JP2008200425A - Prize dispensing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize dispensing machine capable of being refilled with prizes in a short time and allowing recognition of the number of prizes in a cassette in a certain accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: When a lift mechanism(14a and 14b) lifts a prize (1) in a containing section (9), the raising position of a lift member (13) is controlled by a raising control means (55) so that the one of the prizes which is located in the highest position of the prizes is positioned on a predetermined feeding position. The prize (1) positioned on a predetermined feeding position is fed one by one sequentially. The raising distance from the lowest position of the lift member(13) to the raising position is calculated by a raising distance calculating means (81). A reference distance for the lift member (13) is stored in a storing means (82). According to the difference between the reference distance and the raising distance, the number of prizes (1) contained in the containing section(9) is calculated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is provided in a game store such as a pachinko parlor, and is used for paying out a prize to be delivered to the player in accordance with the game result such as the number of pachinko balls or medals and the score of the game, and to the player. Related to the machine.

  Conventionally, as a prize dispenser (article dispenser) for delivering a card-like prize such as a special prize for pachinko, there is one described in Japanese Patent No. 3664774 (Patent Document 1). FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prize dispenser (article dispenser) described in Japanese Patent No. 3664774 (Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 16, this prize dispenser has a plurality of storage sections 109 for storing card-like prizes 101 in a stack, and a plurality of communication sections 110 that communicate the inside and the outside of each storage section. A cassette 111, a receiving space portion 112 having a size corresponding to each storage portion 109 and having a small space corresponding to one storage portion in addition to a small space corresponding to the number of storage portions, and a small space located in the center. A pair of lift mechanisms each provided in a pair of small spaces adjacent to the space and having a lift member that can enter the storage portion 109 through the communication portion 110 and can be moved up and down substantially in the entire vertical direction of the small space. 114 and a pair of small spaces adjacent to the small space located at the center, the prizes in the storage unit 109 located in each small space are arranged in the middle small sky in order from the highest prize 101. A pair of feeding means 115 that feeds to the side, an elevator mechanism 125 that is provided in a small space located in the center and has an elevating plate that rises in response to the prize 101, and a prize 101 that is fed by each of the feeding means 115 The holding portion on the lifting plate that is temporarily held in this state, the throwing means 117 that horizontally pushes the prize 101 on the raised lifting plate, and the cassette 111 that is received in the receiving space portion 112 are arranged in a small space. Slide means 118 that slides one small space in the direction.

  The prize dispenser (article dispenser) described in Japanese Patent No. 3664774 (patent document 1) can continuously dispense prizes from two cassettes in terms of space utilization efficiency. It is an extremely excellent device in that it can be used. In this prize dispenser, an empty sensor is used to detect the remaining amount of prizes in the cassette. However, the empty sensor can only determine whether the remaining amount of the prize in the cassette is 0 or 1 or more.

Accurately grasping the remaining amount of the prize in the cassette is very useful for efficiently performing the supplement work of the prize. Therefore, the present applicant has developed a premium payout system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-131080 (Patent Document 2). In the prize payout system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-131080 (Patent Document 2), prizes are sorted and stored by type when supplementing prizes. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the remaining amount of prizes in the cassette.
Japanese Patent No. 3664774 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-211686

  As described above, the conventional prize dispenser employs an empty sensor for detecting the remaining amount of prizes in the cassette. However, since the empty sensor can only determine whether the remaining amount of the prize in the cassette is 0 or 1 or more, the store clerk does not notice it until the prize disappears, and the prize disappears during the prize exchange process. There are many cases. In that case, the exchange process is interrupted, the type of the prize to be replenished is specified, the prize is prepared, and the replenishment work is performed, which causes the player to wait and inconveniences. In particular, when the prize runs out just before the store closes when there are many players who want to exchange prizes, the congestion becomes severe.

  In addition, in the premium payout system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-131080 (Patent Document 2), when the premium is replenished, the premium is sorted and stored by type, so that the remaining amount of the premium in the cassette is accurately determined. I can grasp it. However, in the prize payout system, it takes time to replenish prizes because the prizes are sorted and stored one by one. Further, when a prize is clogged during operation, if the door is opened and the internal prize is manually taken out, the stored remaining quantity may not match the actual remaining quantity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and provides a prize dispenser capable of replenishing a prize in a short time and accurately grasping the number of prizes in a cassette to some extent. For the purpose.

  The present invention includes a cassette mounting portion on which a cassette having a storage portion that can store a plurality of card-like prizes in a stacked manner, and a cassette mounting portion that can enter the storage portion and enter the storage portion. A lift member capable of moving up and down over substantially the entire vertical direction, the lift mechanism capable of lifting the prize in the storage unit by the lift member, and when the lift mechanism lifts the prize in the storage unit, The lift control means for positioning the lift position of the lift member and the prize positioned at the predetermined payout position are fed out one by one so that the highest prize among the prizes is positioned at the predetermined payout position. The feeding means and the position from the lowest lowered position of the lift member to the lifted position of the lift member positioned by the lift control means Based on the difference between the lift distance calculation means for calculating the lift distance of the lift member, the storage means for storing the comparison reference distance of the lift member, and the comparison reference distance and the lift distance, the lift member is stored in the storage section. And a calculating means for calculating the number of free gifts.

