JP6603080B2 - 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.

A top plate that is the top of a premium dispensing device for discharging special prizes, and a premium dispensing unit that is provided on the top plate and includes an extruding unit that extrudes the special premium horizontally and discharges it onto the top plate; Further, there is known a box-shaped prize dispensing device including an operation unit provided with a display and a keyboard that are raised one step above the prize dispensing unit.
An extruding arm for extruding a special prize in the horizontal direction is arranged in the prize dispensing unit, and a dispensing outlet opening toward the top plate is provided at the moving end of the extrusion arm.
The prize dispensing device includes a lifting platform, a stacker unit that is disposed under the prize dispensing unit and temporarily stores a plurality of special prizes, and a special prize is quickly moved from the platform to the stacker unit one by one. And a drive unit that raises the stacker unit up to the front of the extrusion arm.
Finally, the extruding arm pushes the special prize on the stacker portion in the horizontal direction, so that the prize is discharged from the payout opening onto the top plate. The player can freely take out the discharged special prize as his / her own prize.

JP 2007-105519 A

In order to prevent the player from forgetting the prize, the employee may watch the top plate from the operation unit side. Since the top plate is positioned one step lower than the premium payout unit, the premium on the top plate may be difficult to visually recognize due to being blocked by the premium payout unit.
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prize payout device capable of easily visually recognizing a paid out prize.

  The prize payout device according to the embodiment has a payout part in which a payout outlet for paying out a prize opens on a flat upper surface, and a box-shaped housing for storing and storing the prizes therein, and freely openable and closable to the payout part A lid having a lid that closes or opens the payout port, a placement table on which the prize to be paid out is placed and ascends to the payout port, an elevation control unit that raises and lowers the placement table, An opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the payout opening by moving the lid as the mounting table moves up and down is provided.

  According to the prize dispensing device of the embodiment, the dispensing surface can be formed flat. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually recognize the paid out premium.

  Further, according to the prize payout device of the embodiment, the prize can be paid out promptly. Further, according to the prize dispensing device of the embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated motor for opening and closing the lid that closes the dispensing outlet, and it is possible to prevent the manufacturing cost from increasing.

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 shutter part 260. FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the shutter part 260 shown in FIG. 12 from the top. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining an opening / closing operation of lid body 264. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining an opening / closing operation of lid body 264. It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. FIG. 10 is a perspective sectional view of FIG. 9 for explaining the movement of 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. Further, 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 device 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 (payout number information) indicating the number of prizes W to be paid out to the player. 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 (housing), a lighting unit 103, a main control unit 104, a lane control unit 105 (elevation 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. Alternatively, the display unit 106 and the operation display panel 107 may be embedded in the housing so that the housing upper surface is flat without protruding from the housing upper surface. In this case, the visibility of the prize W paid out from the prize payout device 17 is further improved. 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 prize payout outlet 100d is normally closed by a lid 264 of a shutter part 260 (lid part) which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  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. Further, for example, if the operation display panel 107 is a touch panel and a liquid crystal, the button group 107e and each lighting unit 103 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 in the lower unit 112 so as to be freely inserted and removed, 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 housing 112a is formed with a prize cartridge insertion port 112e that opens to the outside of the lower housing 112a, and the prize cartridge 111 is taken in and out from the prize cartridge insertion port 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. It is installed over the ceiling surface where the opening 112j opens from the bottom surface of the lower housing 112a.
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.

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.
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.

As shown in FIG. 8, the counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 support the prize W stored in the prize storage row 120 from below, and ascend and transport it 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. 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 shutter unit 260. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shutter unit 260 shown in FIG. 12 as viewed from above. 14 and 15 are perspective views for explaining the opening / closing operation of the lid 264. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper unit 113 includes a base part 200 (base part), a prize pushing part 210, a prize sorting part 220, a prize counting part 230, a prize paying part 240, and a payout opening / closing part 250 (opening / closing mechanism). To do. The upper unit 113 includes a shutter unit 260 as shown in FIG.
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)
As shown in FIG. 9, on the base part 200, a prize pushing part 210, a prize sorting part 220, a prize counting part 230, a prize paying part 240, and a payout opening / closing part 250 are arranged.
The base portion 200 is formed with a prize insertion port 200a 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, 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 backward end, and the sensor 214b is disposed at the forward end.
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. 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 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. The extrusion motor 216 may include a transmission gear or the like.

The contact member 216a is formed, for example, by forming rubber in a cylindrical shape, or by 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. 9, the prize sorting unit 220 includes a frame body 221, a shaft 222, and a pair of holding members 223. As shown in FIG. 10, the prize sorting unit 220 includes a sorting floor 224. Although the divided floors 224 are arranged in a pair, only one of the divided floors 224 in the pair is illustrated in FIG. The other divided floor 224 is arranged opposite to the one divided floor 224 on the opposite side of the premium insertion port 200a.

