JP2009055938A - Storage mechanism and processor of recording medium and game medium dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage mechanism of recording media, which enables the storage of more variable value recording media within a limited space, and to provide a processor of recording media and a game medium dispenser with the storage mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The storage mechanism of the recording media has the first path 14 for storing recording media inserted through a slot 10; the second path 15 which is branched off the first path 14 and stores the recording media; a converged part 19 having the first and second paths 14 and 15 converged; a retaining part 22 which is disposed downstream of the converged part 19 and retains the recording media stored within both the paths; and a storage path switching part 18 which is disposed in the proximity to the first and second paths 14 and 15 and makes the recording media flow down to any of the first and second paths 14 and 15. It also has a downflow path switching part 21 which is provided in the proximity to the converged part 19 and keeps the downflow of the recording media stored in the other path blocked until the recording media stored in any of the first and second paths 14 and 15 run out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage mechanism for a recording medium, a recording medium processing apparatus and a game medium lending apparatus provided with the storage mechanism.

  In recent years, a system using a valuable value recording medium in which a valuable value is recorded has been developed for lending balls used in gaming machines such as pachinko machines. In the system, a game medium lending device is used that reads a balance of a valuable value recorded on a valuable value recording medium and lends a predetermined number of balls within the range of the balance. In such a game medium lending device, in order to prevent fraud, the valuable value recording medium with the remaining balance is collected, and the valuable value recording medium with the remaining balance is returned to the player. In addition, in order to add and reissue a balance to a valuable recording medium that has run out of balance, it is desirable that the gaming medium lending device temporarily stores the valuable recording medium that has no remaining balance. . Therefore, it has a coin storage unit for storing one or more coins that are valuable value recording media, and the coins whose balance is lost are rolled by their own weight and recovered in the coin storage unit. A gaming system has been developed in which when a balance is added to a coin, the coin is reissued (see Patent Document 1). In addition, an IC coin processing apparatus and a coin-type storage medium processing machine having a transport mechanism for collecting coins whose balance has run out have been developed (see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

JP 2001-293242 A JP 2007-7161 A JP 2003-135829 A

Here, in order to reduce the trouble of replenishing the game medium lending device with coins having no reissue balance, it is desirable that the number of coins that can be stored in the game medium lending device is larger. However, the game medium lending device is usually installed between the gaming machine and the installation space is limited. Therefore, the storage space that can be used for storing coins is also limited. Therefore, it is desirable that the game medium lending device can store as many coins as possible in a limited storage space.
In addition, when a transport mechanism for transporting coins is provided, a motor or a substrate for driving and controlling the transport mechanism must be installed, and the storage space that can be used for storing coins is more limited. End up. Furthermore, if the transport mechanism is provided, the structure of the game medium lending device is complicated accordingly, and the risk of occurrence of failure is also increased.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a storage mechanism for a recording medium capable of storing a large number of valuable recording media in a limited space, a recording medium processing apparatus including the storage mechanism, and a game medium rental An object is to provide an apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium storage mechanism for storing a recording medium in which valuable information representing a balance of valuable values is recorded. The recording medium storage mechanism includes a first path for storing the recording medium input from the input port, a second path for branching from the first path and storing the recording medium, the first path, and the second path. A joining portion where the two passages join, a locking portion which is arranged downstream of the joining portion and holds the recording medium stored in the first passage and the second passage, and the first passage to the second passage. And a storage passage switching portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the branching portion where the recording medium branches and causes the recording medium to flow down to either the first passage or the second passage. The storage passage switching unit includes an engaging member that engages with the recording medium, and a passage restriction member that blocks either the inlet of the first passage or the inlet of the second passage. When the recording medium is stored in the uppermost stream portion of the first passage, the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the uppermost stream portion, so that the passage regulating member becomes the inlet of the first passage. The recording medium can flow down to the second passage. On the other hand, when the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, the passage restricting member blocks the inlet of the second passage, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage.

  The recording medium storage mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section, and the flow path switching section is disposed close to the most downstream portion of the second path and the engaging member disposed close to the most downstream section of the second path. And the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, so that the flow passage switching portion rotates and the flow prevention member becomes the first flow prevention member. When the recording medium that protrudes into the passage and prevents the recording medium stored in the first passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retreats out of the first passage and It is preferable that the recording medium stored in one passage can flow down.

  Alternatively, the recording medium storage mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section, and the flow path switching section is disposed close to the most downstream portion of the first path and the engagement section disposed near the most downstream position of the first path. And the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, whereby the flow passage switching portion rotates and the flow prevention member becomes the second flow prevention member. When the recording medium that protrudes into the passage and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retreats out of the second passage and It is preferable that the recording medium stored in the two passages can flow down.

