JP2009070108A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Value medium processing device

The present invention relates to a small-sized electrical value information storage medium processing apparatus capable of processing at least a coin-type electrical value information storage medium and a card-type electrical value information storage medium.
The present invention further relates to a value medium processing apparatus that can determine the authenticity of a coin and read or write value information in a coin-type and card-type electrical value information storage medium.
The value medium processing apparatus according to the present invention can be used for coin-type game machines, vending machines, and the like.
In this specification, a coin is a general term for coins as a currency, a medal for a game machine, a token, etc., an IC coin is a general term for a coin-shaped electrical value information storage medium, and an IC card is a card type. It is a general term for electrical value information storage media, and IC includes so-called RFID.
The reading / writing means is a general term for reading and / or writing means.

  As a first conventional technology, an IC coin provided with an antenna portion and formed into a disk shape, an IC coin insertion slot into which the IC coin is inserted, and an IC coin inserted from the IC coin insertion slot into the radial direction An IC coin processing path that rolls to the IC coin, a locking means that temporarily locks the IC coin that rolls in the IC coin processing path, and the IC coin locked by the locking means via the antenna substrate In a processing apparatus comprising information processing means for processing information and an IC coin return path for returning IC coins processed by the information processing means, a card for accommodating an IC card for processing information via the antenna substrate 2. Description of the Related Art A non-contact type storage medium processing device having a housing portion is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As a second conventional technique, a coin transport path that slopes downward is provided following the same insertion slot, and a plurality of shutters are disposed on the coin transport path, and the size of the inserted coins is determined to determine a plurality of shutters. One that distributes IC coins and coins to corresponding processing units by selectively opening is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  As a third prior art, a longitudinal path having the same width as the insertion slot is provided behind a common slit-shaped slot that can insert both IC coins and coins, and the bottom of the vertical path has a center in the width direction. A slit-shaped coin receiving opening with a width that allows only coins to fall is formed at the tip of the coin passage having a relatively high slope that can accommodate only coins in the section, and at both ends of the coin passage. There is known a seeding mechanism that forms a shoulder with a lower slope on the lower slope and is provided with an IC coin receiving portion ahead of the slit-shaped coin receiving port (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  As a fourth conventional technique, in a coin sorting device in which a coin mouth is provided at the upper part of a substantially upright base plate and a coin return mouth is disposed below the coin mouth, an upward inclined surface is formed corresponding to the upper part of the base plate. In addition, a coin insertion slot is disposed on the upward inclined surface, a communication antenna is disposed below the upward inclined surface around the coin insertion slot, and an antenna marking is provided on the upward slope. A coin sorting device having a smart card billing function is known (for example, see Patent Document 4).

JP-A-2006-65755 (Figures 1 to 4, pages 2 to 5) JP 2005-293097 (Fig. 2-7, pages 6-11) JP 2006-189986 (FIGS. 1 to 3, pages 2 to 4) JP 2005-25404 (Fig. 2-4, pages 2-4)

In the first prior art, the IC coin passage and the IC card slot and passage are configured separately, and the information processing means including the antenna for reading and writing the stored information of the IC coin and the IC card is common.
When the IC coin and IC card slot and passage are arranged separately as in the first prior art, the size of the device increases, ensuring compatibility with coin sorting devices already used in game machines and the like. From the viewpoint of doing, it can not be adopted as a bag.
Specifically, the value medium processing device must be stored in a space of approximately 50 mm in width, 130 mm in height, and 120 mm in depth.
Furthermore, the first prior art cannot collect the IC card whose value information is zero, and there is a possibility that the used IC card is illegally used.

  As in the first prior art, the second prior art requires that an IC coin processing device and a coin authenticity determination unit be arranged downstream from the shutter, and is compatible with existing machines. Can not do it.

The third prior art has the advantage that coins and IC coins can be inserted into the same slot, and the customer does not mistake the slot.
However, the coin is dropped into the coin passage by the shoulder with a low slope, but the coin has inertial force due to rolling, so it rolls on the shoulder and does not fall into the coin passage. There is a possibility that sorting cannot be performed.
In addition, the coin is identified after being distributed while rolling on the path of the IC coin.
Therefore, the IC coin reading or writing device must be arranged downstream of the passage where the coin rolls, and there is a problem that the device becomes large and cannot be compatible with the conventional sorting device.

In the fourth prior art, an antenna for an IC card is arranged around a coin slot, and it is necessary to bring the IC card close to the antenna for each billing.
In other words, when the same game is continuously played, the IC card must be held over the antenna every time the game is started, which is a troublesome problem for the customer.
In addition, the IC card whose memory value has become zero cannot be collected, and the used IC card may be illegally used.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a small value information processing apparatus capable of processing at least a coin-type electrical value information storage medium and a card-type value information storage medium.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a small value information processing apparatus that can collect both a coin-type electrical value information storage medium and a card-type value information storage medium.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a small value medium processing apparatus that does not duplicately process at least a coin-type electrical value information storage medium and a card-type value information storage medium.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a small value medium processing apparatus capable of performing true / false determination of coins and reading or writing processing for coin-type and card-type electrical value information storage media.