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 holds the shaft 222, the pair of holding members 223, and the pair of separation floors 224.

The pair of holding members 223 move so as to approach or separate from each other along the shaft 222.
Since the pair of holding members 223 have shapes and functions corresponding to each other, one of the pair will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the holding member 223 has a substantially L-shaped cross section. The holding member 223 includes a guide groove 228 and an inclined surface S2.
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 guide groove 228 is provided on the surface of the holding member 223 that faces the opening 112j. The guide groove 228 penetrates the base holding member 223 from the prize push-out section 210 side to the prize payout section 240 side.
The pair of holding members 223 slide on the shaft 222 by inserting the arm portion 215b of the prize pushing portion 210 into the guide groove 228.

The first portion 228 a extends toward the prize payout portion 240 along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 200. The second part 228b extends obliquely with respect to the first part 228a with the end of the first part 228a as a base end. The second portion 228b extends toward the other holding member 223. The third portion 228c extends toward the prize payout portion 240 with the end of the second portion 228b as a base end. The third part 228c is along the direction in which the first part 228a extends.
The inclined surface S2 shifts the prize W inserted from the prize insertion port 200a in a staircase pattern. The inclined surface S2 faces the prize counting unit 230.

The pair of separation floors 224 includes a main body 224a formed in a plate shape.
The pair of separation floors 224 are connected to the pair of holding members 223 by a link mechanism not shown here. By this link mechanism, when the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shaft 222 so as to approach each other, the pair of separation floors 224 move away from each other.

Further, when the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shaft 222 so as to be separated from each other, the pair of separation floors 224 move so as to approach each other.
When the pair of separation floors 224 move closer to each other, the main body 224a is inserted from the side of the prize W inserted from the prize insertion port 200a, and the prize W to be paid out and the prize W to be paid out are separated. .

(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, an alignment wall 233, a solenoid 234, a solenoid 235, a counting pick 236, and a pressing pick 237.

  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 counting of the prize W is performed before the pair of separation floors 224 of the prize sorting unit 220 separates the prize W to be paid out from the prize W to be paid out.

  After counting the prizes W to be paid out, the prize counting unit 230 determines that the pair of separation floors 224 can separate the prizes W to be paid out from the prizes W to be paid out and the non-payable prizes W. A gap is formed between the payout target prize W. The main body 224a of the pair of separation floors 224 is inserted into the 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 prize insertion opening 200a and the separation floor 224. The original position sensor 231 can detect whether or not the highest prize W has passed through itself (original position sensor 231) by reading the side surface of the prize W that has risen or lowered.

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, an extruded plate passage surface 233b formed in the main body 233a, openings 233c and 233d, and an inclined surface S3.
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.

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 solenoids 234 and 235 are so-called pull-type solenoids in which the movable iron core is drawn into the main body by passing a current through a coil (not shown) installed in the main body included in these.
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 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 counting pick 236 is always urged in the direction of the inclined surface S2 by elastic means (not shown) (for example, a spring material such as a torsion spring or a leaf spring).

The count pick 236 is exposed from the opening 233c toward the space where the separation floor 224 is disposed. The counting pick 236 comes 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 counting pick 236 overlaps the counting sensor 232. The counting sensor 232 counts the number of overlapping operations of the counting pick 236 as the number of W sheets.
When the prize W passes, the counting pick 236 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring. Then, the counted prize W is placed on the counting pick 236.

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

  The pressing pick 237 is inserted into the opening 233 d of the alignment wall portion 233. Similar to the counting pick 236, the pressing pick 237 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 pressing pick 237 moves in the opening 233d so as to advance and retreat.

Similar to the counting pick 236, the pressing pick 237 may be configured to move rotatably with a fulcrum provided at a predetermined location as a rotation axis.
The pressing pick 237 comes into contact with the prize W that has risen in the same manner as the counting pick 236.

As a result, the pressing pick 237 is pushed back by the prize W. At this time, the pressing pick 237 presses the touched prize W against the inclined surface S2 by the restoring force of the spring.
When the prize W passes, the pressing pick 237 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring.

  The pressing pick 237 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 pressing pick 237 is pulled by the movable iron core. As a result, the pressing pick 237 moves backward. At this time, the pressing pick 237 is retracted into the opening 233d to the tip (retraction operation of the pressing pick 237).

(Regarding the gift dispensing unit 240)
The prize payout unit 240 includes a mounting table 241, a forgetting sensor 242, a wall 243, a counting check sensor 244, a drive motor 245, 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 241b is bent at some points, and is formed in a substantially L shape or a substantially concave shape as a whole. The extended 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 222 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.
A side surface 241g of the extending portion 241b 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.

A contact terminal 241h is provided at a corner on the surface of the part 241f on the premium sorting part 220 side (a boundary part with the part 241e).
The contact terminal 241h has a cylindrical shape. A side surface (curved surface) of the contact terminal 241h is in contact with a part of the outlet opening / closing portion 250 (a pressing plate 252 which is a plate member described later).

