[0001] The present invention relates generally to payout apparatus and is more especially
but not exclusively concerned with payout apparatus suitable for use with gaming machines
sometimes referred to as fruit machines or amusement machines.
[0002] Typically, when the machine registers a win, a prize selected from a range of different
prizes is awarded, the prizes often being different multiples of a particular coin
or token.
[0003] The apparatus for controlling the payout of the prize has thus often included a pushing
device located below a stack of similar coins or tokens and reciprocable to remove
successive ones of the coins or tokens from the bottom of the stack. The pushing device
may be driven by a motor which is operated by one or more solenoids. It has been found
that, particularly if there is a large payout, the repeated removal of successive
ones of the coins or tokens from the bottom of the stack by the pushing device is
noisy, unreliable and slow.
[0004] These problems are compounded when the payout apparatus is duplicated, for example
to allow the delivery of coins or tokens of different denominations, the duplication
of the payout apparatus also leading to considerable expense.
[0005] It is known from GB-A-2003308 for a payout apparatus to comprise a plurality of supply
means and a common delivery means. Different ones of its supply means are designed
to hold different denominations of coins or tokens, and its supply means are formed
as tubes arranged in a generally circular formation around a single central discharge.
In use, a horizontal arm is not only rotated by a vertical shaft but is movable up
and down the shaft whereby, in a lower position, it passes beneath coin or token supports
associated with its supply means but, in an upper position, it passes above said supports
to remove coins or tokens therefrom. It is also known from GB-A-1354635 for one or
more supply means to be replaceable by different supply means, with each of the replaceable
supply means having a releasable connection in the form of a snap-in fastener.
[0006] According to the present invention, however, a payout apparatus comprises a plurality
of supply means and a common delivery means, characterised in that the delivery means
includes a ratchet mechanism which, with movement towards and passed a supply means
in one direction, does not cause a payout but, with movement towards and passed the
supply means in the opposite direction, does cause a payout.
[0007] Each of the supply means may include a tube, or a hopper, or a tube fed from a hopper.
There may be, for example, six of the supply means arranged in a generally circular
formation, around a single discharge. Each of the supply means may be the same as
the others, or one or more of the supply means may be different from the others.
[0008] Preferably, the levels of the coins or tokens in the supply means are monitored (hereinafter,
for convenience, reference will be made just to coins).
[0009] It will be appreciated that different ones of the supply means may be designed to
hold different denominations of coins. Indeed, the payout apparatus may be adaptable
to different circumstances by allowing one or more of the supply means to be replaceable
by different supply means. For example, the payout apparatus could be set up, at different
times, so that all of the supply means deliver coins of the same denomination, or
different ones of the supply means deliver coins of different denominations. Such
a modular construction may be achieved by providing each of the replaceable supply
means with a releasable connection such as a snap-in fastener or a simple telescopic
fastener.
[0010] The delivery means may be fully rotatable or merely pivotable and the supply means
may be stationary or vice versa.
[0011] The delivery means may include, or at least be connectible to, a drive mechanism
which receives signals from a microprocessor or other command source for determining
the direction of movement of the ratchet mechanism relatively to the supply means.
[0012] In one arrangement, the ratchet mechanism may be regarded as being operable in a
horizontal plane with the payout being initially directed in a generally radial direction
from the supply means with respect to the delivery means.
[0013] In another arrangement, the ratchet mechanism may be regarded as being operable in
a vertical plane with the payout being initially directed in a generally tangential
direction from the supply means with respect to the delivery means.
[0014] In the latter arrangement, the ratchet mechanism may include an arm which operates
in a vertical plane and may further include a wheel which rolls along an annular support
surface.