In order to achieve this object, the value medium processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.
That is, the value medium processing device according to claim 1 is a value medium processing device that processes information stored in an IC coin and an IC card and collects the information in a predetermined case. IC Following the common inlet a part of which is formed by overlapping the inlet, the IC coin passage Michi及 beauty said common inlet inclined downwards for the IC coin formed subsequent to the common inlet A common path including an IC card path formed overlapping with a coin path, read / write means common to the IC coin and IC card disposed in the vicinity of the common path, the IC coin or IC located in the common path It is a value medium processing apparatus provided with a common conveying means for moving the card at least in the taking-in direction.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the value medium processing apparatus of the present invention, in the value medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, an IC medium detection means for detecting the presence of the IC coin or the IC card in the common path, the IC medium And a blocking means for blocking the input of the value medium to the common input port based on the detection of the detection means.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the value medium processing apparatus of the present invention, in the value medium processing apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment , the blocking means is moved by the progress of the IC card into the IC card path. And a coin blocker that protrudes into the common passage adjacent to the coin slot in conjunction with the driven body.

According to a third preferred embodiment of the value medium processing device of the present invention, in the value medium processing device according to the first preferred embodiment , the blocking means detects the presence of the IC coin in the IC coin path. And a blocking means that protrudes into a common passage adjacent to the common slot based on detection by the detection means and the IC medium detection means.

According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the value medium processing device of the present invention, in the value medium processing device according to claim 1, the value medium processing device is moved by the progress of the IC card or the IC coin in the common path transported by the transport device. A contact piece is provided, and the position of the contact piece is detected by a contact piece sensor outside the common passage.

According to a fifth preferred embodiment of the value medium processing apparatus of the present invention, in the value medium processing apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment , the contact piece is elastically biased so as to protrude into the common path, and the IC card. Alternatively, it is a barrier against the return movement of the IC coin.

According to a sixth preferred embodiment of the value medium processing device of the present invention, in the value medium processing device according to claim 1, the common insertion slot is further common with an insertion slot for coins and faces downward below the IC coin path. A coin path that is inclined to the coin path, the coin path is connected to the common slot through the common path,
A distinguishing means for coins is arranged along the coin path.

According to a seventh preferred embodiment of the value medium processing device of the present invention, in the value medium processing device of the sixth preferred embodiment , the upper part of the coin passage is common to the IC coin passage.

In the configuration of claim 1, a part of the IC coin is inserted from the insertion slot common to the IC card, rolls in a coin passage partially shared with the IC card, and reaches the vicinity of the common reading / writing means. Information processing is performed by the reading / writing means.
When an IC coin is taken in, it is moved and taken in by a transport means common to the IC card.
On the other hand, a part of the IC card is inserted from the insertion slot common to the IC coin, and proceeds in the IC card passage partially shared with the IC coin to reach the vicinity of the common reading / writing means. Information processing is performed by the reading / writing means.
When the IC card is taken in, it is moved and taken in by the same transport means as the IC coin.
From the above, IC coin and IC card slot are partly common, IC coin passage and IC card passage are partly common, and transport device is common to IC coin and IC card Therefore, the apparatus can be miniaturized.
Further, since the conveying device is common to the IC coin and the IC card, there is an advantage that it can be manufactured at low cost.

In the first preferred embodiment , when the IC coin is present in the IC coin path, it is detected by the IC medium detecting means, and the blocking means blocks the insertion of the IC coin and the IC card into the common slot.
In other words, when one IC coin is positioned in the IC coin path so as to be processed by the reading / writing means, other IC coins and IC cards cannot be inserted into the insertion slots.
On the other hand, when the IC card is present in the IC card passage, it is detected by the IC medium detecting means, and the blocking means blocks the insertion of the IC coin and the IC card into the common slot.
In other words, when one IC card is positioned in the IC card path so that it can be processed by the reading / writing means, other IC coins and IC cards cannot be inserted into the insertion slots.
As a result, there is an advantage that there is no need to process overlapping value information.