  The slide rail 246 guides the moving direction 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.
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 drive motor 245 may include a transmission gear.

  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.

A buffer member 245b is provided above the contact member 245a. The buffer member 245b is made of, for example, rubber formed in a cylindrical shape. The buffer member 245b is in contact with a part of the payout opening / closing part 250 (a pressing plate 252 which is a plate member described later). The buffer member 245b absorbs an impact when coming into contact with the pressing plate 252.
The buffer member 245b may be brought into contact with the contact member 245a, and the buffer member 245b may be rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the contact member 245a. By rotating the buffer member 245b, it is possible to apply a force toward the prize sorting unit 220 toward the pressing plate 252. In that case, the contact member 245a and the buffer member 245b may be formed in a gear shape from brass or plastic, or may be formed of different materials and different shapes.

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 portion of the slide rail 246 on the shutter portion 260 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.

(About the outlet opening / closing part 250)
As shown in FIG. 9, the dispensing outlet opening / closing part 250 includes a holding plate 251 and a pressing plate 252.
The payout opening / closing part 250 moves the lid 264 of the shutter part 260 to expose the prize payout opening 100d.

  The holding plate 251 is provided on the base part 200. The surface 251 a of the holding plate 251 faces the same direction as the surface of the part 241 f of the mounting table 241. An arc-shaped through hole 251b is formed on the surface 251a.

  The through hole 251b is disposed along the circumference of a virtual circle centered on the fulcrum f. The through hole 251b is provided to hold the pressing plate 252 so that it does not fall off.

The pressing plate 252 is formed in a thin plate shape and includes a surface 252a (a surface extending at least in the rising direction of the mounting table 241), a first side surface 252b, a second side surface 252c, and a plurality of through holes 252d. Further, the pressing plate 252 includes a locking projection 252e.
The pressing plate 252 is provided on the holding plate 251 so as to be rotatable about the fulcrum f. The pressing plate 252 can be provided so as to be constantly urged to the side opposite to the prize sorting unit 220 by, for example, a torsion spring.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the prize W has not yet been paid out, and the mounting table 241 has not been raised. At this time, as an initial state, the pressing plate 252 is urged so that the first side surface 252b is at a predetermined angle (for example, 45 °) with respect to the ascending direction of the mounting table 241.

The surface 252a faces the same direction as the surface 251a of the holding plate 251.
One end side of the first side surface 252b is in contact with a contact terminal 241h provided on the extending portion 241b of the mounting table 241. The other end side of the first side surface 252b is in contact with the buffer member 245b.

The second side 252c is located on the opposite side of the first side 252b. The second side surface 252c and the first side surface 252b are provided at different predetermined angles so as to be substantially C-shaped.
When the pressing plate 252 rotates, the second side surface 252c comes into contact with the shutter unit 260 (not shown here) and presses the shutter unit 260 in the horizontal direction.

The plurality of through holes 252d are provided on the surface 252a. The plurality of through holes 252d are provided for weight reduction.
The locking protrusion 252e is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The locking protrusion 252e protrudes from the surface 252a toward the holding plate 251.

The tip of the locking projection 252e is inserted into the through hole 251b of the holding plate 251. The locking projection 252e moves in the through hole 251b along the through hole 251b when the pressing plate 252 rotates.
The distal end portion of the locking projection 252e is desirably formed in a flange shape in order to prevent the locking projection 252e from falling off the through hole 251b.

In the payout opening / closing part 250 configured as described above, the first side surface 252b is pressed toward the prize sorting part 220 by the contact terminal 241h as the mounting table 241 is raised. As a result, the entire pressing plate 252 rotates toward the prize sorting unit 220 with the fulcrum f as an axis.
And the 2nd side 252c presses the shutter part 260 in a horizontal direction. As a result, the closing of the prize payout outlet 100d by the lid 264 of the shutter part 260 is released, and the prize payout outlet 100d is exposed.

  Note that, when the buffer member 245b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the contact member 245a of the drive motor 245, a force directed toward the prize sorting unit 220 is applied to the first side surface 252b. This reduces the burden on the mounting table 241 that presses the pressing plate 252.

(About shutter 260)
As shown in FIG. 12, the shutter part 260 includes a pair of guide rails 261, a base part 262 (base), a pair of sliding members 263, a lid 264, a pressing plate contact part 265, and a spring part 266. As shown in FIG. 13, the shutter unit 260 includes four support members 267 (connection members) and a pair of sliding members 268. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the spring portion 266 and the pair of guide rails 261 are not shown for easy viewing of the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 12, the shutter unit 260 is provided on the discharge top plate 100 a in the upper unit 113.

