JP7195642B2 - maintenance equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game medal maintenance device.

Conventionally, there is a maintenance device for game medals that removes stains on game medals (for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in the maintenance device described in Patent Document 1, polishing liquid is supplied to the polishing cloth.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-81490

However, in the conventional maintenance device, there is a possibility that the liquid may be wasted because no measures are taken to deal with the case where the liquid such as the polishing liquid becomes excessive.

A maintenance device that solves the above problems includes a removal section that removes stains on a game medium using liquid, a pump, a flow path section that forms a liquid flow path, a liquid tank that stores liquid, and the liquid tank. introduction means for introducing the liquid in the flow path into the flow path, wherein the flow path includes a first flow path for circulating the liquid recovered from the removal unit to the pump, and a second channel for circulating the liquid to the removing section, wherein the introducing means causes the liquid in the liquid tank to flow into the channel when the amount of liquid in the channel becomes less than a predetermined amount. a buffer tank forming part of the first flow path, detection means for detecting the amount of liquid in the buffer tank in the first flow path, and notification means for performing a predetermined notification. When the detection means detects that the amount of liquid in the buffer tank is less than a predetermined amount, the notification means performs the predetermined notification, and the flow path is configured to detect the amount of liquid in the liquid tank. wherein the first flow channel and the third flow channel merge at a connecting portion, and the liquid recovered from the removing portion and the liquid replenished from the liquid tank is part of the first flow path and flows into the buffer tank from the same flow path positioned between the connecting portion and the buffer tank .

According to the present invention, waste of liquid can be suppressed.

Front view schematic diagram of the island facility. Side view schematic diagram of the island facility. 3-3 line cross-sectional view shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the maintenance device; 4 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged part of the maintenance device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged part of the maintenance device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship in the height direction of a supply port, a recovery port, a liquid tank, a buffer tank, a pump, and a connection portion;

An embodiment of the maintenance device will be described below.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an island facility 10 for installing slot machines 11 has a plurality of slot machines 11 arranged horizontally. The slot machine 11 is an example of a game machine that can use game medals as game media. In the following description, of the directions orthogonal to the height direction (vertical direction) D1, the direction in which the slot machines 11 are arranged in the island facility 10 is indicated as the width direction (horizontal direction) D2. A direction orthogonal to D2 is indicated as a depth direction (front-rear direction) D3. The island facility 10 includes a support section 13 that supports the slot machine 11 . The slot machine 11 is fixed to the support portion 13 with a fixing member such as a nail. As an example, the support portion 13 is a plate-like portion on which the slot machine 11 can be placed and fixed. The support portion 13 is an example of means for holding the slot machine 11 .

The slot machine 11 includes a plurality of reels, a plurality of stop buttons, a start lever, an inlet, a hopper, a tray, an outlet, and a game control section. In the slot machine 11, the game medals Md can be bet by inserting the game medals Md into the slot. When the start lever is operated with game medals Md bet, a plurality of reels are rotated to start a variable game. A plurality of reels are stopped in response to the operation of the stop button, and the variable game ends when all the reels are stopped. Then, when the combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of stopped reels is a predetermined combination, the payout condition for the game medals Md is established.

In the slot machine 11, the game medals Md inserted from the slot flow into the hopper and are stored. When the payout condition for the game medals Md is satisfied, the hopper is driven, and the game medals Md stored in the hopper are paid out to the receiving tray. In addition, the game medals Md that attempt to flow into the hopper over the storage upper limit are discharged out of the machine from the discharge port as an overflow. The game control unit monitors the insertion of game medals Md from the slot, the operation of the start lever, and the operation of the stop button, and controls execution of the variable game. When the payout condition is established, the game control unit drives the hopper to pay out the game medals Md.

A plurality of ball dispensers 12 are arranged in the island facility 10. - 特許庁A plurality of ball dispensers 12 are arranged on the right side of the slot machine 11, respectively. The ball lending machine 12 includes a tank for game medals Md, a payout device, a nozzle-shaped payout section for guiding the put out game medals Md, and a ball lending control section. When the ball lending condition is established, the ball lending control unit drives the payout device so as to pay out a specified number of game medals Md. Ball lending conditions are established by operating an operation unit on the front side of the machine with a prepaid card inserted and by inserting banknotes or coins.

The island facility 10 includes a collection gutter 15 for receiving the game medals Md discharged from the discharge port of each slot machine 11. - 特許庁The recovery gutter 15 extends along the width direction D2 below the plurality of slot machines 11 and the plurality of ball dispensers 12. As shown in FIG. The recovery gutter 15 has an endless recovery belt 16 . As indicated by an arrow Ya, the game medals Md ejected from the slot machine 11 flow into the recovery gutter 15, are placed on the recovery belt 16, and are placed in the opposite direction from the first end E1 side in the width direction D2. It is conveyed toward the second end E2 side.

The island facility 10 includes a lifting device 18 for lifting the game medals Md collected by the collection gutter 15 to the upper part of the island facility 10.例文帳に追加As an example, the lifting device 18 includes an endless lifting belt 19 extending along the height direction D1. The lifting belt 19 has a plurality of lifting baskets (not shown) arranged along the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals on its outer peripheral surface. As indicated by an arrow Yb, the game medals Md collected by the collection gutter 15 are transported upward while being placed inside the lift basket.

The island facility 10 includes a maintenance device 30 that maintains the game medals Md lifted by the lifting device 18. - 特許庁The game medals Md lifted by the lifting device 18 flow into the maintenance device 30 as indicated by an arrow Yc. Details of the maintenance device 30 will be described later. In the present embodiment, the game medal Md maintenance device 30 can also be understood as a maintenance mechanism incorporated in the island facility 10 .

The island facility 10 includes a medal tank 26 for storing game medals Md. As indicated by an arrow Yd, game medals Md that have undergone predetermined maintenance in the maintenance device 30 are ejected from the maintenance device 30 and flow into the medal tank 26 . The medal tank 26 is formed with a supply port (not shown) for discharging the stored game medals Md.

The island facility 10 includes a supply gutter 21 for supplying game medals Md supplied from a medal tank 26 to a plurality of slot machines 11 and a plurality of ball lending machines 12.例文帳に追加As indicated by an arrow Ye, game medals Md stored in the medal tank 26 flow into the supply gutter 21 from a supply port formed in the medal tank 26 . The supply gutter 21 extends along the width direction D2 above the plurality of slot machines 11 and the plurality of ball dispensers 12 . The supply gutter 21 has an endless supply belt 22 . As shown by an arrow Yf, when the game medals Md supplied from the medal tank 26 flow into the supply gutter 21, they are placed on the supply belt 22 and placed on the supply belt 22. It is conveyed toward the end E1 side.

The supply gutter 21 includes a plurality of take-in parts 23 for taking in the game medals Md conveyed by the supply belt 22 . A plurality of take-in units 23 are individually connected to the slot machine 11 or the ball dispenser 12 by supply paths 23a for the game medals Md. A plurality of retrieving units 23 send out the fetched game medals Md to the connected slot machine 11 or ball dispenser 12 . As an example, the plurality of take-in portions 23 may be configured to include a movable piece that locks the game medals Md placed on the supply belt 22 and guides them to the supply passage 23a. It may be configured to be inclined toward the inlet of the supply passage 23a.

The island facility 10 has a terminal passage 25 that guides the game medals Md that have not been supplied to any of the slot machines 11 and the ball dispensers 12 to the recovery gutter 15 at the portion on the first end E1 side of the supply gutter 21. Prepare. The supply gutter 21 has a take-in portion 23 for taking the game medals Md into the end passage 25 . The island facility 10 also includes an island passage 27 for supplying game medals Md to other island facilities and for receiving supply of game medals Md from other island facilities. Game medals Md supplied from another island facility via the island passage 27 flow into the maintenance device 30 . The island facility 10 may include a medal counting device (not shown) that counts the inserted game medals Md. The game medals thrown into the medal counting device flow into the collection gutter 15. - 特許庁

The maintenance device 30 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the maintenance device 30 includes a housing 34, a receiving portion 31 for receiving the game medals Md, a transport portion 35 for transporting the game medals Md, and a game medal transported by the transport portion 35. A maintenance section 40 for maintaining Md, and a liquid supply section 50 for supplying and circulating the liquid used for maintenance are provided. A detailed description will be given below. In one example of the present embodiment, the liquid used in the maintenance device 30 is electrolyzed water, preferably electrolyzed water with a pH of 9-10. Not limited to this, the liquid may be an alkaline detergent, an acidic detergent, or a neutral detergent.