  In addition, according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium processing apparatus for processing a recording medium on which valuable value information representing a balance of valuable values is recorded. The recording medium processing apparatus includes a first detection unit that locks the recording medium, a first passage that is connected to the first detection unit, and stores a recording medium that does not have a valuable balance flowing down from the first detection unit. A second passage that branches off from the first passage and stores a recording medium having no valuable balance, a joining portion where the first passage and the second passage join, and a downstream of the joining portion, A second detection unit that locks a recording medium that does not have a balance of valuable values flowing down from the first passage and the second passage, and reads valuable value information recorded on the recording medium locked by the first detection unit. Alternatively, the first antenna for writing the valuable information on the recording medium and the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked by the second detection unit are read or the valuable information is written on the recording medium. And a second antenna.

  The recording medium processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the branching portion where the second path branches from the first path, and the recording medium is disposed in the first path or the second path. A storage passage switching portion that flows down to any one of the above, the storage passage switching portion being either an engagement member that engages with the recording medium, an inlet of the first passage, or an inlet of the second passage. It is preferable to have a passage regulating member that closes one side. When the recording medium is stored in the uppermost stream portion of the first passage, the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the uppermost stream portion, so that the passage regulating member becomes the inlet of the first passage. The recording medium can flow down to the second passage. On the other hand, when the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, the passage restricting member blocks the inlet of the second passage, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage.

  Furthermore, the recording medium processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. A downstream passage switching portion, the downstream passage switching portion being disposed close to the most downstream portion of the second passage and the downstream portion of the first passage; A flow prevention member, and the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, whereby the flow passage switching portion rotates to cause the flow prevention member to move to the first passage. If the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the first passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retracts out of the first passage and the first passage It is preferable that the recording medium stored in the passage can flow down.

  Alternatively, the recording medium processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. A downstream passage switching portion, the downstream passage switching portion being disposed adjacent to the most downstream portion of the first passage and the downstream portion of the second passage; A flow prevention member, and the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, whereby the flow passage switching portion rotates to cause the flow prevention member to move to the second passage. When the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retracts out of the second passage and the second passage It is preferable that the recording medium stored in the passage can flow down.

  Furthermore, according to the 3rd form of this invention, a game media rental apparatus is provided. The gaming medium lending apparatus includes a first detection unit that locks a recording medium that records valuable value information representing a balance of valuable value, and a balance of the valuable value that is connected to the first detection unit and flows down from the first detection unit. The first passage for storing the recording medium without any content, the second passage for branching from the first passage and storing the recording medium without the balance of the valuable value, the first passage, and the second passage merge. A second detection unit that is disposed downstream of the merge unit, and that is disposed downstream of the first and second passages and holds a recording medium having no value balance, and is latched by the first detection unit. The first antenna for reading the valuable information recorded on the recording medium or writing the valuable information on the recording medium, and the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked by the second detection unit Read or write valuable information to the recording medium A second antenna, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium locked to the first detection unit, and the first antenna when the sensor detects a recording medium locked to the first detection unit The value information is read out from the recording medium, the value corresponding to the predetermined loan amount is subtracted from the value information, the value information is updated, and the updated value information is written to the recording medium. When the recording medium locked to the first detection unit is not detected, the valuable information is read from the recording medium locked to the second detection unit through the second antenna, and the predetermined rental amount is obtained from the valuable information. Subtracting the corresponding valuable value, updating the valuable value information, writing the updated valuable value information to the recording medium, and giving the game machine an instruction to lend a game medium equivalent to a predetermined loan amount to the player And a signal control unit.

  In addition, the game medium lending device according to the third aspect of the present invention is connected to the control unit, and inputs a recording medium to the balance adding unit that transmits additional information of the valuable value balance to the control unit, and the first detection unit. And a shutter that opens and closes the insertion slot. When the control unit receives additional information from the balance addition unit, the control unit closes the shutter to prevent the recording medium from being inserted into the first detection unit, and the second unit It is preferable to write the valuable value information updated based on the additional information to the recording medium locked to the second detection unit through the antenna.

  Furthermore, the game medium lending device according to the third aspect of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the branching portion where the second passage branches from the first passage, and the recording medium is placed in the first passage or the second passage. A storage passage switching portion that flows down to any one of the above, the storage passage switching portion being one of an engagement member that engages with the recording medium, and an inlet of the first passage or an inlet of the second passage. When the recording medium is stored in the uppermost stream portion of the first path, the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the uppermost stream portion, thereby causing the passage restriction member to Is fixed at a position where the inlet of the first passage is blocked, the recording medium can flow down to the second passage, and when the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, the passage restriction member is The entrance of the second passage is blocked, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage. It is preferred.

  Furthermore, the game medium lending device according to the third aspect of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction, and is pivotally supported in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. A downstream passage switching portion, the downstream passage switching portion being disposed close to the most downstream portion of the second passage and the downstream portion of the first passage; A flow prevention member, and the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, whereby the flow passage switching portion rotates to cause the flow prevention member to move to the first passage. If the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the first passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retracts out of the first passage and the first passage It is preferable that the recording medium stored in the passage can flow down.