[0015] In both arrangements, it is desirable to be able to verify the payout from a supply
means as well as to establish the position of the delivery means. These functions
may be achievable through the use of microswitches or optic sensing devices but are
preferably achievable through the use of piezoelectric means. For example, for each
of the supply means, a first piezoelectric film may be provided in the path of movement
of a delivered coin, and a second piezoelectric film may be provided in the path of
movement of the ratchet mechanism. Flexing of the piezoelectric films may generate
electric signals in a conventional manner and the electric signals may be transmitted
to the above-noted microprocessor or other command source.
[0016] As already indicated, movement of the ratchet mechanism in one direction does not
cause a payout whereas movement in the opposite direction does cause a payout.
[0017] Thus, it is possible for a clockwise movement to avoid a payout and an anti-clockwise
movement to result in a payout. Alternatively, it is possible for an anti-clockwise
movement to avoid a payout and a clockwise movement to result in a payout. However,
if the supply means are arranged to deliver coins in different directions, rather
than all of the coin deliveries being in the same direction, either a clockwise or
an anti-clockwise movement would result in payout from some supply means and avoid
payout from other supply means. In other words, it is possible for the supply means
to be arranged to make payout deliveries in different directions so that, with movement
of the ratchet mechanism in either of said one or said opposite directions, payout
occurs but not from all of the supply means.
[0018] Again, as already indicated, the ratchet mechanism could be fully rotatable or merely
pivotable, and in use might pivot back and forth past one or more selected supply
means even if fully rotatable.
[0019] Examples of payout apparatus in accordance with the present invention will now be
described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of payout
apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of payout
apparatus according to the present invention; and
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are schematic exploded perspective views showing, respectively,
an upper part, a coin delivery part and a lower part of a third embodiment of payout
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0020] For convenience, components which are functionally similar will be given the same
references in all of the different embodiments.
[0021] In Figure 1, payout apparatus 10 is shown including a plurality of supply means 12
and a common delivery means 14.
[0022] Each of the supply means 12 includes a hollow tube 16 having a slot 18 for receiving
a coin level detector. The lower end of the tube 16 opens to a cover 20 provided around
part of its periphery with a flange 22. The lower edge of the flange 22 abuts a similar
flange 24 provided around part of the periphery of a base 26, thereby forming an enclosure
28. A slide 30 is mounted for reciprocation within the enclosure 28, the slide 30
being provided with an opening 32 extending therethrough and a projection 34 extending
therefrom.
[0023] As shown, a total of six of the tubes 16 may be located in a circle, with the covers
20 defining a central aperture 36 and the bases 26 defining another central aperture
38.
[0024] The common delivery means 14 includes a ratchet mechanism 40 which is rotatable,
or at least pivotable, about a vertical axis under the control of a drive mechanism
42. The connection between the ratchet mechanism 40 and the drive mechanism 42 may
be a stud 44 with transverse bars 46 on the drive mechanism 42 which are removably
located in a space of complementary shape formed between opposed walls 48 on the ratchet
mechanism 40. The connection between the ratchet mechanism 40 and each of the slides
30 may be an arm 50 on the ratchet mechanism 40 for co-operation in the required manner
with the projections 34 on the slides 30.
[0025] The drive mechanism 42 may be a DC or stepper motor controlled by a conventional
microprocessor.
[0026] As previously indicated, the intention is that with movement of the delivery means
14 in one direction relatively to a supply means 16 there will be no payout, whereas
with movement of the delivery means 14 in the opposite direction relatively to the
supply means 16 there will be a payout.
[0027] More particularly, with movement of the ratchet mechanism 40 in an anti-clockwise
sense the arm 50 is allowed to pass the next projection 34 without payout of a coin
from the associated tube 16, whereas with movement of the ratchet mechanism 40 in
a clockwise sense the arm 50 is caused to co-operate with the next projection 34 and
move the associated slide 30 a distance sufficient to allow a coin in the opening
32 to drop through the opening 38.
