112f as an axis.

A locking opening 112g is provided at the edge of the cartridge insertion door 112b opposite to the fixed side. The locking opening 112g is installed at a position corresponding to the lock function part 112c. The locking opening 112g is locked by the lock function portion 112c when the cartridge insertion opening door 112b is closed. As a result, the cartridge insertion opening door 112b is locked by the lock function portion 112c.
As shown in FIG. 4, a door grip 113h is installed on the cartridge insertion door 112b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper unit 113 and the discharge top plate 100a are arranged on the upper portion of the lower housing 112a of the lower unit 112. An opening 112j communicating with the upper unit 113 is provided on the ceiling surface of the lower housing 112a.
The prize W is conveyed into the upper unit 113 through the opening 112j and finally paid out from the prize payout outlet 100d.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lower unit 112 houses a guide unit 130, a lift mechanism 140, a counting unit 170, and a prize transport unit 180. The lower unit 112 accommodates various sensors other than these as required. “Various sensors” are, for example, the initial position sensor 151 and the initial position sensor 152 disposed on the bottom surface of the lower housing 112a. The initial position sensor 151 is disposed at a standby position of the prize transport unit 180. The initial position sensor 152 is disposed at a standby position of the counting unit 170 and is positioned above the initial position sensor 151.

  The guide unit 130 includes a guide rail 131, a guide roller 132, a cartridge installation plate 133, a catch unit 134, a magnet 135, a position detection protrusion 136, a position detection sensor 137, and a cartridge moving mechanism 138.

  The guide rails 131 are installed in a strip shape on both sides of the lower end position of the prize cartridge insertion port 112e and across the back of the lower housing 112a on the opposite side of the prize cartridge insertion port 112e from the prize cartridge insertion port 112e. A part of the guide rail 131 is cut out so that a part of the prize transport unit 180 can pass through in the vertical direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the guide rail 131 is disposed). The guide rail 131 guides the moving direction of the inserted prize cartridge 111.

A plurality of guide rollers 132 are installed from one wall surface of the guide rail 131 to the other wall surface. As the guide roller 132 rotates, the cartridge installation plate 133 moves on the guide roller 132 along the guide rail 131.
The cartridge installation plate 133 is disposed on the guide roller 132. The cartridge installation plate 133 receives the prize cartridge 111 inserted from the prize cartridge insertion port 112e and supports the prize cartridge 111. The cartridge installation plate 133 moves in the arrangement direction of the guide rail 131 integrally with the prize cartridge 111.
The cartridge installation plate 133 is provided with a notch 133a through which the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 can pass.

  The position detection sensor 137 is disposed at a predetermined position on the inner wall surface of the lower housing 112a.

  The cartridge moving mechanism 138 includes a stepping motor 138a and a timing belt 138b installed at the bottom of the lower housing 112a. The cartridge moving mechanism 138 can also include a gear portion having a predetermined gear ratio that connects the stepping motor 138a and the timing belt 138b.

  The stepping motor 138 a is rotated forward and backward by the lane control means 105. An encoder for detecting the presence or absence of rotation may be provided on the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 138a in order to detect the movement position of the prize cartridge 111 installed on the cartridge installation plate 133.

  The timing belt 138b is a transmission means for transmitting the power from the stepping motor 138a to the cartridge installation plate 133. The timing belt 138b is driven by driving the stepping motor 138a. As a result, the cartridge installation plate 133 moves on the guide roller 132.

(About lift mechanism 140)
The lift mechanism 140 includes a stepping motor 141, a gear group 142, a spiral shaft 143, a linear shaft 144, and a clutch 145.
The lift mechanism 140 may include an encoder for detecting whether the stepping motor 141 is rotating normally. The lift mechanism 140 moves the counting unit 170 alone or the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 held (connected) by the counting unit 170 up and down. When counting the stock of the prize W, the counting unit 170 moves up and down as a single unit. When paying out the prize W, the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are lifted and lowered integrally.

The stepping motor 141, the gear group 142, the spiral shaft 143, the linear shaft 144, and the clutch 145 are disposed on the bottom surface portion of the lower housing 112a.
The stepping motor 141 is a driving source for raising and lowering the counting unit 170 alone or the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180, and is rotated forward and backward by the lane control unit 105.

  The gear group 142 transmits the power of the stepping motor 141 to the spiral shaft 143. The power of the stepping motor 141 may be transmitted to the spiral shaft 143 by a belt mechanism such as the timing belt 138b or other chain mechanism.

The spiral shaft 143 and the linear shaft 144 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval from each other. The spiral shaft 143 and the linear shaft 144 are installed from the bottom surface of the lower housing 112a to the ceiling surface where the opening 112j opens.
The spiral shaft 143 is connected to the stepping motor 141 via a gear group 142 and a clutch 145, and is rotated by being supplied with power from the stepping motor 141. As the spiral shaft 143 rotates, the counting unit 170 alone, or the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are moved up and down.
The linear shaft 144 guides the raising and lowering of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180.

The clutch 145 is, for example, a bidirectional clutch. The input shaft of the clutch 145 is connected to the gear group 142 on the stepping motor 141 side, and the output shaft of the clutch 145 is connected to the gear group 142 on the spiral shaft 143 side. In the clutch 145, the input shaft and the output shaft rotate in either case where the stepping motor 141 is rotated forward or reverse. That is, the power of the stepping motor 141 is transmitted to the spiral shaft 143 together with the gear group 142 in either case of normal rotation or reverse rotation.
The clutch 145 is used when the stepping motor 141 is not energized and the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are connected to be kept at a predetermined position. Therefore, if the stepping motor is excited, the clutch 145 becomes unnecessary.

  However, when the clutch 145 receives a force (for example, a rotational force) from the spiral shaft 143 side that is a disturbance for the stepping motor 141, the output shaft is locked.

As shown in FIG. 8, the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are first prize moving units that support the prize W stored in the prize storage row 120 from below and transport it up to the upper unit 113. .
The counting unit 170 is located above the prize transport unit 180. The counting unit 170 moves up and down along the spiral shaft 143 and the linear shaft 144 by driving the stepping motor 141 shown in FIG.

  The counting unit 170 includes a lock mechanism (not shown) and holds the prize transport unit 180. This state is referred to as a state where the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are connected. The lock mechanism is not particularly limited, and various configurations such as hooking the prize transport unit 180 with a claw or with an electromagnet can be employed.

  The prize transport unit 180 includes a thin plate-shaped main body 181, a columnar column 182, and a plate-shaped prize support stand 183. The prize transport unit 180 is located below the counting unit 170. The prize transport unit 180 is not connected to the spiral shaft 143. The prize transport unit 180 is held by the counting unit 170, moves up and down along the linear shaft 144, and transports the prize W stacked on the prize cartridge 111 to the upper unit 113.

The support column 182 is provided in parallel on the main body 181. The support column 182 has a predetermined height (length in a direction along the linear shaft 144) so that the lowermost prize W stacked on the prize cartridge 111 is reliably conveyed into the upper unit 113. is doing. The column portion 182 holds the prize support base 183.
The prize support base 183 is disposed at a position where it can pass through the notched portion of the guide rail 131 and is formed in a size that allows it to pass through. The prize support stand 183 lifts the prize W stacked on the prize cartridge 111 from below.

(About upper unit 113)
Next, the configuration of the upper unit 113 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper unit 113. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the inside of the upper unit 113. In FIG. 10, illustration of predetermined portions (for example, a pair of arm portions 225 and a support portion 224 c of the separation floor 224) is omitted to make the drawing easy to see. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of the prize extruding unit 210 and the prize counting unit 230. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the prize sorting unit 220. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the prize sorting unit 220 of FIG. 12 viewed from below. FIG. 14 is an AA cross section of the prize sorting unit 220 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the upper unit 113 includes a base unit 200, a prize extruding unit 210, a prize sorting unit 220, a prize counting unit 230 (a prize sorting unit), and a prize paying part 240 (a second prize moving unit). . The upper unit 113 is a device that pays out the prize W conveyed from the lower unit 112 to the player.

(About the base part 200)
On the base part 200, a prize pushing part 210, a prize sorting part 220, a prize counting part 230, and a prize paying part 240 are arranged.
The base portion 200 is formed with a prize insertion port 200a (insertion port) that penetrates the back surface from the front surface of the base portion 200 and communicates with an opening 112j (see FIG. 10) formed in the lower housing 112a.
The prize W transported by the counting section 170 and the prize transport section 180 is inserted into the upper unit 113 through the prize insertion port 200a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the base part 200 is disposed on the lower housing 112a. The base part 200 may be formed integrally with the lower housing 112a. In this case, the lower side of the base part 200 functions as a ceiling surface of the lower housing 112a.

(About the prize extruding section 210)
As shown in FIG. 9, the prize extruding unit 210 includes a frame 211, a slide rail 212, a main body 213 (moving arm), sensors 214 a and 214 b, an extruding plate 215, and an extruding motor 216.
In the prize extruding unit 210, the main body 213 and the pushing plate 215 slide so as to be able to advance and retreat in the horizontal direction along the slide rail 212 by the rotation of the extruding motor 216. Extrude into.

The frame body 211 is formed by arranging a pair of flat plates having an opening in the center thereof separated by spacers 217. A slide rail 212 and sensors 214a and 214b are disposed at predetermined positions of the frame 211.
The main body portion 213 is attached to the slide rail 212 and slides in the horizontal direction with respect to the base portion 200 by driving of the extrusion motor 216. An extrusion plate 215 is attached to a predetermined surface of the main body 213.

The sensors 214a and 214b are, for example, non-contact sensors such as optical sensors or various contact sensors.
The sensors 214a and 214b are provided for the lane control unit 105 to detect whether the main body 213 is at the backward end or has moved to the forward end. The sensors 214a and 214b can detect the position of the main body 213 by reading the side surface of the main body 213.
Here, the “reverse end” refers to a standby position (home position) of the main body 213 before the prize W is paid out. The “advance end” refers to a movement limit position when the main body 213 (and the extrusion plate 215) pushes out the prize W to be paid out to the prize paying section 240.