  Alternatively, the game medium lending device according to the third aspect of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the junction and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first passage and the second passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section, and the flow path switching section is disposed close to the most downstream portion of the first path and the engagement section disposed near the most downstream position of the first path. And the engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, whereby the flow passage switching portion rotates and the flow prevention member becomes the second flow prevention member. When the recording medium that protrudes into the passage and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow prevention member retreats out of the second passage and It is preferable that the recording medium stored in the two passages can flow down.

  According to the present invention, there are provided a recording medium storage mechanism capable of storing a large number of valuable recording media in a limited space, and a recording medium processing apparatus and a game medium lending apparatus provided with the storage mechanism. It became possible.

  Hereinafter, a game medium rental apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. A gaming medium lending device to which the present invention is applied reads valuable value information recorded on a coin that is a valuable value recording medium, and plays a predetermined amount of games within the range of the balance of the valuable value indicated in the valuable value information. A command for lending a medium (for example, a pachinko ball) is transmitted to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine. In addition, the game medium lending device has two paths for storing coins having no balance of valuable value (hereinafter referred to as “valueless coins”), thereby effectively utilizing the space in the game medium lending device. The valueless coins can be stored, and the path for storing the newly inserted valueless coins is mechanically switched by the weight of the coins.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a game medium lending device 1 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the game medium lending device 1 includes a coin processing unit 2, a bill identifying unit 3, a user interface unit 4, a storage button 5, and a control unit 6. FIG. 2 shows a state where the game medium lending device 1 is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming medium lending device 1 is installed between the gaming machine 110 and the gaming machine 120. A predetermined number of balls are lent to the gaming machine 110 in accordance with the balance of coins inserted into the game medium lending device 1. Further, when a player operates a return button 111 or a ball lending button 112 provided on the gaming machine 110, processing such as returning coins inserted into the gaming medium lending device 1, lending a ball to the gaming machine 110, etc. Is done.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the game medium lending device 1. The game medium lending device 1 is communicably connected to a gaming machine 110 and a valuable value recording medium management device 130 that manages issued coins via a communication line.
Hereinafter, each part of the game medium lending device 1 will be described.

  The coin processing unit 2 is arranged at the lowermost part of the game medium lending device 1, reads valuable value information and identification information recorded in the coin from the inserted coins, and transmits them to the control unit 6. Further, the coin processing unit 2 writes the valuable value information received from the control unit 6 to the inserted coin, and updates the information recorded on the coin. Alternatively, the coin processing unit 2 writes the valuable value information received from the control unit 6 to a valueless coin stored in the coin processing unit 2, and reissues the coin as a coin with a balance.

  Here, a coin that is a valuable value recording medium used in the game medium lending apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the coin 7. The coin 7 includes an IC tag 8 that can exchange information with the game medium lending device 1 by wireless communication. In the IC tag, valuable value information representing the balance of valuable value and identification information for identifying the coin from other coins are recorded.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the coin processing unit 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5A and 5B are a schematic transparent perspective view and a schematic transparent side view of the coin processing unit 2, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a coin insertion slot 10 is provided on the front side near the upper end of the coin processing unit 2. The insertion port 10 is provided with a shutter 11 that opens and closes the insertion port 10 based on a control signal from the control unit 6. In addition, a first detector 12 for reading and writing information with the inserted coin is disposed in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 10. A return passage 13 for returning the inserted coins directly to the player is formed below the first detection unit 12. On the other hand, a first storage passage 14 that is branched from the return passage 13 and is meandered downward from the side of the first detection unit 12 is formed. Further, a second storage passage 15 that is branched from the first storage passage 14 and formed in a straight line is formed. The first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 join at a joining portion 19 to form a recycling passage 20. The 1st storage channel 14 and the 2nd storage channel 15 are used in order to store valueless coins temporarily. The return passage 13 and the storage passages 14 and 15 are formed so as to be substantially vertical or so that the bottom surface thereof is inclined downward toward the downstream side so that the coin can roll in the passage by its own weight.

  A return passage stopper pin 16 and a storage passage stopper pin 17 are provided at the entrance of the return passage 13 and the entrance of the first storage passage 14, respectively. The return path stopper pin 16 is driven by a solenoid (not shown) controlled by a control signal from the control unit 6 and protrudes from the side wall of the return path 13 into the return path 13 or retracts into the side wall. Installed. The return path stopper pin 16 protrudes into the return path 13, thereby preventing coins from flowing down into the return path 13. Similarly, the storage passage stopper pin 17 is driven by a solenoid (not shown) controlled by a control signal from the control unit 6 and protrudes from the side wall of the storage passage 14 into the storage passage 14 or within the side wall. Installed to evacuate. The storage passage stopper pin 17 protrudes into the storage passage 14, thereby preventing coins from rolling into the storage passages 14 and 15. When both the return passage stopper pin 16 and the storage passage stopper pin 17 protrude into the passage, the coin inserted into the coin processing unit 2 is locked to the first detection unit 12.