  According to the present invention, the stacking thickness (total thickness) of the prizes stored in the storage unit can be grasped based on the ascent distance to the predetermined ascending position where the lift member is positioned. Thus, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of prizes stored in the storage unit. Also, it does not take time to replenish prizes.

  The lift mechanism may employ, for example, a stepping motor for raising the lift member. In that case, the ascending distance can be obtained based on the number of pulses of the stepping motor. However, the value of the pulse number of the stepping motor may be used as it is for the subsequent calculation without being converted into the unit of distance. It is merely that the ascending distance is expressed by the number of pulses, and the “number of pulses” in that case should be interpreted as “ascending distance” (which is included in the scope of the claims). In that case, the thickness of the prize is also converted into the number of pulses and used for the calculation.

  As a comparative reference distance to be compared with the ascent distance, a distance (design distance) from the lowest position of the lift member to the upper surface position of the prize at the predetermined feeding position can be used. The difference between the comparative reference distance and the ascent distance corresponds to the stacking thickness (total thickness) of the prizes stored in the storage unit.

  Alternatively, the comparative reference distance compared with the ascent distance is determined by positioning the prize at a predetermined feeding position when only one prize is stored in the storage section from the lowest position of the lift member. A value obtained by adding the thickness per one prize to the one-time lift distance of the lift member up to the lift position of the lift member when the lift member is lifted can be used. The difference between the comparative reference distance and the ascending distance also corresponds to the laminated thickness (total thickness) of the prizes stored in the storage unit. In addition, when such a comparative reference distance is used, a design distance can be used. However, since it is possible to actually perform a measurement operation for a one-piece ascent distance, it is By performing the measurement operation, it is possible to eliminate the influence of variation on the design value for each prize dispenser. Thereby, the number of prizes can be calculated more accurately.

  The number of prizes can be obtained by dividing the difference, that is, the laminated thickness (total thickness) of prizes stored in the storage unit by the thickness per prize.

  After calculating the number of prizes based on the difference, the calculation means subtracts the number of prizes paid out for each prize payout operation according to the prize payout operation, and calculates the number of prizes. It is preferable to grasp. Usually, the calculation means is connected to a display unit that displays the number of prizes.

  Alternatively, a second calculation means for subtracting the number of prizes paid out and grasping the number of prizes may be separately provided for each prize payout operation according to the prize payout operation. In this case, the calculation means sends the number of prizes calculated based on the difference to the second calculation means. In this case, the second calculation means is connected to a display unit that displays the number of prizes.

  For example, the ascent distance calculating means and the calculating means function only during a reset operation. It is possible to check the remaining number of prizes by functioning periodically, but it is usually sufficient to function only during the reset operation, and if you want to check the remaining number of prizes, you can reset it. Good.

  In addition, the display unit is configured to display differently between the display mode when the number of prizes is large and the display mode when the number of prizes is small, and highlights the case where the number of prizes is small. Is preferred. Thereby, it can be made to recognize clearly that there are few prizes by a shop assistant.

  A prize dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The prize 1 in the present embodiment is a special prize used in a pachinko hall or the like. The prize 1 is exchanged for a pachinko ball (or medal) acquired by a user at a prize exchange in the store, and is purchased outside the shop. In exchange for cash. Specifically, the prize 1 has a slightly thick card shape (about 2 to 3 mm), and depending on the purchase price, 3 types (200 yen, 1000 yen, 5000 yen equivalent) or 1 other denomination is added 4 There are different types, the outer shape is the same, and they are color-coded.

  The prize dispenser 2 according to the present embodiment is installed by being embedded in a counter 3 of a prize exchange in a pachinko hall, and a store clerk and a customer face each other across the prize dispenser 2.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the inside by opening the doors 4 and 4 located on the clerk side of the giveaway machine 2. An upper plate 6 is attached to the upper part of a box-shaped airframe 5 having a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped shape. A display device 7 is disposed at a position closer to the clerk on the upper surface of the upper plate 6, and a prize projecting section 8 is disposed at a central position of the upper plate 6. The doors 4 and 4 are provided with opening / closing detection sensors (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 7 includes a store clerk display unit 7 a facing the store clerk side and a customer display unit 7 b facing the customer side. The store clerk display section 7a displays the type and number of prizes 1, the remaining quantity of prizes 1 stored in the machine body 5, trouble information, and the like. The customer display section 7b displays the type, number, total amount, etc. of the prize 1 to be paid out (to be dispensed).