The sensor 214a is disposed at the reverse end. Here, the sensor 214a is disposed on one end side of the slide rail 212 in the frame body 211 (the end side opposite to the prize paying portion 240 side).
The sensor 214b is disposed at the forward end. Here, the sensor 214b is disposed in the frame 211 closer to the prize paying unit 240 than the sensor 214a.
The sensors 214 a and 214 b are connected to the lane control unit 105 and output a detection signal to the lane control unit 105.

As shown in FIG. 11, the extrusion plate 215 includes a base 215a, a pair of arms 215b, and an extrusion 215c.
The extruded plate 215 has a flat plate shape, is fixed to the main body 213, and slides integrally with the main body 213.

  The pair of arm portions 215b extends from the base portion 215a toward the prize payout portion 240 shown in FIG. This “extending” direction is called the extending direction. The pair of arm portions 215b are parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other in the surface direction of the base portion 215a and in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction. A pair of rotating rollers 218 is provided on the distal end side (the end side opposite to the base portion 215a) of the pair of arm portions 215b.

The pair of rotating rollers 218 have a rotating shaft 218a orthogonal to the surface direction of the base 215a, and freely rotate with respect to the rotating shaft 218a.
The extruding portion 215c is integrally formed with the base portion 215a. The pushing portion 215c is bent in a substantially right angle direction with respect to the base portion 215a, and extends toward the base portion 200 shown in FIG.

The pushing portion 215c is provided at a predetermined edge portion of the base portion 215a sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 215b, and further, here, the disposition position is close to one side of the pair of arm portions 215b.
The extruding unit 215c abuts the side surface of the payout target prize W and pushes the payout target prize W up to the prize payout unit 240.

  The extrusion motor 216 is, for example, a stepping motor, and the forward / reverse rotation is controlled by the lane control unit 105. A contact member 216 a that comes into contact with the main body 213 is disposed on the rotation shaft of the extrusion motor 216. Extrusion motor 216 may include a transmission gear in addition to contact member 216a.

The contact member 216a is formed, for example, by forming rubber in a cylindrical shape, or forming metal or resin in a gear shape. The contact member 216a and the main body 213 are preferably connected by a rack and pinion method.
The main body 213 slides along the slide rail 212 so as to be able to advance and retreat by the frictional force acting between the contact member 216a and the main body 213.

(About the prize sorting unit 220)
As shown in FIG. 12, the prize sorting unit 220 includes a frame body 221, shafts 222a and 222b, a pair of holding members 223, a pair of sorting floors 224 (sorting plates), a pair of arm portions 225, four support shafts 226, An inclined member 227 is provided. The pair of holding members 223 and the pair of arm portions 225 are link mechanisms.

  The prize sorting unit 220 separates the prize W to be paid out from the prize W inserted from the prize insertion port 200a shown in FIG. This separation is performed before the prize pushing unit 210 pushes the prize W to the prize dispensing unit 240.

The frame body 221 includes a bottom surface portion 221a, wall surface portions 221b and 221c, and a pair of support protrusions 221d.
The frame body 221 holds the shafts 222a and 222b, the pair of holding members 223, the pair of separation floors 224, the pair of arm portions 225, and the inclined members 227.

The bottom surface portion 221a is provided with an opening 221e having a shape corresponding to the prize insertion port 200a of the base portion 200. The bottom surface portion 221a is provided with an inclined member holding portion 221f.
The inclined member holding portion 221f protrudes toward the opening 221e and is bent in a substantially right angle direction with respect to the opening 221e from the middle.
An inclined member 227 is attached to the inclined member holding portion 221f.

The wall surface portions 221b and 221c face each other across the bottom surface portion 221a, and are provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 221a.
The wall surface portions 221b and 221c hold a pair of support protrusions 221d, shafts 222a and 222b, and four support shafts 226.
The pair of support protrusions 221d oppose each other with the bottom surface portion 221a interposed therebetween. The pair of support protrusions 221d hold the pair of arm portions 225 in a rotatable manner.

  The inclined member 227 has a substantially triangular prism shape. The inclined member 227 is attached to one end side of the inclined member holding portion 221f so that two substantially triangular surfaces face the wall surface portions 221b and 221c, respectively. Although the inclined member 227 is illustrated here as an independent member, the inclined member holding portion 221f itself may be the inclined member 227.

The inclined member 227 is inclined so as to gradually protrude from the bottom surface portion 221a side of the frame body 221 toward the opening 221e, and one end portion located on the distal end side of the inclined member holding portion 221f is most toward the opening 221e. It is overhanging. The surface protruding toward the opening 221e functions as an inclined surface S1 that shifts the prize W inserted from the prize insertion port 200a in a staircase pattern.
The shafts 222a and 222b are provided from the wall surface portion 221b to the wall surface portion 221c so as to cross the bottom surface portion 221a.

The shaft 222a is disposed above the wall surface portions 221b and 221c and on the premium extruding portion 210 side shown in FIG.
The shaft 222b is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom surface portion 221a and on the side of the prize paying portion 240 shown in FIG.
A pair of holding members 223 are slidably attached to the shafts 222a and 222b.

Next, the pair of holding members 223, the pair of separation floors 224, and the pair of arm portions 225 will be described in detail. These (for example, one holding member 223 and the other holding member 223) are connected to the shafts 222a and 222b. It has a shape that is symmetrical (mirrored) across an imaginary line that connects the central portions. That is, they have shapes and functions corresponding to each other.
Therefore, in FIGS. 12 to 14, in order to make the drawings easier to see, when one of the pair is given a reference numeral, the corresponding other identical part will be explained without attaching the reference numeral.

  The holding member 223 includes a front surface portion 223a, a back side surface portion 223b, a first side surface portion 223c, a second side surface portion 223d, a third side surface portion 223e, a wall surface portion 223f, a wall surface back portion 223g (inclined wall portion), and a fourth. Side surface portion 223h, fifth side surface portion 223j, insertion holes 223k and 223m, and link connection portion 223n.

The back side surface part 223b is a surface on the back side of the surface part 223a, and a guide groove 228 is provided.
The first side surface portion 223 c connects the front surface portion 223 a and the back side surface portion 223 b and faces the other holding member 223.
The second side surface portion 223d is a surface opposite to the first side surface portion 223c and faces the wall surface portion 221b (or the wall surface portion 221c) of the frame body 221.

The third side surface portion 223e connects the first side surface portion 223c and the second side surface portion 223d, and faces the prize extruding portion 210 shown in FIG.
The wall surface part 223f is provided at a substantially right angle with respect to the surface part 223a, and faces the prize paying part 240 shown in FIG. The wall surface back portion 223g is a surface on the back side of the wall surface portion 223f.
The fourth side surface part 223h connects the wall surface part 223f and the wall surface back part 223g and faces the other holding member 223.

  The fifth side surface portion 223j is a surface opposite to the fourth side surface portion 223h and faces the wall surface portion 221b (or the wall surface portion 221c) of the frame body 221. Here, the fifth side surface portion 223j is continuous with the second side surface portion 223d.

The insertion hole 223k passes through the second side surface portion 223d from the first side surface portion 223c, and the shaft 222a is inserted therein. Similarly, the insertion hole 223m passes through the fourth side surface portion 223h to the fifth side surface portion 223j, and the shaft 222b is inserted therein.
Since the insertion holes 223k and 223m are formed larger in diameter than the shafts 222a and 222b, the pair of holding members 223 can slide smoothly with respect to the shafts 222a and 222b, respectively.

The link connection portion 223n is provided on the second side surface portion 223d. A part of the link connection portion 223n extends to the back side surface portion 223b as shown in FIG. The link connection portion 223n is provided with a link support shaft 229a for rotatably supporting the pair of arm portions 225 relative to itself (link connection portion 223n).
The link support shaft 229a passes through the link connecting portion 223n in a direction orthogonal to the shafts 222a and 222b, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the link connecting portion 223n.

The guide groove 228 includes a first part 228a, a second part 228b, and a third part 228c. The guide groove 228 is a groove having a predetermined depth and width.
The first portion 228a extends toward the wall surface back portion 223g with the third side surface portion 223e as one end portion.

  The second part 228b has one end connected to the other end of the first part 228a, and the first side part 223c has a predetermined angle from the other end of the first part 228a. Extending towards. Accordingly, the second part 228b is disposed obliquely with respect to the first part 228a.

  The third part 228c has one end connected to the other end of the second part 228b, and faces the wall surface back part 223g with a predetermined angle from the other end of the second part 228b. Extend. Here, the third part 228c extends in substantially the same direction as the first part 228a. The third portion 228c is disposed closer to the first side surface portion 223c than the first portion 228a.

  An inclined surface S2 (inclined surface) is disposed on the wall surface back portion 223g. The inclined surface S2 is inclined in the same manner as the inclined surface S1 of the inclined member 227, and the prize W inserted from the prize insertion port 200a shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the inclined surfaces S1 and S2 are collectively described as the inclined surface S2.

  As shown in FIG. 14, each of the pair of arm portions 225 is formed in a substantially rod shape. Link fulcrum shafts 229b are provided through substantially the center portions of the pair of arm portions 225, respectively. The pair of arm portions 225 are respectively rotatably fixed to support protrusions 221d provided on the wall surface portion 221b (or wall surface portion 221c) of the frame body 221 via a link fulcrum shaft 229b.

  One end side of the pair of arm portions 225 is rotatably attached to the link connection portion 223n of the holding member 223 via the link support shaft 229a. Although not shown here, one end side of the pair of arm portions 225 is formed in a substantially U shape, and sandwiches the link connecting portion 223n from both sides (direction in which the link support shaft 229a extends).