[0028] It may be that the arm 50 is formed integrally with the remainder of the ratchet
mechanism 40. The slide 30 should then be sprung-loaded to a normal position in which
the projection 34 lies in the path of movement of the arm 50. With anti-clockwise
movement of the arm 50, the slide 30 is pushed generally radially outwards. With clockwise
movement of the arm 50, however, the slide 30 is pulled generally radially inwards
to deliver a coin, whereupon the projection 34 rides over a cammed portion of the
arm 50. In either case, once the arm 50 is no longer in engagement with the projection
34, the slide 30 is returned to the above-noted normal position by a restoring force.
[0029] It may, alternatively, be that the arm 50 is pivotable relatively to the remainder
of the ratchet mechanism 40 - the arm 50 being pushed inwardly during said anti-clockwise
movement against a restoring force, and the arm 50 causing the slide 30 to be pulled
inwardly during said clockwise movement against a restoring force.
[0030] If the tubes 16 are provided with or replaced by hoppers, the reciprocation of the
slides 30 could be utilised to drive stirrers in the hoppers to avoid the formation
of voids.
[0031] In Figure 2, another payout apparatus 10 is shown including a plurality of supply
means 12 and a common delivery means 14.
[0032] However, instead of each of the tubes 16 being open at the bottom, it is partially
closed by a bottom wall and is provided with an opening in its side wall. There are
no slides 30. The ratchet mechanism 40 is supported by a wheel 60 rotatable around
a support 62. The arm 50 is pivotable in a vertical plane and is sprung-loaded towards
a vertical position. With clockwise movement of the ratchet mechanism 40, the arm
50 is deflected downwardly each time that it passes the next tube 16. However, with
anti-clockwise movement of the ratchet mechanism 40, the arm 50 causes payout by pushing
the lowest coin through the above-noted opening in the side wall of the next tube
16 into a chute 64 leading to the openings 36 and 38.
[0033] In Figures 3, 4 and 5, another payout apparatus 10 is shown including a plurality
of supply means 12 and a common delivery means 14.
[0034] However, instead of the drive mechanism 42 having a stud 44 with transverse bars
46 it has a drive shaft 66 of non-circular cross-section complementary to a drive
socket 68 at one end of a bar 70. A grub screw 72 is operable to secure the drive
shaft 66 within the drive socket 68. The other end of the bar 70 again has a sprung-loaded
payout arm 50 for ejecting coins as well as a wheel 60 for rolling along an annular
surface 74 of a support 62. In this case, the arm 50 is not pivotable but is displaceable
vertically downwards against the spring loading.
[0035] Moreover, each of the tubes 16 is here formed as a plastics moulding with an integral
side assembly 76 for supporting a conventional coin level detector 78. An upper end
of the tube 16 is releasably securable to a standard feeder tube 80. A lower end of
the tube 16 is releasably connectable to a separate payout disc 82 by means of a plurality
of releasably deflectable clips 84. The payout disc 82 is also formed as an integral
plastics moulding. The clips 84 snap-engage with slots 86 formed in a circular open-ended
boss 88 extending upwardly from the payout disc 82. This resists but does not prevent
upward movement of the tube 16. Downward movement is prevented by abutment of tongues
90 presented by the end of the tube 16 with an internal discontinuous shoulder 92
presented by the boss 88. Each of the tubes 16 is designed to hold a particular denomination
of coin. The provision of the resiliently deflectable clips 84 thus allows any of
the tubes 16 to be replaced by different tubes 16 designed to hold different denominations
of coins.
[0036] Finally, means are provided to verify the payout from each of the supply means 12
as well as to establish the position of the delivery means 14.
[0037] Said means are in the form, for each of the supply means 12, of a first piezoelectric
film 94 provided in the path of movement of a coin delivered from the tube 16, and
a second piezoelectric film 96 provided in the path of movement of the bar 70 of the
ratchet mechanism 40. The piezoelectric films 94 and 96 are electrically and physically
connected to a printed circuit board 98 whose side edges are slidably receivable in
respective vertical grooves 100 presented by a retainer 102 extending upwardly from
the payout disc 82. The retainer 102 extends around three sides of a hole 104 in the
payout disc 82 and is provided with a steadying rod 106 which locates with the printed
circuit board 98. The various printed circuit boards 98 are electrically connected
to a common control microprocessor which detects which of the piezoelectric films
96 has been deflected by the bar 70 during rotation thereof in either direction.