  Further, in the present embodiment, seven sets of throwing mechanisms are provided in the airframe 5 side by side (although not limited to seven sets), and each of the two throwing mechanisms is arranged in front and rear ( However, it has a cassette mounting portion 20 to which cassettes 11a and 11b (not limited to two) are mounted. The cassette mounting portion 20 can be pulled out from the machine body 5 via the slide rail 19. The cassettes 11a and 11b are set so as to drop from above with respect to the cassette mounting portion 20. The cassette mounting portion (cassette carrier) 20 includes a back plate 21 provided vertically along the slide rail 19 and a receiving portion 22 at the lower end of the back plate 21 and supporting both sides in the width direction of the lower ends of the cassettes 11a and 11b. , 22 and 22.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the prize dispenser of FIG. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the machine body 5 of the prize dispenser 2 and shows a state where the cassette mounting portion 20 is pulled out. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each cassette 11a, 11b mounted on the cassette mounting section 20 has two rows (in two rows) in which a plurality of prizes 1 can be stacked vertically (accumulated). The storage unit 9 and a communication unit 10 opened in a slit shape in the vertical direction communicating between the inside and the outside of each storage unit 9 are provided. The two rows of storage units 9 are divided by a central partition plate 11c (see FIG. 1), and one storage unit is full and has a size capable of storing about 125 special prizes. Moreover, the cover body 24 which has the handle 23 is provided in the upper surface of each cassette 11a, 11b, and it can open and close freely. The lid 24 can be opened to the back side of the cassettes 11a and 11b, for example, when the prize 1 is loaded.

  3 and 4 are front views showing the configuration and operation of the slide mechanism of the cassette mounting portion 20 of the prize dispenser 2 of FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, corresponding to each throwing mechanism, inside the machine body 5, a space corresponding to the two cassettes 11 a and 11 b to be mounted is further accommodated in a storage portion 9 for one. A receiving space portion 12 is formed in which corresponding spaces are added in parallel (the front-rear direction in FIG. 1 = the left-right direction in FIGS. 2 to 4). That is, the receiving space portion 12 is formed such that spaces corresponding to five storage portions 9 are arranged in parallel (in the front-rear direction in FIG. 1 = the left-right direction in FIGS. 2 to 4).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, at the second and fourth positions among the five parallel storage spaces equivalent to the virtual storage space in the receiving space 12 (the central storage space corresponding space (small Lift mechanisms 14a and 14b are provided in correspondence with the cassettes 11a and 11b, respectively, in two storage space equivalent spaces (small spaces) adjacent to the space). In addition, an elevator mechanism 25 is provided in a central storage space equivalent space (small space). Above the elevator mechanism 25 is a holding unit 16 that receives and temporarily holds a prize fed by a feeding device 15 described later. Is provided.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the prize dispenser 2 of FIG. 1 is installed in the receiving space 12 by being mounted on a dispensing device 17 for dispensing the prizes held in the holding unit 16 and the cassette mounting unit 20. And a slide mechanism 18 that slides the received cassettes 11a and 11b by one space corresponding to the storage section (small space). The slide mechanism 18 moves the storage portions 9 of the cassettes 11a and 11b into the second and fourth of the virtual storage portion equivalent spaces arranged in five (provided with the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b). Each position can be positioned.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slide mechanism 18 according to the present embodiment includes a rack member 26 and a lock member 27 fixed to the lower surface of the cassette mounting portion 20. On the side of the machine body 5, a gear 28 that meshes with the rack member 26 and slides the cassette mounting portion 20, a motor 29 for driving the gear 28, and a protrusion 30 of the rack member 26 come into contact with each other to change its position. Position detection sensors S1 and S2 to be detected, a lock pin 32 which is engaged with and disengaged from the first and second lock holes 31a and 31b of the lock member 27 and maintains the stopped state of the cassette mounting portion 20, and the lock pin 32 A link mechanism 33 that operates in the direction and a solenoid node 34 that operates based on the detection signals of the position detection sensors S1 and S2 to operate the link mechanism 33.

  Accordingly, the cassette mounting portion 20 slides as the gear 28 meshing with the rack member 26 rotates, and the cassette mounting portion 20 reaches a predetermined position when the position detection sensor S1 or S2 detects the protrusion 30. When judged, the lock pin 32 is inserted into the lock hole 31a or 31b by the operation of the solenoid 34, and the position of the cassette mounting portion 20 is locked. As a result, one of the two storage portions 9 of each cassette is positioned at a position where a prize can be paid out (throw out).

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b can enter the storage portion 9 and can move up and down substantially in the entire vertical direction of the storage space corresponding to the storage portion where the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b are located. The lift member 13 is provided. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the structure of the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b of the prize dispenser of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the structure of the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b of the prize dispenser of FIG. In the present embodiment, the lift member 13 is raised and lowered by driving the stepping motor 38. Further, the vertical movement stroke of the lift member 13 is physically limited by an upper stopper and a lower stopper (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the lift mechanisms 14 a and 14 b has a configuration in which a drive belt 35 is wound between upper and lower pulleys 36 and 37 in a range covering substantially the entire vertical direction of the receiving space 12. Yes. The lower pulley 37 is driven by a driving stepping motor 38, and the drive belt 35 is rotated endlessly. A moving body 39 is fixed to the belt 35. Guide rollers 40, 40 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the movable body 39. When the guide rollers 40, 40 are engaged with a guide rail 41 fixed in the vertical direction, the movable body 39 moves up and down. Is to be guided.