  The other end sides of the pair of arm portions 225 are connected to the pair of separation floors 224, respectively. On the other end side, a plate-like pressing plate 225a extending in the longitudinal direction of the pair of arm portions 225 is formed. The pressing plate 225a presses the separation floor 224 so as to advance and retreat in the direction along the shaft 222a.

The pair of separation floors 224 includes a main body part 224a, a through hole 224b, and a support part 224c.
The pair of separation floors 224 move so as to move forward and backward so as to approach each other or move away from each other by the rotation of the pair of arm portions 225. When the pair of separation floors 224 move so as to approach each other, the main body 224a is inserted from the side of the prize W inserted through the opening 221e, and the prize W to be paid out and the prize W to be paid out are separated.

The main body 224a has a thin plate shape. On the side surface of the main body 224a that faces the other separation floor 224, an inclined surface 224d that is easily inserted between the prizes W is formed.
The through hole 224b penetrates the back surface from the front surface of the main body 224a. A pressing plate 225a of a pair of arm portions 225 is inserted into the through hole 224b. When the pair of arm portions 225 rotate, the inner wall surface of the through hole 224b is pressed by the pressing plate 225a. As a result, the separation floor 224 moves.

The support portion 224c has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 12, the support portions 224c are provided at two locations on the surface of the main body portion 224a so as to sandwich the pair of arm portions 225 from both sides.
A support shaft 226 is provided through the support portion 224c. The support portion 224c and the support shaft 226 are provided to be slidable relative to each other. The support shaft 226 guides the advancing and retreating direction of the separation floor 224 pressed by the pair of arm portions 225.

(About the prize counting unit 230)
As shown in FIG. 10, the prize counting unit 230 includes an original position sensor 231, a counting sensor 232 (signal output means), an alignment wall 233, a solenoid 234 (rotating means), a solenoid 235, a counting pick 236 (contact terminal), A pressing pick 237 is provided.

  The prize counting unit 230 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the prize pushing unit 210 and the prize sorting unit 220. Among the units included in the prize counting unit 230, the alignment wall part 233, the counting pick 236, and the solenoids 234 and 235 are arranged on the opposite side of the inclined surface S2 of the prize sorting unit 220 with the prize insertion port 200a interposed therebetween.

  The prize counting unit 230 counts the prize W to be paid out. The prize W is counted before the sorting floor 224 of the prize sorting unit 220 separates the prize W to be paid out from the prize W to be paid out.

  The rear prize counting unit 230, which counts the prize W to be paid out, allows the sorting floor 224 to separate the prize W to be paid out from the prize W to be paid out and the other prize W to be paid out. A gap is formed between the payout target prize W. The main body 224a of the separation floor 224 is inserted into this gap.

The original position sensor 231 and the counting sensor 232 are, for example, a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor or various contact sensors.
The original position sensor 231 is provided for the lane control means 105 to detect whether or not the prize W before payout is at the standby position (home position). Here, the original position sensor 231 is disposed between the opening 221e and the separation floor 224. When the original position sensor 231 reads the side surface of the prize W that has risen or descended, it is possible to detect whether or not the highest prize W has passed through itself (original position sensor 231).

The count sensor 232 is provided for the lane control means 105 to detect the count pick 236. Therefore, the counting sensor 232 is disposed in the vicinity of the counting pick 236.
The number of times the counting sensor 232 detects “is” based on the operation of the counting pick 236 is counted as the number of prizes W to be paid out.
The original position sensor 231 and the counting sensor 232 are connected to the lane control unit 105 and output a detection signal to the lane control unit 105.

As shown in FIG. 11, the alignment wall 233 includes a main body 233a (second inclined wall), an extruded plate passage surface 233b formed in the main body 233a, openings 233c and 233d, and an inclined surface S3 (second Sloped surface).
The main body portion 233a is formed so as to be substantially L-shaped as a whole by cutting out a part of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so that the main body portion 213 and the extrusion portion 215c of the prize extruding portion 210 can pass therethrough.

Most of the main body portion 233a is located between one of the pushing portion 215c and the arm portion 215b of the prize pushing portion 210, and the remaining portion is located below the pushing portion 215c.
The extrusion plate passage surface 233b is a surface corresponding to the above-described notch. The extrusion plate passage surface 233b is formed so as not to interfere with the moving main body portion 213 and the extrusion portion 215c.

The openings 233c and 233d are provided vertically in the main body 233a and penetrate from the inclined surface S3 to the back surface. As shown in FIG. 10, a counting pick 236 and a pressing pick are inserted into the openings 233c and 233d from the back side.
The inclined surface S3 is a part of the surface of the main body 233a, and faces the inclined member 227 and the inclined surface S2 of the prize sorting unit 220. The inclined surface S3 is in contact with the prize W shifted in a staircase pattern by the inclined surface S2, and supports the prize W that has been contacted from below.

The inclination angles of the inclined surface S2 and the inclined surface S3 are different.
The inclination angle of the inclined surface S2 is preferably 45 ° or more, and most preferably about 55 °. It is desirable that the inclination angle of the inclined surface S3 is steeper than that of the inclined surface S2. Specifically, the inclined surface S3 is desirably 85 ° or less, and most desirably about 75 °.

  The angle difference between the inclined surface S2 and the inclined surface S3 is desirably about 15 ° to 30 °. It is desirable to subject the inclined surfaces S1 to S3 to plating (for example, copper plating) in order to reduce friction.

This is a so-called pull-type solenoid in which the movable iron core is drawn into the main body by flowing a current through a coil (not shown) installed in the main body provided in the solenoids 234 and 235.
The solenoid 234 is provided for retracting the counting pick 236. Retraction refers to a state in which the counting pick 236 is urged so as not to contact the prize W. This evacuation is performed, for example, when the count of the prize W is canceled or when the prize W is returned to the home position. Similarly, the solenoid 235 is provided for retracting the pressing pick 237.

The counting pick 236 includes a main body portion 236a, a prize support portion 236b, and a solenoid connection portion 236c.
The counting pick 236 is provided behind the opening 233c of the alignment wall 233 so as to be rotatable about the fulcrum f as a rotation axis. The count pick 236 is always urged in the direction of the inclined surface S2 by a spring 236d (elastic means). The spring 236d is, for example, a torsion spring or a leaf spring.

The prize support part 236b is exposed toward the space where the separation floor 224 is disposed from the opening 233c. The prize support part 236b moves back in contact with the prize W that has risen. As a result, the entire counting pick 236 moves backward with the fulcrum f as the rotation axis. At this time, the main body 236 a overlaps the counting sensor 232. The counting sensor 232 counts the number of overlapping operations of the main body 236a as the number of prizes W.
When the prize W passes, the counting pick 236 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring 236d. The counted prize W is placed on the prize support 236b. This operation will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  The solenoid connection portion 236c is connected to the movable iron core of the solenoid 234. The solenoid connection portion 236c is provided above the fulcrum f. When the solenoid 234 is driven and the movable iron core is drawn into the main body of the solenoid 234, the solenoid connecting portion 236c is pulled by the movable iron core. As a result, the counting pick 236 moves backward toward the solenoid 234 with the fulcrum f as the rotation axis. At this time, the prize support 236b is retracted into the opening 233c (retraction operation of the counting pick 236).

The pressing pick 237 includes a main body portion 237a, a solenoid connection portion 237b, and a slide rail 237c.
The main body portion 237a is inserted into the opening 233d of the alignment wall portion 233. Similar to the counting pick 236, the main body 237a is always urged in the direction of the inclined surface S2 by a spring (not shown) (for example, a torsion spring or a leaf spring). The main body 237a is attached to the slide rail 237c and moves in the opening 233d so as to advance and retreat.

Similarly to the main body 236a of the counting pick 236, the main body 237a may be configured to move rotatably with a fulcrum provided at a predetermined location as a rotation axis.
The front end of the main body 237a (the side opposite to the slide rail 237c) is exposed from the opening 233d toward the space where the separation floor 224 is disposed.
This tip portion comes into contact with the prize W that has risen in the same manner as the prize support part 236b of the counting pick 236.

As a result, the main body 237a is pushed by the prize W, and the entire pressing pick 237 moves backward along the slide rail. At this time, the main body 237a presses the premium W that has come into contact with the inclined surface S2 by the restoring force of the spring.
When the prize W passes, the main body 237a returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring.

  The solenoid connection portion 237b is connected to the movable iron core of the solenoid 235. When the solenoid 235 is driven and the movable iron core is drawn into the main body of the solenoid 235, the solenoid connecting portion 237b is pulled by the movable iron core. As a result, the pressing pick 237 moves backward toward the solenoid 235 along the slide rail 237c. At this time, the main body 237a is retracted into the opening 233d up to the tip (retracting operation of the pressing pick 237).

(Regarding the gift dispensing unit 240)
The prize paying unit 240 includes a mounting table 241, a forgetting sensor 242, a wall 243, a count check sensor 244 (premium signal output means), a driving motor 245 (driving unit), a slide rail 246, and sensors 247a and 247b.

  The mounting table 241 includes a main body portion 241a and an extending portion 241b. The mounting table 241 is provided so as to be vertically movable along the slide rail 246 in the upper unit 113, and the prize W pushed out by the prize pusher 210 is raised to the prize payout outlet 100 d to be paid to the player. put out.

The main body 241a includes a placement surface 241c and a hole 241d. The main body 241 a is adjacent to the prize sorting unit 220. The main body 241a is disposed at a position corresponding to the prize payout outlet 100d (a position extending in the vertical direction).
The placement surface 241c is a surface facing the prize payout exit 100d, on which the prize W pushed out by the prize extruding unit 210 is placed.