The receiving unit 31 receives the game medals Md lifted by the lifting device 18 and the game medals Md supplied via the island passage 27 . The receiving portion 31 has a rectangular tubular shape including first side walls 31a and second side walls 31b facing each other in the depth direction D3 and third side walls 31c and fourth side walls 31d facing each other in the width direction D2. In other words, the receiving portion 31 has an upper opening S1 as a slot for inserting game medals Md, and a lower opening S2 on the opposite side. The first side wall 31a is a wall on the side opposite to the maintenance section 40, and the second side wall 31b is a wall on the maintenance section 40 side. The side walls 31a-31d form part of the housing 34. As shown in FIG. The receiving portion 31 has a bottom plate 31e that extends from the lower end of the first side wall 31a toward the second side wall 31b and that slopes downward. The receiving unit 31 also functions as means for storing the game medals Md. The receiving unit 31 includes a medal sensor SE that detects game medals Md. As an example, the medal sensor SE is arranged on the bottom plate 31e.

The transport unit 35 has a first rotating shaft 36 , a second rotating shaft 37 , and an endless transport belt 38 suspended between the rotating shafts 36 and 37 . The rotating shafts 36 and 37 each extend along the width direction D2 and are spaced apart along the depth direction D3. The conveying belt 38 extends along the depth direction D3 and is inclined upward toward the maintenance section 40 side. A lower end portion of the bottom plate 31 e contacts or approaches the upper surface of the conveyor belt 38 . A lower end portion of the second side wall 31 b is close to the upper surface of the conveying belt 38 . A lower end portion of the third side wall 31 c and a lower end portion of the fourth side wall 31 d are in contact with or close to the upper surface of the conveying belt 38 . That is, the conveyor belt 38 covers the lower opening S2 from below and forms the bottom surface of the receiving portion 31 together with the bottom plate 31e.

The transport section 35 has alignment rollers 39 extending along the width direction D2. The alignment roller 39 aligns the game medals Md in a non-stacked state by collapsing the game medals Md stacked on the transport belt 38 . As an example, the alignment roller 39 has a plurality of disk-shaped portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction D2. The alignment roller 39 is arranged between the lower end of the second side wall 31b and the upper surface of the conveying belt 38. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the maintenance unit 40 includes a first maintenance unit 41 that performs cleaning, which is an example of maintenance, on the game medals Md, and a wiping unit, which is an example of maintenance on the game medals Md. and a second maintenance unit 45 for removing (polishing). In the present embodiment, the maintenance section 40 constitutes an example of a removal section that removes stains on game media using liquid.

The first maintenance section 41 has a roller 42 and a roller 43 as two rollers for sandwiching the game medals Md. The roller 43 is arranged below the roller 42 . The rollers 42 and 43 in this embodiment have the same configuration.

Each roller 42, 43 has a cylindrical shaft portion P1 extending along the width direction D2 and a covering portion P2 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion P1. The rollers 42 and 43 both extend along the width direction D2, and their axes are parallel to each other. The covering portion P2 of each roller 42, 43 constitutes the outer peripheral surface of the roller 42, 43. As shown in FIG. As indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the rollers 42 and 43 have a circular or substantially circular cross-sectional shape assuming that the rollers 42 and 43 are cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis when no external force is applied.

A covering portion P2 of each roller 42, 43 is a porous body. As an example, the porous body is a highly hydrophilic, flexible, and elastic porous material such as polyurethane. Each roller 42, 43 can hold liquid in the covering portion P2. In the following description, the capacity of liquid that each roller 42, 43 can hold is referred to as a holding capacity Vc. In one example of the present embodiment, the holding capacity Vc of the roller 42 and the holding capacity Vc of the roller 43 are the same capacity. Hereinafter, the sum of the holding capacity Vc of the roller 42 and the holding capacity Vc of the roller 43 is referred to as holding capacity V. As shown in FIG.

The rollers 42, 43 are connected to each other by a connecting member 42a (see FIG. 5). The connecting member 42a supports the rollers 42 and 43 (the shaft portion P1) so as to be displaceable along the diameter direction of the rollers 42 and 43. As shown in FIG. That is, the rollers 42 and 43 are integrated as a unit U1. The unit U<b>1 is detachably attached to a mounting portion 32 provided on the housing 34 of the maintenance device 30 .

In the unit U1, the distance between the axes of the rollers 42 and 43 is smaller than the sum of the diameters of the rollers 42 and 43 (coating portion P2). That is, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, when it is assumed that there is no covering portion P2 of each roller 42, 43, when viewed from the axial direction of each roller 42, 43, the covering portion P2 of each roller 42, 43 , the spaces occupied by the covering portions P2 overlap each other. The rollers 42 and 43 are urged toward each other by an urging mechanism (not shown). As an example, the biasing mechanism may be a spring or an actuator such as a motor. Therefore, as indicated by solid lines in the figure, the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 42 and 43 come into contact with each other while being deformed when the game medals Md are not sandwiched between them. When the rollers 42 and 43 sandwich the game medal Md, the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 42 and 43 are in close contact with the game medal Md. Then, the rollers 42 and 43 are deformed so that the covering portion P2, which is a porous body, is crushed at the portions (indicated by hatching in the figure) that are in contact with each other.

The roller 42 constitutes an example of a conveying member and a conveying roller that contact the game medals Md to convey the game medals Md. The roller 43 is also used as a conveying member and a conveying roller for contacting the game medals Md and conveying the game medals Md. The first maintenance section 41 is an example of transport means having a transport member. Further, although the details will be described later, the roller 43 is an example of a removing roller that can rotate in contact with the roller 42 and is also an example of a removing member that removes excess liquid from the roller 42 . That is, the roller 43 constitutes an example of removing means. At least the portions of the rollers 42 and 43, which are examples of the transport members, that come into contact with the game medals Md are porous bodies capable of retaining liquid. At least the portion of the roller 43, which is an example of the removing member, that contacts the game medals Md is a porous body capable of retaining liquid.

The second maintenance section 45 has a roller 46 and a roller 47 as two rollers for sandwiching the game medals Md. The roller 46 is arranged below the roller 47 . Rollers 46 and 47 have the same configuration as rollers 42 and 43 . Each roller 46, 47, like the rollers 42, 43, has a shaft portion P1 and a covering portion P2. In other words, at least the portion of the roller 46 that comes into contact with the game medals Md is a porous body capable of retaining liquid. Similarly, at least the portion of the roller 47 that comes into contact with the game medals Md is a porous body capable of retaining liquid. The holding capacity Vc of each roller 46 and 47 is the same as the holding capacity Vc of each roller 42 and 43 . The rollers 46 and 47 both extend along the width direction D2, and their axes are parallel to each other. The rollers 46, 47 are connected by a connecting member 46a so as to be displaceable along the diameter of each roller 46, 47 (see FIG. 5). That is, the rollers 46 and 47 are integrated as a unit U2. The unit U2 is detachably attached to the mounting portion 32. As shown in FIG. The unit U2 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the unit U1. The lower end of unit U2 (lower end of roller 47) is positioned below the lower end of unit U1 (lower end of roller 43).

The rollers 46 and 47 are urged toward each other by an urging mechanism (not shown). The outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 46 and 47 are in contact with each other when the game medal Md is not sandwiched therebetween, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers 46 and 47 are in close contact with the game medal Md when the game medal Md is sandwiched therebetween. Since the rollers 46 and 47 contact the game medals Md delivered from the first maintenance section 41 to convey the game medals Md, it can be said that the rollers 46 and 47 also serve as conveying members (conveying rollers).