  A lift member 13 is attached to the movable body 39 in a horizontal posture via an arm 42. The lift member 13 enters the storage part 9 of the cassettes 11a and 11b and can move up and down (the arm 42 passes through the communication part 10 of the cassettes 11a and 11b). The lift member 13 is lifted (lifted / lowered) from the standby position that is lower than the lower ends of the cassettes 11a and 11b to a lift position that allows the prize 1 to reach a payout position, which will be described later, by the control of the stepping motor 38 by the controller 38a. It has become so.

  7 and 8 are side views showing the configuration and operation of the feeding device 15 that sequentially feeds the prizes 1 positioned in a predetermined feeding position by the lift member 13 one by one. As shown in FIG. 7, for each lift mechanism 14a, 14b, a pressure detection sensor 55 is provided above the stacked prizes 1 (above the upward and downward movement stroke of the lift member 13). When the highest prize 1 is brought into contact with the pressure detection sensor 55, the driving of the stepping motor 38 is stopped under the control of the control unit 38a. That is, the pressure detection sensor 55 functions as a lift control device that positions the lift position of the lift member 13 in cooperation with the control unit 38a.

  A state in which the highest prize 1 is in contact with the pressure detection sensor 55 is an operable state of the feeding device 15. That is, the position occupied by the prize 1 in contact with the pressure detection sensor 55 is a predetermined feeding position.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the feeding device 15 includes a guide rod 50 disposed above the feeding position, a feeding member 51 slidably supported by the guide rod 50, and a reciprocating movement of the feeding member 51. And a link 54 having one end connected to an arm 53 rotated by the motor 52 and the other end connected to the feeding member 51. As for the pressure detection sensor 55, the base is pivotally supported by the body 5, and the front-end | tip part is a pressure detection part. When the pressure detector comes into contact with the upper surface of the prize 1 lifted by the lift member 13 of the lift mechanism 14, it can be detected that the prize 1 has reached the payout position.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a step portion 51 b that is slightly smaller than the thickness of the prize 1 is formed on the lower surface of the distal end of the pushing portion 51 a of the feeding member 51. By the stepped portion 51b, the prizes 1 are sent one by one to the holding portion 16 on the lifting plate 43 of the elevator mechanism 25.

  FIG. 9 is a side view showing the elevator mechanism 25. As shown in FIG. 9, the belt 46 is wound between the upper and lower pulleys 44 and 45 from the upper position side to the lower position side of the retaining portion 16. A moving body 47 is fixed to the belt 46, and an elevating plate 43 is attached to the upper end of an arm 48 that rises vertically from the moving body 47 in a horizontal posture. The lift plate 43 is moved up and down by the elevator drive motor 49 from the standby position A to the highest lift position B in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 again, the surface on the prize receiving side of the holding portion 16 has a vertical width and a horizontal width through which only one premium 1 can pass, and allows the extrusion portion 51a to enter. Such a gate member 57 having a convex through hole 56 is provided. A swing plate 58 is pivotally supported by a shaft 59 so as to close the through hole 56 of the gate member 57. The swing plate 58 swings when the prize 1 enters and allows the prize 1 to enter the holding portion 16, while maintaining the vertical posture by the biasing force of a spring (not shown) after the prize 1 enters. The through hole 56 is closed.

  10 and 11 are side views showing the configuration and operation of the dispensing device 17. As shown in FIG. 10, a dispensing space 60 is provided on the upper plate 6 at a position directly above the holding portion 16. A throwing device 17 is disposed on the side of the throwing space 60. The throwing device 17 is a belt 64 that is wound between pulleys 61 and 62 in the horizontal direction and driven by a throwing drive motor 63, and is fixed to the belt 64 via a moving body 65. And a projecting member 66 that moves in a direction crossing the head. The throwing member 66 has a size capable of closing the upper surface of the throwing space 60 and is attached to a lower part of the moving body 65 and a prize pushing portion 67 that also serves as a shutter of the throwing space 60, which will be described later. And a pressing member 69 for releasing the lock of the elevating plate locking members 68, 68.

  The lock members 68 and 68 are provided as members that can enter and leave the throwing space 60 by the pins 70 and the long holes 71. A slide member 72 fixed to the lower portion of one lock member 68 extends to a position facing the front end of the pressing member 69. An intermediate portion of the lever 74 is pivotally supported on the upper plate 6 side by a shaft 73, one end of the lever 74 is pivotally supported by a pin 75 on the intermediate portion of the slide member 72, and the other end of the lever 74 is supported by the other lock member 68. The pin is connected to the fixed connecting member 76 by a pin 77. In addition, the habit that the lock member 68 protrudes into the dispensing space 60 is given by the biasing of the spring 78 at all times.