It is desirable that the placement surface 241c be disposed on substantially the same plane as the surface of the separation floor 224 so that the extruded prize W is not caught. Alternatively, the placement surface 241c may be at a position lower than the surface of the separation floor 224.
The hole 241d is provided from the placement surface 241c toward the surface opposite to the placement surface 241c. A forgetting sensor 242 is disposed in the hole 241d.

The forgetting sensor 242 is, for example, a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor or various contact sensors. The forgetting sensor 242 is provided for the lane control unit 105 to determine whether or not the prize W is placed on the placement surface 241c.
The forgetting sensor 242 is connected to the lane control unit 105 and outputs a detection signal to the lane control unit 105.

  The extending part 241b is a part other than the main body part 241a in the mounting table 241. As shown in FIG. 9, the extended portion 241 b is bent at several places, and the whole is formed in a substantially L shape or a substantially U shape. The extending portion 241b is connected to the main body portion 241a and is bent in a substantially right angle direction from the portion 241e parallel to the shaft 222a of the prize sorting portion 220 and toward the lower housing 112a (not shown). And a vertical portion 241f extending in the direction.

The end of the part 241e opposite to the part 241f is movably attached to the slide rail 246.
The side surface of the part 241f is in contact with the drive motor 245. As the drive motor 245 rotates, the portion 241f moves in the vertical direction. As a result, the entire mounting table 241 moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the slide rail 246.
The slide rail 246 guides the movement of the mounting table 241. The slide rail 246 passes through the base portion 200 so as to be parallel to the portion 241f.

The wall 243 is provided so as to surround the mounting table 241.
The wall surface of the wall 243 on the side of the prize sorting unit 220 is open so as not to inhibit the movement of the prize W. The opposite wall surface across the mounting table 241 with respect to the opening comes into contact with the prize W that has been moved by being pressed by the prize extruding unit 210, thereby preventing the prize W from falling off the mounting table 241. Further, the prize W is pressed against the wall surface, so that the deviation of the prize W in the horizontal direction (here, the direction along the direction in which the prize W is pushed out) can be corrected.

The count check sensor 244 is, for example, a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor or various contact sensors. The count check sensor 244 is provided for the lane control unit 105 to determine whether or not the prize W placed on the placement table 241 matches the number of payout targets.
The count check sensor 244 is disposed on the wall 243. The count check sensor 244 individually detects the prize W placed on the elevated mounting table 241.
The count check sensor 244 is connected to the lane control unit 105 and outputs a detection signal to the lane control unit 105.

The drive motor 245 is, for example, a DC motor, and the forward / reverse rotation is controlled by the lane control unit 105. The drive motor 245 may include a transmission gear or the like.
A contact member 245a that contacts the side surface 241g of the extending portion 241b is disposed on the rotation shaft of the drive motor 245.

  The contact member 245a is made of, for example, rubber formed in a cylindrical shape or a gear shape. The contact member 245a and the side surface 241g of the extending portion 241b are preferably connected by a rack and pinion method.

The sensors 247a and 247b are, for example, non-contact sensors such as optical sensors or various contact sensors.
The sensors 247a and 247b are provided for the lane control means 105 to detect whether the mounting table 241 is in the ascent limit position or the descent limit position (home position). Specifically, the sensors 247a and 247b detect whether or not the side surface 241g of the extending portion 241b is on the opposite side. Here, the “rising limit position” refers to a position where all the prizes W on the mounting table 241 are exposed from the prize payout exit 100d and the player can take out the prizes W without difficulty. The “lower limit position” is a position where the main body 241a of the mounting table 241 is mounted on the base 200 as shown in FIG.

The sensor 247a is disposed at the rising limit position of the mounting table 241. Here, the sensor 247a is disposed in the vicinity of one end of the guide rail on the shutter 102 side.
The sensor 247b is disposed at the lower limit position of the mounting table 241. Here, the sensor 247b is provided at a predetermined location of the lower housing 112a.
The sensors 247 a and 247 b are connected to the lane control unit 105 and output a detection signal to the lane control unit 105.
The above is the description of the configuration of the giveaway device 17 according to the first embodiment.

(About counting the prize W)
Next, the operation of counting the prize W to be paid out by the prize payout device 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference is also made to FIGS. 13 and 14 as necessary.
15 to 23 are partial cross-sectional views for explaining the counting operation of the prize W.
15 to 23, in order to make the drawings easy to see, illustration of some members such as a pair of arm portions 225 and a support shaft 226 is omitted.
15 to 23, the prizes W are given the symbols W1 to W5 in order from the top.

Here, as an example, the payout instruction signal includes information indicating that the number of prizes W to be paid out is four. The prizes W1 to W4 are paid out to the player based on the payout instruction signal.
In FIG. 15, the prize W is transported into the upper unit 113 by the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transporting part 180 through the opening 112 j of the lower housing 112 a and the prize insertion port 200 a of the base part 200. Is shown.

At this time, the counting pick 236 and the pressing pick 237 are biased to their initial positions.
At this time, the pair of holding members 223 are close to each other as shown in FIG. 14, and the pair of separation floors 224 are separated from each other. Therefore, the pair of separation floors 224 does not interfere with the rise of the prize W.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the prize W further rises, the side surface of the uppermost prize W <b> 1 comes into contact with the pressing pick 237. The pressing pick 237 is pushed by the top prize W1 and retracts along the slide rail 237c (see arrow A1 in the drawing).
The pressing pick 237 is retracted to some extent, but tries to return to the original position by the restoring force of a spring (not shown).

As a result, the pressing pick 237 presses the prize W1 in the horizontal direction and presses it against the inclined surface S2 (see arrow A2 in the figure).
The prize W1 pressed against the inclined surface S2 rises along the inclined surface S2 while being in contact with the inclined surface S2. Thereafter, the other prizes W also rise along the inclined surface S2 while being in contact with the inclined surface S2. Accordingly, the prize W ascends in a staircase pattern so as to protrude in the direction of the alignment wall 233 in order from the prize W1. Thereby, the boundary for each prize W that is closely stacked and accommodated becomes clear.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the prize W1 passes through the pressing pick 237, it comes into contact with the inclined surface S3. The side that is in contact with the inclined surface S3 is the side surface opposite to the side surface that is in contact with the inclined surface S2 of the prize W1.
Since the inclined surface S3 is steeper than the inclined surface S2, the prize W1 rises in an inclined posture so that the inclined surface S3 side is lifted.

  At this time, the prize W2 is pressed against the inclined surface S2 by the pressing pick 237 in the same manner as the prize W1, and maintains a substantially horizontal posture as a whole. Accordingly, a gap is formed between the prize W1 and the prize W2 on the inclined surface S3 side. By providing the pressing pick 237 in this way, a gap can be easily formed between the prize W1 and the prize W2. By forming a gap between the prizes W, the boundary for each prize W is further clarified.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, the prize W rises while a similar gap is formed between the prize W2 and the prize W3. The same applies to the prize W below the prize W3.
As shown in FIG. 19, when the prize W further rises, the prize W <b> 1 comes into contact with the prize support portion 236 b of the counting pick 236. The count pick 236 is pushed by the prize W1 and retracts with the fulcrum f as the rotation axis (see arrow A1 in the figure).

  As shown in FIG. 20, the main body 236 a of the counting pick 236 overlaps with the counting sensor 232 by being pushed by the prize W <b> 1. As a result, the counting sensor 232 detects that there is a counting pick 236. The counting sensor 232 outputs a detection signal indicating this to the lane control unit 105. As a result, the number of times the counting pick 236 overlaps the counting sensor 232 is counted by the lane control unit 105 as the number of prizes W to be paid out. At this time, it is counted as one sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 21, when the prize W1 passes, the counting pick 236 tries to return to the original position by the restoring force of the spring 236d (see FIG. 10) (see arrow A1 in the figure). As a result, the main body 236 a of the counting pick 236 is separated from the counting sensor 232.

One end side of the prize W1 that has passed is placed on the prize support portion 236b of the counting pick 236. At this time, the tip of the prize support portion 236b of the counting pick 236 is interposed between the prize W1 and the prize W2.
When the prize W further rises, the operations described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 are repeated, the number of prizes W to be paid out is counted, and the prize W to be paid out is placed on the prize support unit 236b. It will be placed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when the fourth prize W4 passes through the counting pick 236 and the number of prizes W to be paid out is counted as four, the ascent of the prize W stops. At this time, the prizes W1 to W4 to be paid out are placed on the prize support part 236b.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in order to form a gap between the prizes W1 to W4 to be paid out and the prize W5 to be non-paid out, the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are slightly lowered. (See arrow A1 in the figure). A pair of separation floors 224 is inserted into the gap formed by this. It is desirable to drive the solenoid 235 shown in FIG. 10 and retract the pressing pick 237 before the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are lowered.

The descending amount of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 is, for example, about 7.7 mm to 10.8 mm. When the thickness of the prize W is 3 mm, it is lowered by about 7.7 mm at the maximum, and when the thickness of the prize W is 1.5 mm, it is lowered by about 10.8 mm at the maximum.
If the amount of descending is too large, the prizes W1 to W4 may fall out of the prize support part 236b.

  As the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 are lowered, the prize W below the prize W5 is also lowered. At this time, the inclined surface S2 side of the prizes W1 to W4 placed on the prize W5 also descends, but the inclined surface S3 side of the prizes W1 to W4 remains on the prize support portion 236b as described above. . As a result, while the positions of the prizes W1 to W4 on the inclined surface S3 side do not change, the positions of the other prizes W are lowered, so that a pair of separation floors 224 are provided between the prizes W1 to W4 and the prize W5. A sufficient gap is formed to be inserted.

(About payout of prizes W1-W4)
Next, the payout operation of the prizes W1 to W4 in the state where the gap is formed as described above will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.
24 to 26 are perspective sectional views showing an AA section of the upper unit 113 shown in FIG. 9 for explaining the operation of paying out the prize W. FIG.

In FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, for the sake of easy viewing, for example, some members such as the main body 213 of the prize pusher 210 are not shown, and the prize W is indicated by a wavy line. In FIGS. 24 to 26, as in FIGS. 15 to 23, the premiums W are given the symbols W <b> 1 to W <b> 5 in order from the top.
24 to 26, a cover 250 having a separation floor entrance / exit hole 250 a into which the separation floor 224 is inserted in and out freely is disposed between the prize W and the prize sorting unit 220.

As shown in FIG. 24, when paying out the prize W, the push-out plate 215 of the prize push-out section 210 moves forward together with the main body 213 (not shown) (see arrow A1 in the figure).
As shown in FIG. 25, when the extruded plate 215 advances a certain amount or more, the holding member 223 moves to the wall surface 221b side of the frame body 221 along the shafts 222a and 222b in synchronization with the movement of the extruded plate 215 (see FIG. 25). (See arrow A1 in the middle). At this time, the other holding member 223 not shown here moves to the wall surface portion 221c side opposite to the wall surface portion 221b.

  In synchronization with the movement of the pair of holding members 223, the main body 224a of the separation floor 224 moves and is inserted into the gap between the prize W4 and the prize W5 (see arrow A2 in the figure). The main body 224a of the other separation floor 224 (not shown) is also inserted into the gap between the prize W4 and the prize W5 from the opposite side.

Here, mainly referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, it will be described in detail that the movement of the extrusion plate 215, the movement of the pair of holding members 223, and the movement of the main body 224 a of the separation floor 224 are synchronized.
First, the movement of the pair of holding members 223 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As described above, the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shafts 222 a and 222 b, and this sliding is performed by the pair of rotating rollers 218 of the push plate 215 passing through the guide grooves 228.

  The pair of rotating rollers 218 advances along the first portion 228a of the guide groove 228 from the third side surface portion 223e side. More specifically, one rotating roller 218 of the pair proceeds along the first portion 228a of one holding member 223 of the pair, and the other rotating roller 218 is connected to the other holding member 223. Proceed along the first portion 228a (see arrow A1 in FIG. 13).

  As the extrusion plate 215 of the prize extruding unit 210 further advances, the pair of rotating rollers 218 come into contact with the wall surface of the second portion 228b. Since the second part 228b is disposed obliquely with respect to the first part 228a, the wall surface of the second part 228b in contact with the pair of rotating rollers 218 is slid on the shafts 222a and 222b. In addition, a force acts in a direction in which the pair of holding members 223 separate from each other (see arrow A2 in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14).

As a result, the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shafts 222a and 222b so as to be separated from each other.
When the extrusion plate 215 of the prize extruding unit 210 further advances, the pair of rotating rollers 218 reaches the third portion 228c. At this time, the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shafts 222a and 222b until the third portion 228c overlaps with the arrow A1 in FIG.

  The pair of separation floors 224 approach each other in synchronization with the movement of the pair of holding members 223. As shown in FIG. 14, one end side of the pair of arm portions 225 attached to the link connection portion 223 n of the pair of holding members 223 is moved in the same direction as the pair of holding members 223 by the movement of the pair of holding members 223. (See arrow A2 in FIG. 14).

  At this time, since the pair of arm portions 225 rotate around the link fulcrum shaft 229b as a rotation axis, the pressing plate 225a side moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the pair of holding members 223 (arrows in FIG. 14). A3).

  As a result, the pressing plate 225a presses the pair of separation floors 224 in the direction in which the pair of separation floors 224 approach each other, and the main body 224a of the pair of separation floors 224 is positioned between the prize W4 and the prize W5. Each is inserted into the gap.

In addition, when the main body part 213 and the extrusion plate 215 of the prize extruding part 210 are retracted, the pair of rotating rollers 218 and the pair of holding members 223 move in the reverse order to the above description.
Thus, when the main body 224a of the pair of separation floors 224 is inserted into the gap between the prize W4 and the prize W5, as shown in FIG. 25, the extrusion part 215c of the extrusion plate 215 comes into contact with the prizes W1 to W4. The prizes W1 to W4 are pressed in the direction of the mounting table 241.

Thus, the prizes W1 to W4 are detached from the counting pick 236 shown in FIG. 23 and placed on the pair of separation floors 224.
As a result, the prizes W1 to W4 to be paid out and the other prizes W not to be paid out are completely separated by the pair of separation floors 224.
As shown in FIG. 26, the prizes W1 to W4 placed on the pair of separation floors 224 are further pressed by the pushing portion 215c of the pushing plate 215 and finally placed on the placing table 241.

When the prizes W1 to W4 move from the separation floor 224 to the mounting table 241, the holding member 223 has moved to a position where the holding member 223 is substantially in contact with the wall surface portion 221b of the frame body 211. 223g does not interfere with the movement of the prizes W1 to W4.
Thereafter, as the mounting table 241 moves up, the prizes W1 to W4 are paid out from the prize payout exit 100d.

As described above, in the prize payout device 17 of this embodiment, the prize W transported by the connected counting unit 170 and prize transport unit 180 is paid out according to the following procedures (1) to (4).
(1) The counting pick 236 of the prize counting unit 230 counts the prize W to be paid out.
(2) The separation floor 224 separates the counted prizes W to be paid out from the prizes W to be paid out.

(3) The extruding plate 215 of the prize extruding unit 210 moves forward and moves the prize W to be paid out to the mounting table 241.
(4) The mounting table 241 moves up and pays out the prize W to be paid out.
The above is the description of the prize W counting and payout operation.

(Main control means 104)
Next, the function of the main control means 104 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the main control means 104.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the main control unit 104 includes a control unit 104a, a button detection unit 104b, an instruction signal generation unit 104c, a payout instruction unit 104d, and a communication unit 104e. Note that the POS 19, the management device 25, and the PC 41 may have at least some of the control unit 104a, the button detection unit 104b, the instruction signal generation unit 104c, the payout instruction unit 104d, and the communication unit 104e.

The main control unit 104 is a control device upstream of the lane control unit 105 and transmits a control signal to the lane control unit 105 to perform various controls such as payout of prizes W and inventory counting. The main control means 104 can also control the lighting unit 103, the display unit 106, the operation display panel 107, and the like.
The main control means 104 transmits / receives various signals to / from the management device 25, the POS 19, the PC 41, etc. via the communication unit 104e. For example, a payout instruction signal or the like is received. The main control means 104 may receive an extraction instruction signal.
The main control unit 104 can also output information indicating the counted number of prizes W to the management device 25, the POS 19, the PC 41, and the like.

The main control means 104 is mainly composed of an arithmetic unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU uses various programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM. Perform arithmetic processing.
The control unit 104a controls the button detection unit 104b, the instruction signal generation unit 104c, the payout instruction unit 104d, and the communication unit 104e.

  The control unit 104a is connected to the catch means 134 shown in FIG. 7, and can determine whether or not the prize cartridge 111 is properly inserted into the prize cartridge insertion port 112e in each lane. When the prize cartridge 111 is not properly inserted into the prize cartridge insertion port 112e, the control unit 104a controls the lane control unit 105 so as not to pay out the prize W or count the inventory of the lane. This determination may be made by the lane control means 105.

  The control unit 104a is connected to the locking mechanism 109b, the door opening detection unit 109c, and the like shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and determines whether the locking mechanism 109b is unlocked and the open / closed state of the rear door 109. be able to. When the locking mechanism 109b and the back door 109 are open, the stock count and payout of the premium W are not performed.

The button detection unit 104b detects the operation of each button of the button group 107e. For example, a pressing operation of a payout button or an input operation of the number of prizes W to be paid out is detected. The button detection unit 104b notifies the instruction signal generation unit 104c of these input operations.
Upon receiving the notification transmitted from the button detection unit 104b, the instruction signal generation unit 104c outputs a payout instruction signal to the control unit 104a. This payout instruction signal includes information on the type and number of prizes W.

  The payout instruction unit 104d controls the lane control means 105 in response to the control unit 104a receiving the payout instruction signal output from the instruction signal generation unit 104c, the POS 19, the management device 25, the PC 41, etc. Let the player pay out.

  The communication unit 104e is connected to a LAN cable, a dedicated cable connected to the POS 19, the lane control unit 105, various sensors, and the like. Thus, the main control unit 104 is connected to the network 3, the POS 19, the lane control unit 105, and the like, and can transmit and receive various signals.

(Regarding the lane control means 105)
Next, the function of the lane control means 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the lane control means 105.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the lane control means 105 includes a control unit 105a, a conveyance control unit 105b, a lift control unit 105c, a count calculation unit 105d, an error determination unit 105e (determination unit), a prize extrusion control unit 105f, and a mounting table control. 105 g, a solenoid control unit 105 h, and a communication unit 105 i.

  Note that at least one of the control unit 105a, the conveyance control unit 105b, the elevation control unit 105c, the counting calculation unit 105d, the error determination unit 105e, the prize extrusion control unit 105f, the mounting table control unit 105g, the solenoid control unit 105h, and the communication unit 105i. Some may be included in the main control unit 104, the POS 19, the management device 25, the PC 41, and the like.

The lane control unit 105 is controlled by the main control unit 104 to perform payout of premiums W, counting of inventory, and the like. Here, the payout of the prize W will be mainly described.
The lane control means 105 is mainly composed of an arithmetic unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU uses various programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM. Perform arithmetic processing. The RAM is a holding unit that holds payout number information.

The control unit 105a controls the transport control unit 105b, the elevation control unit 105c, the count calculation unit 105d, the error determination unit 105e, the prize push control unit 105f, the mounting table control unit 105g, the solenoid control unit 105h, and the communication unit 105i.
The control unit 105a is connected to the lock function unit 112c and the contact switch 112d shown in FIG. 6, and detects whether or not the cartridge insertion port door 112b is closed or locked by the lock function unit 112c. can do.

