COIN INSERTING DEVICE

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for inserting coins. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for inserting coins that is advantageously but not exclusively usable in a gaming machine.

[0002] Generally, a gaming machine is defined as an entertainment apparatus that can be for profit, such as the so-called slot machines, or not for profit, such as for example the machines usually installed in games rooms. Such gaming machines, both for profit and not for profit, are designed to activate a gaming session when a user inserts a means of payment into the machine, which can be a bank note, a prepaid card or one or more coins, coins being defined both as money and as a medal or token of any shape.

[0003] Typically, gaming machines comprise a device for inserting coins that comprises an inserting slit through which a user can insert the coins one at a time, which are received in a coin receiving block arranged inside the gaming machine. This coin receiving block typically comprises a coin collecting channel which is connected to the coin insertion slit by a wall tilted downwards, such that a coin inserted into the slit can be guided as it falls through the tilted wall to be finally supplied to a coin receiving element, also known as a coin box, positioned inside the gaming machine and suitable for recognising the coin and communicating this recognition to a game controller, which can accordingly enable or not enable the gaming session.

[0004] The device for inserting coins can comprise a coin insertion block fixed protruding to a front panel of the gaming machine.

[0005] For example, a coin insertion block of known type can be fixed near a button panel and comprises a coin abutting wall that extends upwards from a rear side of the coin insertion slit. The latter typically lies in a horizontal plane to enable a user to drop the coin vertically down after pushing the coin until the coin rests on the abutting wall.

[0006] Alternatively, the coin insertion block can be simplified and provide only the coin insertion slit obtained in the front panel of the gaming machine.

[0007] One of the problems of known coin insertion devices is linked to the fact that it is not possible to insert a coin at a short distance of time from the previous one because coins inserted in rapid succession risk being jammed in the coin collecting channel, as each coin can fall in a disorderly manner and block the descent of the next coin. Further, even if the coins did not jam one another, coins inserted in rapid succession might not be recognised correctly by the coin box and thus the game might not be enabled.

[0008] Another problem of coin insertion devices of known type is due to the fact that a user, after a certain period of gaming and thus after the insertion of a certain number of coins in succession, may have a sore forearm because the same repeated movement over time.

[0009] Although the support surface of the button panel is usually designed ergonomically so as to enable the forearms to be supported during the gaming session, inserting a coin requires a specific movement of the wrist with the forearm raised, which can cause the wrists to ache in the long term, forcing a user to take an undesired break from the game.

[0010] US 2005/087423 discloses a selecting device for automatic dispensing machines, which provides a plurality of coin insertion slits, each arranged for activating the selection of a specific product when a coin is inserted into the respective slit. Each slit is associated with a respective coin detecting sensor. All the coin insertion slits convey the coins via respective channels to a coin funnel that receives the coins and supplies the coins to a coin accepting mechanism inside the automatic dispensing machine.

[0011] US 5924542 discloses a coin insertion mechanism that is able to accept two coins simultaneously. The coin insertion mechanism is provided with generally opposite slits with mechanisms for detecting each of the two coins. Such mechanisms comprise ratchets that cooperate with a front portion and a rear portion, the ratchets being mounted in such a manner that only one ratchet cooperates with each portion of the toothed wheel.

Summary of the invention

[0012] One object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] Another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables coins to be inserted in a controlled manner in succession, such that the coins cannot jam together.

[0014] A further object is to make a device for inserting coins that enables the insertion of coins to be controlled in such a manner that the latter are always recognised by the coin box even if they are inserted in succession.

[0015] Still another object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to insert coins over time without fatigue.

[0016] A different object is to make a device for inserting coins into a gaming machine that enables a user to vary over time and according to need or preference the movement of the forearm that inserts the coins.

[0017] Such objects, and still others, are achieved by the device for inserting coins according to one or more of the claims set out below.

Short description of the drawings

[0018] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine comprising a device for inserting coins according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the device for inserting coins of figure 1 when, in use, a coin is inserted into a first vertical inserting direction.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the device for inserting coins of figure 1 when, in use, a coin is inserted into a second horizontal inserting direction.

Figure 4 is an enlarged top view of the device for inserting coins of figure 1.

Figure 5 is another perspective view of the device for inserting coins of figure 1, some parts of the gaming machine being removed for clarity.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device for inserting coins of the present invention, comprising a coin insertion block and a coin receiving block, some parts of the gaming machine being removed for clarity.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the front of the coin receiving block of figure 6, some parts of the device for inserting coins being removed for clarity.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear of the coin receiving block of figure 7.