  In addition, the machine body 5 is accompanied by a throwing instruction device for instructing to throw out (payout) a prize by driving one or more sets of throwing mechanisms. This throwing-in instruction apparatus can be comprised by the operation part 7d (for example, buttons including a numeric keypad) arranged in parallel with the display part 7a for shop assistants, for example. For example, if the type (amount) and the number of prizes are input to the operation unit 7d, the corresponding dispensing mechanism (one or more sets) is driven and the corresponding prize is paid out. In addition, it is possible to drive only a specific throwing mechanism for operation confirmation or the like.

  However, in general, the give-out instruction is automatically issued by the giveaway management machine 90 (see FIG. 12) connected to the giveaway machine 2. When the pachinko balls that the customer has brought to the prize exchange counter are counted, and a special prize corresponding to 48800 yen, for example, is to be paid out, the most appropriate prize pattern (the pattern that requires the smallest total number, ie 5000 yen) 9 prizes, 3 1000 yen prizes, 4 200 yen prizes) are calculated, and the payout of each prize is instructed.

  Now, the description of the gift dispenser 2 as one embodiment of the present invention will be continued below. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram in which a configuration for acquiring (measuring) the number of prizes in each storage unit 9 of the cassettes 11a and 11b mounted on the prize dispenser 2 is extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the ascent distance calculation device 81 connected to the control unit 38 a starts from the standby position (the most lowered position) of the lift member 13 based on the number of pulses of the stepping motor 38. The lift distance of the lift member 13 to the lift position of the lift member 13 positioned by the pressure detection sensor 55 (lift control means) can be calculated (however, the stepping motor is not converted into a unit of distance. The value of the number of pulses may be used as it is for the subsequent calculation, which is simply indicating that the ascent distance is displayed as the number of pulses, in which case the “number of pulses” is interpreted as “ascent distance”. In that case, the thickness of the prize 1 is also calculated by being converted into the number of pulses). Specifically, the ascent distance calculation device 81 can be configured by a microcomputer (CPU) or the like on a control board provided in the prize dispenser 2.

  On the other hand, a storage device 82 composed of a memory provided on the control board stores a comparative reference distance of the lift member 13 in advance. In the present embodiment, the device design distance value from the standby position of the lift member 13 to the upper surface position at the predetermined feeding position of the prize 1 is stored.

  Then, the calculation device 83 connected to the ascent distance calculation device 81 and the storage device 82 calculates the difference between the comparison reference distance and the ascent distance, and stores it in the storage unit 9 based on the difference value. The number of prizes 1 being displayed is calculated. Specifically, the number of prizes 1 stored in the storage unit 9 is calculated by dividing the difference value by the thickness of each prize 1. The arithmetic unit 83 can also be specifically configured by a microcomputer (CPU) on a control board provided in the prize dispenser 2 or the like. The ascending distance calculation device 81 may be integrated.

  The calculation device 83 is connected to a second calculation device 84 that calculates the number of remaining prizes 1 according to the payout operation of the prize 1. Specifically, the second arithmetic unit 84 can also be configured by a microcomputer (CPU) or the like on a control board provided in the prize dispenser 2. The second computing device 84 is connected to the prize management device 90 and / or the operation unit 7d to receive information on the number of prizes 1 to be paid out, and displays the number of prizes 1 after computation. In order to do this, it is connected to the display section 7a for clerk.

  In the present embodiment, the ascent distance calculation device 81 and the calculation device 83 function only during the reset operation. Further, some or all of the ascent distance calculation device 81, the storage device 82, the calculation device 83, and the second calculation device 84 may be provided for each stepping motor 38 (lift mechanism 14). It may be provided in common for each, and may also be provided in common for a plurality of throwing mechanisms (in this case, the connection is appropriately switched and used).

  Next, the operation of the gift dispenser 2 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The prize dispenser 2 is installed in a prize exchange place in electrical connection with a pachinko ball counter (a card reader or a barcode reader is acceptable) and a prize manager 90.

  Of the seven dispensing mechanisms in the prize dispenser 2, for example, three prizes are worth 5000 yen, two are prizes worth 1000 yen, and the remaining two are prizes worth 200 yen. It is loaded and used. The storage amount of these prizes is displayed on the store clerk display section 7a and put into a state where it can be thrown out.

  If a pachinko ball brought in by a customer is counted by a pachinko ball counter, and the prize management machine 90 is instructed to pay out a special prize equivalent to 48800 yen, for example, a throwout containing 5000 yen worth is stored. Nine prizes of 5000 yen from the mechanism are fed out by the feeding mechanism 15 and accumulated on the lifting plate 43 in the holding unit 16, and three prizes equivalent to 1000 yen are collected from the dispensing mechanism in which 1000 yen prizes are stored. 4 prizes of 200 yen are fed out from the mechanism for delivering prizes equivalent to 200 yen, and are accumulated on the lifting plate 43 in the same manner.