In this embodiment, the two rollers 46 and 47 that sandwich the game medals Md are a wiping member that contacts and wipes off the game medals Md received from the first maintenance section 41, which is an example of the conveying means, and a wiping member. It is an example of a take-up roller. Also, the second maintenance unit 45 is an example of a wiping unit. In this embodiment, the game medals Md are transported while being sandwiched between the rollers 46 and 47 . The roller 47 is also used as a wiping roller. Further, although the details will be described later, the roller 47 is an example of a removing roller that can rotate in contact with the roller 46 and is also an example of a removing member that removes excess liquid from the roller 46 . That is, the roller 47 constitutes an example of removing means.

The housing 34 of the maintenance device 30 includes a guide section 33 that guides the game medals Md delivered from the second maintenance section 45 (rollers 46 , 47 ) to the outside of the maintenance device 30 . The guide section 33 guides the game medals Md delivered from the second maintenance section 45 to the medal tank 26 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the maintenance device 30 includes a first motor MT1 as an example of means for rotating the second rotating shaft 37. As shown in FIG. When the first motor MT1 is driven, the second rotating shaft 37 rotates, and accordingly the conveying belt 38 rotates. The maintenance device 30 includes a second motor MT2 as an example of means for rotating the rollers 42, 43, 46, 47. When the second motor MT2 drives, the rollers 42, 43, 46, 47 rotate. The direction of rotation of the roller 42 (arrow Y1) is opposite to the direction of rotation of the roller 43 (arrow Y2). The rotation direction (arrow Y3) of the roller 46 is opposite to the rotation direction (arrow Y4) of the roller 47 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid supply unit 50 includes a liquid tank 51 for storing liquid, a buffer tank 52 for storing liquid, a pump 53 for sending out the liquid, and nozzles 55 for supplying the liquid to the rollers 42. , a recovery tray 56 for recovering the liquid from the first maintenance section 41 (rollers 42 and 43), and a piping member 60 forming a liquid flow path. The piping member 60 is an example of a flow channel.

The liquid tank 51 has a tank body 51a having an inlet 51c into which liquid can be introduced, and a tank lid 51b covering the inlet of the tank body 51a. As an example, the inlet 51c is formed on the upper surface of the tank body 51a. By removing the tank lid 51b, the liquid tank 51 can be charged (replenished) with liquid through the inlet 51c. The tank lid 51b seals the inlet 51c while maintaining a predetermined airtightness. That is, when the inlet 51c of the liquid tank 51 is properly sealed using the tank lid 51b, air does not flow in from the inlet 51c. Thus, the liquid tank 51 is configured to be able to maintain a predetermined airtightness. The liquid tank 51 also includes a supply connection portion 51 d as a connection portion for connecting the piping member 60 . As an example, the supply connection portion 51d is formed on the bottom surface of the tank body 51a. The supply connection portion 51 d communicates the inside and the outside of the liquid tank 51 . The supply connection portion 51d is cylindrical and forms a part of the liquid flow path. That is, the liquid flow path formed by the supply connection portion 51 d opens to the bottom surface of the liquid tank 51 .

The liquid tank 51 as a whole has a predetermined strength, so that it does not deform or is difficult to deform due to air pressure and water pressure. As an example, the liquid tank 51 (tank main body 51a and tank lid 51b) is made of metal such as stainless steel. A part or the whole of the liquid tank 51 may be made of a resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene as long as it has a predetermined strength. Although the liquid tank 51 of the present embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped container as a whole, it is not limited to this and may be cylindrical or spherical.

Since the buffer tank 52 as a whole has a predetermined strength, it does not deform or is difficult to deform due to air pressure and water pressure. As an example, the buffer tank 52 is made of a transparent material so that the inside can be visually recognized from the outside. For example, the buffer tank 52 is made of resin such as acrylic and polycarbonate, or glass. Not limited to this, the buffer tank 52 may be made of a material that makes it difficult or invisible to visually recognize the inside. The buffer tank 52 has an inlet connection portion 52 a and an outlet connection portion 52 b as connection portions for connecting the piping member 60 . The buffer tank 52 also has a filter 52c that divides the interior of the buffer tank 52 into two spaces. The inlet connection portion 52a communicates between the inlet side space, which is one of the two spaces formed by the filter 52c, and the outside, while the outlet connection portion 52b communicates the other space, the outlet side space, with the outside. communicate. Each connecting portion 52a, 52b is cylindrical and forms a part of the liquid flow path. In other words, the liquid flow paths formed by the connecting portions 52 a and 52 b are opened to the inner wall surface of the buffer tank 52 .

The pump 53 is a centrifugal pump, but is not limited to this, and may be a propeller pump, a reciprocating pump, or a rotary pump. The pump 53 has an inlet connection portion 53 a and an outlet connection portion 53 b as connection portions for connecting the piping member 60 . The pump 53 takes in the liquid from the inlet connection portion 53a and discharges it from the outlet connection portion 53b.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the nozzle 55 is fixed to the mounting portion 32. As shown in FIG. The nozzle 55 is a cylindrical portion. The nozzle 55 has a nozzle connecting portion 55 a as a connecting portion for connecting the piping member 60 to one end (base end) of the nozzle 55 . The nozzle 55 has a supply port 55c that opens at the end (tip) opposite to the nozzle connection portion 55a. The internal space of the nozzle 55 has a smaller cross-sectional area toward the tip of the nozzle 55 . The supply port 55c discharges liquid.

The liquid supply port 55 c opens at a position above the roller 42 facing the outer peripheral surface of the roller 42 . That is, the supply port 55c opens toward the outer peripheral surface of the roller 42 on the side opposite to the portion where the rollers 42 and 43 face (contact) each other. Further, in plan view, the supply port 55c opens at the center or substantially the center of the roller 42 in the length direction (the width direction D2). That is, in the supply port 55c, the liquid is discharged toward the center or approximately the center of the upper portion of the roller 42 in the length direction. The length direction (width direction D2) of the roller 42 is a direction that intersects (perpendicularly, for example) the conveying direction of the game medals Md and the vertical direction.

Collection tray 56 is below rollers 42 and 43 . The collection tray 56 has a rectangular bottom plate 56a extending along the width direction D2 in plan view, and four side walls 56b extending upward from edges of the bottom plate 56a. That is, the collection tray 56 is a bottomed square box-shaped portion that opens upward. As an example, the collection tray 56 is made of metal such as stainless steel, but is not limited to this, and may be made of resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

Of the two side walls 56b facing each other in the depth direction D3, the side wall 56b on the unit U1 (rollers 42, 43) side of the collection tray 56 is a plate extending upward from the upper end of the side wall 56b on the unit U2 side. It has a shielding portion 56s which is a shaped portion. The shielding portion 56s has plate-like portions extending from both ends in the width direction D2 toward the unit U2. That is, in a plan view, the shielding portion 56s has a C-shape surrounding the sides of the roller 43 . Here, in the present embodiment, since the bottom end of the roller 43 is above the bottom end of the roller 47 , a gap Sa may occur between the collection tray 56 and the roller 43 . The shielding portion 56s is provided so as to enclose the gap Sa from the side.

The recovery tray 56 has a recovery connection portion 56 c as a connection portion for connecting the piping member 60 . The recovery connection portion 56c is provided to extend downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate 56a. The recovery connection part 56c communicates the inside and the outside of the recovery tray 56 with each other. The recovery connection part 56c is cylindrical and forms a part of the liquid flow path. That is, the liquid flow path formed by the recovery connection portion 56c opens as a recovery port 56d in the bottom surface of the recovery tray 56 (upper surface of the bottom plate 56a). The bottom surface of the recovery tray 56 (the upper surface of the bottom plate 56a) is inclined downward from the edge of the bottom plate 56a toward the recovery port 56d.