Figure 9 is a frontal view of the rear of the coin receiving block of figure 7.

Figure 10 is a section view along the axis IX-IX of the coin receiving block of figure 9.

Detailed description

[0019] In this description, identical elements common to the various illustrated embodiments have been indicated by the same numbering.

[0020] As shown in figure 1, with 1 overall a gaming machine is indicated, in particular a gaming machine with a vertical extent, which is usable by a user to engage in a gaming session, which is activatable by a coin 2 (figures 2 and 3), or, as said previously, by a medal or a token of any shape. The gaming machine 1 of figure 1 is a slot machine and reference will be made to this machine to illustrate the invention, without loss of generality.

[0021] The gaming machine 1 comprises a body 3, which mainly extends along a longitudinal axis A which is vertical. The body 3 defines an inner space (not shown) that is suitable for containing mechanisms for running the gaming machine (not shown) such as for example a gaming session controller, a coin hopper, and a coin receiving element, which is also commonly known as a coin box.

[0022] The gaming machine 1 further comprises a main front door 4 that is able to rotate around a side hinge (not shown) between a closed gaming position and an open position that enables the inside of the gaming machine 1 to be accessed and thus the running mechanisms to be accessed.

[0023] The main front door 4 is provided with an upper screen 5 and with a lower screen 6 (one or both of which can be of the touchscreen type) intended for displaying the images of the game. According to an alternative embodiment of the gaming machine, just one display screen is present.

[0024] A button panel 7, provided with buttons 8 for controlling the game, is also fixed to the main front door 4. The button panel 7 protrudes from the body 3 toward a user and is tiltable with respect to the body 3 to the lower part of the gaming machine. The button panel 7 makes a resting structure for a forearm of a user.

[0025] The main front door 4 further comprises an outer panel 9 that acts as a connection and extends from the lower end of the lower screen 6 to the button panel 7.

[0026] The main front door 4 is further provided with a concave coin-collecting tray 10 arranged for receiving the coins supplied by the gaming machine from a coin outlet (not shown) when for example change in coins has to be returned to a user or when the user completes the gaming session with a win. The coin collecting tray 10 is arranged at a lower end of the main front door 4.

[0027] The gaming machine 1 further comprises a secondary front door 11, which is also open to access the inner space, and a footrest 12 for the greater ease of a user sitting in front of the gaming machine.

[0028] The gaming machine further comprises a device for inserting coins 13 according to the invention, shown in detail in figures 2 to 10.

[0029] The device for inserting coins 13 comprises a coin insertion block 14, which is external and is fixed in the embodiment shown in figure 1 to the outer connecting panel 9. It is understood, without loss of generality, that the coin insertion block 14 can be fixed to any outer panel of the gaming machine 1, other than the connecting panel 9 for example to an outer panel of the button panel 7. In the case in point, the outer panel 9 is slightly concave but according to an embodiment that is not shown can also be substantially flat and have a concave zone for collecting the coins still to be played. According to still another embodiment that is not shown, the outer panel 9 can be concave and the coin insertion block 14 can be arranged in the bottom zone of the panel.

[0030] With reference to figures 2 to 6, it is observed that the coin insertion block 14 comprises a first slit 15, arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, the first inserting direction D1 being perpendicular to the plane on which the first slit 15 lies. The coin insertion block 14 is in particular protruding in relation to the outer panel 9.

[0031] The coin insertion device 13 further comprises a coin receiving block 16, shown in figures 6 to 10, which is arranged inside the gaming machine 1, in particular is contained in the inner space, is provided with a receiving opening 17 and is arranged for receiving the coin 2 inserted from the first slit 15 through the receiving opening 17.

[0032] The coin insertion block 14 comprises a second slit 18 arranged for inserting a coin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, the second inserting direction D2 being perpendicular to the plane on which the second slit 18 lies. The coin receiving block 16 is arranged for receiving through the receiving opening 17 also the coin 2 inserted from the second slit 18 so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receive coins 2 both in the first inserting direction D1 and in the second inserting direction D2.

[0033] It should be noted that the second inserting direction D2 is transverse to the first inserting direction D1.

[0034] In the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1-10, the second inserting direction D2 is in particular perpendicular to the first inserting direction D1, inasmuch as the first inserting direction D1 is vertical (the first slit 15 lies in a horizontal plane) whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal (the second slit 18 lies in a vertical plane).