  A flapper 18 that functions as a storage passage switching portion for switching a passage where coins roll is installed at a branch portion between the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15. The flapper 18 has a substantially L-shape, and is pivotally supported on the side wall of the branch portion of the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 at a bending point 18a. The flapper 18 is rotatable within a plane on which the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 are formed with the bending point 18a as a rotation axis. An engagement arm 18 b formed downward from the bending point 18 a is configured to engage with a coin rolling to the first storage passage 14. On the other hand, the restriction arm 18c formed upward from the bending point 18a closes one of the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 to determine the passage through which coins flow down. Further, when the engagement arm 18b is not engaged with the coin, the regulation arm 18c closes the inlet of the second storage passage 15 by a spring (not shown) provided at the bending point 18a. Mounted back to position.

  The operation of the flapper 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). In FIGS. 6A and 6B, a return passage that is not related to the operation of the flapper 18 is omitted for the sake of clarity. FIG. 6A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 when a space for additionally storing coins remains in the first storage passage 14, and FIG. It is a schematic side sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 when the storage passage 14 is full of stored coins.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6A, a case where a new coin C1 is inserted when a space for additionally storing coins remains in the first storage passage 14 will be described. In this case, the restricting arm 18 c of the flapper 18 closes the entrance of the second storage passage 15 and prevents the additionally inserted coin C <b> 1 from rolling to the second storage passage 15. On the other hand, when the coin C1 is placed thereon, the engagement arm 18b of the flapper 18 is rotated downward by the weight of the coin C1, and the entrance of the first storage passage 14 is opened. Then, the coin C1 flows down to the first storage passage 14.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, a case where a new coin C1 is inserted when the first storage passage 14 is filled with coins stored up to the upper end thereof will be described. In this case, since the coin C2 stored in the uppermost part of the first storage passage 14 is engaged with the engagement arm 18b of the flapper 18, the flapper 18 is positioned at a position where the restriction arm 18c closes the inlet of the first storage passage 14. 18 is fixed. Therefore, the coin C <b> 1 rolls on the restriction arm 18 c and flows down to the second storage passage 15.

  As described above, by providing the flapper 18 at the branch portion of the storage passage, when the first storage passage 14 is filled with the stored coins, the coin is prevented from further flowing down to the first storage passage 14. A passage to the second storage passage 15 is secured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the coin clogging from occurring at this branching portion.

  Further, the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 join at the joining portion 19 to form a single recycling passage 20. A passage switching arm 21 for preventing coins stored in the first storage passage 14 from flowing down to the recycle passage 20 until the coins stored in the second storage passage 15 disappear in the junction 19. Is attached. That is, the passage switching arm 21 functions as a flow down passage switching portion.

  The configuration and operation of the passage switching arm 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views of the passage switching arm 21 as viewed from the second storage passage side 15 and the first storage passage 14 side, respectively. 8A is a schematic side sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 when the second storage passage 15 is empty, and FIG. 8B is a coin when the second storage passage 15 is empty. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear transparent view of the processing unit 2. FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 taken along the arrow A-A ′ in FIG. FIG. 9A is a schematic side sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 when coins are stored in the second storage passage 15, and FIG. 9B shows coins in the second storage passage 15. FIG. 6 is a schematic rear transparent view of the coin processing unit 2 in a case where is stored. FIG. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 taken along the line B-B ′ in FIG. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a return passage that is not related to the passage switching arm is omitted for clarity of explanation.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a substantially cylindrical arm support member 21 a is formed at the upper end of the passage switching arm 21. The passage switching arm 21 is attached to the coin processing unit 2 so as to be pivotally supported by the arm support member 21a. The passage switching arm 21 is rotatable about the arm support member 21a as a rotation axis in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface on which the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage 15 are formed. In addition, a protrusion branched from the arm body is formed at the upper center of the passage switching arm 21. A stopper pin 21b for preventing coins from flowing down in the first storage passage 14 is formed at the tip of the projection. Furthermore, a dog 21 c for engaging with a coin flowing down the second storage passage 15 is formed at the lower end of the passage switching arm 21. The dog 21c is formed such that the surface facing the tip of the stopper pin 21b is a convex surface, preferably a part of a spherical surface, so as not to prevent the coin stored in the second storage passage 15 from flowing down. . Further, when one coin C1 is engaged with the dog 21c and another coin C2 is stored on the coin C1, when the coin C1 flows downward, the coin C1 is engaged with the dog 21c. The apex of the convex surface of the dog 21c has a predetermined length in the direction along the second storage passage 15 so that the coin C2 engages with the dog 21c before they stop being combined. For example, the predetermined length is approximately 30% or more of the coin radius when the apex of the convex surface of the dog 21c is located at a distance of 1/4 of the coin diameter from the center of the second storage passage 15. .

  The operation of the passage switching arm 21 when no coin is stored in the second storage passage 15 and coins are stored only in the first storage passage 14 will be described. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the passage switching arm 21 has its arm body substantially parallel to the second storage passage 15 by its own weight. At this time, the stopper pin 21 b is retracted out of the first storage passage 14. Therefore, the coin stored in the first storage passage 14 can roll to the downstream side by its own weight.