A range of the recovery tray 56 surrounded by the bottom plate 56a and the four side walls 56b (hereinafter referred to as a recovery range S) is a position overlapping at least the rollers 42 and 43 among the components of the maintenance device 30 in a plan view. It's size. The recovery tray 56 is configured such that the rollers 42 and 43 entirely overlap the recovery range S and overlap with the rollers 46 and 47 and the transport belt 38 in a plan view. As an example, the recovery tray 56 is provided so that the recovery range S, the entire rollers 42 and 43, part of the rollers 46 and 47, and part of the transport belt 38 overlap in plan view. In plan view, the entire roller 47, more preferably the axis line (center line) of the roller 47 and the recovery range S overlap. That is, at least the lower end portion of the roller 47 is above the collection range S. As shown in FIG. However, the collection tray 56 may be provided so that the collection range S and the rollers 46 and 47 do not overlap in plan view, and the collection range S and the conveying belt 38 are provided so as not to overlap each other. may be Also, the collection tray 56 is provided at a position where the distance between the bottom plate 56a and the rollers 42 and 43 is small. Thus, collection tray 56 is configured to receive liquid falling from rollers 42 and 43 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the piping member 60 includes a first piping member 61 that connects the collection connection portion 56 c of the collection tray 56 and the inlet connection portion 52 a of the buffer tank 52 . The piping member 60 has a second piping member 62 that connects the outlet connection portion 52 b of the buffer tank 52 and the inlet connection portion 53 a of the pump 53 . The first piping member 61 , the second piping member 62 , and the buffer tank 52 form a first flow path F<b>1 for circulating the liquid recovered from the maintenance section 40 to the pump 53 . The buffer tank 52 forms part of the first flow path F1.

The piping member 60 has a third piping member 63 that connects the outlet connection portion 53 b of the pump 53 and the nozzle connection portion 55 a of the nozzle 55 . The third piping member 63 forms a second flow path F2 for supplying liquid discharged from the pump 53 from the nozzle 55 to the first maintenance section 41 . The piping member 60 has a fourth piping member 64 that connects the supply connection portion 51 d of the liquid tank 51 and the connecting portion 59 in the middle of the first piping member 61 . The fourth piping member 64 forms a third flow path F3 for replenishing liquid from the liquid tank 51 . That is, the liquid tank 51 is connected to the first flow path F1 between the pump 53 and the recovery port 56d of the first flow path F1.

As an example, the connecting portion 59 is a three-way joint. A connecting portion 59a is a portion where the first flow path F1 and the third flow path F3 are connected (merged) inside the connecting portion 59 . Therefore, in this embodiment, the buffer tank 52 is located between the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59 a ) and the pump 53 . As an example, the piping members 61 to 64 may be made of metal such as stainless steel, or may be made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride, silicon, or fluororesin. Further, the piping members 61 to 64 may be made of a transparent material whose inside is visible, or may be made of an opaque material whose inside is invisible or difficult to see.

Next, the positional relationship in the height direction of the supply port 55c of the nozzle 55, the recovery port 56d of the recovery tray 56, the liquid tank 51, the buffer tank 52, the pump 53, and the connection portion 59 (connection portion 59a) will be described. do.

As shown in FIG. 7 , in one example of the present embodiment, the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59 a ) between the liquid tank 51 and the first flow path F<b>1 is located below the liquid tank 51 . Furthermore, in one example of the present embodiment, the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59a) and the liquid tank 51 are located below the recovery port 56d of the first flow path F1 and the supply port 55c of the second flow path F2. Also, the buffer tank 52 is located below the supply port 55 c , the recovery port 56 d , the connection portion 59 (connection portion 59 a ), and the liquid tank 51 . In one example of this embodiment, the pump 53 is at the same height as the buffer tank 52 , but is not limited to this and may be above or below the buffer tank 52 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one example of this embodiment, the liquid tank 51 is arranged on the side of the medal tank 26 . A buffer tank 52 and a pump 53 are provided at the base of the island facility 10 . The maintenance device 30 (the supply port 55c and the recovery port 56d) is arranged above the medal tank . In the liquid supply section 50, the pump 53, the nozzle 55, and the third pipe member 63 constitute a supply section Ps that supplies the liquid to the rollers 42 and 43 as transport members. Supply unit Ps is an example of supply means. In the liquid supply unit 50, the buffer tank 52, the recovery tray 56, and the piping members 61 and 62 form a circulation unit Pr that circulates the liquid removed by the roller 43 as a removal member so that it can be supplied from the supply unit Ps. Configure. The circulation part Pr constitutes an example of circulation means.

The maintenance device 30 has a maintenance control section 70 . The maintenance control unit 70 has a CPU and memory. The maintenance control unit 70 is configured to be able to control the operation of the maintenance device 30 by the CPU executing various programs. The maintenance device 30 has a medal sensor SE that detects the game medals Md that have flowed into the receiving section 31 . The maintenance control unit 70 is connected to the medal sensor SE, and can receive a detection signal output when the medal sensor SE detects the game medal Md. The maintenance control unit 70 is connected to the motors MT1 and MT2, and can drive the motors MT1 and MT2 by outputting predetermined drive signals. The maintenance control unit 70 is connected to the pump 53 and can drive the pump 53 by outputting a predetermined drive signal. The maintenance control unit 70 is an example of control means.

The control operation performed by the maintenance control unit 70 will be described below.
Conveyance control for driving the first motor MT1 and the second motor MT2 to convey the game medals Md will be described.

The transport control includes a first transport control executed when power is turned on, and a second transport control executed when there are game medals Md to be maintained. The condition for executing the first transport control (hereinafter referred to as the first transport condition) is established when the maintenance device 30 is powered on. The end condition of the first transport control is that the elapsed time after the first transport condition is established reaches the first transport time, and the elapsed time after the game medal Md is no longer detected by the medal sensor SE is the second transport. Established by reaching the time. The second transport control execution condition (hereinafter referred to as the second transport condition) is established when the game medal Md is detected by the medal sensor SE after the first transport process is completed. The end condition of the second transport control is established when the elapsed time after the game medal Md is no longer detected by the medal sensor SE reaches the second transport time. Here, the second transport time is a time exceeding the time required for the game medal Md detected by the receiving unit 31 to be transported by the transport belt 38, pass through the maintenance unit 40, and be discharged to the guide unit 33. is set.

In the first transport control and the second transport control, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the first motor MT1 from when the execution condition is satisfied until when the end condition is satisfied (while the execution condition is satisfied). and rotate the second rotating shaft 37 . As a result, the transport belt 38 suspended between the rotary shafts 36 and 37 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y0, and the game medals Md are transported toward the maintenance section 40. As shown in FIG. Then, the game medals Md transported by the transport belt 38 are received by the first maintenance section 41 .

In the first transport control and the second transport control, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the second motor MT2 from when the execution condition is satisfied until when the end condition is satisfied (while the execution condition is satisfied). and the rollers 42 and 43 are rotated. As a result, the roller 42 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y1, and the roller 43 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y2. Therefore, the rollers 42 and 43 sandwich the game medal Md transported by the transport belt 38 and transport it toward the second maintenance section 45 .

In the first transport control and the second transport control, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the second motor MT2 from when the execution condition is satisfied until when the end condition is satisfied (while the execution condition is satisfied). to rotate the rollers 46 and 47. As a result, the roller 46 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y3, and the roller 47 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y4. Therefore, the rollers 46 and 47 pinch the game medal Md conveyed by the rollers 42 and 43 and convey it toward the guide section 33 . That is, the game medals Md are discharged from the maintenance device 30 to the medal tank 26 .

Next, supply control for driving the pump 53 to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 55 will be described. In the present embodiment, the maintenance control unit 70 is an example of means for controlling liquid supply to the nozzle 55 . As an example of the present embodiment, the supply control execution condition (hereinafter referred to as supply condition) is the same condition as the execution conditions of the first transport control and the second transport control. Also, the condition for ending the supply control is the same as the condition for ending the first transport control and the second transport control.