[0035] The second slit preferably faces a user frontally and lies in a frontal vertical plane in such a manner that during insertion of the coin 2 into the second slit 18, a face of the coin 2 remains resting on the outer panel 9.

[0036] According to a first embodiment of the coin insertion block that is not shown, the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line, can be skewed in relation to one another and are both perpendicular to the common straight line. The first slit 15 and the second slit 18 are in this case staggered.

[0037] According to a second alternative embodiment of the coin insertion block that is not shown, the first inserting direction D1 and the second inserting direction D2 lie on planes that are perpendicular to one another, intersecting on a common straight line but the first inserting direction D1 is transverse to the common straight line whereas the second inserting direction is perpendicular to the common straight line. For example, the first inserting direction D1 can be transverse (in particular form an acute angle) in relation to the vertical axis A whereas the second inserting direction D2 is horizontal, for example, inasmuch as the first slit 15 lies on a plane that is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0038] The coin insertion block 14 comprises a front wall 14a and an upper wall 14b, which in the embodiment illustrated in the figures are substantially perpendicular to one another. In detail, the upper wall 14b is horizontal and comprises the first slit 15 that thus lies in a horizontal plane whereas the front wall 14a is vertical and comprises the second slit 18, which thus lies in a frontal vertical plane.

[0039] It should be noted that the coin insertion block 14 can further comprise, as in the embodiment shown, a first abutting wall 19 of the coins 2 inserted into the first slit 15. The first abutting wall 19 extends upwards from a rear edge of the first slit 15, in such a manner that a face of the coin 2 presses against the first abutting wall 19 during insertion of the coin 2 through the first slit 15.

[0040] A lower edge 20 of the front wall 14a is shaped and has a recessed portion 20a. The second slit 18 is bounded by both the recessed portion 20a and by a portion of the outer panel 9, when the coin insertion block 14 is fixed to the outer panel 9. A lower edge of the second slit 18 is then made by the portion of the outer panel 9. In this manner, during insertion of the coin 2 through the second slit 18, a face of the coin 2 rests on the outer panel 9.

[0041] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown, the front wall 14a comprises the second slit 18 and a second abutting wall of the coins extends from a lower edge of the second slit. For example the second abutting wall of the coins can be superimposed on the outer panel 9 when the coin insertion block 14 is fixed to the outer panel 9.

[0042] A coin return button 21 is further present in the coin insertion block 14.

[0043] The coin receiving block 16 further comprises a distributing opening 22 arranged for making the inserted coins exit from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18 and for supplying the coins to internal mechanisms of the gaming machine, for example to an inner channel, not shown, of the gaming machine 1 that receives the inserted coins from both the first slit 15 and the second slit 18.

[0044] The coin receiving block 16 comprises a first conduit 23, for guiding a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1, which extends from the receiving opening 17 to the distributing opening 22 and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin 2 at the distributing opening 22 in a first distributing direction T1, that can also be different from the first inserting direction D1.

[0045] The first conduit 23 has a first inlet opening 23a and a first outlet opening 23b, the first inlet opening 23a opening from the receiving opening 17, the first outlet opening 23b opening on the distributing opening 22.

[0046] The coin receiving block 16 further comprises a second conduit 24, for guiding a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2, which extends from the receiving opening 17 to the distributing opening 22 and is also shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin 2 at the distributing opening 22 in a second distributing direction T2, which may be different from the second inserting direction D2.

[0047] The second conduit 24 has a second inlet opening 24a and a second output opening 24b, the second inlet opening 24a opening from the receiving opening 17, the second output opening 24b opening on the distributing opening 22.

[0048] The first distributing direction T1 and the second distributing direction T2 are substantially parallel, or define an angle which is comprised between 0 and 20°, in particular preferably between 0 and 10°, so as to make the inserted coins exit from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18 that are parallel to one another and thus ordered.

[0049] In figure 10 it can be noted that the curving profile of the first conduit 23 and of the second conduit 24 are decisive in determining the manner in which the first distributing direction T1 and the second distributing direction T2 at the distributing opening 22 can guide a coin 2 in the desired direction.

[0050] We wish to emphasise that the receiving opening 17 is configured for enabling a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block 16. In fact, as will be seen better below, the first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 is obstructed by a coin 2 guided through the receiving opening 17 in the second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 and the second inlet opening 24a is vice versa obstructed by a coin 2 guided through the receiving opening 17 in the first inlet opening 23a.

[0051] Both the first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 and the second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 in fact both open from the receiving opening 17 and a coin 2 inserted from the coin insertion block 14, from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18, obstructs the receiving opening 17 before being received in the first inlet opening 23a or in the second inlet opening 24a.