  Next, the operation of the path switching arm 21 when coins are stored in the second storage path 15 will be described. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the dog 21 c of the passage switching arm 21 moves to a position where it is engaged with the coin C <b> 1 and pushed out from the second storage passage 15. Accordingly, the passage switching arm 21 rotates about the support member 21a as a rotation shaft, so that the stopper pin 21b protrudes into the first storage passage 14. Therefore, the coin C2 stored in the first storage passage 14 is locked by the stopper pin 21b, and is prevented from rolling downstream.

  In this way, by providing the passage switching arm 21 at the junction 19 of the two storage passages, coins are prevented from flowing down from the two storage passages to the recycling passage 20 at the same time. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the coin jamming from occurring at the junction 19.

  Further, the recycling passage 20 and the return passage 13 merge at the lower part of the coin processing unit 2 and lead to the coin return port 28. The recycle passage 20 is provided with a second detector 22 for reading and writing information with the coins stored in the recycle passage 20 immediately before joining the return passage 13. Further, the second detector 22 is provided with a stopper 23. Based on a control signal from the control unit 6, the stopper 23 locks the coin temporarily stored in the recycle passage 20 before the second detection unit 22 or the second detection unit 22.

  The configuration and operation of the stopper 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic configuration diagrams of the stopper 23 as viewed from above. The stopper 23 includes a second detection unit stopper pin 23 a disposed on the left side of the second detection unit 22 and a recycle path stopper pin 23 b disposed on the right side of the second detection unit 22. The stopper pins 23a and 23b are respectively supported by support members 23c and 23d whose one ends are rotatably fixed to the housing 23e. And the housing | casing 23e is comprised so that it may move right and left with the control signal from the control part 6. FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), when the housing 23e moves to the left side, the recycle passage stopper pin 23b is retracted from the recycle passage 20, and the coin C1 locked in front of the second detection unit 22 is retained. Is rolled to the second detector 22. At the same time, the second detection portion stopper pin 23a protrudes into the passage from the side wall of the recycling passage 20, closes the passage from the second detection portion 22 to the coin return port 28, and locks the coin C1 to the second detection portion 22. Let On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the housing 23 e moves to the right side, the recycling passage stopper pin 23 b protrudes from the side wall of the recycling passage 20 into the passage, closes the recycling passage 20, and stores in the recycling passage 20. The coin C <b> 2 being held is locked in front of the second detection unit 22. At the same time, the second detection unit stopper pin 23a is retracted out of the recycling passage 20 to enable the coin C1 existing in the second detection unit 22 to roll. In this way, the stopper 23 causes any one of the stopper pins to protrude into the recycling passage 20, so that two or more coins can be prevented from rolling to the coin return port 28 at the same time.

  On the side surface of the coin processing unit 2, a first antenna 24 for reading information from a coin locked to the first detection unit 12 or updating information recorded on the coin is installed. Similarly, a second antenna 25 is installed on the side surface of the coin processing unit 2 to read information from a coin locked to the second detection unit 22 or update information recorded on the coin. Yes. The antennas 24 and 25 are electrically connected to the control unit 6 and communicate with the control unit 6 information read from the coin and information to be written on the coin. The first antenna 24 and the second antenna 25 are configured by an antenna used in a wireless authentication system (RF-ID) or the like, and are embedded in a coin held by the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 22. Data can be transmitted and received without contact with the IC tag.

  Further, the first detection unit 12 is provided with an insertion sensor 26 for detecting whether or not a coin exists in the detection unit 11. Similarly, the second detection unit 22 is provided with a coin presence / absence sensor 27 for detecting whether or not a coin exists in the detection unit 22. These sensors are also electrically connected to the control unit 6 and transmit a signal to the control unit 6 that is ON when a coin is detected and OFF when no coin is detected. The insertion sensor 26 and the coin presence / absence sensor 27 are constituted by, for example, a photosensor including a light emitting unit installed on one side wall of the coin processing unit 2 and a detector installed on the other side wall. And when these coins are locked to the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 22, the light from the light emitting unit is blocked by the coins and does not reach the detector. It is detected that the first detector 12 or the second detector 22 is locked. Other sensors such as a proximity sensor may be used as the insertion sensor 26 or the coin presence / absence sensor 27.

  The bill identifying unit 3 functions as a balance adding unit for adding the balance of the valuable value recorded in the coin, and is disposed at the top of the game medium lending device 1 to identify the inserted bill, The amount is calculated and transmitted to the control unit 6. In addition, since the banknote identification part 3 can be comprised with the well-known various apparatus for identifying a banknote, description of a detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The user interface unit 4 is disposed in the approximate center of the game medium lending device 1 and on the front surface of the game medium lending device 1. The user interface unit 4 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The user interface unit 4 may include an input device such as a numeric keypad, or may be configured such that the input device and the display device are integrated, such as a touch panel display. Based on the information received from the control unit 6, the user interface unit 4 balances the valuable value read from the coins inserted into the coin processing unit 2, the amount of the banknotes inserted into the banknote identification unit 3, and the game medium to be lent out Displays the amount of. Further, the user interface unit 4 may be configured to require the player to input a personal identification number through the display device and to transmit the personal identification number input through the input device to the control unit 6.