The maintenance control unit 70 starts supply control when the supply condition is satisfied after the power is turned on. In supply control, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the pump 53 to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 55 in a predetermined manner. More specifically, the maintenance control unit 70 continuously ejects the liquid from the nozzle 55 without interruption. In supply control, the discharge volume of liquid per unit time is set to a volume that allows the volume of liquid discharged during the first and second transport times to exceed the holding volume V. FIG. Therefore, when the supply control is executed, the rollers 42 and 43 are supplied with a volume of liquid that cannot be retained by these rollers 42 and 43 . Further, in the supply control of the present embodiment, the liquid is discharged for a predetermined period of time even after the game medals Md to be transported have run out. In this embodiment, the supply unit Ps continuously supplies the liquid to the rollers 42 and 43, which are examples of the transport members, while a predetermined supply condition is satisfied.

Next, operation of the maintenance device 30 will be described.
When the power of the maintenance device 30 is turned on, the first transport control is executed by satisfying the first transport condition. That is, the rotation of the conveyor belt 38 is started, and the rotation of the rollers 42, 43 and the rollers 46, 47 is also started. As a result, when there are game medals Md in the receiving section 31 , the game medals Md are conveyed toward the maintenance section 40 by the conveyor belt 38 .

The game medal Md transported by the transport belt 38 is sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43 and transported toward the second maintenance section 45 by the rotation of the rollers 42 and 43 . Thus, in the first maintenance section 41 , the game medal Md is transported while being sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43 .

When the power of the maintenance device 30 is turned on, supply control is executed by satisfying the supply condition as well as the first transport condition. That is, the liquid is continuously discharged from the nozzle 55 toward the roller 42 . Therefore, the roller 42 is wetted by the liquid. Also, the rollers 42 and 43 are in contact with each other at portions where the game medals Md are not sandwiched. The roller 43 is thus wetted by the liquid retained on the roller 42 . Therefore, when the game medal Md is sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43, the liquid held by the rollers 42 and 43 is applied to both surfaces of the game medal Md. This makes it easy to remove stains attached to the game medals Md. In the present embodiment, the roller 42 is an example of a coating member and a coating roller that contacts the game medals Md and applies liquid to the game medals Md. The roller 43 also functions as an application member (application roller). Also, the first maintenance section 41 constitutes an example of a coating unit.

The game medal Md sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43 of the first maintenance section 41 and coated with the liquid is subsequently sandwiched between the rollers 46 and 47 of the second maintenance section 45 . Then, the game medal Md is conveyed while being sandwiched between the rollers 46 and 47, thereby wiping off the liquid adhering to the game medal Md. It can be said that the rollers 46 and 47 polish the game medals Md. As described above, in the present embodiment, the roller 46 comes into contact with the game medal Md to which the liquid is applied by the first maintenance unit 41 (rollers 42, 43) and wipes off the game medal Md. The roller 47 is also the same. After that, the game medals Md transported by the second maintenance section 45 are ejected from the maintenance device 30 via the guide section 33 .

Further, in the maintenance device 30, when the game medal Md is detected by the medal sensor SE, the second transport condition is established and the second transport control is executed. As a result, the game medals Md received by the receiving portion 31 are transported toward the rollers 42 and 43 by the transport belt 38 . The game medal Md sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43 and coated with the liquid is subsequently sandwiched between the rollers 46 and 47 and the liquid is wiped off. After that, the game medals Md are ejected from the maintenance device 30 via the guide section 33 .

In addition, when the supply condition is satisfied by starting the second transport control after a predetermined time has passed since the end condition of the most recent transport control is satisfied, the supply control is executed. That is, the liquid is continuously discharged from the nozzle 55 toward the roller 42 . For this reason, the rollers 42 and 43 are wetted with the liquid in the same manner as when the first transport control is executed.

In the supply control in this embodiment, the liquid is continuously discharged. Further, during the last second transport time out of the execution time of the first transport control and the execution time of the second transport control, the volume of liquid exceeding the holding volume V of the rollers 42 and 43 is supplied. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the roller 42 is supplied with an excessive amount of liquid that cannot be retained by the roller 42 . That is, the rollers 42 can be in a state where there is excess liquid during the execution of the supply control. As used herein, "surplus" with respect to liquid is a state in which the liquid held by the roller exceeds the prescribed volume Va. For example, the specified volume Va may be equal to the retention volume Vc of the roller, or may be less than the retention volume Vc of the roller. That is, the specified capacity Va is a capacity equal to or less than the holding capacity Vc of the roller.

The prescribed volume Va in the present embodiment is set so that the volume of liquid adhering to the game medals Md from the rollers 42 during transportation is equal to or less than the volume that can be wiped off by the rollers 46 and 47 . Such prescribed capacity Va can be obtained through experiments, various simulations, and the like. When there is excessive liquid on the roller 42, the liquid may adhere excessively to the surface of the game medal Md on the side of the roller 42 among both surfaces of the game medal Md. If the liquid adhering to the game medals Md cannot be completely wiped off by the rollers 46 and 47, it may cause the liquid to adhere to the mechanical parts of the island facility 10 or increase the humidity inside the island facility 10. There is a possibility that

In contrast, roller 43 is biased against roller 42 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the covering portion P2, which is a porous body, is compressed at the portion where the roller 43 is pressed. Therefore, if the roller 42 has excessive liquid, the excessive liquid is squeezed out by partial compression of the covering portion P2 and is absorbed by the roller 43 in contact with the roller 42. becomes. As described above, in the first maintenance unit 41 of the present embodiment, at least a portion of the roller 42 is compressed by contact with the roller 43, and excess liquid on the roller 42 is removed. In the present embodiment, the specified capacity Va of the roller 42 is determined by the properties of the porous material (flexibility, porosity, hydrophilicity, etc.) that constitute the covering portion P2 and the biasing force of the roller 43 against the roller 42. can be stipulated.

In the supply control of this embodiment, the liquid exceeding the retention capacity V of the rollers 42 and 43 is supplied. Therefore, not only the roller 42 but also the roller 43 cannot hold the liquid. Liquid exceeding the holding capacity Vc of the roller 43 drops from the roller 43 and is received by the collection tray 56 . The liquid that has flowed into the recovery tray 56 flows from the recovery port 56d into the first flow path F1. Then, the liquid recovered to the first flow path F1 is taken in again by the pump 53 and discharged toward the nozzle 55 .

Further, when the transport control and the supply control are continuously executed for a long time, it is possible that the liquid is retained in the roller 46 and finally exceeds the specified capacity Va. In contrast, in this embodiment, the units U1 and U2 have the same configuration. Thus, the rollers 47 of unit U2 can operate in the same manner as rollers 43 of unit U1 to remove excess liquid on rollers 46. FIG. In other words, if the roller 46 has excessive liquid, the excessive liquid is squeezed out by partial compression of the covering portion P2 and is absorbed by the roller 47 in contact with the roller 46. Become. The prescribed volume Va of the roller 46 is defined by the properties of the porous material forming the covering portion P2 and the biasing force of the roller 47 against the roller 46 . Note that the specified capacities Va of the rollers 42 and 46 may be the same or different.

In the present embodiment, at least the axis (center line) of the roller 47 and the recovery range S overlap in plan view. Therefore, even if not only the rollers 46 but also the rollers 47 become unable to hold the liquid, the liquid exceeding the holding capacity Vc of the rollers 47 falls from the rollers 47 and is received by the collection tray 56 . The liquid that has flowed into the recovery tray 56 flows from the recovery port 56d into the first flow path F1. Then, the liquid recovered to the first flow path F1 is taken in again by the pump 53 and discharged toward the nozzle 55 .

In this embodiment, the liquid supply port 55c is located at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the roller 42 and opens at the center or approximately the center of the roller 42 in the length direction. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the supply port 55c is supplied to the center or substantially the center of the upper portion of the roller 42 in the length direction. Therefore, even if only one supply port 55c is provided as in the present embodiment, uneven holding of the liquid by the roller 42 can be suppressed.