In the second preferred embodiment , when the IC card advances from the IC card slot to the IC card passage, the driven body is pushed and moved.
In conjunction with the movement of the driven body, a coin blocker is projected into a common passage near the coin slot.
This coin blocker prevents the IC coin from being inserted into the IC coin slot.
Also, since there is an IC card in the IC card passage, the IC card cannot be inserted from the IC card slot.
In other words, when one IC card is positioned in the IC card path so that it can be processed by the reading / writing means, other IC coins and IC cards cannot be inserted into each slot, and processing of overlapping value information There are advantages to not doing.
Further, since the driven body and the coin blocker are mechanically moved by the IC card, there is an advantage that they can be manufactured at low cost.

In the third preferred embodiment , when the IC coin advances from the coin slot into the IC coin passage, it is detected by the IC medium detecting means.
In conjunction with the detection of the IC coin, the value medium blocker projects into the common passage near the common slot.
This value medium blocker prevents the IC coin and the IC card from being inserted into the coin slot or the IC card slot.
In other words, when one IC coin is positioned in the IC coin path so that it can be processed by reading / writing means, other IC coins and IC cards cannot be inserted into each slot, and processing of duplicate value information There are advantages to not doing.

In the fourth preferred embodiment , when the IC coin or the IC card is moved by the conveying means, the contact piece is pushed and displaced by the IC coin or the IC card.
The displacement of the contact piece is detected by a contact piece sensor and used for processing such as starting and stopping of the conveying means.
Thereby, since the contact piece sensor is disposed outside the common passage, there is an advantage that it is difficult to be accessed by an unauthorized instrument inserted from the common insertion port, and there is little possibility of causing erroneous detection.

In the fifth preferred embodiment , when the IC coin or the IC card is moved by the conveying means, the contact piece is pushed and displaced by the IC coin or the IC card, and when the IC coin or the IC card passes, the biasing means Is projected into the common passage.
Due to the protrusion of the contact piece, the contact piece becomes a barrier, and even if an attempt is made to return the IC coin or IC card by pulling the tied thread, the contact piece is stopped by the contact piece and cannot be returned.
As a result, there is an advantage that fraud by thread hanging is not performed.

In the sixth preferred embodiment , the common insertion slot is also common with the coin insertion slot, a coin path inclined downward is formed below the IC coin path, and a discrimination means is arranged in the coin path.
As a result, the coins inserted into the common insertion slot fall down the common passage and reach the coin passage, and are discriminated by the discriminating means in the process of rolling along the coin passage, and are sorted into a genuine coin and a fake coin.
Thereby, since it is possible to process coins in addition to the IC coin IC card, a highly convenient value medium processing device can be provided.

In the seventh preferred embodiment , the upper part of the coin passage and the lower part of the IC coin passage are common.
In other words, the lower part of the IC coin rolls on the upper part of the coin passage, and the coin passes through the lower part of the IC coin passage.
Since the IC coin and a part of the coin passage are overlapped, a small IC coin IC card and a coin processing device can be provided.

  The best mode of the present invention is a value medium processing apparatus that processes information stored in IC coins and IC cards and collects them in a predetermined case. A common insertion slot formed overlappingly, an IC coin passage inclined downward for IC coins formed following the common insertion slot, and an IC coin passage overlapping with the common insertion slot A common path including an IC card path, a reading / writing means common to the IC coin and the IC card arranged in the vicinity of the common path, and moving the IC coin or the IC card located in the common path at least in the capturing direction. A common conveying means, a value medium detecting means for detecting the presence of the IC coin or the IC card in the common passage, and a value medium to the common slot based on the detection by the value medium detecting means. Blocking means for blocking insertion, a contact piece moved by the advance of the IC card or the IC coin in the common path transported by the transport device is provided, and the position of the contact piece is outside the common path. Detected by a sensor, the contact piece is elastically biased so as to protrude into the common path, and serves as a barrier against the return movement of the IC card or the IC coin, and the common slot is further a slot for coins A coin passage that is inclined downwardly below the IC coin passage, the coin passage communicates with the common insertion port through the common passage, and a discriminating means for the coin is disposed along the coin passage. The value medium processing apparatus is characterized in that the upper part of the coin passage is common with the IC coin passage.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a value medium processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged explanatory view of the insertion preventing means.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a rear view of the coin blocking means.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG.

In the embodiment, the coin C is disk-shaped and made of metal, and can roll on the ramp with its own weight.
IC coin IC is disk-shaped, can roll on the ramp by its own weight, and has an IC chip TP with an antenna that can be read and / or written in a non-contact manner, thicker than coin C, and Large diameter.
The IC card CD has a rectangular thin plate shape and incorporates an IC chip TP that can be read and / or written without contact, and has a width (height) larger than the diameter of the IC coin IC.
The electrical value information storage medium refers to IC coin IC and IC card CD.

  The value medium processing apparatus 100 includes a common slot 102, a coin path 104, an IC coin path 106, a return means 108, an IC card path 112, an IC card detection means 114, a return inoperative means 116, a determination means 118, and a deflecting means 122. IC coin holding means 124, insertion preventing means 126, reading / writing means 128, coin sorting means 130, and value medium conveying means 132.