[0052] The coin receiving block 16 comprises a shaped separator 25 interposed between the first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24 and moreover a first guiding element 26. The first conduit 23 is defined between the first guiding element 26 and the separator 25 and the curving profile of the first conduit 23, which, as said previously, is such as to receive a coin 2 in a first inserting direction D1, guiding the coin until it is made to exit in a first distributing direction T1, is determined by a first wall 25a of the separator 25, in particular a lower wall 25a, and by a wall 26a of the first guiding element 26, which is arranged facing the wall 25a of the separator 25.

[0053] The coin receiving block 16 also comprises a second guiding element 27. The second conduit 24 is defined between the second guiding element 27 and the separator 25 and the curving profile of the second conduit 24, which, as said previously, is such as to receive a coin 2 in a second inserting direction D2, guiding the coin 2 until the coin is made to exit in a second distributing direction T2, is determined by a second wall 25b of the separator 25, in particular an upper wall 25b, and by a wall 27a of the second guiding element 27 arranged facing the wall 25b of the separator 25.

[0054] Considering an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A that extends from the main front door 4 to a rear of the gaming machine 1, the first guiding element 26, the separator 25 and the second guiding element 27 are arranged in sequence and i.e. the first guiding element 26 is arranged near the main front door 4 whereas the second guiding element 27 is arranged in a distal position from the main front door 4.

[0055] Preferably, an upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 is flat and is arranged coplanar with an upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 to make an inner support for the coin inserted into the second slit 18. The first inlet opening 23a of the first conduit 23 is defined between the upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 and the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25. The upper wall 26b and the upper corner 25c are further coplanar with the lower edge of the second slit 18 and thus with the outer panel 9 or, as explained previously, with the second guide wall, if present.

[0056] The second guiding element 27 has an upper end wall 27b. The second inlet opening 24a of the second conduit 24 is defined between the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 and the upper end wall 27b.

[0057] The coin receiving block 16 can comprise fixing means comprising at least one fixing plate 28 of the first guiding element 26 and/or of the second guiding element 27 and/or of the separator 25. In the embodiment shown in figures 6 to 9, one fixing plate 28 and a further fixing plate 29 can be noted that contain laterally the separator 25, the first guiding element 26 and the second guiding element 27 and to which the separator 25, the first guiding element 26 and the second guiding element 27 are fixed. The fixing plate 28 and the further fixing plate 29 are shaped, for example as an "L", for stable positioning of the coin receiving block 16 inside the inner space of the body 3 of the gaming machine 1.

[0058] Preferably, as shown in figures 6 to 9, the first guiding element 26, the second guiding element 27 and the separator 25 are made by a plurality of laser-cut metal sheets and connected together by known locking means. Through this constructional technique, single-piece casts are avoided that would require costly specific surface treatments intended to create the curved walls of the first guiding element 26, of the second guiding element 27 and of the separator 25. The sheets in fact enable the curving profile of the first conduit 23 and of the second conduit 24 to be defined simply and cheaply.

[0059] In use, a user starts a gaming session by inserting a coin 2 into the insertion device 13, selecting according to preference an insertion via the first slit 15 or the second slit 18 of the coin insertion block 14.

[0060] If the user prefers to insert the coin into the first vertical inserting direction D1, the user takes a face of the coin 2 resting on the abutting wall 19 of the coin insertion block 14 and drops the coin down into the first conduit 23 through the first slit 15.

[0061] If, on the other hand, the second horizontal inserting direction D2 is preferred, the user takes the coin 2 with a face resting on the outer panel 9 and slides the coin 2 on the outer panel 9 until it is inserted into the second slit 18, from which it falls into the second conduit 24. If the user uses a collecting zone (not shown) of the outer panel 9 as a rest for coins 2 still to be played, the coin 2 can be guided by sliding from the collecting zone to the second slit 18 and then be dropped into the second slit 18. When the coin is inserted into the second slit 18, the coin 2 first advances resting on the outer panel 9 and on the upper wall 26b of the first guiding element 26, then also on the upper corner 25c of the separator 25 and then falls subsequently into the second conduit 24, when it is advanced further.