For example, when the cartridge insertion port door 112b is not locked by the lock function unit 112c, the control unit 105a does not pay out the prize W.
The control unit 105a can control opening and closing of the shutter 102.
The control unit 105a controls the elevation control unit 105c to raise the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 in response to all the prizes W to be paid out passing the counting pick 236 of the counting unit 230. Can be stopped.

The lift control unit 105 c is connected to the initial position sensors 151 and 152 and the original position sensor 231. The elevating control unit 105c controls the rotation of the stepping motor 141 shown in FIG. 7 to rotate the spiral shaft 143 and elevate the connected counting unit 170 and prize transport unit 180. As a result, the prize W is transported from the lower unit 112 to the upper unit 113.
The elevation controller 105c may stop the rotation of the stepping motor 141 under the control of the controller 105a. For example, as described above, all of the prizes W to be paid out pass through the counting pick 236 of the counting unit 230, or when an error occurs during the payout of the prize W.

The up / down control unit 105c varies the up / down speed of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 or stops the up / down in accordance with the detection result of the prize W by the original position sensor 231.
The elevating control unit 105c, for example, increases at a fast first speed until the original position sensor 231 detects the top prize W, and after the original position sensor 231 detects the top prize W, Increase at a second speed slower than the speed. The ratio between the first speed and the second speed is, for example, first speed: second speed = 2: 1.

The count calculation unit 105d is connected to the count sensor 232 and the count check sensor 244 shown in FIG.
The count calculation unit 105d calculates the number of prizes W based on the detection signals output from the count sensor 232 and the count check sensor 244, respectively. The count calculation unit 105d outputs information indicating the calculated number of prizes W to the control unit 105a and the error determination unit 105e.

  The detection signal is, for example, a signal having a predetermined AC wave shape. For example, the case where the count check sensor 244 is an optical sensor will be described. As described above, the amount of reflected light increases at the center of the side surface of the prize W, and the level of the detection signal output from the count check sensor 244 is as follows. Highest. Further, since the amount of reflected light is small at a place where the prize W does not exist or at the boundary between adjacent prizes W, the level of the detection signal output from the count check sensor 244 is low. The detection signal has a waveform corresponding to this height.

  The count calculation unit 105d compares the value of the detection signal having such a waveform with a threshold value, and can count the number of times that the value of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value as the number of prizes W.

  The detection signal may be a square wave. In this case, the counting operation unit 105d counts the rising position or the falling position of the square wave as “there is one prize W”.

  The error determination unit 105e is configured such that the number calculating unit 105d calculates the number of prizes W calculated based on the detection signal output from the counting sensor 232 and the number of prizes W calculated based on the detection signal output from the counting check sensor 244. Determine whether they match.

  If the calculated number of prizes W does not match, the error determination unit 105e outputs a classification error signal indicating that the prize counting unit 230 has not correctly counted and sorted the prizes W to be paid out. Output to the controller 105a. The control unit 105a that has received this classification error signal stops paying out the prize W (payout error of the prize W).

  Note that the error determination unit 105e does not use the number of premiums W calculated based on the detection signal output from the counting sensor 232, and the number of premiums W to be paid out included in the payout instruction signal and the count check sensor 244. A classification error signal may be output by determining whether or not the number of prizes W calculated based on the output detection signal matches.

The prize extruding control unit 105f is connected to the extruding motor 216 and the sensors 214a and 214b shown in FIG. 9, and the extruding motor 216 is driven so that the main body 213 and the pushing plate 215 of the prize extruding part 210 slide forward and backward. Let
The prize push-out control unit 105f stops the slide of the main body part 213 and the push-out plate 215 based on the detection signals output from the main body position sensors 214a and 214b.

The mounting table control unit 105g is connected to the drive motor 245, the sensors 247a and 247b, and the forgetting sensor 242 shown in FIG. 10, and drives the driving motor 245 to move the mounting table 241 up and down. The mounting table controller 105g stops the lifting / lowering of the mounting table 241 based on the detection signals output from the sensors 247a and 247b.
The mounting table control unit 105g determines whether or not there is a prize W on the mounting table 241 based on the detection signal of the forgetting sensor 242.

  The solenoid control unit 105h is connected to the solenoids 234 and 235 shown in FIG. The solenoid control unit 105h controls ON / OFF of the current to the coil of the solenoids 234, 235, and puts the movable iron core in and out of the main body of the solenoids 234, 235. As a result, the counting pick 236 and the pressing pick 237 are retracted when a payout error occurs.

  A LAN cable and a control signal line can be connected to the communication unit 105i, which connects each device, each sensor, each motor, encoder, etc. Sent and received.

(Regarding control by the lane control means 105)
Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the control of the lane control means 105 relating to the counting and payout of the prize W will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the control of the lane control means 105.

(1) Start of payout operation (steps S101 to S103)
The lane control unit 105 raises the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 to transport the prize W from the lower unit 112 to the upper unit 113.
At this time, the lane control unit 105 raises the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 connected at a high first speed (step S101).

The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S101 until the original position sensor 231 detects the highest prize W (No in step S102).
When the original position sensor 231 detects the highest prize W (Yes in step S102), the lane control unit 105 changes the ascent speed to a second speed that is slower than the first speed (step S103).

  Note that when the payout operation is started, there is a case where the highest prize W has already risen to the position corresponding to the original position sensor 231 (waiting). In this case, the operations in step S101 and step S102 are omitted.

(2) Counting process (steps S104 to S106)
As described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 22, the prize W that has risen at the second speed gets over the counting pick 236 while being shifted stepwise. The overriding prize W is counted as a prize W to be paid out by the counting sensor 232 (counting calculation unit 105d) (step S104).

The lane control unit 105 repeats the operation in step S104 until the count by the counting sensor 232 matches the number of prizes W to be paid out included in the payout instruction signal (No in step S105).
When the number of prizes W detected by the counting sensor 232 matches the number of prizes W to be paid out included in the payout instruction signal (Yes in step S105), the lane control unit 105 connects the linked counting units 170. Then, the ascent of the prize transport unit 180 is stopped (step S106).

(3) Extruding the prize W (steps S107 to S110)
As described with reference to FIG. 23, the lane control unit 105 lowers the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 by a predetermined amount, and between the prize W to be paid out and the prize W to be paid out as described above. A gap is formed (step S107).
The lane control means 105 controls the extrusion motor 216 to advance the main body 213 of the prize extruding unit 210 (step S108). As a result, as described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, the prize W to be paid out is pushed out from the prize sorting unit 220 to the mounting table 241 of the prize dispensing unit 240.

The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S108 until the sensor 214b detects that the main body 213 has moved to the forward end (No in step S109).
When the sensor 214b detects that the main body 213 has moved to the forward end (Yes in step S109), the lane control unit 105 controls the push motor 216 to stop the main body 213 of the prize pusher 210. (Step S110). At this time, the placement of the prize W to be paid out on the placement table 241 is completed.

(4) Error check (steps S111 to S113)
The lane control unit 105 controls the drive motor 245 to raise the mounting table 241 (step S111). At this time, the prize W on the mounting table 241 is individually detected by the count check sensor 244.
The lane control unit 105 determines whether or not the prize counting unit 230 has correctly counted and sorted the prize W to be paid out based on the detection result of the count check sensor 244 (step S112).

  When the lane control unit 105 determines that the prize counting unit 230 has not correctly counted and sorted the prizes W to be paid out (No in step S113), the prize payout operation ends. In this case, the lane control unit 105 stops the ascent of the mounting table 241 or issues an alarm.

  When the lane control unit 105 determines that the prize counting unit 230 counts and sorts the prize W to be paid out normally (Yes in Step S113), the lane control unit 105 opens the shutter 102 (Step S113). S114). As a result, the prize payout exit 100d shown in FIG. 2 is exposed. Although the shutter 102 is described as an electric shutter here, the present invention is not limited to this. The shutter 102 and the mounting table 241 are mechanically connected, and the shutter 102 is opened and closed in conjunction with the ascent of the mounting table 241. Such a configuration may be adopted. In this case, it is not necessary to perform opening / closing control of the shutter 102 by the lane control means 105.

(5) Continuation of payout operation (steps S114 to S117)
The lane control means 105 continues to raise the mounting table 241 (step S115). At this time, the lane control means 105 may raise the mounting table 241 at a speed faster than the rising speed in step S111. By increasing the ascent speed, the time required for payout can be shortened.

  The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S115 until the sensor 247a detects that the mounting table 241 has been raised to the ascent limit position (No in step S116).

When it is detected by the sensor 247a that the mounting table 241 has been raised to the rising limit (Yes in step S116), the lane control unit 105 stops the rising of the mounting table 241 (step S117).
At this time, the prize W to be paid out is discharged onto the discharge top board 100a shown in FIG. 2, and the player can take out the prize W on the discharge top board 100a.

(5) Forgetting check (steps S118 and S119)
The lane control unit 105 monitors the detection signal of the forgetting sensor 242 (step S118). The lane control unit 105 determines whether there is a prize W on the mounting table 241 based on the detection signal of the forgetting sensor 242.
When the lane control means 105 determines that there is no prize W on the mounting table 241, it means that the prize W on the discharge top board 100a has been taken out by the player (Yes in step S119).

  When the lane control means 105 determines that there is a prize W on the mounting table 241, it means that the prize W on the discharge top plate 100a has not been taken out by the player, and therefore the lane control means 105 does not give the prize. Wait until W is taken out by the player (No in step S119).

(6) Mounting table lowering (steps S120 to S122)
After Yes in step S119, the lane control means 105 controls the drive motor 245 to lower the mounting table 241 (step S120). At this time, the lane control unit 105 closes the shutter 102.

When the lane control means 105 lowers the mounting table 241, it may be lowered at a speed faster than the ascent speed in step S111. By increasing the descending speed, the time taken to complete the payout operation can be shortened.
The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S120 until the sensor 247b detects that the mounting table 241 is lowered to the lower limit position (No in step S121).