  The storage button 5 is used to insert coins with no balance into the recycling path 13 of the coin processing unit 2. When the storage button 5 is pressed, a signal indicating that is sent to the control unit 6, and the control unit 6 opens the shutter 11 of the coin processing unit 2 and puts the return path stopper pin 16 into the return path 13. The coins can be inserted into the storage passages 14 and 15 by protruding. Moreover, the storage button 5 can be comprised by various well-known button switches.

  The control unit 6 is arranged inside the game medium lending device 1 and is configured by an electronic circuit having a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 6 controls each unit of the game medium lending device 1. Specifically, the gaming medium lending device 1 transmits to the gaming machine 110 a command for lending gaming media in the range of the balance of the valuable value indicated in the valuable value information received from the coin processing unit 2. Further, the balance of coins and the like inserted into the coin processing unit 2 is updated based on the valuable value received from the bill identifying unit 3. Further, the identification information, the balance of the valuable value, and the like are transmitted to the valuable value recording medium management apparatus 130 for the coin with the rewritten balance of the valuable value, and stored as history information.

  Specifically, when the insertion sensor 26 detects that the coin is locked to the first detection unit 12, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the coin is locked to the second detection unit 22. First, the balance is read from the coin locked to the first detection unit 12 through the first antenna 24. Further, the control unit 6 closes the shutter 11 in order to prevent additional coins from being inserted. When the ball lending button 112 provided on the gaming machine main body is pressed, a balance equivalent to a predetermined rental amount of the game medium is subtracted to update the balance. Thereafter, the updated balance is written into the coin through the first antenna 24. When the balance of the coin becomes 0, that is, when it becomes a valueless coin, the control unit 6 retracts the storage passage stopper pin 17 and causes the valueless coin to flow down to the storage passages 14 and 15 side. Thereafter, the shutter 11 is opened so that the next coin can be inserted, and the stopper pin 17 for the storage passage is protruded into the storage passage. When the return button 111 provided on the gaming machine main body is pressed while the balance of the coins locked to the first detection unit 12 remains, the control unit 6 causes the return passage stopper pin 16 to The coin is evacuated and the coin is returned through the return passage 13. Thereafter, the shutter 11 is opened so that the next coin can be inserted, and the return path stopper pin 16 is projected into the return path.

  On the other hand, when a bill is inserted into the bill recognition unit 3 and a valuable value corresponding to the bill inserted from the bill recognition unit 3 is received, the control unit 6 closes the shutter 11 and prevents additional coins from being inserted. And the control part 6 rewrites the balance of the valueless coin latched by the 2nd detection part 22 to the value of the valuable value received from the banknote identification part 3 through the 2nd antenna 25. Thereafter, when the ball lending button 112 provided on the gaming machine main body is pressed, the control unit 6 subtracts a valuable value corresponding to a predetermined lending amount of the game medium from the coin balance, and sends it to the second detection unit 22. Update the locked coin balance. Then, the updated balance is written into the coin through the second antenna 25. Further, when a balance remains in the coin locked to the second detection unit 22, when the return button 111 provided on the gaming machine main body is pressed, the control unit 6 operates the stopper 23, The coin is returned, and the next coin is supplied to the second detection unit 22 from the coin stored in the storage passage 14 or 15. Thereafter, the control unit 6 opens the shutter 11 so that the next coin can be inserted. In addition, when there is no balance of the coin latched by the 2nd detection part 22, even if the return button 111 is operated, the operation will be disregarded and a coin will not be returned.

  As described above, in the game medium lending apparatus to which the present invention is applied, the two storage passages 14 and 15 for storing coins are formed so as to eliminate the extra space in the coin processing unit 2. Thus, a large number of coins can be stored in a limited space. In addition, by providing a passage switching mechanism that allows coins to flow down to or from one of the passages at the branching and joining portions of the two storage passages 14 and 15, Coin clogging can be prevented from occurring at the portion. Furthermore, the passage switching mechanism has a simple configuration that does not require an electric drive unit and operates by the weight of the coin, thereby avoiding a reduction in space due to an increase in wiring and circuit boards, and causing a failure. Can be suppressed.