  The pair of guide rails 261 is fixed to the discharge top plate 100a. The pair of guide rails 261 are formed in a concave shape in cross section, and are provided with the concave portions facing each other with a predetermined distance therebetween. The pair of guide rails 261 extend along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 200 shown in FIG. A base portion 262 and a pressing plate contact portion 265 are movably attached to the pair of guide rails 261. The pair of guide rails 261 guide the moving direction of the base portion 262 and the pressing plate contact portion 265.

  The base portion 262 is formed in a box shape having a long portion and a short portion. The base portion 262 includes a bottom surface portion 262a and side surface portions 262b to 262e (first side surface portions). A pressing plate contact portion 265 and a lid 264 are attached to the base portion 262.

The surface (first surface) of the bottom surface portion 262a has a substantially rectangular shape having a short side and a long side. A substantially rectangular opening 262f (second opening) is formed on the bottom opening 262a on the payout opening / closing part 250 side.
The opening 262f has a shape corresponding to the prize payout outlet 100d. The opening 262f is preferably formed to be slightly wider (larger) than the prize payout outlet 100d. The prize W and the mounting table 241 are inserted into the opening 262f so as to freely enter and exit.

The side portions 262b to 262e each have a substantially rectangular shape.
The side surface portions 262b and 262c are along the short side of the bottom surface portion 262a and face each other across the bottom surface portion 262a.
The side surface part 262b is adjacent to the opening 262f and faces the discharge outlet opening / closing part 250. A cutout 262g communicating with the opening 262f is formed in the side surface portion 262b.

The notch 262g is provided so that the extended portion 241b of the raised mounting table 241 and the base portion 262 do not interfere with each other.
The side surface portions 262d and 262e are along the long side of the bottom surface portion 262a and face each other with the bottom surface portion 262a interposed therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 13, a lid 264 is rotatably attached to the side surface portions 262d and 262e via a support member 267. The side surface portions 262d and 262e have corresponding shapes and configurations. Hereinafter, the side surface portion 262d will be described in detail, and detailed description of the side surface portion 262e will be omitted.
The side surface portion 262d is provided with through holes 262h and 262i, a notch 262j, and one sliding member 263 in a pair.

  The through holes 262h and 262i and the notch 262j guide the rotation of the lid 264. The through holes 262h and 262i are arranged so as to sandwich the notch 262j. The through holes 262h and 262i and the notch 262j have corresponding shapes.

A part of the through holes 262h and 262i is formed in an arc shape along the rotation direction of the lid 264. This arc-shaped portion is along the circumference of a virtual circle centered on the fulcrum f.
Similarly, a part of the notch 262j is also formed in an arc shape along the rotation direction of the lid 264.

The pair of sliding members 263 are made of, for example, rubber, plastic, metal, or the like in a substantially cylindrical shape.
As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of sliding members 263 are inserted into the recesses of the pair of guide rails 261, respectively. The pair of sliding members 263 slide relative to the recesses and move relative to the pair of guide rails 261. You may comprise a pair of sliding member 263 so that the inside of the recessed part of a pair of guide rail 261 can roll.

As shown in FIG. 13, the lid body 264 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a surface 264a (third surface) and side surfaces 264b to 264e (second side surface portions).
The lid 264 is disposed in the base portion 262 (in a space surrounded by the bottom surface portion 262a and the side surface portions 262b to 262e). The lid body 264 is close to the side surface portion 262c side of the base portion 262.
The lid body 264 is rotatably attached to the base portion 262 via the support member 267, and has a predetermined height between the surface opposite to the surface 264a (second surface) and the bottom surface portion 262a. There is a gap.

  When the prize W is not paid out, the lid 264 closes the prize payout outlet 100d, and when the prize W is paid out, the lid 264 is retracted to the lower side of the discharge top plate 100a, as shown in FIG. The prize payout exit 100d is exposed.

When the prize payout outlet 100d is closed, the surface 264a is exposed from the prize payout outlet 100d. At this time, the surface 264a is preferably flush with the upper surface of the discharge top plate 100a.
The side surfaces 264b to 264e are partially covered with the side surface portions 262b to 262e of the base portion 262, and the other portions are exposed to the outside from the side surface portions 262b to 262e. This exposed other part is surrounded by the wall surface of the prize payout outlet 100d as shown in FIG.

The side surface 264b is located on the opening 262f side of the base portion 262 and faces the side surface portion 262b of the base portion 262.
The side surface 264c (second contact portion) is a surface opposite to the side surface 264b and faces the side surface portion 262c of the base portion 262.
The side surface 264d connects one end sides of the side surface 264b and the side surface 264c, and faces the side surface portion 262d of the base portion 262. The side surface 264d also faces through holes 262h and 262i and a notch 262j provided in the side surface portion 262d of the base portion 262.
A support member 267 and one sliding member 268 in a pair are provided on the side surface 264d.

The side surface 264e is a surface opposite to the side surface 264d, and connects the other end sides of the side surface 264b and the side surface 264c. The side surface 264e faces the side surface portion 262e of the base portion 262. The side surface 264e is also opposed to through holes 262h (not shown), 262i, and notches 262j (not shown) provided in the side surface portion 262e of the base portion 262.
Similar to the side surface 264d, the side surface 264e is provided with a support member 267 and the other sliding member 268 in the pair.