  When it is detected by the sensor 247b that the mounting table 241 has been lowered to the lower limit position (Yes in Step S121), the lane control unit 105 stops the lowering of the mounting table 241 (Step S122).

(7) Lowering of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 (steps S123 and S124)
The lane control unit 105 descends the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 connected to a position where the highest prize W among the prizes W not to be paid out passes through the original position sensor 231 (“sensor” in the drawing). (Step S123).

When the original position sensor 231 does not detect that the top prize W among the non-paid-out prizes W has passed the original position sensor 231 (No in step S124), the lane control unit 105 performs the process in step S123. repeat.
When the original position sensor 231 detects that the highest prize W of the non-paid-out prizes W has passed through the original position sensor 231 (Yes in step S124), the lane control unit 105 performs the linked counting. The descent of the unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 is stopped (step S125).

(8) Main unit 213 (steps S126 to S128)
The lane control means 105 controls the extrusion motor 216 to retract the main body 213 of the prize extruding unit 210 (step S126).
The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S126 until the sensor 214a detects that the main body 213 has moved back to the home position (No in step S127).

  When it is detected by the sensor 214a that the main body 213 has moved back to the home position (Yes in step S127), the lane control unit 105 controls the push motor 216 to stop the main body 213 from moving backward (step S128). ).

  In the prize dispensing device 17, by providing the upper unit 113, the prize W can be dispensed without using a claw rotating belt for pushing out the prize W that has been conventionally used.

When paying out prizes W using a rotating belt, the prizes W are often pushed out one by one to the stacker unit that temporarily stores and collects the prizes W, and it takes time to pay out the prizes W. In order to shorten the time required for paying out the prize W, it has been dealt with by increasing the number of rotations of the rotating belt.
If the speed at which the prize W is pushed out is increased, it may be difficult for the prize W to jump out of the prize dispenser 17 or go wild, and it is difficult to pay out the prize W accurately. Moreover, there is a possibility that the stacked prizes W may collapse.

In the prize dispensing device 17, the prize sorting unit 220 and the prize counting unit 230 can accurately sort only a predetermined number of prizes W among the plurality of prizes W, thereby shortening the time required for the prize W to be paid out.
In addition, by moving a plurality of prizes W to the mounting table 241 at a time using the extrusion plate 215, it is possible to shorten the time required for paying out the prize W without increasing the moving speed of the extrusion plate 215. Since the moving speed of the extrusion plate 215 is not increased, and the extrusion plate 215 pushes out the prize W by the surface, the pressing force is evenly applied to the prize W, and the prize W is stably extruded. As a result, it is possible to prevent the prize W from bouncing or rampaging in the prize dispensing device 17 or the stacked prizes W from collapsing.

  Further, the prize payout device 17 can tolerate deformation and thickness change of the prize W to some extent. This deformation or change is caused, for example, when the prize W is distributed through human hands. One of the causes of deformation is deformation due to warpage due to changes in ambient temperature, deformation due to impact, or the like. One cause of the change in thickness is dirt. There are also manufacturing errors of the prize W.

  Due to this deformation or change in thickness, the stacked prizes W may not be in a horizontal posture, and the optical sensor used for counting the prizes W may not be able to detect the prizes W well. In order to prevent this, it is conceivable to apply pressure in the stacking direction of the prize W to keep the prize W in a horizontal posture. However, if excessive pressure is applied, the prize W may be damaged.

The prize dispensing device 17 includes the inclined surface S2 of the prize sorting unit 220, the inclined surface S3 of the prize counting unit 230, and the counting pick 236, so that the prize W can be tilted even if the prize W is not kept in a horizontal posture when counting the prize W. The prize W can be counted in a state where it is energized.
Since the counting sensor 232 detects not the prize W itself but the counting pick 236 that is pushed and rotated by the prize W, the count sensor 232 is not easily affected by deformation of the prize W or a change in thickness, and the detection performance is improved. In the prize dispensing device 17, it is not necessary to apply pressure in the stacking direction, and the prize W can be prevented from being damaged.

  As described above, since the giveaway device 17 can tolerate deformation and change in thickness of the prize W to some extent, it is possible to increase the efficiency when the employee replenishes the prize cartridge 111 with the prize W. For example, when replenishing the prize W, the employee has the trouble of removing the prize W whose deformation or thickness has changed, or changing the direction of the prize W alternately so that the prize W has a horizontal posture. I spent a lot of time, but I can save this effort.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the upper unit 113a according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 30, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 29 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 30, the upper unit 113a of the second embodiment includes a prize counting unit 230, an inclination unit 320, and a prize paying part 340.
The upper unit 113a of the second embodiment further includes various members provided in the upper unit 113 of the first embodiment, and the arrangement positions thereof are appropriately changed.

For example, the upper unit 113a includes a count check sensor 244, a drive motor 245, sensors 214a, 214b, 247a, 247b, a forgetting sensor 242 and the like.
The count check sensor 244 is disposed at a position between the tilt unit 320 and the alignment wall 233. The drive motor 245 is disposed at a position in contact with the prize payout unit 340. The sensors 214a, 214b, 247a, and 247b are disposed in the vicinity of the prize payout unit 340, respectively. The forgetting sensor 242 is provided in the prize payout unit 340.
Also, here, the prize payout outlet 100d and the shutter 102 are arranged at positions corresponding to the prize insertion port 200a.

The inclination unit 320 corresponds to the prize sorting unit 220 of the first embodiment. The inclined unit 320 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an inclined surface S2 similar to that of the prize sorting unit 220 of the first embodiment is formed on a surface facing the alignment wall portion 233.
The prize dispensing unit 340 includes a separation floor holding unit 341 and a separation floor 342 (separation plate).
The separation floor holding part 341 is formed in a substantially T-shaped cross section, and includes a short part 341a and a long part 341b.

The separation floor holding part 341 is provided on the slide rail 246 so as to be movable, and moves up and down in the vertical direction along the slide rail 246 in the upper unit 113a.
The short part 341 a is parallel to the base part 200. The short part 341 a is provided with a through hole 341 c that penetrates the short part 341 a in a direction parallel to the base part 200. A separation floor 342 is inserted into the through hole 341c.

  The longitudinal part 341 b is substantially orthogonal to the base part 200. The side surface of the longitudinal portion 341b is in contact with the drive motor 245. As the drive motor 245 rotates, the longitudinal portion 341b moves in the vertical direction. As a result, the entire classification floor holding portion 341 moves in the vertical direction while being guided by the slide rail 246.

The separation floor 342 is a substantially rectangular thin plate. The separation floor 342 is provided in the through hole 341c of the short portion 341a of the separation floor holding portion 341 so as to be freely advanced and retracted. On the side surface of the sorting floor 342 on the side of the alignment wall 233, a slope 342a is formed to be easily inserted between the prizes W. A forgetting sensor 242 is provided at a predetermined location on the separation floor 342.
In this embodiment, the sensors 247a and 247b detect the rising limit position and the falling limit position of the separation floor holding unit 341, respectively. The sensors 214a and 214b detect the forward end and the reverse end of the separation floor 342, respectively.

(Description of operation)
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a payout operation of the prize W by the prize dispensing device 17 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of paying out the prize W according to the prize payout device 17 of the second embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the payout of the prize W is performed by the main control means 104 receiving the payout instruction signal by controlling the lane control means 105.

(1) Start of payout operation (step S201)
The operation in step S201 is the same as the premium W payout operation (see steps S101 to S107 shown in FIG. 29) in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. By the operation in step S201, a gap is formed between the payout prize W and the non-payout prize W (see FIG. 23).

(2) Advancement of the separation floor 342 (step S202)
The lane control means 105 controls the extrusion motor 216 to advance the separation floor 342. As a result, the separation floor 342 is inserted between the payout prizes W and the non-payout prizes W, and these are completely separated.

(3) Ascent of separation floor 342 (step S203)
The lane control unit 105 controls the drive motor 245 to raise the separation floor holding unit 341. The separation floor 342 rises integrally with the separation floor holding portion 341 while supporting the prize W to be paid out. It is desirable that the lane control means 105 controls the solenoid 234 to retract the counting pick 236 before rotating the drive motor 245. As the counting pick 236 is retracted, the prize W to be paid out is completely placed on the separation floor 342. This increases the stability of the prize W when the separation floor holding part 341 is raised.

(4) Error check (step S204)
When the classification floor holding unit 341 moves up, the prize W on the mounting table 241 is individually detected by the counting check sensor 244.
The lane control unit 105 determines whether or not the prize counting unit 230 has normally counted and sorted the prize W to be paid out based on the detection result of the count check sensor 244 (step S205).

  When the lane control unit 105 determines that the prize counting unit 230 counts and sorts the prize W to be paid out normally (Yes in step S205), the lane control means 105 performs the prize W payout operation. continue. When the lane control unit 105 determines that the prize counting unit 230 has not counted and sorted the prizes W to be paid out normally (No in step S205), the lane control unit 105 delivers the prize counting unit 230. Re-count the target prize W. This redo operation is called a retry operation.

(5) Continuation of payout of prize W (Yes in step S205, step S206)
When it is determined that the prize W is counted and sorted normally, the lane control unit 105 opens the shutter 102. As a result, the prize payout exit 100d shown in FIG. 30 is exposed. It should be noted that the shutter 102 and the prize dispensing unit 340 may be mechanically connected to synchronize the opening / closing operation of the shutter 102 and the advance / retreat operation of the separation floor 342. In this case, when the separation floor holding part 341 moves up (see step S203), the shutter 102 is already open.

  The lane control unit 105 raises the classification floor holding unit 341 to the ascent limit position. At this time, the lane control means 105 may raise the separation floor holding part 341 at a speed faster than the rising speed in step S203. By increasing the ascent speed, the time required for payout can be shortened.