[0062] Even if the user inserts two coins 2 in rapid succession, using both the slits 15 and 18 and inserting the first coin 2 into the first inserting direction D1 and the second coin 2 into the second inserting direction D2, the first inserted coin 2 temporarily obstructs during the fall the receiving opening 17 and is thus positioned in the first conduit 23 between the upper end wall 26b of the first guiding element 26 and the upper end corner 25c of the separator 25 at the first inlet opening 23a, thus preventing the second coin 2 from being able to fall into the coin receiving block 16. The second coin 2 cannot in fact advance resting on the upper corner 25c of the separator 25 inasmuch as the first inlet opening 23a contains the coin 2. The second inserted coin 2 falls into the second conduit 24 only when the receiving opening 17 is freed, i.e. when the first coin 2 is completely received in the first conduit 23.

[0063] Exiting the first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24, the first inserted coin 2 and the second inserted coin 2 have respective substantially parallel distributing directions T1 and T2 and there is therefore no risk that the coins may jam in the coin receiving block 16.

[0064] Owing to the invention, a user can thus select at will the preferred insertion direction for the coins, varying over time the insertion from the first slit 15 or from the second slit 18, without tiring the forearm. It is added that as it is only the coin receiving block 16 that receives the coins from a sole coin insertion block 14 with a double slit 15 and 18, the device for inserting coins is compact and enables resting space to be left for the user without compromising the ergonomics of the gaming station.

[0065] Owing to the invention moreover, it is added that the coin receiving block 16 in which a sole receiving opening 17 is present from which both the first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24 opens, prevents the coins 2 jamming when they are inserted and enables the coins 2 to be correctly guided when they exit the coin receiving block 16.

[0066] Owing to the fact that the receiving opening 17 is configured for enabling a coin 2 coming from the first slit 15 in the first inserting direction D1 and a coin 2 coming from the second slit 18 in the second inserting direction D2 to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block 16, it is guaranteed that two coins are inserted in a controlled manner sequentially over time and are accordingly supplied in a controlled manner to the internal mechanisms of the gaming machine. In particular, a minimum controlled interval of time is guaranteed between one possible insertion of a coin and the next insertion, which ensures secure recognition of the coins by the coin box, even if the coins are inserted in rapid succession.

Claims

1. Device for inserting coins (13) for a gaming machine (1) comprising:
a coin insertion block (14) which is fixed to an outer panel (9) of the gaming machine (1) and comprises a first slit (15) through which a user can insert a coin (2) in a first inserting direction (D1); a coin receiving block (16) provided with a coin receiving opening (17) which is inside the gaming machine (1) and is arranged for receiving the coin (2) inserted from the first slit (15) through the coin receiving opening (17); said coin insertion block (14) comprising a second slit (18) through which the user can insert a coin (2) in a second inserting direction (D2), wherein the coin receiving block (16) is arranged for receiving through the coin receiving opening (17) also the coin (2) inserted from the second slit (18) so as to make a combined coin insertion that is able to receive coins both in the first inserting direction (D1) and in the second inserting direction (D2), the coin receiving block (16) further comprising a distributing opening (22) arranged for emitting coins inserted from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1) or coins inserted from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2) and supplying the coins (2) to internal mechanisms of the gaming machine, said coin insertion device (13) being characterised in that the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a first conduit (23), for guiding a coin (2) that comes from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1), which extends from the receiving opening (17) to the distributing opening (22) and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin (2) at the distributing opening (22) in a first distributing direction (T1) that is optionally different from the first inserting direction (D1), and the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a second conduit (24), for guiding a coin (2) coming from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2), which extends from the receiving opening (17) to the distributing opening (22) and is shaped, in particular curved, for guiding the coin at the distributing opening (22) in a second distributing direction (T2) that is optionally different from the second inserting direction (D2).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second inserting direction (D2) is transverse to the first inserting direction (D1), in particular the second inserting direction (D2) is perpendicular to the first inserting direction (D1) the first inserting direction D1 being vertical, as the first slit (15) lies in a horizontal plane, the second inserting direction (D2) being horizontal (D2), as the second slit (18) lies in a vertical plane.

3. Device according to claim 1, or 2, wherein the second slit (18) faces a user frontally, a face of the coin (2) resting on the outer panel (9) during insertion into the second slit (18).

4. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first conduit (23) has a first inlet opening (23a) and a first outlet opening (23b), the first inlet opening (23a) opening from the receiving opening (17), the first outlet opening (23b) opening on the distributing opening (22).

5. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second conduit (24) has a second inlet opening (24a) and a second output opening (24b), the second inlet opening (24a) opening from the receiving opening (17), the second output opening (24b) opening on the distributing opening (22).

6. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first distributing direction (T1) and the second distributing direction (T2) are substantially parallel or define an angle comprised between 0 and 20°, in particular preferably between 0 and 10°.