The four support members 267 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a thin plate shape. The support member 267 connects the base portion 262 and the lid 264.
One end of two of the four support members 267 is provided on the side surface portion 262d of the base portion 262 so as to be rotatable about the fulcrum f as an axis. And the other end side of these two supporting members 267 is rotatably provided on the side surface 264d of the lid 264 by the locking projection 267b.
Similarly, the remaining support members 267 are provided on the side surface portion 262e of the base portion 262 and the side surface 264e of the lid body 264. A locking projection 267b (not shown) is also provided on the side surface 264e of the lid 264.

As described above, the support member 267 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the base portion 262 and the lid body 264. As a result, the base portion 262 and the lid body 264 are relatively rotated.
The support member 267 is urged by the spring 267c (elastic body) to stand up with respect to the bottom surface portion 262a when the lid body 264 closes the prize outlet 100d. When the prize W is paid out, the support member 267 is urged to fall down along the bottom surface portion 262a as shown in FIG. The spring 267c is, for example, a torsion spring.

  The locking protrusion 267b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The locking protrusion 267b passes through the support member 267 and extends from the side surface 264d (or side surface 264e) of the lid 264 toward the through hole 262h (or side surface 262i) of the side surface portion 262d (or side surface 262e) of the base portion 262. Protruding.

The locking protrusion 267b is inserted into the through hole 262h (or the through hole 262i). When the lid 264 rotates with respect to the base portion 262, the locking projection 267b extends along the arc-shaped flange portion of the through-hole 262h (or the through-hole 262i) in the through-hole 262h (or the through-hole 262i). To move.
The distal end portion of the locking projection 267b is preferably formed in a flange shape in order to prevent the locking projection 267b from falling off the through hole 262h (262i).

  The pair of sliding members 268 move along the notch 262j of the base portion 262 when the lid 264 rotates with respect to the base portion 262. The pair of sliding members 268 are provided in order to prevent the lid 264 from becoming glazed during rotation.

As shown in FIG. 12, the pressing plate contact portion 265 has a long portion and a short portion, and is formed in a generally concave shape and a thin plate shape as a whole. The longitudinal direction of the pressing plate contact portion 265 matches the longitudinal direction of the base portion 262. The pressing plate contact portion 265 has a bottom surface portion 265a and side surface portions 265b and 265c.
The pressing plate contact portion 265 is pressed by the pressing plate 252 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the base portion 262 and the like (the base portion 262, the lid 264 attached to the base portion 262, and the pressing plate contact portion 265) integrally move substantially horizontally with respect to the discharge top plate 100a.

  The bottom surface portion 265a faces the same direction as the bottom surface portion 262a of the base portion 262. The bottom surface portion 265a has a front surface (a surface opposite to the discharge top plate 100a) and a back surface thereof (a surface facing the discharge top plate 100a). A spring 266b of the spring portion 266 is connected to the back surface of the bottom surface portion 265a.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a notch 265d is formed along the longitudinal direction on one end side of the bottom surface portion 265a facing the outlet opening / closing portion 250. A pressing plate 252 is inserted into the notch 265d so as to be freely inserted and removed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the side surface portions 265b and 265c have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The side surface portions 265b and 265c are along the long side of the bottom surface portion 265a and face each other with the bottom surface portion 265a interposed therebetween.
The side surface portions 265b and 265c protrude downward from the surface of the bottom surface portion 265a.
The side surface portion 265b is attached to the side surface portion 262e of the base portion 262. As a result, the pressing plate contact portion 265 is fixed to the base portion 262.

One sliding member 263 of the pair is provided on the side surface portion 265c.
A contact member 265e is provided between the side portions 265b and 265c so that a part is exposed from the notch 265d.
The contact member 265e is formed, for example, from rubber, plastic, metal, or the like in a substantially cylindrical shape.

The spring portion 266 includes a spring holding plate 266a and a spring 266b.
The spring holding plate 266a has a thin plate shape. The spring holding plate 266a protrudes downward from the discharge top plate 100a. The spring holding plate 266a faces the same direction as the side surface portion 262b of the base portion 262. The spring holding plate 266a faces the contact member 265e of the pressing plate contact portion 265.

One end of the spring 266b is attached to the spring holding plate 266a.
The spring 266b is, for example, a coil spring. The spring 266b connects the spring holding plate 266a and the pressing plate contact portion 265. The spring 266b pulls the pressing plate contact portion 265 toward the spring holding plate 266a. The “spring holding plate 266a side” means the side opposite to the direction in which the pressing plate 252 of the outlet opening / closing portion 250 presses the pressing plate contact portion 265.