First, the common slot 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
The common slot 102 has a function to insert a coin C and an IC coin IC or an IC card CD as an electrical value information storage medium.
However, the common slot 102 only needs to have a function of accepting at least the IC coin IC and the IC card CD.
The common slot 102 is formed so as to overlap at least a part of the coin C slot, the IC coin IC slot, and the IC card CD slot.
By making a part common, it is possible to reduce the installation range of the inlet, and thus there is an advantage that the apparatus can be downsized.

In this embodiment, the common inlet 102 is formed in the front cover 134.
As shown in FIG. 7, the front cover 134 is fixed so as to cover the front surface of a metal plate-like front panel 136.
In this embodiment, the common insertion slot 102 is configured by a vertically long coin insertion slot 138 common to the coin C and the IC coin IC and an IC card insertion slot 140 for the IC card CD .
The coin insertion slot 138 is formed in a vertically long rectangle that is larger in diameter than the coin C and thicker than the thickness and diameter of the IC coin IC, and is arranged at the center of the upper end of the front cover 134. Yes.
The upper half of the IC card slot 140 is common with the coin slot 138 and extends in a slit shape below the lower end of the coin slot 138.
The width of the slit portion (in the thickness direction of the IC card) is more than 1 time and less than 2 times the thickness of the IC card CD .
One side 142 of the coin slot 138 and the IC card slot 140 is formed on substantially the same vertical line.
This is for sharing the reading / writing means 128 for the IC chip TP of the IC coin IC and the IC card CD as will be described later.

Next, the coin passage 104 will be described with reference to FIG.
The coin passage 104 has a function of guiding the coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 138.
The coin passage 104 includes a base 144, a return cover 146, a rolling start guide rail 148, and a guide rail 150.

First, the base 144 will be described.
The base 144 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body made of a nonmagnetic material that is vertically suspended and fixed to the front panel 136 at a right angle.
The side surface 152 of the base 144 is positioned in the same plane as the side surface 140 of the common insertion slot 102 for guiding the inserted coin C, IC card CD, and IC coin IC.
The base 144 is preferably integrally formed of resin.

Next, the return cover 146 will be described with reference to FIG.
The return cover 146 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body made of a non-magnetic material, and its upper end is swingably supported by a shaft 156 attached to the bearings 154A and 154B of the base 144, and is urged by an urging spring 158. The turning force is applied to approach the base 144.
The protrusion 159 at the lower end of the return cover 146 is abutted against the side surface 152, and the side surface 152 and the side surface 160 of the return cover are positioned so as to be parallel at a predetermined interval.
The return cover 146 is preferably integrally formed of resin.

Next, the IC coin passage 106 will be described with reference to FIG.
The IC coin passage 106 has a function of rolling the IC coin IC inserted into the coin insertion slot 138 by its own weight.
The IC coin passage 106 is formed following the common insertion slot 102, and is formed of an upward passage 106B that extends slightly upward following the downward inclined passage 106A that is positioned downward as the distance from the common insertion slot 102 increases. This is a vertically long slit-shaped passage surrounded by the rail 162, the upward guide rail 162C, the base 144, and the return cover 146 on the lower and left and right sides.
In other words, after the IC coin passage 106 extends linearly downward to the left in FIG. 6 defined by the side surface 152 of the base 144, the side surface 160 of the return cover 146, the upward guide rail 162C and the IC coin guide rail 162, The passage is slightly upward.

The IC coin guide rail 162 is a straight and elongated protrusion formed at a predetermined angle following the lower edge of the common insertion slot 102 (lowering left in FIG. 6). it includes left guide rails 162L formed to project referred pairs integrally right guide rail 162R to the right guide rail 162R and the return cover 146 formed.
The upper surfaces of the right guide rail 162R and the left guide rail 162L are formed into slopes downward as they approach.
The upper surfaces of the right guide rail 162R and the left guide rail 162L are formed symmetrically.
As a result, the IC coin IC rolls while being guided from the left and right guide rails so as to be positioned at the center of the IC coin passage 106, and then stops by receiving rolling resistance on the upward guide rail 106C, and the upward direction of the downward passage 106A. It stops at the holding position HPN at the boundary of the passage 106B.
In the IC coin passage 106, the distance between the side surface 152 of the base 144 and the side surface 160 of the return cover 146 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the IC coin IC.