  The embodiments described above are for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the passage switching arm may be arranged so that coins stored in the second storage passage 15 are allowed to flow after coins stored in the first storage passage 14 have flowed down first. FIG. 11 shows a schematic side sectional view of the coin processing unit 2 when the passage switching arm is arranged in this manner. In FIG. 11, for the sake of clarification, a return passage that is not related to the passage switching arm is omitted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the passage switching arm 21 is attached to the coin processing unit 2 by an arm support member 21 a, and the first storage passage 14 and the second storage passage with the arm support member 21 a as a rotation axis. It can be rotated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface on which 15 is formed. A dog 21c formed at the opposite end of the arm support member 21a and the passage switching arm 21 is disposed so as to engage with the coin C1 stored in the lowermost portion of the first storage passage 14. . When the dog 21c engages with the coin C1 and moves in the direction away from the first storage passage 14, the stopper pin 21b protrudes into the second storage passage 15 along with the movement of the coin C2. Stop the flow down. On the other hand, when there is no coin stored in the first storage passage 14, the dog 21 c moves into the first storage passage 14, and the stopper pin 21 b retracts out of the second storage passage 15. Then, coins stored in the second storage passage 15 can flow down.

Further, the shapes of the first storage passage and the second storage passage are not limited to the above embodiment, and can be optimized according to the configuration of the entire game medium lending device. Further, instead of the first antenna and the second antenna, a single antenna that can communicate with the coin locked to the first detection unit and the coin locked to the second detection unit may be used. In this case, when the coin is locked to the first detection unit, the coin processing unit 2 connects the antenna and the second detection unit so that the coin locked to the second detection unit cannot communicate with the antenna. When there is no coin in the first detection unit, the coin is locked in between the coin and the antenna so that the coin locked in the antenna and the second detection unit can communicate with each other. It is preferable to provide a movable shielding plate arranged in such a manner.
Thus, various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

It is a schematic perspective view of the game medium rental apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is the schematic showing the installation state of the game media rental apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram of a game medium lending device to which the present invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram of the coin used with the game media rental apparatus to which this invention is applied. (A) And (b) is respectively a schematic transmission perspective view and a schematic transmission side view of a coin processing part. (A) and (b) are coins when a space for additionally storing coins remains in the first storage passage and when the first storage passage is full of stored coins, respectively. It is a schematic side sectional view of a processing unit. (A) And (b) is a schematic perspective view of a channel | path switching arm, respectively. (A) And (b) is respectively a schematic side cross-sectional view and a schematic rear transparent view of the coin processing section when the second storage passage is empty, and (c) is an arrow view A- of (a). It is a schematic sectional drawing of the coin process part in A '. (A) And (b) is respectively a schematic side cross-sectional view and a schematic rear transparent view of the coin processing unit when coins are stored in the second storage passage, and (c) is a schematic view of (a). It is a schematic sectional drawing of the coin process part in arrow BB '. (A) And (b) is the schematic block diagram which looked at the stopper from the upper surface. It is a schematic side sectional view of a coin processing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 game media lending device 2 coin processing unit (recording medium processing device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Banknote identification part 4 User interface part 5 Storage button 6 Control part 7 Coin 8 IC tag 10 Coin slot 11 Shutter 12 1st detection part 13 Return path 14, 15 Storage path 16 Return path stopper pin 17 Storage path stopper pin 18 Flapper (Storage passage switching part)
18a Bending point 18b Engaging arm 18c Restricting arm 19 Junction part 20 Recycling path 21 Path switching arm (downflow path switching part)
21a Arm support member 21b Stopper pin 21c Dog 22 Second detection part 23 Stopper 23a, 23b Stopper pin 23c, 23d Support member 23e Stopper housing 24, 25 Antenna 26 Insertion sensor 27 Coin presence / absence sensor 28 Coin return slot 110, 120 Game machine 111 Return button 112 Ball lending button 130 Valuable value recording medium management device C1, C2 Coin

Claims (12)