The maintenance device 30 of this embodiment is configured to introduce the liquid in the liquid tank 51 into the first flow path F1 when the amount of liquid in the first flow path F1 becomes less than a predetermined amount. A detailed description will be given below.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the water level of the first flow path F1 is higher than the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59a) and is at the water level W1 on the recovery port 56d side while the supply control is not being executed. At this time, the water level of the second flow path F2 is the same as or higher than the water level W1 of the first flow path F1. Further, each of the flow paths F1 and F2 is filled with liquid in a range from the water surface (water level W1) of the first flow path F1 to the water surface of the second flow path F2. Further, the third flow path F3 is filled with liquid.

When the supply control is started, the pump 53 is driven to take in the liquid in the first flow path F1 (buffer tank 52) and send it out to the second flow path F2. As a result, the liquid in the first flow path F1 is reduced, for example, down to the water level W2 above the connecting portion 59 . Further, the liquid is discharged from the supply port 55c of the second flow path F2 and supplied to the rollers 42 and 43. As shown in FIG. As mentioned above, the liquid is supplied over the holding volume V of the rollers 42,43. Therefore, the liquid that cannot be retained by the rollers 42 and 43 drips onto the recovery tray 56 and flows into the first flow path F1 from the recovery port 56d. That is, in the maintenance device 30, the liquid used for cleaning is recovered and reused.

During execution of the supply control, the volume of liquid taken into the pump 53 from the first flow path F1 and the volume of liquid flowing into the first flow path F1 from the recovery port 56d become substantially the same, and the first flow path F1 is maintained at the water level W2 without a sudden drop. In this embodiment, the liquid tank 51 is configured to maintain a predetermined airtightness. Therefore, air does not flow into the liquid tank 51 as long as the water level of the first flow path F1 is above the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59a). Therefore, the liquid in the liquid tank 51 is held without flowing down the third flow path F3.

However, the liquid may be reduced by evaporation or the like in the first maintenance section 41 in addition to being applied to the game medals Md in the first maintenance section 41 . Therefore, during execution and non-execution of the supply control, the water level of the first flow path F1 can drop to the water level W3 approaching the connecting portion 59a. When the water level in the first flow path F1 drops to the connecting portion 59a, the air that has flowed into the first flow path F1 from the recovery port 56d flows from the connecting portion 59a into the liquid tank 51 through the third flow path F3. . As a result, the liquid in the liquid tank 51 flows into the first flow path F1 through the third flow path F3 by a volume corresponding to the inflowing air. That is, the liquid is replenished from the liquid tank 51 to the first flow path F1.

When the liquid replenished from the liquid tank 51 moves the water level in the first flow path F1 above the connecting portion 59a, air stops flowing into the liquid tank 51 from the connecting portion 59a. Along with this, the supply of liquid from the liquid tank 51 to the first flow path F1 is stopped. In this manner, the liquid tank 51, the connection portion 59, and the fourth pipe member 64 constitute an introduction portion Pi that introduces the liquid in the liquid tank 51 into the first flow path F1. The introduction part Pi is an example of introduction means. Then, the introduction part Pi introduces the liquid in the liquid tank 51 into the first flow path F1 when the amount of liquid in the first flow path F1 becomes less than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount in this embodiment is the amount of liquid when the water level in the first flow path F1 is lowered to the connection portion 59a.

The effects of this embodiment will be described below.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the dirt on the game medals Md can be easily removed by causing the liquid to adhere to the game medals Md via the rollers 42 as the conveying members (conveying rollers). On the other hand, if there is a surplus of liquid in the roller 42, the excess liquid may adhere to the game medals Md, increasing the loss of the liquid or causing the liquid to flow out to the mechanism portion on the downstream side. According to the present embodiment, since the excess liquid on the roller 42 can be removed by the roller 43 as a removing member (removing roller), the amount of liquid adhered to the game medals Md is stabilized, and dirt is removed more efficiently. can be done easily.

(2) According to this embodiment, the roller 43 as the removing member is also used as the conveying member. Therefore, while the game medals Md are conveyed in a state of being sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43, an appropriate amount of liquid can be adhered to the game medals Md. In addition, the structure of the maintenance device 30 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the removal member is a dedicated member.

(3) According to the present embodiment, since the circulation unit Pr is provided, the liquid removed by the rollers 43 is circulated from the supply unit Ps so that the liquid supplied in excess is wasted. can be suppressed.

(4) According to the present embodiment, at least the portion of the roller 42 as the conveying member that comes into contact with the game medals Md is a porous body, and is compressed by contact with the roller 43 as the removing member. , excess liquid is removed. Therefore, the surplus liquid on the roller 42 can be efficiently removed, and it is possible to more reliably prevent excessive liquid from adhering to the game medals Md.

(5) According to the present embodiment, since at least the portion of the roller 43 as the removing member that contacts the game medals Md is a porous body, it retains the liquid removed from the roller 42 as the conveying member, The liquid can be applied to the surface of the medal Md on the side opposite to the roller 42 side. Therefore, dirt on the game medals Md can be removed more easily.

(6) According to the present embodiment, the liquid adheres to the game medals Md through the rollers 42 as the conveying member, thereby facilitating the removal of stains. In addition, since the game medals Md are wiped by the rollers 46 and 47 as wiping members, dirt can be easily removed from the game medals Md.

(7) According to this embodiment, the liquid is electrolyzed water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent residue from remaining in the maintenance device 30 in addition to the game medals Md. Therefore, the maintenance frequency of the maintenance device 30 itself can be reduced.

(8) According to the present embodiment, the rollers 46 and 47 as wiping members are two rollers that sandwich the game medals Md, so that the liquid adhering to the game medals Md can be reliably wiped off.

(9) According to the present embodiment, even if there is only one supply port 55c, the liquid can be efficiently supplied to the roller 42 as the transport member and adhered to the game medals Md.
(10) According to the present embodiment, since the liquid can be continuously supplied, it is possible to prevent the roller 42 as the conveying member from running out of the liquid. Therefore, dirt on the game medals Md can be easily removed.

(11) According to this embodiment, the liquid can be recovered from the maintenance section 40 as the removal section and then re-supplied by the pump 53 . Therefore, even if the maintenance unit 40 has excess liquid, it is possible to prevent the excess liquid from being wasted. Even if the amount of circulating liquid decreases due to the consumption of the liquid, the liquid is introduced into the first flow path F1 from the liquid tank 51, so that the shortage of the liquid can be suppressed.

(12) According to the present embodiment, when the circulating liquid decreases and the water level in the first flow path F1 drops to the connecting portion 59a, the air entering from the recovery port 56d further flows through the connecting portion 59a to the liquid tank. 51, and instead the liquid in the liquid tank 51 is introduced into the first flow path F1. In this manner, the structure for introducing the liquid from the liquid tank 51 can be made simpler than the configuration using an electromagnetic valve, a dedicated pump, or the like.

(13) According to the present embodiment, since the buffer tank 52 is provided as part of the first flow path F1, the amount of circulating liquid can be increased. Therefore, it becomes possible to circulate the liquid with a margin.

(14) According to the present embodiment, since the pump 53 operates continuously while the supply condition is satisfied, a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied to the maintenance section 40 as the removal section to remove dirt. You can increase the effect. Further, even if the liquid becomes excessive, it can be reused, so that waste of the liquid can be suppressed.

(15) According to the present embodiment, the liquid tank 51 has a predetermined strength and is not deformed by atmospheric pressure or is difficult to deform. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from being unintentionally introduced into the first flow path F1 due to deformation of the liquid tank 51 due to air pressure. Therefore, the amount of liquid in the first flow path F1 can be easily maintained appropriately.

(16) According to this embodiment, the rollers 42 and 43 are integrally detachable as the unit U1. The rollers 46 and 47 are integrally detachable as a unit U2. Therefore, the roller can be easily replaced.

(17) In this embodiment, the buffer tank 52 is configured so that the inside can be visually recognized. It is comprehensible. Therefore, the timing of replenishing the liquid to the liquid tank 51 can be properly grasped.