Next, the coin passage 106 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The coin passage 104 has a function of guiding the coin C inserted into the insertion slot 102.
The coin passage 104 is continuous with the IC coin passage 106 and extends linearly in parallel with the IC coin passage 106 below the adjacent portion.
The width of the coin passage 104 is smaller than the thickness of the IC coin IC, and has a width slightly wider than the thickness of the thickest 500 yen coin among the 5 yen to 500 yen coins.
In other words, the coin C can fall into the coin passage 104, but the IC coin IC cannot roll and rolls on the IC coin guide rail 162.
Coin path 104, rolling start guide rail 148, moths Idoreru 150 is a vertically long linear path having a rectangular cross section surrounded by the base 144 and return cover 146.
In other words, the coin passage 104 is inclined downward as it moves away from the insertion slot 102, and its upper end communicates with the IC coin passage 106.

Further, when a large-diameter 500 yen coin rolls in the coin passage 104, the upper end thereof moves in the IC coin passage 106.
In other words, the lower portion of the IC coin passage 106 and the upper portion of the coin passage 104 function as a common passage.
Immediately after the coin C is inserted from the common insertion slot 102, the coin C moves about the diameter through the IC coin passage 106 and then falls into the coin passage 104.
Therefore, the IC coin passage 106 connected to the common insertion slot 102 is a common passage 170 with the coin passage 104.
A coin guide rail 166 protrudes from the lower end of the side surface 160 of the return cover 146, and the upper surface of the coin guide rail 166 is inclined so as to descend toward the base 144 side.
Due to this inclination, the coin C rolls while leaning against the base 144, so that the rolling position is stabilized.
Distance between sides 1 61 of the base 144 and the side surface 16 fourth return cover 146 is set slightly larger than the maximum thickness of the coin C to be sorted.
The coin passage 104 includes a base 144, a return cover 146, and a coin guide rail 166.

The coin guide rail 166 includes a rolling start guide rail 148 and a guide rail 150.
The guide rail 150 is formed in parallel with the IC coin guide rail 162.
The rolling start guide rail 148 is a trapezoidal metal plate fixed to the return cover 146 adjacent to the front panel 136, and a curved falling rolling surface 168 continuous with the guide rail 150 is formed.
This is because the falling rolling surface 168 is not worn by the falling of the coin C, and the rolling speed of the coin C is improved.
Coin path 104 is a side 1 61 of the base 144, a passage extending linearly in the lower left in FIG. 6 defined by side surfaces 16 4 and the coin guide rail 166 of the return cover 146.
As described above, the coin C can roll on the coin guide rail 166 while standing while being guided by the side surfaces 161 and 164.

Next, the return means 108 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The return means 108 has a function of returning the coin C jammed in the coin path 104 to the return slot 172.
In the present embodiment, the return means 108 includes a return cover 146, a return lever 174, and a first link mechanism 176.

First, the return lever 174 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The return lever 174 is a lever operated by the customer to return the coin C, and is attached to a fixed shaft 178 protruding laterally from the base 144 so as to be rotatable in the middle.
The upper lever 180 protrudes forward of the front cover 134 from an opening 182 juxtaposed to the common insertion port 102 of the front cover 134, and is arranged so that it can be pushed down by the customer.
The lower lever 184 extends downward in parallel with the front panel 136.

Next, the first link mechanism 176 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The first link mechanism 176 has a function of moving the lower end of the return cover 146 away from the base 144 when the lower lever 184 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.
The first link mechanism 176 includes an L-shaped first swing lever 190 that is rotatably attached to a shaft 188 that protrudes upward from a stay 186 that extends laterally from the base 144.
The first lever 190A of the first swinging lever 190 is pushed by the lower lever 184 and rotated clockwise in FIG.
The second lever 190B of the swinging lever 190 abuts on the lower end of the return cover 146 through the opening of the base 144 and can be pushed.

When the return lever 174 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 4, the lower lever 184 pushes the first lever 190A, so that the second lever 190B pushes the lower end portion of the return cover 146 away from the base 144.
Thus, return cover 146 rotates the shaft 156 as a fulcrum, is inclined with respect to the base 144, the gap between the side end surface and the side surface 1 61 of the coin guide rail 166 is spaced above the thickness of the coin C, and moth Since the upper surface of the id rail 150 is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction, the coin C placed thereon falls by its own weight.
The dropped coin C is formed on the base 144 below the coin passage 104, falls on the return guide rail 192 inclined downward toward the front panel 136, and then rolls to the right in FIG. 6 by its own weight. Then, the return passage 190 rolls toward the return port 172.
Since the return slot 172 is formed in a groove shape surrounding both sides and the front side of the coin C, the return coin C is held in a standing state at the return slot 172.