  The customer display section 7b displays the type, number and total amount of prizes to be thrown out, and the store clerk display section 7a displays the type and number of prizes to be thrown out.

  When all the prizes to be paid out are accumulated on the lifting plate 43, the lifting plate 43 rises, and when the highest position is reached, the prize pushing portion 67 of the dispensing device 17 moves forward to give the prize on the lifting plate 43. The first group is collectively pushed toward the customer side of the upper plate 6, and the prize pushing portion 67 closes the upper surface of the dispensing space 60. Simultaneously with the completion of the closing, the elevating plate 43 descends to the standby position to prepare for the next ejection.

  As the prizes are thrown out by each of the throwing mechanisms, when the payout of the prizes by one set of the throwing mechanisms is finished (the remaining amount of the prize becomes 0), it is switched to the next throwing mechanism. . For example, when the same prize is stored in two sets of the discharging mechanisms (a total of eight cassette storing portions 9), the order of the discharging is, for example, (1) lift of the first discharging mechanism Storage units 9, 9 and (2) in the space corresponding to the storage unit in which the mechanisms 14a and 14b are arranged. (2) The slide mechanism 18 of the throwing mechanism is activated, so that the cassettes 11a and 11b have a space corresponding to one storage unit. The storage units 9 and 9 located in the space corresponding to the storage unit moved and moved to the position of the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b, (3) The storage in which the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b of the second ejection mechanism are arranged. Storage units 9, 9 and (4) located in the part equivalent space, the slide mechanism 18 of the ejection mechanism is activated, and the cassettes 11a and 11b move by one storage part equivalent space, and the lift mechanisms 14a and 14b Storage unit equivalent empty moved to position Housing 9, 9, is located.

  Next, the reset operation of the gift dispenser 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, during the reset operation, an operation for acquiring (measuring) the number of prizes 1 in each storage unit 9 is performed. The command input for the resetting operation is automatically performed with the power supply of the prize dispenser and the opening / closing operation (especially when the door is closed), or via the operation unit 7d arranged in parallel with the store clerk display unit 7a. obtain.

  When a command for resetting operation is input, the control unit 38a controls the stepping motor 38, and the lift member 13 is positioned at the standby position (lowermost position). From that state, until the highest prize 1 of the prize 1 stored in the storage unit 9 to be measured comes into contact with the pressure detection sensor 55 (upward control means), that is, until the feeding position is reached, the stepping motor 38 Is driven and the lift member 13 is raised. Data on the number of pulses of the stepping motor 38 during that time is sent from the stepping motor 38 or the control unit 38a to the ascent distance calculating device 81, and the ascending distance corresponding to the number of pulses is calculated in the ascending distance calculating device 81. .

  Subsequently, the calculation device 83 calculates the difference between the ascent distance and the comparison reference distance stored in advance in the storage device 82. The value of this difference corresponds to the stacked thickness (total thickness) of the prize 1 stored in the storage unit 9 to be measured. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 83 calculates the number of prizes 1 stored in the storage unit 9 by dividing the difference by the thickness of each prize 1. The calculated value is sent to the second arithmetic unit 84. When the calculation data of the number of prizes in the storage unit 9 is sent from the calculation device 83, the second calculation device 84 overwrites the corresponding data with the data.

  Through the above steps, the number of prizes 1 stored in the storage unit 9 can be grasped more accurately than in the past. The operation for acquiring (measuring) the number of prizes for the other storage units 9 is performed through the same process. Specifically, first, the remaining number of prizes is confirmed by the above process for two storage units (for example, the first and third from the left in FIG. 3) at the lift mechanism position. After the lift member 13 returns to the standby position (lowermost position), the slide mechanism 18 is driven, and the remaining storage portions (for example, the second and fourth from the left in FIG. 3) are moved to the lift mechanism position. The remaining number of prizes in the storage unit is confirmed by repeating the above process. By summing up the remaining number of prizes in the four storage units obtained, the remaining number of prizes stored in the throwing mechanism can be calculated (up to about 500 sheets (125 sheets × 4)). . Further, when an empty sensor (not shown) is used in combination, when it is detected that the number of remaining prizes in the cassette or the storage unit is 0, the acquisition (measurement) of such a cassette or storage unit is performed. The process can be omitted.

  Note that after the reset operation is performed, the second arithmetic unit 84 performs subtraction processing for the number of prizes paid out for each prize payout operation until the next reset operation.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stacked thickness (total thickness) of the prize 1 stored in the storage unit 9 based on the rising distance to the predetermined rising position where the lift member 13 is positioned. )) Can be grasped (measured), and based on that, the number of prizes 1 stored in the storage unit 9 can be accurately grasped (measured). Further, it does not take time to replenish the prize 1.

  In the present embodiment, the ascent distance calculation device 81 and the calculation device 83 function only during the reset operation, but are not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the ascending distance calculation device 81 and the calculation device 83 are periodically operated to periodically check the remaining number of prizes.