When the base portion 262 or the like moves, the spring 266b is pulled by the pressing plate contact portion 265.
When the pressing by the pressing plate 252 of the outlet opening / closing portion 250 is released, the spring 266b returns to the original state by the restoring force. Therefore, at this time, the spring 266b pulls the pressing plate contact portion 265 toward the spring holding plate 266a. As a result, the base portion 262 and the like are returned to their original positions. The “original position” is a position where the lid 264 closes the prize payout outlet 100d.
The spring 266b need not be a coil spring as long as it has the above-described function.

(About the opening and closing operation of the lid 264)
The opening / closing operation | movement of the cover body 264 of the shutter part 260 comprised above is demonstrated.
As described above, when the prize W is not paid out, the lid 264 closes the prize payout outlet 100d (see FIG. 13).

  When the prize W is paid out, the mounting table 241 moves up as shown in FIG. At this time, the mounting table 241 moves upward while pressing the first side surface 252b of the pressing plate 252 of the outlet opening / closing portion 250 by the contact terminal 241h (see arrow A1 in the drawing). As a result, the pressing plate 252 rotates toward the pressing plate contact portion 265 of the shutter portion 260 (see arrow A2 in the drawing).

  The second side surface 252c of the pressing plate 252 is inserted into the notch 265d of the pressing plate contact portion 265 and presses the contact member 265e. As a result, while the pressing plate contact portion 265 pulls the coil spring 266b, the base portion 262 and the like begin to move substantially horizontally with respect to the discharge top plate 100a (see arrow A3 in the figure).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the side surface 264 c of the lid 264 comes into contact with the wall surface (contact portion) of the opposing prize payout outlet 100 d. With the movement of the base portion 262 and the like, the lid 264 is pressed in the direction opposite to the moving direction by the wall surface of the prize payout outlet 100d. Further, for example, the pair of sliding members 268 may be pressed instead of pressing the lid 264 by contacting the wall surface of the gift payout outlet 100d facing the side surface 264c of the lid 264. In this case, a contact member that comes into contact with the pair of sliding members 268 may be provided on the side surface or in the vicinity of the prize payout outlet 100d, and the pair of sliding members 268 may be pressed. As this contact member, for example, a rail-like member or a plate-like member such as the spring holding plate 266a shown in FIG. 12 can be considered. For example, the rail-shaped member is provided with bent portions along the side portions 262d and 262e shown in FIG. 13 and along the notch 262j, and guides the movement of the pair of sliding members 268. The pair of sliding members 268 are pressed by the plate-like member and move along the rail-like member.

  When the lid 264 is pressed in this way, the support member 267 (see FIG. 14) rotates in the direction of the opening 262f of the base portion 262 about the fulcrum f so as to be pulled by the lid 264. As a result, the lid 264 moves so as to be accommodated in the base portion 262. At this time, the restoring force of the spring 267c causes a force to return the support member 267 and the lid 264 to their original positions, but the surface 264a of the lid 264 is pressed against the discharge top plate 100a. The body 264 is maintained in the state shown in FIG.

  At this time, the restoring force of the spring 266b (see FIG. 12) causes a force to return the pressing plate contact portion 265 and the like to the original position. However, during the payout of the prize W, the pressing plate 252 is always the pressing plate contact portion. Since 265 is pressed, the pressing plate contact portion 265 and the like do not return to the original position.

  Finally, the entire lid 264 is retracted to the lower side of the discharge top plate 100a, and the prize payout outlet 100d is exposed. At this time, since the opening 262f of the base portion 262 moves to a position corresponding to the prize payout outlet 100d, the prize W and the mounting table 241 can pass through the opening 262f and ascend to the prize payout outlet 100d.

When the payout of the prize W is completed and the mounting table 241 is lowered, the pressing plate contact portion 265 is pulled by the restoring force of the spring 266b, and the pressing plate contact portion 265 presses the pressing plate 252 in the return direction. The pressed pressing plate 252 naturally returns to the position shown in FIG. 9 due to its own weight.
When a spring is used when attaching the pressing plate 252 to the holding plate 251, the pressing plate 252 returns to the position shown in FIG. 9 by the restoring force of the spring.
Eventually, the base portion 262 and the like return to their original positions, and the lid 264 closes the prize payout outlet 100d.
The above is the description of the configuration of the giveaway device 17 according to the first embodiment.

(About counting and moving prize W)
Next, counting of the prize W to be paid out by the prize dispensing device 17 and movement to the mounting table 241 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the counting operation of the prize W. In FIG. 16, the prizes W are given the symbols W1 to W5 and Wn in order from the top. FIG. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view (cross section AA in FIG. 9) for explaining the movement of the prize W.

  In FIG. 16, the prize W is conveyed into the upper unit 113 through the opening 112j of the lower housing 112a and the prize insertion port 200a of the base part 200 by the connected counting unit 170 and the prize conveyance unit 180. Is shown. That is, in the ascended prize W, one end side of the prize W to be paid out gets over the counting pick 236, and one end side is held on the counting pick 236.