Next, the IC card path 112 of the IC card CD will be described with reference to FIG.
The IC card passage 112 extends along the side surface 152 of the base 144 following the IC card insertion slot 140, and most of them are common with the IC coin passage 106 and a part is common with the coin passage 104.
The lower end of the IC card path 112 is regulated by an advance / retreat piece 194 that is appropriately moved to the coin path 104.
When the insertion of the IC card CD into the IC card slot 140 is detected, the advance / retreat piece 194 advances into the coin passage 104 and supports the lower edge of the IC card CD.
The advance / retreat piece 194 is moved together with a return inactivating means 116 described later.
As described above, the IC card passage 112 is a horizontally long vertically elongated flat space sandwiched between the upper surface of the advance / retreat piece 194 on the lower side and the side surface 152 of the base 144 and the return cover 146 and the conveying means 132 described later.

Next, the IC medium detecting means 114 for the IC coin IC and the IC card CD will be described with reference to FIG.
The IC medium detection unit 114 is disposed in the common passage 170 and has a function of determining whether the value medium inserted into the common insertion slot 102 is a coin, an IC coin IC, or an IC card CD.
Therefore, other devices having the same function can be changed.

In this embodiment, the IC medium detection means 114 includes a first sensor 196 and a second sensor 198 disposed on the side surface 152 of the base 144.
In this embodiment, the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 are transmissive photoelectric sensors that cross the common passage 170, but can be changed to a reflective photoelectric sensor, a contact sensor, or the like.
The first sensor 196 is disposed in the vicinity of the deflecting means 122 and the IC coin guide rail 162, and the projection light is blocked by the coin C and the IC coin IC.
The second sensor 198 is not blocked by the coin C passing through the common passage 170, but is disposed at a position blocked by the IC coin IC or the IC card CD having a larger diameter than the coin C.
Therefore, when the projection light of the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 is simultaneously blocked, it is determined that the IC coin IC or the IC card CD is inserted, and the deflecting means 122 is withdrawn from the common path 170.
The IC medium detection unit 114 determines that the coin C is inserted when only the projection light of the first sensor 196 is blocked .

Next, the return inoperative means 116 will be described.
The return inoperative means 116 has a function of inactivating the return means 108 when an IC coin IC or IC card CD is inserted into the common insertion slot 102.
Therefore, the return inoperative means 116 can be changed to another device having the same function.
The return non-operation means 116 includes an IC card non-operation means 202 and an IC coin non-operation means 222.

First, the IC card non-operation means 202 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The IC card inoperative means 202 has a function of preventing the IC coin IC and the coin C from being inserted into the coin slot 138 when the IC card CD is inserted into the IC card passage 112.
As shown in FIG. 12, the IC card non-operating means 202 includes a driven lever 204, a driven portion 206, and a stopper 208.
The driven lever 204 is pivotally attached to a fixed shaft 210 protruding rearward from the front panel 136, and is urged clockwise by an elastic body 212 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12 (B), the driven body lever 204 is substantially suspended, the stay 205 extends laterally from the lower end, and rises from the tip of the stay 205 upward to the middle of the driven lever 204. 207 is formed, and an advance / retreat piece 194 extends in the lateral direction from the upper end of the vertical portion 207.

The upper end side surface of the vertical portion 207 is a stopper 208.
The driven part 206 is a hemispherical part formed in the middle part of the driven lever 204. When the IC card CD is not inserted into the card insertion slot 140, the driven part 206 is inserted into the IC card passage 112 just below the lower edge of the coin insertion slot 138. When the IC card CD is inserted by projecting due to the spring force of the spring 212, the tip of the card is pushed against the spherical surface of the driven portion 206 and pushed out of the IC card path 112.
By making the driven part 206 spherical, the driven part 206 can be moved a distance greater than the thickness of the IC card CD, and the coin blocker 308 protrudes into the common passage 170 without using an electromagnetic actuator or the like. Can do.

The advancing / retracting piece 194 is set so that its upper surface is positioned slightly below the horizontal extension line of the lower edge of the slot, which is farther from the IC card slot 140 than the driven lever 204, and the driven lever 204 swings. It is long in the lateral direction so as to maintain the position even when it is moved.
The stopper 208 is the upper end side surface of the upright portion 207 on the front panel 136 side, and is disposed adjacent to the lower end portion of the opening 182.
When the driven part 206 is pushed out of the IC card path 112 by the IC card CD, the stopper 208 protrudes into the rotation path of the lower end part 213 of the return lever 174 as shown in FIG.
As a result, even if the return lever 174 is to be pushed down, the lower end 213 abuts against the stopper 208 and is blocked, and the return lever 174 is not pushed down.
In other words, since the lower lever 184 is not rotated, the return cover 146 is not rotated about the shaft 156 and the coin C cannot be returned.