(18) According to the present embodiment, since the bottom end of the roller 43 is above the bottom end of the roller 47 , a gap Sa may occur between the collection tray 56 and the roller 43 . On the other hand, the collection tray 56 includes a shielding portion 56s, and the shielding portion 56s surrounds the gap Sa. Therefore, the exposed area of the roller 43 as the removing member can be reduced, and evaporation of the liquid from the roller 43 and the collection tray 56 can be suppressed.

(19) According to this embodiment, since the buffer tank 52 is provided with the filter 52c, dirt contained in the liquid can be removed.
(20) According to the present embodiment, in the supply control, the liquid is discharged even after the game medals Md to be transported are exhausted, so dirt and the like adhering to the rollers 42 and 43 can be washed away.

(21) According to this embodiment, excess liquid on the roller 46 can be removed by the roller 47 . Therefore, it is possible to stably wipe off the game medals Md. Therefore, dirt can be easily removed from the game medals.

(22) Particularly, according to the present embodiment, when the transport control and the supply control are continuously executed for a long period of time, the liquid is also held in the roller 46, which is an example of the wiping member, and the liquid is finally defined. It is conceivable that the capacity Va may be exceeded. In contrast, in this embodiment, the units U1 and U2 have the same configuration. Thus, the rollers 47 of unit U2 can operate in the same manner as the rollers 43 of unit U1 to remove the liquid present on the rollers 46. FIG. Therefore, the roller 46 is less likely to be saturated with liquid, and a minimum amount of wiping can be ensured.

(23) In the present embodiment, at least the portion of the roller 46 that contacts the game medals Md is a porous body, and is compressed by contact with the roller 47 to remove excess liquid. Therefore, excess liquid on the roller 46 can be efficiently removed, and the game medals Md can be reliably wiped off.

(24) According to the present embodiment, since at least the portion of the roller 47 that contacts the game medals Md is a porous body, it retains the liquid removed from the roller 46 and prevents the liquid from dripping. can.

(25) According to this embodiment, the roller 47 is also used as a wiping member. Therefore, while the game medal Md is conveyed in a state of being sandwiched between the rollers 46 and 47, more reliable wiping can be achieved. In addition, the structure of the maintenance device 30 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the removal member is a dedicated member.

(26) According to the present embodiment, at least the axis (center line) of the roller 47 and the recovery range S overlap in plan view. Therefore, the liquid that cannot be retained by the rollers 47 falls to the collection tray 56 . Therefore, surplus liquid can be recovered from rollers 46 and 47 and circulated.

The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within a technically consistent range.
In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that notification of the shortage of the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid tank 51 (hereinafter referred to as insufficient amount of remaining amount notification) is not performed. It may be a configuration. For example, the maintenance device 30 may include a water level sensor as an example of detection means for detecting the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 of the first flow path F1. The maintenance device 30 may include a notification device such as a display device, a speaker, and an LED as an example of notification means for performing predetermined notification. Then, when the water level sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 is less than the predetermined amount, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the notification device so that the notification of the insufficient remaining amount is performed as the predetermined notification. do it. When the amount of liquid in buffer tank 52 is less than a predetermined amount, it is highly probable that liquid in liquid tank 51 is empty. According to this modification, the notification device issues a predetermined notification when the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 becomes less than the predetermined amount. can be properly grasped.

- In the present embodiment, the introduction part Pi is provided as the introduction means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a different configuration. For example, the maintenance device 30 includes a water level sensor that detects the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 and an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the third flow path F3. The liquid tank 51 is configured such that air can be introduced inside from a portion different from the supply connection portion 51d. When the water level sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 is less than a predetermined amount, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the solenoid valve to open the third flow path F3. Further, when the water level sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the buffer tank 52 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the maintenance control unit 70 controls the solenoid valve to close the third flow path F3. Even in this modified example, when the amount of circulating liquid decreases due to liquid consumption or the like, the liquid is introduced from the liquid tank 51 into the first flow path F1, so it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out. Also, in this modified example, a pump may be provided instead of the electromagnetic valve. In this case, the liquid tank 51 may be arranged below the connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59a) since the pump can supply the liquid at a predetermined pressure.

- In the present embodiment, the liquid tank 51 and the first flow path F1 are connected using the fourth piping member 64, but the present invention is not limited to this. may have been

- In the present embodiment, the liquid tank 51 is provided with the inlet 51c. In this modified example, when the remaining amount of liquid is insufficient, the liquid tank 51 may be replaced with a liquid tank 51 filled with liquid.

- In this embodiment, the fourth piping member 64 may be provided with a water stop valve. According to this modified example, by operating the water stop valve to close the third flow path F3, the outflow of the liquid is suppressed, and the liquid tank 51 can be easily removed and replaced.

- Although one liquid tank 51 is provided in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more liquid tanks may be provided. In this case, the plurality of liquid tanks and the first flow path F1 may be connected at the same connecting portion 59 (connecting portion 59a), or may be connected at different connecting portions. Also in this modified example, it is preferable to maintain the positional relationship of each part in the height direction as in the present embodiment.

- In the present embodiment, the buffer tank 52 is provided between the connection portion 59a and the pump 53, but is not limited to this, and may be provided between the recovery port 56d and the connection portion 59a. It may be provided between the opening 55c. The number of buffer tanks 52 is not limited to one, and a second buffer tank may be provided between the pump 53 and the supply port 55c. If a buffer tank is provided downstream of the pump 53, the liquid discharged from the pump 53 is retained in the buffer tank. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to suppress the liquid from being vigorously discharged from the supply port 55c when the pump 53 starts to be driven, and to suppress the scattering of the liquid. Also, the maintenance device 30 may include three or more buffer tanks.

- In the present embodiment, the collection tray 56 is provided separately from the housing 34, but is not limited to this, and may be used as the bottom tray of the housing 34, for example. In this case, a side wall 56b may be provided inside the bottom tray to form the recovery tray 56, as in the present embodiment. According to this modification, even if the liquid overflows from the recovery tray 56 due to clogging of the filter 52c, clogging of the first flow path F1, or the like, it can be temporarily stored in the bottom tray. In this modified example, a shielding portion 56s may be provided as in the present embodiment.

- In the present embodiment, the conveying means has the rollers 42 and 43 as the conveying members, but this is not limitative, and three or more rollers may be used as the conveying members. The game medal Md may be sandwiched between 42 and a plate member having slipperiness. Further, the conveying means may have one or more belts as conveying members, or may have both rollers and belts. When part or all of the conveying member is a belt, the portion of the belt that contacts the game medals Md is preferably made of a porous material as in the present embodiment. Further, in the case where two belts are used as the conveying member and the game medals Md are sandwiched between the two belts, the game medals Md and the belts come into surface contact, and the game medals Md are more reliably conveyed and washed. be able to

In the present embodiment, the wiping means has the rollers 46 and 47 as the wiping members, but this is not limiting, and the wiping means may have one roller as the wiping member, or three rollers. A configuration having the above rollers may be used. Furthermore, the wiping means may have one or more belts as wiping members, or may have both rollers and belts. When part or all of the wiping member is a belt, the portion of the belt that comes into contact with the game medals Md is preferably made of a porous body as in the present embodiment. When the wiping member is composed of two belts and the game medals Md are sandwiched between the two belts, the game medals Md and the belts come into surface contact, and the game medals Md are conveyed more reliably. can be wiped off.

- In the present embodiment, the supply conditions are the same as the first and second transfer conditions, but are not limited to this, and may be conditions different from the first and second transfer conditions. . The end condition of the supply control may be established before or after the end conditions of the first transport condition and the second transport condition. Further, for example, even if the game medals Md are not detected by the medal sensor SE, the supply control may be executed under the execution condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the most recent supply control (conveyance control). In this supply control, the game medals Md are not conveyed, but the rollers 42 and 43 are preferably rotated. Then, it is preferable that the end condition of the supply control in this modified example is that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the execution condition was established.

- In the present embodiment, the liquid is continuously discharged from the nozzle 55 in the supply control, but the liquid is not limited to this, and may be intermittently discharged. Further, one or all of the liquid ejection amount, the ejection time, and the ejection timing may be different between the supply control executed together with the first transport control and the supply control executed together with the second transport control.