7. Device according to claim 5, or 6, as appended to claim 4, wherein the receiving opening (17) is configured for enabling a coin (2) coming from the first slit (15) in the first inserting direction (D1) and a coin (2) coming from the second slit (18) in the second inserting direction (D2) to be alternatively received in the coin receiving block (16), the first inlet opening (23a) being obstructed by a coin (2) guided through the receiving opening (17) in the second inlet opening (24a) and the second inlet opening (24a) being obstructed by a coin (2) guided through the receiving opening (17) in the first inlet opening (23a).

8. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises a shaped separator (25) interposed between the first conduit (23) and the second conduit (24).

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises a first guiding element (26), the first conduit (23) being defined between the first guiding element (26) and the separator (25).

10. Device according to claim 8, or 9, and wherein the coin receiving block (16) further comprises a second guiding element (27), the second conduit (24) being defined between the second guiding element (27) and the separator (25).

11. Device according to claim 10, as appended to claim 9, wherein the coin receiving block (16) comprises fixing means (28; 29) of the first guiding element (26) and/or of the second guiding element (27) and/or of the separator (25).

12. Device according to claim 10, or 11, as appended to claim 9, wherein the first guiding element (26) and/or the second guiding element (27) and/or the separator (25) are made by shaped laser-cut sheets that are connected together by locking means.

13. Gaming machine (1), comprising a device for inserting coins (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Einführen von Münzen (13) in eine Spielmaschine (1) umfassend:
einen Einführblock (14), der an einer Außenfläche (9) der Spielmaschine (1) befestigt ist und einen ersten Schlitz (15) aufweist, durch den eine Benutzer eine Münze (2) in einer ersten Einführrichtung (D1) einführen kann; einen Münzaufnahmeblock (16), der mit einer Münzaufnahmeöffnung (17) versehen ist, der innerhalb der Spielmaschine (1) angeordnet ist und dazu ausgebildet ist, die von dem ersten Schlitz (15) eingeführte Münze (2) durch die Münzaufnahmeöffnung (17) zu erhalten; wobei der Münzeinführblock (14) einen zweiten Schlitz (18) aufweist, durch den der Benutzer eine Münze (2) in einer zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) einführen kann, wobei der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) auch zum Erhalten der von dem zweiten Schlitz (18) eingeführten Münze (2) durch die Münzaufnahmeöffnung (17) ausgebildet ist, um so eine kombinierte Münzeinführung bereitzustellen, die geeignet ist, sowohl Münzen in der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) als auch in der zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) zu erhalten, wobei der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ferner eine Verteilungsöffnung (22) aufweist, die angeordnet ist, um Münzen, die von dem ersten Schlitz (15) in der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) eingeführt werden, oder Münzen, die von dem zweiten Schlitz (18) in der zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) eingeführt werden, auszugeben und um die Münzen (2) zu inneren Mechanismen der Spielmaschine zuzuführen, wobei die Münzeinführvorrichtung (13) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ferner einen ersten Kanal (23) aufweist, um eine Münze (2), die von dem ersten Schlitz (15) in der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) kommt, der sich von der Aufnahmeöffnung (17) zu der Verteilungsöffnung (22) erstreckt und geformt, insbesondere gekrümmt ist, um die Münze (2) an der Verteilungsöffnung (22) in einer ersten Verteilrichtung (T1) zu führen, die optional von der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) abweicht, und dass der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ferner einen zweiten Kanal (24) aufweist, um eine von dem zweiten Schlitz (18) kommende Münze (2) in der zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) zu führen, der sich von der Aufnahmeöffnung (17) zu der Verteilungsöffnung (22) erstreckt und geformt ist, insbesondere gekrümmt ist, um die Münze an der Verteilungsöffnung (22) in einer zweiten Verteilrichtung (T2) zu führen, die optional von der zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) abweicht.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei der die zweite Einführrichtung (D2) quer zu der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) ist, insbesondere wobei die zweite Einführrichtung (D2) senkrecht zu der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) ist, wobei die erste Einführrichtung D1 vertikal ist, wenn der erste Schlitz (15) in einer horizontalen Ebene liegt, wobei die zweite Einführrichtung (D2) horizontal ist (D2), wenn der zweite Schlitz (18) in einer vertikalen Ebene liegt.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, oder 2, bei der der zweite Schlitz (18) einem Benutzer frontal zugewandt ist, wobei eine Fläche der Münze (2) auf der Außenfläche (9) während der Einführung in den zweiten Schlitz (18) anliegt.

4. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der der erste Kanal (23) eine erste Einlassöffnung (23a) und eine erste Auslassöffnung (23b) aufweist, wobei die erste Einlassöffnung (23a) sich von der Aufnahmeöffnung (17) aus öffnet, wobei die erste Auslassöffnung (23b) sich zu der Verteilungsöffnung (22) öffnet.

5. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der zweite Kanal (24) eine zweite Einlassöffnung (24a) und eine zweite Auslassöffnung (24b) aufweist, wobei die zweite Einlassöffnung (24a) sich von der Aufnahmeöffnung (17) aus öffnet, wobei die zweite Auslassöffnung (24b) sich zu der Verteilungsöffnung (22) öffnet.

6. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der die erste Verteilrichtung (T1) und die zweite Verteilrichtung (T2) im Wesentlichen parallel sind oder eine Winkel definieren, der zwischen 0 und 20° lieg t, insbesondere bevorzugt zwischen 0 und 10°.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, oder 6, soweit abhängig von Anspruch 4, bei der die Aufnahmeöffnung (17) dazu ausgebildet ist, es zu ermöglichen, dass eine Münze (2), die von dem ersten Schlitz (15) in der ersten Einführrichtung (D1) kommt, sowie eine Münze (2), die von dem zweiten Schlitz (18) in der zweiten Einführrichtung (D2) kommt, alternativ in dem Münzaufnahmeblock (16) aufzunehmen, wobei die erste Einlassöffnung (23a) durch eine Münze (2) verdeckt ist, die durch die Aufnahmeöffnung (17) in der zweiten Einlassöffnung (24a) geführt wird, und wobei die zweite Einlassöffnung (24a) durch eine Münze (2) verdeckt ist, die durch die Aufnahmeöffnung (17) in der ersten Einlassöffnung (23a) geführt ist.

8. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) eine geformte Trenneinrichtung (25) aufweist, die zwischen dem ersten Kanal (23) und dem zweiten Kanal (24) angeordnet ist.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, bei der der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ein erstes Führungselement (26) aufweist, wobei der erste Kanal (23) zwischen dem ersten Führungselement (26) und der Trenneinrichtung (25) definiert ist.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, oder 9, bei der der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ferner ein zweites Führungselement (27) aufweist, wobei der zweite Kanal (24) zwischen dem zweiten Führungselement (27) und der Trenneinrichtung (25) definiert ist.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10, soweit abhängig von Anspruch 9, bei der der Münzaufnahmeblock (16) ein Haltemittel (28; 29) für das erste Führungselement (26) und/oder für das zweite Führungselement (27) und/oder für die Trenneinrichtung (25) aufweist.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, soweit abhängig von Anspruch 9, bei der das erste Führungselement (26) und/oder das zweite Führungselement (27) und/oder die Trenneinrichtung (25) aus mittels Laser-geschnittenen Platten hergestellt sind, die miteinander durch Rastmittel verbunden sind.

13. Spielmaschine (1) mit einer Vorrichtung zum Einführen von Münzen (13) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'insertion de pièces de monnaie (13) pour une machine de jeux (1) comprenant:
un bloc d'insertion de pièces de monnaie (14) qui est fixé à un panneau extérieur (9) de la machine de jeux (1) et comprend une première fente (15) par laquelle un utilisateur peut insérer une pièce de monnaie (2) dans une première direction d'insertion (D1); un bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) pourvu d'une ouverture de réception de pièces de monnaie (17) qui se trouve à l'intérieur de la machine de jeux (1) et est agencé pour recevoir la pièce de monnaie (2) insérée depuis la première fente (15) à travers l'ouverture de réception de pièces de monnaie (17); ledit bloc d'insertion de pièces de monnaie (14) comprenant une seconde fente (18) par laquelle l'utilisateur peut introduire une pièce de monnaie (2) dans une seconde direction d'insertion (D2), dans lequel le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) est agencé pour recevoir à travers l'ouverture de réception de pièces de monnaie (17) aussi la pièce de monnaie (2) insérée depuis la seconde fente (18) de manière à réaliser une insertion combinée de pièces de monnaie qui est apte à recevoir des pièces de monnaie aussi bien dans la première direction d'insertion (D1) et dans la seconde direction d'insertion (D2), le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprenant en outre une ouverture de distribution (22) agencée pour émettre des pièces de monnaie insérées depuis la première fente (15) dans la première direction d'insertion (D1) ou des pièces de monnaie insérées depuis la seconde fente (18) dans la seconde direction d'insertion (D2) et pour fournir les pièces de monnaie (2) à des mécanismes internes de la machine de jeux, ledit dispositif d'insertion de pièces de monnaie (13) étant caractérisé en ce que le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend en outre un premier conduit (23), destiné à guider une pièce de monnaie (2) qui arrive en provenance de la première fente (15) dans la première direction d'insertion (D1), qui s'étend depuis l'ouverture de réception (17) jusqu'à l'ouverture de distribution (22) et est conformé, notamment courbé, pour guider la pièce de monnaie (2) au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution (22) dans une première direction de distribution (T1) qui est éventuellement différente de la première direction d'insertion (D1), et le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend en outre un second conduit (24), destiné à guider une pièce de monnaie (2) arrivant en provenance de la seconde fente (18) dans la seconde direction d'insertion (D2), qui s'étend depuis l'ouverture de réception (17) jusqu'à l'ouverture de distribution (22) et est conformé, notamment courbé, pour guider la pièce de monnaie au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution (22) dans une seconde direction de distribution (T2) qui est éventuellement différente de la seconde direction d'insertion (D2).