  In the present embodiment, the ascending distance calculation device 81 and the calculation device 83 that perform calculation based on the number of pulses of the stepping motor 38, and the second calculation device 84 that performs calculation for each payout operation of prizes are provided as separate devices. However, they may be integrated (see FIG. 12). For example, the second computing device 84 is not used, and the computing device 83 grasps (measures) the number of prizes 1 based on the number of pulses of the stepping motor 38, and then performs each prize dispensing operation according to the prize dispensing operation. Alternatively, the number of prizes paid out may be subtracted to grasp the number of prizes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the reference distance for comparison, the value in the device design distance from the standby position of the lift member 13 to the upper surface position at the predetermined feeding position of the prize 1 is used, but is not limited to this. . For example, as a comparative reference distance, when only one prize is stored in the storage unit 9 from the standby position (lowermost position) of the lift member 13, the prize is positioned at a predetermined feeding position. A value obtained by adding the thickness per one prize to the one-time lift distance of the lift member 13 up to the lift position of the lift member 13 can be used. The difference between the comparative reference distance and the ascending distance also corresponds to the laminated thickness (total thickness) of the prizes stored in the storage unit 9.

  Even when such a comparative reference distance is used, the design distance can be used. However, the one-time rising distance can be obtained by actually performing a measurement operation for each storage unit 9. By performing such a measurement operation for each storage unit 9, for each dispensing mechanism 17 or for each prize dispenser 2, for each storage unit 9, for each dispensing mechanism 17 or for each prize dispenser 2 The influence of the variation on the design value can be eliminated. Thereby, the number of prizes can be calculated more accurately.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for obtaining such a comparative reference distance. As shown in FIG. 13, first, one prize is loaded into each storage unit 9 (STEP 1). Then, the slide mechanism 18 is actuated as necessary, and the target storage unit 9 and the lift member 13 are positioned (STEP 2). The lift member 13 stands by at the stand-by position (most lowered position) under the control of the stepping motor 38 (STEP 3).

  From that state, the stepping motor 38 is driven and lifted until one prize 1 stored in the storage unit 9 comes into contact with the pressure detection sensor 55 (upward control means), that is, until it reaches the feeding position. The member 13 is raised (STEP 4). Then, the data of the number of pulses of the stepping motor 38 in the meantime is sent from the stepping motor 38 or the control unit 38a to the ascent distance calculating device 81, and the ascending distance corresponding to the number of pulses in the ascending distance calculating device 81 is calculated as one hour. Calculated (STEP 5). Here, it is preferable that the calculated one-time ascent distance is compared with a design numerical value (STEP 6). If the calculated one-time ascent distance deviates significantly from the design value, the process returns to STEP 3 and is retried (if the retrial is repeated twice, it deviates greatly from the design value). Is determined to be error-down, and the process is terminated). If the calculated distance per hour is not far from the design value, the thickness per gift is added to the calculated distance per hour (STEP 7: This calculation is also calculated). The value is preferably stored by the device 83), and the value is stored in the storage device 82 as a comparative reference distance in the storage unit 9 (and the corresponding lift mechanism). Thereafter, the same process is repeated for the storage unit 9 to be measured next (STEP 1 is omitted when one premium has already been loaded).

  As described above, “actually measured rising distance per one piece + thickness of one prize” is stored as a comparative reference distance. Similarly, “actually measured rising distance per two pieces + thickness of two prizes” It is also possible to memorize “actually measured 3rd ascent distance + thickness of 3 prizes” as a comparative reference distance. However, when the “actually measured ascent distance per one piece + thickness of one prize” is adopted, the work of loading the prize 1 is easy.

  Further, it is also possible to directly measure the “0-hour ascent distance” as a comparative reference distance depending on the device configuration. However, when the remaining number of prizes 1 in the storage unit 9 is 0, a configuration in which the lift member 13 cannot move up and down in the storage unit 9 is generally adopted. In the case of such a device configuration It should be noted that it is not possible to directly measure “the ascent distance when zero”.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the remaining number of prizes can be grasped more accurately than in the past, so it is effective to devise various ways of displaying the remaining number on the display section 7a for the clerk. In particular, it is preferable that the display mode when the number of prizes is large is different from the display mode when the number of prizes is small so that the display mode is emphasized when the number of prizes is small. Thereby, it can be recognized more clearly that the number of prizes is small.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the remaining number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the remaining number is displayed as the length of the bar, while after the remaining number becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the length of the bar is displayed. In addition, it is preferable to display the remaining number. However, as shown in FIG. 15, it is also effective to display the remaining amount regardless of the remaining number by using white characters in the overlapping portion with the bar display.

  Alternatively, it is also effective to change the bar reduction rate of the bar display depending on the remaining number. For example, if the remaining number is 250 or more, the bar display is reduced by one scale for every 20 prizes reduced, and if the remaining number is 100 to 250, one bar for every 15 prizes is reduced. If the display is reduced and the remaining number is 100 or less, it is effective to reduce the bar display by one scale according to the reduction of 10 prizes.