Next, the IC coin non-operation means 222 will be described with reference to FIG.
The IC coin inoperative means 222 has a function of inactivating the return means 106, specifically, the return lever 174 when an IC coin IC is inserted into the coin insertion slot 138.
Therefore, the IC coin non-operation means 222 can be changed to another device having a similar function.
In this embodiment, the IC coin non-operation means 222 mechanically deactivates the return lever 174.
The structure in which the return means 106 is mechanically inactivated has an advantage that it can be configured at low cost.
Since a part of the IC coin non-operating means 222 is shared with the deflecting means 122 described later, the description of the main part will be described in the explanation of the deflecting means 122.
When the deflecting means 122 is in the non-deflecting position, the second stopper 224 that moves integrally projects into the pivot path of the locking portion 226 formed integrally with the return lever 174, and the return lever 174 pivots. To prevent.

Next, the discrimination means 118 will be described.
The discriminating means 118 has a function of discriminating whether the coin C rolling on the coin path 104 is true or false and the denomination.
The discriminating means 118 includes coil bodies 232, 234, and 236 in which a coil is wound around a core fixed relative to the base 144 and the return cover 146 along the coin passage 104.
The coil body 232 is used to detect the diameter of the coin C.
The coil body 234 is used to detect the thickness of the coin C.
The coil body 236 is used for detecting the material of the coin C.
Outputs from these coil bodies 232, 234, and 236 are input to a discrimination circuit (not shown), and compared with a predetermined reference value, the true and false coins and denominations of the coin C are discriminated.
The discrimination means 118 outputs a return signal to the coin sorting means 130 in the case of a fake coin.

Next, the coin distribution means 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The coin distribution means 130 has a function of distributing the coin C rolling in the coin passage 104 to the return passage 190 or the storage passage 244C to the holding safe.
The coin sorting means 130 includes a coin sorting body 246, a first electromagnetic actuator 248, and a second link mechanism 252.
The coin sorting body 246 can be positioned at a return position CP on the extension of the coin passage 104 or a storage position SP that guides to the storage passage 244C.
The coin allocating body 246 is a rod that extends to the coin passage 104 in the lateral direction from the tip of the second swinging lever 254 that is rotatably attached to the fixed shaft 258 that projects from the base 144 in the lateral direction.
The other end of the second swing lever 254 is linked to the iron core 260 of the first electromagnetic actuator 248 by a link mechanism 252.
The iron core 260 is biased leftward in FIG. 4 by a spring (not shown), and is normally held at the return position CP.

When the first electromagnetic actuator 248 is excited by the discrimination of the true coin of the discriminating means 118, the iron core 260 is moved to the right in FIG. 4, so that the second swing lever 254 is rotated counterclockwise to the storage position. Moved to SP and held.
When the coin sorting member 246 is held at the storage position SP, the coin C rolling on the coin path 104 is guided to the storage path 244C to fall from moth Idoreru 150 on the coin sorting body 246.
When the coin sorting member 246 is located at the return position CP, the coin C dropped from moth Idoreru 150 obliquely downward bounces to the right in FIG. 6 because impinge substantially perpendicularly to the downward slope of the coin sorting body 246, return It rolls along the passage 190 and is returned to the return port 172.

Next, the deflecting means 122 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The deflecting means 122 has a function of guiding the coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 138 to the coin path 104.
The deflecting means 122 includes a deflecting body 262, a third link mechanism 264, and a second electromagnetic actuator 266.
The deflecting body 262 has a plate shape, is formed in an L shape as shown in FIG. 6, and is one end of a third swing lever 270 that is rotatably attached to a fixed shaft 268 fixed in parallel to the base 144. It is located at right angles to.

The deflecting body 262 has a vertical portion 272 and a downward inclined portion 274, and the inserted coin C collides with the vertical portion 272 to cancel the inertial force in the lateral direction, and falls downward by its own weight. After being guided to the upper end opening of the coin passage 104 by the inclination of the guide rails 162L and 162R, it falls onto the rolling surface 168 of the rolling start guide rail 148.
The end portion of the link 278 is rotatably attached to a shaft 276 that protrudes upward from a position farther from the base 144 than the fixed shaft 268 of the third swing lever 270.
The other end of the link 278 is rotatably attached to the iron core 280 of the second electromagnetic actuator 266.
The iron core 280 is biased in the protruding direction (downward in FIG. 7) by a spring (not shown).

Therefore, when the second electromagnetic actuator 266 is excited, the iron core 280 is attracted and moved upward in FIG. 7, the third swing lever 270 is rotated counterclockwise, and the deflecting body 262 is the common passage 170. And is located substantially across the common passage 170.
When the coin C is inserted in this state, the coin C collides with the deflecting body 262, the lateral movement inertial force disappears, and falls on the rolling start guide rail 148 by its own weight.
When the second electromagnetic actuator 266 is demagnetized, the iron core 280 is moved downward in FIG. 7 by a spring (not shown) to be in the state of FIG.
As a result, the third swing lever 270 is rotated in the clockwise direction, and the deflecting body 262 is withdrawn from the common passage 170 and positioned outside the common passage 170 (states of FIGS. 7 and 8).
At this time, as will be described later, since the blocking piece 288 as the insertion blocking means 126 advances into the common passage 170 adjacent to the insertion slot 102, the coin C, the IC coin IC, and the IC card CD cannot be inserted.