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la seconde direction d'insertion (D2) est transversale à la première direction d'insertion (D1), notamment la seconde direction d'insertion (D2) est perpendiculaire à la première direction d'insertion (D1) la première direction d'insertion (D1) étant verticale, étant donné que la première fente (15) se trouve dans un plan horizontal, la seconde direction d'insertion (D2) étant horizontale (D2), étant donné que la seconde fente (18) se trouve dans un plan vertical.

3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, ou 2, dans lequel la seconde fente (18) fait face frontalement à un utilisateur, une face de la pièce de monnaie (2) reposant sur le panneau extérieur (9) lors de l'insertion dans la seconde fente (18).

4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier conduit (23) possède une première ouverture d'entrée (23a) et une première ouverture de sortie (23b), la première ouverture d'entrée (23a) s'ouvrant depuis l'ouverture de réception (17), la première ouverture de sortie (23b) s'ouvrant au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution (22).

5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le second conduit (24) possède une seconde ouverture d'entrée (24a) et une seconde ouverture de sortie (24b), la seconde ouverture d'entrée (24a) s'ouvrant depuis l'ouverture de réception (17), la seconde ouverture de sortie (24b) s'ouvrant au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution (22).

6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la première direction de distribution (T1) et la seconde direction de distribution (T2) sont sensiblement parallèles ou définissent un angle compris entre 0 et 20°, notamment de préférence entre 0 et 10°.

7. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, ou 6, en combinaison avec la revendication 4, dans lequel l'ouverture de réception (17) est agencée pour permettre à une pièce de monnaie (2) arrivant en provenance de la première fente (15) dans la première direction d'insertion (D1) et une pièce de monnaie (2) arrivant en provenance de la seconde fente (18) dans la seconde direction d'insertion (D2) d'être reçues alternativement dans le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16), la première ouverture d'entrée (23a) étant obstruée par une pièce de monnaie (2) guidée à travers l'ouverture de réception (17) dans la seconde ouverture d'entrée (24a) et la seconde ouverture d'entrée (24a) étant obstruée par une pièce de monnaie (2) guidée à travers l'ouverture de réception (17) dans la première ouverture d'entrée (23a).

8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend un séparateur conformé (25) interposé entre le premier conduit (23) et le second conduit (24).

9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend un premier élément de guidage (26), le premier conduit (23) étant défini entre le premier élément de guidage (26) et le séparateur (25).

10. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, ou 9, et dans lequel le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend en outre un second élément de guidage (27), le second conduit (24) étant défini entre le second élément de guidage (27) et le séparateur (25).

11. Dispositif selon la revendication 10, lorsqu'elle dépend de la revendication 9, dans lequel le bloc de réception des pièces de monnaie (16) comprend des moyens de fixation (28 ; 29) du premier élément de guidage (26) et/ou du second élément de guidage (27) et/ou du séparateur (25).

12. Dispositif selon la revendication 10, ou 11, en combinaison avec la revendication 9, dans lequel le premier élément de guidage (26) et/ou le second élément de guidage (27) et/ou le séparateur (25) sont réalisés par des feuilles conformées découpées au laser qui sont connectées entre elles par des moyens de verrouillage.

13. Machine de jeux (1), comprenant un dispositif d'insertion de pièces de monnaie (13) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12.

Drawing