- In this embodiment, the rollers 42 and 43 do not need to be integrated as the unit U1. Rollers 46 and 47 may not be integrated as unit U2.
- In this embodiment, the nozzle 55 may be arrange|positioned in the center in the length direction (width direction D2) of the rollers 42 and 43, or the part different from a substantially center. Also, in the present embodiment, the first maintenance section 41 may include a plurality of nozzles 55 . In this case, the plurality of nozzles 55 are preferably arranged evenly along the length direction of the rollers 42 and 43 .

- In this embodiment, the rollers 42 and 43 may be entirely porous. Note that the rollers 42 and 43 may not be entirely porous, but are preferably configured as in the present embodiment from the viewpoint of retaining the liquid. The rollers 46, 47 can be similarly changed.

In the present embodiment, one roller 43 is provided as a removing member for the roller 42, but this is not a limitation, and a plurality of rollers may be provided as removing members. A configuration having a plate-like member for scraping off the liquid may also be used. When a plurality of rollers are provided as the removing member, the plurality of rollers are preferably arranged along the circumferential direction of the roller 42 . The removing member provided for the roller 46 can also be changed in the same manner. A suction mechanism for sucking excess liquid may be provided for the rollers 42 and 46 .

- In the present embodiment, the first maintenance section 41 (unit U1) may be configured to include an auxiliary roller as means (member) for removing excess liquid from the roller 43 . The auxiliary roller extends parallel to roller 43 below roller 43 . The auxiliary roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of roller 43 and is biased toward roller 43 . Note that the game medal Md is sandwiched between the rollers 42 and 43 and transported, as in the present embodiment. On the other hand, the game medal Md is not sandwiched between the roller 43 and the auxiliary roller. That is, the game medal Md does not come into contact with the auxiliary roller. In this modified example, the holding capacity of the auxiliary rollers is greater than the holding capacity of the rollers 42 and 43, but the holding capacity is not limited to this and may be less or the same. Further, in this modified example, the specified capacity Va of the roller 43 may be greater than, less than or equal to the specified capacity Va of the roller 42 . According to this modification, excess liquid on the roller 43 can be removed. Therefore, the amount of liquid that adheres from the roller 43 to the game medals Md can be stabilized. In addition, it is possible to collect excess liquid not only from the roller 42 but also from the roller 43 and flow it into the first flow path F1. Similarly, the second maintenance section 45 (unit U2) may be configured to include an auxiliary roller as means (member) for removing excess liquid from the roller 47 . The auxiliary rollers in the second maintenance unit 45 may be configured by replacing the rollers 42 and 43 with rollers 46 and 47, respectively. In this modified example, the auxiliary rollers, like the rollers 42, 43, 46, and 47, preferably have a configuration in which the shaft portion P1 is covered with a covering portion P2 that is a porous body.

- In this embodiment, the maintenance device 30 does not need to be incorporated in the island facility 10, and may be operated alone. In this case, the worker of the game parlor or the like should insert the game medals Md to be maintained into the receiving unit 31 and collect the game medals Md that have been discharged from the guiding unit 33 after maintenance.

- In this embodiment, the maintenance device 30 is not limited to being arranged at the end of the island facility 10 in the width direction D2, but may be arranged in the center in the width direction D2. Moreover, the maintenance device 30 is not limited to being arranged above the island facility 10 , and may be arranged below the island facility 10 .

- In this embodiment, the island facility 10 does not have to be provided with the terminal passage 25 .
- In this embodiment, the island facility 10 does not have to include the medal tank 26 .
- In this embodiment, the island facility 10 does not need to be provided with the island passage 27 . In this case, the island facility 10 becomes a so-called independent island.

Technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and modifications will be described.
(a) In a game medal maintenance device, a conveying means having a conveying member for conveying the game medal in contact with the game medal; a supply means for supplying a liquid to the conveying member; a removal means having a removal member for removing liquid.

(b) The conveying member is a conveying roller, and the removing member is a removing roller rotatable in contact with the conveying roller, and the game is played in a state sandwiched between the conveying roller and the removing roller. It is preferable that the medals are conveyed and the removing roller is also used as the conveying member.

(c) It is preferable to provide circulation means for circulating the liquid removed by the removal means from the supply means so as to be supplied.
(d) The liquid may be electrolyzed water.

(e) The wiping member may be two rollers sandwiching game medals.
(f) The supply means has a supply port for ejecting the liquid, and the liquid is ejected toward the center or substantially the center of the transport member in a direction intersecting the transport direction and the vertical direction of the game medals. good.

(g) It is preferable that the supply means continuously supply the liquid to the conveying member while a predetermined supply condition is satisfied.
(h) a removal section for removing stains on a game medium using a liquid, a pump, a flow path section for forming a liquid flow path, a liquid tank for storing the liquid, and a liquid in the liquid tank for removing the liquid from the flow path. introduction means for introducing into the passage, the passage comprising a first passage for circulating the liquid recovered from the removal section to the pump, and the liquid discharged from the pump to the removal section. and a second flow path for circulating the fluid, wherein the introduction means introduces the liquid in the liquid tank into the flow path when the amount of liquid in the flow path becomes less than a predetermined amount.

(i) It is preferable to provide a buffer tank forming part of the first flow path.
(j) detection means for detecting the amount of liquid in the buffer tank in the first flow path; When it is detected that the amount of liquid in is less than a predetermined amount, the predetermined notification may be performed.

(k) The pump may operate continuously while a predetermined supply condition is satisfied.
(l) The liquid tank should have a predetermined strength and should not be deformed by air pressure, or should be difficult to deform.

(m) a removal section that removes stains on the game medium using liquid, a pump, a flow path section that forms a flow path for the liquid, and a liquid tank that stores the liquid and is configured to be able to maintain a predetermined airtightness. and wherein the flow path includes a first flow path for circulating the liquid that has flowed in from the recovery port that is open to the removing section side to the pump, and a first flow path for circulating the liquid discharged from the pump to the removing section. and a second flow path for circulating to a supply port that is open to the side, wherein the liquid tank is disposed between the recovery port of the first flow path and the pump in the first flow path. a connecting portion between the liquid tank and the first channel is located below the liquid tank, and the connecting portion and the liquid tank are connected to the recovery port of the first channel; and below the supply port of the second channel.

(n) a buffer tank forming part of the first flow path, the buffer tank being between the connection and the pump;

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Island facility, 11... Slot machine, 30... Maintenance apparatus, 40... Maintenance part, 41... First maintenance part, 42, 43... Rollers, 45... Second maintenance part, 46, 47... Rollers, 50... Liquid supply Part 51 Liquid tank 52 Buffer tank 53 Pump 55 Nozzle 55c Supply port 56 Recovery tray 56d Recovery port 59 Connecting portion 59a Connecting portion 60 Piping member 70... maintenance control section, F1 to F3... flow path, Md... game medal, Pi... introduction section, Pr... circulation section, Ps... supply section.

Claims (1)

a removal unit that removes stains on the game medium using a liquid;
a pump;
a channel portion forming a liquid channel;
a liquid tank for storing liquid;
introducing means for introducing the liquid in the liquid tank into the flow path,
The flow path includes a first flow path for circulating the liquid recovered from the removing section to the pump, and a second flow path for circulating the liquid discharged from the pump to the removing section. ,
the introduction means introduces the liquid in the liquid tank into the flow path when the amount of liquid in the flow path becomes less than a predetermined amount ;
a buffer tank forming part of the first flow path;
detection means for detecting the amount of liquid in the buffer tank in the first channel;
and a notification means for performing a predetermined notification,
When the detection means detects that the amount of liquid in the buffer tank is less than a predetermined amount, the notification means performs the predetermined notification,
the flow path includes a third flow path for replenishing the liquid in the liquid tank;
the first flow path and the third flow path merge at a connecting portion;
The liquid recovered from the removal section and the liquid replenished from the liquid tank are part of the first flow path and are from the same flow path positioned between the connection section and the buffer tank. A maintenance device that flows into the buffer tank .

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