[0038] As in the previous embodiment, with clockwise movement of the ratchet mechanism 40,
the arm 50 is pushed downwardly each time that it passes the next tube 16 because
the lowest coin cannot escape.
[0039] However, with anti-clockwise movement of the ratchet mechanism 40, the arm 50 causes
payout by travelling through a curved slot 108 at the partially closed bottom of the
next tube 16 to eject the lowest coin through an opening 110. Face 112 of the arm
50 which leads during clockwise movement is inclined to facilitate its downwards displacement
upon contact with a coin, whereas face 114 of the arm 50 which leads during anti-clockwise
movement is upright to facilitate coin delivery. If a tube 16 is to be replaced by
another in which the opening 110 faces in the opposite direction, it is necessary
for the slot 108 to curve in the opposite direction.
[0040] It is believed that, with all of the disclosed embodiments, but particularly the
embodiments in which the ratchet mechanism is operable in a vertical plane, the jolt
to the lowest coin in each stack of coins as the ratchet mechanism moves in the non-payout
direction helps to ensure proper coin feeding by causing the stacks to lift and drop
thereby clearing any coin jams in the stacks and avoiding any coin voids in hoppers
leading to the stacks.
[0041] Naturally, the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiments
which have been described hereinabove.
1. A payout apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of supply means (12) and a common delivery
means (14), characterised in that the delivery means (14) includes a ratchet mechanism
(40) which, with movement towards and passed a supply means (12) in one direction,
does not cause a payout but, with movement towards and passed the supply means (12)
in the opposite direction, does cause a payout.
2. A payout apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that means (94) is provided
to verify the payout from a supply means (12).
3. A payout apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that said means is provided
for each of the supply means in the form of a first piezoelectric film (94) provided
in the path of movement of a coin or token to be delivered.
4. A payout apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that means (96)
is provided to establish the position of the delivery means (14).
5. A payout apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said means is provided
for each of the supply means in the form of a second piezoelectric film (96) provided
in the path of movement of the ratchet mechanism (40).
6. A payout apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the ratchet
mechanism (40) includes an arm (50) which operates in a vertical plane.
7. A payout apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the arm (50) is not
pivotable but is displaceable vertically downwards against spring loading.
8. A payout apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that the ratchet
mechanism (40) includes a wheel (60) which rolls along an annular support surface
(74).
9. A payout apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the supply
means (12) are arranged to make payout deliveries in different directions so that,
with movement of the ratchet mechanism (40) in either of said one or said opposite
directions, payout occurs but not from all of the supply means (12).
10. A payout apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the supply
means (12) are formed as tubes (16) arranged in a generally circular formation around
a single central discharge (38), with one or more of the tubes (16) being replaceable
as a result of the provision of respective releasable connections in the form of snap-in
fasteners (84).
1. Ein Auszahlungsvorrichtung (10) mit einer Vielzahl von Versorgungsmitteln (12) und
einem gemeinsamen Ausgabemittel (14), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Ausgabemittel
(14) einen Ratschenmechanismus (40) aufweist, der bei Bewegung in eine Richtung bezüglich
eines Bereitstellungsmittels (12) und daran vorbei keine Auszahlung bewirkt, aber
bei Bewegung in entgegengesetzter Richtung bezüglich des Bereitstellungsmittels und
daran vorbei eine Auszahlung bewirkt.
2. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß er ein Mittel
(94) aufweist, das die Auszahlung aus einem Bereitstellungsmittel (12) verifiziert.
3. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel für
jedes der Bereitstellungsmittel in Form eines ersten piezoelektrischen Films (94)
vorliegt, welcher im Bewegungspfad einer auszugebenden Münze oder Tokens angeordnet
ist.
4. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß er ein Mittel (96) aufweist, das die Position des Ausgabemittels (14) festsetzt.
5. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel für
jedes der Bereitstellungsmittel in Form eines zweiten piezoelektrischen Films (96)
vorliegt, der im Bewegungspfad des Ratschenmechanismus (40) angeordnet ist.
6. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Ratschenmechanismus (40) einen Arm (50) aufweist, der in einer vertikalen
Ebene operiert.
7. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Arm (50) nicht
schwenkbar aber vertikal abwärts gegen Federkraft verschieblich ist.
8. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ratschenmechanismus
(40) ein Rad (60) aufweist, welches entlang einer ringförmigen Stützfläche (74) rollt
9. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Bereitstellungsmittel (12) so angeordnet sind, daß sie Auszahlungsabgaben
in voneinander verschiedenen Richtungen ausführen, so daß bei Bewegung des Ratschenmechanismus
(40) in einer der einander entgegengesetzten Richtungen Auszahlung stattfindet, aber
nicht aus allen Bereitstellungsmitteln
10. Auszahlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Bereitstellungsmittel (12) als Rohre (16) gebildet sind, die in generell kreisförmiger
Anordnung um einen einzelnen zentralen Spender (38) angeordnet sind, wobei eines oder
mehrere der Rohre (16) auswechselbar ist aufgrund jeweils lösbarer Verbindungen in
Form von Schnappverbindern (84).
1. Appareil de paiement (10) comprenant une pluralité de moyens d'alimentation (12) et
un moyen de délivrance commun (14), caractérisé en ce que le moyen de délivrance (14)
inclut un mécanisme à rochet (40) qui, du fait du mouvement vers et au-delà d'un moyen
d'alimentation (12) dans un sens, ne provoque pas un paiement, et du fait du mouvement
vers et au-delà du moyen d'alimentation (12) dans le sens opposé, provoque un paiement.
2. Appareil de paiement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un moyen (94)
est prévu pour vérifier le paiement depuis un moyen d'alimentation (12).
3. Appareil de paiement selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen est
prévu pour chacun des moyens d'alimentation sous la forme d'un premier film piézoélectrique
(94) prévu dans la voie de déplacement d'une pièce ou d'un jeton à délivrer.
4. Appareil de paiement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé
en ce qu'un moyen (96) est prévu pour établir la position du moyen de délivrance (14).
5. Appareil de paiement selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen est
prévu pour chacun des moyens d'alimentation sous la forme d'un second film piézoélectrique
(96) prévu dans la voie de déplacement du mécanisme à rochet (40).
6. Appareil de paiement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé
en ce que le mécanisme à rochet (40) inclut un bras (50) qui agit dans un plan vertical.
7. Appareil de paiement selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le bras (50)
n'est pas pivotable mais est déplaçable verticalement vers le bas à l'encontre d'une
charge élastique.
8. Appareil de paiement selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication 7, caractérisé en
ce que le mécanisme à rochet (40) inclut une roue (60) qui roule le long d'une surface
de support annulaire (74).
9. Appareil de paiement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé
en ce que les moyens d'alimentation (12) sont agencés pour réaliser des délivrances
de paiement suivant différents sens, de telle sorte qu'avec un mouvement du mécanisme
à rochet (40) dans l'un ou l'autre dudit un sens ou dudit sens opposé, un paiement
se produit mais pas à partir de la totalité des moyens d'alimentation (12).
10. Appareil de paiement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé
en ce que les moyens d'alimentation (12) sont formés en tant que tubes (16) agencés
selon une formation généralement circulaire autour d'une unique décharge centrale
(38), un ou plusieurs des tubes (16) étant remplaçable(s) grâce à l'utilisation de
connexions libérables respectives ayant la forme de moyens de fixation par encliquetage
(84).