  Further, as another display mode, when the remaining number is less than a predetermined number (for example, 100), it is displayed in a different color or blinking to prompt the store clerk to perform the replenishment operation. It may be.

  If the store clerk who sees these indications notices that the remaining number of prizes has decreased, it is possible to complete the replenishment work in a short time by preparing the prizes to be replenished in advance. The interruption time can be minimized. Furthermore, since the occurrence of a free gift can be predicted based on the remaining amount confirmed, if the replenishment operation is performed before the time between transactions or when the store closes, it will run out during the transaction. Will not occur, and it will be possible to operate without inconveniencing the player.

It is a perspective view in the state where the door located in the store clerk side was opened and the inside was revealed of the prize dispenser concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the body of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of a slide mechanism of the cassette mounting part of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of a slide mechanism of the cassette mounting part of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure of the lift mechanism of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the lift mechanism of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of a payout apparatus of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of a payout apparatus of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of the elevator mechanism of the giveaway machine of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of the throwing-out apparatus of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure and effect | action of the throwing-out apparatus of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is the structure schematic which extracted the structure for acquiring (measuring) the number of prizes in each storage part of the prize dispenser of FIG. It is a flowchart for acquiring (measuring) an example of the distance for comparison reference. It is a figure which shows an example of the suitable display aspect of the remaining number display in the display part for shop assistants. It is a figure which shows another example of the suitable display aspect of the remaining number display in the display part for shop assistants. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the prize dispenser (article dispensing machine) described in the patent 3664774 gazette (patent document 1).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Premium 2 Premium dispenser 3 Counter 5 Machine body 6 Upper board 7 Display device 7a Display for store clerk 7b Display for customer 7d Operation unit 8 Throwing mechanism 9 Storage unit 10 Communication unit 11a, 11b Cassette 12 Receiving space unit 13 Lift member 14a, 14b Lift mechanism 15 Feeding device 16 Reserving portion 17 Throwing device 18 Slide mechanism 19 Slide rail 20 Cassette mounting portion 23 Handle 24 Lid 25 Elevator mechanism 26 Rack member 27 Lock member 31a, 31b Lock hole 32 Lock pin 33 Link Mechanism 35 Drive belt 38 Stepping motor 38a Control unit (rising control means)
39 Moving body 43 Lifting plate 46 Belt 47 Moving body 51 Feeding member 55 Pressure detection sensor (rising control means)
56 Through-hole 57 Gate member 58 Oscillating plate 60 Throwing space 64 Belt 66 Throwing member 67 Free gift pushing portion 68 Lifting plate locking member 69 Pressing member 81 Ascent distance calculation device 82 Storage device 83 Computing device 84 Gift management machine

Claims (10)

A cassette mounting portion on which a cassette having a storage portion that can store a plurality of card-like prizes is stacked;
It has a lift member that can enter into the storage unit and can move up and down substantially in the entire vertical direction in the storage unit in a state of entering the storage unit, and the prize in the storage unit can be moved by the lift member. A lift mechanism that can be lifted;
A lift control means for positioning the lift position of the lift member so that when the lift mechanism lifts the prize in the storage unit, the highest prize among the prizes is positioned at a predetermined feeding position;
A feeding means for feeding the prizes positioned at the predetermined feeding position one by one in order;
An ascent distance calculating means for calculating the ascent distance of the lift member from the lowest position of the lift member to the ascent position of the lift member positioned by the ascent control means;
Storage means for storing a comparative reference distance of the lift member;
An arithmetic means for calculating the number of prizes stored in the storage unit based on the difference between the comparison reference distance and the ascent distance;
A prize dispenser characterized by comprising: The storage means as the comparison reference distance,
2. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein a distance from the lowest lowered position of the lift member to the upper face position of the prize at the predetermined feeding position is stored. The storage means as the comparison reference distance,
The lift member from the lowest lowered position of the lift member to the lifted position of the lift member when only the premium is stored in the storage portion when the premium is positioned at a predetermined payout position. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein a value obtained by adding a thickness per prize to the ascent distance of 1 prize is stored. 4. The calculation means according to claim 2, wherein the calculation means calculates the number of prizes stored in the storage unit by dividing the difference by the thickness per prize. The gift dispenser described. 5. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means further calculates a remaining number of prizes according to a prize dispensing operation. 6. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means is connected to a display unit that displays the number of prizes. A second calculating means for calculating the remaining number of the prizes according to the payout operation of the prizes;
5. The prize dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means sends the number of prizes calculated based on the difference to the second calculation means. 8. The prize dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the ascent distance calculating means and the calculating means function only during a reset operation. 9. The prize dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the second calculation means is connected to a display unit that displays the number of prizes. The display unit is configured to display differently between a display mode when the number of prizes is large and a display mode when the number of prizes is small, and highlighting a case where the number of prizes is small. A prize dispenser according to claim 6 or 9.

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