A first passage for storing a recording medium in which valuable value information representing a balance of valuable value, which is inputted from an insertion port, is recorded;
A second passage that branches off from the first passage and stores the recording medium;
A junction where the first passage and the second passage join;
A locking portion that is arranged downstream of the merging portion and locks the recording medium stored in the first passage and the second passage;
A storage passage switching portion that is disposed in the vicinity of a branching portion where the second passage branches from the first passage, and causes the recording medium to flow down to either the first passage or the second passage; Have
The storage passage switching unit includes a first engagement member that engages with the recording medium, and a passage restriction member that blocks either the inlet of the first passage or the inlet of the second passage. When the recording medium is stored in the most upstream portion of the first passage, the first engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most upstream portion, so that the passage restriction member is When the recording medium is fixed at a position closing the inlet of the first passage, the recording medium can flow down to the second passage, and the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, A recording medium storage mechanism, wherein a passage regulating member closes an entrance of the second passage, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the first passage. When the recording medium stored in the first passage is prevented from flowing down and the second engagement member is not engaged with the recording medium, the flow prevention member is disposed on the first passage. The recording medium storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium stored in the first passage is allowed to flow by retreating outside. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the second passage. When the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the second engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow-down prevention member acts on the second passage. The recording medium storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium stored in the second passage is allowed to flow by being retracted outside. A first detection unit for locking a recording medium on which valuable value information representing the balance of the valuable value is recorded;
A first passage that is connected to the first detection unit and stores a recording medium having no balance of valuable value flowing down from the first detection unit;
A second passage for branching from the first passage and storing a recording medium having no balance of the valuable value;
A merging portion where the first passage and the second passage merge;
A second detector that is disposed downstream of the junction and that locks the recording medium having no balance of value flowing down from the first passage and the second passage;
A first antenna for reading the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked to the first detection unit, or writing the valuable information on the recording medium;
A second antenna for reading the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked to the second detection unit, or writing the valuable information on the recording medium;
A recording medium processing apparatus comprising: A storage passage switching portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the branching portion where the second passage branches from the first passage, and causes the recording medium to flow down to either the first passage or the second passage; In addition,
The storage passage switching unit includes a first engagement member that engages with the recording medium, and a passage restriction member that blocks either the inlet of the first passage or the inlet of the second passage. When the recording medium is stored in the most upstream portion of the first passage, the first engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most upstream portion, so that the passage restriction member is When the recording medium is fixed at a position closing the inlet of the first passage, the recording medium can flow down to the second passage, and the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a passage restriction member blocks an inlet of the second passage, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the first passage. When the recording medium stored in the first passage is prevented from flowing down and the second engagement member is not engaged with the recording medium, the flow prevention member is disposed on the first passage. 6. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording medium stored in the first passage is allowed to flow by being retracted outside. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the second passage. When the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the second engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow-down prevention member acts on the second passage. 6. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording medium stored in the second passage can be allowed to flow by being retracted outside. A game media lending device,
A first detection unit for locking a recording medium on which valuable value information representing the balance of the valuable value is recorded;
A first passage that is connected to the first detection unit and stores a recording medium having no balance of valuable value flowing down from the first detection unit;
A second passage for branching from the first passage and storing a recording medium having no balance of the valuable value;
A merging portion where the first passage and the second passage merge;
A second detector that is disposed downstream of the junction and that locks the recording medium having no balance of value flowing down from the first passage and the second passage;
A first antenna for reading the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked to the first detection unit, or writing the valuable information on the recording medium;
A second antenna for reading the valuable information recorded on the recording medium locked to the second detection unit, or writing the valuable information on the recording medium;
A sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium locked to the first detection unit;
When the sensor detects the recording medium locked to the first detection unit, the valuable information is read from the recording medium through the first antenna, and the valuable corresponding to a predetermined rental amount is read from the valuable information. When the valuable information is updated by subtracting the value, the updated valuable information is written to the recording medium, and the sensor does not detect the recording medium locked to the first detection unit, the second The valuable value information is read from the recording medium locked to the second detection unit through the antenna, and the valuable value information corresponding to a predetermined loan amount is subtracted from the valuable information to update the valuable information. A controller that writes the recorded valuable value information to the recording medium and transmits to the gaming machine a command for lending a game medium of an amount corresponding to the predetermined lending amount to the player;
A game medium lending device comprising: A balance adding unit that is connected to the control unit and transmits additional information of a valuable value balance to the control unit;
A shutter that opens and closes a slot for loading the recording medium into the first detector;
When the control unit receives the additional information from the balance addition unit, the control unit closes the shutter to prevent the recording medium from being inserted into the first detection unit, and the second detection is performed through the second antenna. The game medium lending device according to claim 8, wherein valuable value information updated based on the additional information is written in a recording medium locked to the unit. A storage passage switching portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the branching portion where the second passage branches from the first passage, and causes the recording medium to flow down to either the first passage or the second passage; In addition,
The storage passage switching unit includes a first engagement member that engages with the recording medium, and a passage restriction member that blocks either the inlet of the first passage or the inlet of the second passage. When the recording medium is stored in the most upstream portion of the first passage, the first engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most upstream portion, so that the passage restriction member is When the recording medium is fixed at a position closing the inlet of the first passage, the recording medium can flow down to the second passage, and the recording medium is not stored at the upper end of the first passage, The game medium lending device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a passage restriction member blocks an entrance of the second passage, and the recording medium can flow down to the first passage. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the second passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the first passage. When the recording medium stored in the first passage is prevented from flowing down and the second engagement member is not engaged with the recording medium, the flow prevention member is disposed on the first passage. The game medium lending device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the recording medium stored in the first passage is allowed to flow by being evacuated to the outside. The flow path switching section further includes a flow path switching section that is disposed in the vicinity of the merge section and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the first path and the second path. Has a second engagement member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the first passage, and a flow-inhibiting member disposed in proximity to the most downstream portion of the second passage,
When the second engagement member engages with the recording medium stored in the most downstream portion of the first passage, the flow-down passage switching portion rotates and the flow-off prevention member becomes the second passage. When the recording medium that protrudes inward and prevents the recording medium stored in the second passage from flowing down and the second engagement member does not engage with the recording medium, the flow-down prevention member acts on the second passage. The game medium lending device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the recording medium stored in the second passage is allowed to flow by being evacuated to the outside.

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