When the separation floor holding unit 341 rises to the rise limit, the lane control unit 105 stops the raising of the separation floor holding unit 341.
At this time, the prize W to be paid out is discharged onto the discharge top board 100a shown in FIG. 30, and the player can take out the prize W on the discharge top board 100a.

(6) Forgetting check (step S207)
Based on the detection signal of the forgetting sensor 242, the lane control unit 105 determines whether or not there is a prize W on the classification floor 342, that is, whether or not the player has taken out the prize W.

(7) Lowering of the separation floor holding part 341 and retreating of the separation floor 342 (Steps S208 and S209)
When it is determined that the player has taken out the prize W, the lane control unit 105 controls the drive motor 245 to lower the separation floor holding unit 341. At this time, the lane control unit 105 closes the shutter 102.
When the separation floor holding unit 341 reaches the lower limit position, the lane control unit 105 controls the push-out motor 216 to move the separation floor 342 backward.

(8) Lowering of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 (step S210)
When the separation floor 342 moves backward to the reverse end, the lane control unit 105 connects the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit connected to the position where the highest prize W among the prizes W to be paid out passes through the original position sensor 231. 180 is lowered. At this time, the lane control means 105 controls the solenoid 235 so as to retract the pressing pick 237 so that the pressing pick 237 does not interfere with the prize W to be lowered.

  When the descent of the connected counting unit 170 and prize transport unit 180 is completed, the lane control unit 105 controls the solenoid 235 to return the pressing pick 237. Then, the lane control unit 105 waits until the next payout of the prize W.

(9) Retry operation start (No in step S205, step S211)
When it is determined that the counting and sorting of the prize W are not performed normally, the lane control unit 105 stops the lifting of the sorting floor holding unit 341.

(10) Retraction of counting pick 236 and pressing pick 237 (step S212)
The lane control means 105 controls the solenoids 234 and 235 to retract the counting pick 236 and the pressing pick 237, respectively.

(11) Lowering of the separation floor holding part 341 and retreating of the separation floor 342 (Steps S213 and S214)
The lane control unit 105 controls the drive motor 245 to lower the separation floor holding unit 341. At this time, since the counting pick 236 is retracted, the counting pick 236 does not interfere with the prize W on the separation floor 342.

  When the separation floor holding unit 341 reaches the lower limit position, the lane control unit 105 controls the push-out motor 216 to move the separation floor 342 backward. At this time, the prize W on the separation floor 342 also moves backward together with the separation floor 342, but is left on the spot by colliding with the inclined surface S3 of the alignment wall portion 233, and only the separation floor 342 moves to the backward end. . As a result, the prize W on the separation floor 342 is returned onto the prize W that is not paid out.

(8) Lowering of the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 (step S215)
When the separation floor 342 moves backward to the reverse end, the lane control unit 105 lowers the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 to a position where the highest prize W passes the original position sensor 231. At this time, since the pressing pick 237 is retracted at this time, the pressing pick 237 does not interfere with the prize W that descends.

(9) Re-counting process (step S216)
When the descent of the connected counting unit 170 and prize transport unit 180 is completed, the lane control unit 105 controls the solenoids 235 and 236 to return the pressing pick 237 and the counting pick 236. Then, the lane control unit 105 raises the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180, which are connected again, and performs the counting and payout process of the prize W again.

In the upper unit 113a, the payout operation of the prize W can be reliably performed by the retry operation.
In the upper unit 113a, as described above, the separation floor 342 is slidably moved forward and backward by the extrusion motor 216, and the payout target prize W and the non-payout target prize W in which a gap is formed by the counting pick 236. These are separated by being inserted in between. Then, the drive of the drive motor 245 causes the separation floor 342 to rise integrally with the separation floor holding portion 341 and pays out the prize W from the prize payout outlet 100d.

In short, in the upper unit 113a, the functions of the main body 213 provided in the prize push-out section 210 of the first embodiment, the separation floor 224 provided in the prize sorting section 220, and the mounting table 241 provided in the prize delivery section 240 are the prize delivery section. 340.
From this, the length of the base part 200 in the longitudinal direction can be shortened, and the upper unit 113a can be compactly assembled. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, since the operation of pushing the prize W in the horizontal direction can be omitted, the time required for paying out the prize W can be shortened.

(Other embodiments)
Although the first and second embodiments have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and the constituent elements are further modified without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Can be embodied. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments and the like. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Premium give-out system, 17 ... Premium give-out device, 100 ... Housing, 102 ... Shutter, 103 ... Lighting part, 104 ... Main control means, 105 ... Lane control means, 110 ... Premium give-out unit, 111 ... Premium cartridge ... Lower unit, 113 ... Upper unit, 113a ... Upper unit, 151, 152 ... Initial position sensor, 170 ... Counting unit, 180 ... Premium transport unit, 200 ... Base unit, 210 ... Premium extruding unit, 211 ... Frame body, 212 ... slide rail, 213 ... main body part, 215 ... extrusion plate, 216 ... extrusion motor, 217 ... spacer, 218 ... rotating roller, 220 ... premium sorting part, 221 ... frame body, 223 ... holding member, 223g ... wall back surface part, 224: Separation floor, 225 ... Arm, 226 ... Inclined member, 228 ... Guide groove, 230 ... Premium counter, 231 ... In-situ sensor 232 ... Counting sensor, 233 ... Aligning wall, 234,235 ... Solenoid, 236 ... Counting pick, 237 ... Pressing pick, 240 ... Premium dispenser, 241 ... Placing table, 242 ... Forgetting sensor, 243 ... Wall, 244 Reference count sensor, 245 drive motor, 246 slide rail, 250 cover, 270 counting unit, 320 tilting unit, 340 premium giving unit, 341 sorting bed holding unit, 342 sorting bed.

Claims (12)

A prize storage section for storing prizes in a stack;
A first prize moving unit that supports and raises and lowers the prizes stacked in the prize storage part;
An insertion slot into which the prize raised by the first prize moving unit is inserted;
A slanted surface inclined toward the prize inserted into the insertion port, and in a direction perpendicular to the ascending direction and moving away from the slanted surface as the prize rises in contact with the prize A prize dispensing device comprising: an inclined wall portion that is pressed and shifted in a step shape.   2. The prize payout according to claim 1, further comprising a second inclined wall portion including a second inclined surface that is inclined to the same side as the inclination of the inclined surface and contacts the raised prize. apparatus.   3. The prize dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the inclined surface and the second inclined surface are inclined at different angles. The raised prize is disposed so as to be sandwiched with the inclined wall part so as to be opposed to the inclined wall part, and detects the prize that has passed along with the rising of the prize. A prize classifying section for classifying prizes;
A payout port for paying out the prizes that have passed among the classified prizes;
4. The prize payout device according to claim 1, further comprising a second prize moving unit that moves the prize that has passed through to the payout exit. 5. The second prize moving unit is
A sorting plate that advances and retreats between the prizes that have been passed by the prize sorting section and the prizes immediately below to support the prizes that have passed;
A stage on which the passed prizes that have moved from the sorting plate are placed and movably provided to the payout opening;
A moving arm for moving the prize that has passed from the sorting plate to the mounting table;
The prize payout device according to claim 4, further comprising: a drive unit that moves the mounting table to the payout exit. The second prize moving unit is
The prize dispensing device according to claim 5, further comprising a link mechanism that links an advance / retreat operation of the sorting plate and a movement operation of the moving arm. The prize section is
The prize inserted into the insertion opening is urged so as to be able to be pressed by the elastic means toward the inclined wall part side, and whenever the prize shifted in the step shape passes, A contact terminal that separates the prize that has passed and the prize immediately below by moving in the direction of moving away and moving in the direction of the inclined wall when contacting the prize immediately below;
The prize payout according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising signal output means for outputting a detection signal for individually identifying the passed prizes based on the rotation of the contact terminals. apparatus. A holding unit for holding payout number information indicating the number of prizes paid out from the payout exit;
A prize signal output means for outputting a detection signal for individually identifying the passed prizes that move to the payout exit;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the classification by the premium classification unit is normally performed based on the payout number information and the detection signal output by the premium signal output unit;
The second prize moving unit stops movement of the passed prize to the payout port when the determination unit determines that the division is not performed normally. The premium payout device according to claim 7. The second prize moving unit is
A sorting plate that moves forward and backward between the prizes that have been passed by the prize sorting section and the prizes that directly pass, and supports the passed prizes and moves to the payout exit;
The prize dispensing device according to claim 4, further comprising: a driving unit that moves the sorting plate to the dispensing outlet. The prize section is
The prize inserted into the insertion opening is urged by an elastic means so as to be pressed toward the inclined wall, and moves away from the inclined wall portion every time the prize shifted in a step shape passes. By moving in the direction and moving in the direction of the inclined wall portion when contacting the gift directly below, a contact terminal that separates the gift that has passed and the gift immediately below;
The prize payout device according to claim 9, further comprising: a signal output unit that outputs a detection signal for individually identifying the passed prizes based on the rotation of the contact terminals. A holding unit for holding payout number information indicating the number of prizes paid out from the payout exit;
A payout signal output means for outputting a payout detection signal for individually identifying the passed prizes that move to the payout exit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the classification by the prize sorting unit is normally performed based on the payout number information and the payout detection signal;
The second prize moving section when the determination section determines that the segment is not successful, in claim 10, characterized in that stopping the movement of said passing the prize to the dispensing opening The gift giving device described. Turning means for turning the contact terminal away from the inclined wall;
When the determination unit determines that the classification is not normally performed, the control unit further includes a control unit that drives the rotating unit and lowers the prize by the first prize moving unit,
12. The first prize moving unit descends while supporting the passed prize and the prize immediately below in response to the control means driving the turning means. The giveaway dispensing device described in 1.

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