  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.

When the prize W rises, the side surface of the prize W comes into contact with the pressing pick 237. The pressing pick 237 presses the prize W in the horizontal direction and presses it against the inclined surface S2.
At this time, the pair of holding members 223 are close to each other, 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.

  The prize W pressed against the inclined surface S2 rises along the inclined surface S2 while being in contact with the inclined surface S2. The prize W ascends in a staircase pattern so as to protrude in the direction of the alignment wall portion 233 in order from the prize W1 as a whole. Thereby, the boundary for each prize W that is closely stacked and accommodated becomes clear.

When the prize W passes through the pressing pick 237, the prize W comes into contact with the inclined surface S3.
Since the inclined surface S3 is steeper than the inclined surface S2, the prize W rises in an inclined posture so that the inclined surface S3 side is lifted.

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

  The raised prize W comes into contact with the counting pick 236. The count pick 236 is pushed by the prize W, moves backward with the fulcrum f as a rotation axis, and overlaps the count sensor 232. 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.

  When the prize W passes, the counting pick 236 tries to return to the original position by the restoring force of the spring. As a result, the count pick 236 moves away from the count sensor 232.

  One end of the prize W that has passed through the counting sensor 232 is placed on the counting pick 236. At this time, the leading end of the counting pick 236 is interposed between the prize W to be paid out and the prize W to be paid out.

  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 in a state of being placed on the counting pick 236.

Thereafter, 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 (in the drawing). (See arrow A1).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, the extruding plate 215 (main body 213) of the prize extruding unit 210 moves forward to press the prizes W <b> 1 to W <b> 4 to be paid out to the mounting table 241.

At this time, the arm portion 215 b of the prize push-out portion 210 passes through the guide grooves 228 of the pair of holding members 223, so that the pair of holding members 223 slide on the shaft 222 in directions away from each other. Therefore, the pair of holding members 223 does not interfere with the movement of the prizes W1 to W4.
Finally, the prizes W1 to W4 are placed on the placing table.
This completes the description of the counting and movement of the prize W.

(Main control means 104)
Next, the function of the main control means 104 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the main control means 104.

  As shown in FIG. 18, 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. 19 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the lane control means 105.

  As shown in FIG. 19, 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, a prize extrusion control unit 105f, a mounting table control unit 105g, a solenoid. A control unit 105h and a communication unit 105i are provided.

  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 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 count calculation unit 105d outputs information indicating the number of prizes W to the error determination unit 105e.

  The error determination unit 105e matches the number of prizes W calculated based on the detection signal output from the counting sensor 232 by the counting calculation unit 105d and the number of prizes W calculated based on the detection signal output from the counting check sensor 244. Judge whether to do.

  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 into 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. 20, the control of the lane control means 105 for counting and paying out the prize W will be described. FIG. 20 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 FIG. 16, the prize W that has risen at the second speed gets over the counting pick 236 while shifting in a staircase pattern. 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)
The lane control unit 105 lowers the connected counting unit 170 and the prize transport unit 180 by a predetermined amount to form a gap between the prize W to be paid out and the prize W to be paid out (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, 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.

(5) Continuation of payout operation (Yes in step S113 to S117)
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 continues to raise the mounting table 241. (Step S114). 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.

  After step S114, when the mounting table 241 is raised, the base portion 262 and the like start moving by the rotation of the pressing plate 252, and the prize payout outlet 100d is exposed (step S115). The timing at which the base unit 262 and the like start moving may be before step S114, for example, immediately after step S111.

  The lane control unit 105 repeats the process of step S114 until the sensor 247a detects that the mounting table 241 has been raised to the rise 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 base portion 262 moves to the original position in conjunction with the lowering of the mounting table 241, and the prize payout outlet 100d is closed again.

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, it is not necessary to provide an arm for pushing out the prize W that has been conventionally used on the discharge top plate 100a. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a step on the discharge top plate 100a, and it can be formed flat.
Therefore, the prize on the discharge top plate 100a can be easily visually recognized.

  In the prize payout device 17, since the prize payout outlet 100d is arranged at the position where the placing table 241 is raised, the prize payout outlet 100d can be quickly paid out after the prize W is placed on the placing table 241.

  In the prize dispensing device 17, since the cover 264 automatically opens and closes in synchronization with the raising and lowering of the mounting table 241 by providing the pressing plate 252, it is necessary to include a dedicated motor or the like for opening and closing the cover 264. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing cost from increasing.

  In the prize payout device 17, since the operation of sending the prizes W in the horizontal direction one by one can be omitted, the time required for paying out the prizes W can be shortened.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the inside of the upper unit 113a according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 21, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 20, and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 21, 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 position and the arrangement direction 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.

In the upper unit 113a, the movement of the prize W in the horizontal direction by the prize extruding unit 210 of the upper unit 113 of the first embodiment can be omitted.
In the upper unit 113a, the prize payout outlet 100d and the lid 264 of the shutter part 260 are arranged at positions corresponding to the prize insertion port 200a. Although not shown here, the outlet opening / closing portion 250 is provided so as to press the base portion 262 of the shutter portion 260 from the slide rail 246 side toward the inclined unit 320 side.

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.

The prize paying part 340 corresponds to the main body part 213, the sorting floor 224 provided in the prize sorting part 220, and the mounting table 241 provided in the prize paying part 240 of the first embodiment. Although not shown here, the prize paying part 340 includes the extension part 241b and the contact terminal 241h shown in FIG.
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 base part 262 and the like move in synchronization with the rising of the separation floor holding part 341, and the prize payout outlet 100d is exposed.

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. 22, the payout operation of the prize W by the prize dispensing device 17 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 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 in the first embodiment (see steps S101 to S107 shown in FIG. 20), and a detailed description thereof is omitted. By the operation in step S201, a gap is formed between the payout target prize W and the non-payout target prize W (see FIG. 27).

(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 has been counted and sorted normally, the lane control unit 105 continues to raise the mounting table 241. When the mounting table 241 moves up, the base portion 262 and the like start moving by the rotation of the pressing plate 252 and the prize payout outlet 100d is exposed (step S206). The timing at which the base unit 262 and the like start moving may be before step S205, for example, immediately after step S203.

  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. 21, 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 base part 262 and the like move to the original position in conjunction with the lowering of the separation floor holding part 341, and the prize payout outlet 100d is closed again.
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.

For example, the discharge port opening / closing unit 250 is not provided, and the shutter unit 260 and the extrusion motor 216 are connected by connection means such as a gear, a belt mechanism, and a chain mechanism so that the lid 264 opens and closes in synchronization with the drive of the extrusion motor 216. It can also be configured.
The shutter 260 and the drive motor 245 may be connected by the same connecting means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Premium give-out system, 17 ... Premium give-out device, 100 ... Housing, 103 ... Lighting part, 104 ... Main control means, 105 ... Lane control means, 110 ... Premium give-out unit, 111 ... Premium cartridge, 112 ... Lower unit, 113, 113a ... Upper unit, 170 ... Counting unit, 180 ... Premium transport unit, 200 ... Base unit, 210 ... Premium extruding unit, 211 ... Frame, 212 ... Slide rail, 213 ... Main unit, 215 ... Extrusion plate, 216 ... Push motor 220 ... Premium sorting part 223 ... Holding member 224 ... Separate floor 230 ... Premium counting part 231 ... Original position sensor 232 ... Counting sensor 233 ... Alignment wall part 236 ... Counting pick 237 ... Press pick, 240 ... prize dispenser, 241 ... mounting table, 242 ... forgetting sensor, 243 ... wall, 244 ... counting check sensor, 245 ... drive Motor, 246 ... Slide rail, 241 ... Mounting table, 245 ... Drive motor, 250 ... Discharge opening / closing part, 251 ... Holding plate, 252 ... Pressing plate, 260 ... Shutter part, 261 ... Guide rail, 262 ... Base part, 263 ... Sliding member, 264 ... Cover body, 265 ... Pressing plate contact portion, 266 ... Spring portion, 267 ... Support member, 268 ... Sliding member, 320 ... Inclining unit, 340 ... Premium dispenser, 341 ... Separate floor holding Part, 342 ... separation floor.

Claims (5)

A box-shaped housing for storing the prizes in a stack, wherein the prize outlet is provided with a payout part that opens on a flat upper surface;
A lid provided with a lid that can be freely opened and closed in the dispensing part, and closes or opens the dispensing outlet;
A placing table on which the prize to be paid out is placed and rises to the payout exit;
An elevation control unit for raising and lowering the mounting table;
A prize dispensing device comprising: an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the dispensing outlet by moving the lid as the table is raised and lowered. It is disposed to face the lid, and includes a base portion including at least the mounting table and the opening / closing mechanism,
The lid is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat along the surface direction of the upper surface of the housing.
The opening / closing mechanism includes a plate member that is rotatably supported by the base portion and presses the lid portion in the surface direction in contact with the lid portion when the mounting table is raised. Item 2. A prize dispensing device according to Item 1. A base on which the lid supports the lid;
The prize dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising a connection member that connects the base and the lid so that the lid can pivot freely with respect to the base. The base is formed in a box shape,
When the lid closes the payout opening, the cover is furthest away from the base and at least a part is surrounded by the wall surface of the payout outlet;
When the lid portion is pressed by the plate member of the opening / closing mechanism, the lid body is rotated by being pressed in the opposite direction to the pressing direction by the plate member and is accommodated in the base, 4. The prize dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein the lid is closest to the base. The housing includes a contact portion that contacts the lid when the lid is pressed against the plate member,
5. The prize dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the lid includes a second contact portion that is in contact with the contact portion and is pressed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction.

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