A second stopper 224 as an IC coin non-operating means 222 is formed to protrude from the back side of the inclined portion 274.
When the deflecting body 262 of the third swing lever 270 is withdrawn from the common passage 170, the second stopper 224 advances into the rotation path of the locking portion 226 formed integrally with the swing lever 180, and Stop movement.
When the deflecting body 262 travels to the common passage 170, the second stopper 224 retreats from the rotation path of the locking portion 226, so that the swing lever 180 can be rotated for return.

Next, the IC coin holding means 124 will be described.
The IC coin holding means 124 has a function of holding the IC coin IC at a holding position HPN suitable for reading / writing by the reading / writing means 128 in the IC coin path 104 when the IC coin IC is inserted.
Therefore, the IC coin holding means 124 can be changed to another device having the same function.
In this embodiment, the IC coin holding means 124 is a recess 282 formed by the IC coin guide rail 162 and the upward passage 106B.
The IC coin IC that has rolled on the IC coin guide rail 162 has its rolling inertia force disappeared in the upward guide rail 162C, and rests in a recess 282 constituted by these guide rails.

Next, the insertion preventing means 126 will be described.
The insertion preventing means 126 has a function of preventing the coin C, the IC coin IC, and the IC card CD from being inserted into the common insertion slot 102 when the IC coin IC or the IC card CD is held at the holding position HPN or HPD. .
Therefore, the insertion preventing means 126 can be changed to another device having the same function.
The insertion prevention means 126 includes a value medium insertion prevention means 283 for the coin C and IC coin IC and IC card CD, and a coin prevention means 306 for the IC coin IC and coin C.

First, the value medium input preventing means 283 will be described with reference to FIG.
A spring 286 that elastically biases the L-shaped lever 284 and the L-shaped lever 284 supported coaxially with the fixed shaft 268 that is the support shaft of the third swinging lever 270 in the clockwise direction in FIG. Contains.
The tip of the L-shaped lever 284 is a blocking piece 288.
The blocking piece 288 can advance and retreat so as to cross the common passage 170 at a position close to the front panel 136 behind the coin insertion slot 138.
Therefore, the deflecting body 262 and the blocking piece 288 move back and forth in the common passage 170 in opposite phases by the swing of the third swing lever 270.
More specifically, when the deflector 262 is located in the common passage 170, the blocking piece 288 is withdrawn from the common passage 170.
When the deflecting body 262 is withdrawn from the common passage 170, the blocking piece 288 crosses the common passage 170 facing the coin insertion slot 138.
Therefore, when the blocking piece 288 is positioned in the common passage 170, the coin C, the IC coin IC, and the IC card CD cannot be inserted into the common insertion slot 102.

  On the other hand, when the IC card CD is positioned in the IC card path 112, the blocking piece 288 is blocked by the IC card CD and cannot advance to the common path 170, but the L-shaped lever 284 is fixed to the third swinging lever 270. Since it can rotate elastically with 268 as a support shaft, it is possible to perform a retreating motion and no problem occurs.

Next, the coin blocking means 306 will be described with reference to FIG.
The coin blocking means 306 is a hook-shaped coin blocking body 308 formed at the upper end of the driven lever 204.
When the driven part 206 is positioned in the IC card path 112, the coin blocking body 308 is moved to a position where it is retracted from the common path 170 opposite to the coin slot 138 (shown by a solid line in FIG. 12 (A)). When 206 is pushed out of the IC card path 112, it advances into the common path 170 through the opening of the side wall 310 on the opposite side of the IC card path 112 (shown by a chain line in FIG. 12 (A)).
Therefore, when the coin blocker 308 is positioned in the common passage 170, the coin C and the IC coin IC cannot be inserted into the coin slot 138 by the coin blocker 308.

Next, the reading / writing means 128 will be described with reference to FIG.
The reading / writing means 128 has a function of reading and / or writing value information by communication from the IC chip TP of the IC coin IC or IC card CD held at the holding positions HPN and HPD.
Therefore, the reading / writing means 128 can be changed to another device having the same function.
In this embodiment, the read / write means 128 is a communication board 310 that is fixed to the base 144 and has an IC and an antenna having a communication function.

Next, the value medium transport means 132 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The transport means 132 transports the IC card CD inserted in the IC card passage 112 to the holding position HPD suitable for the processing of the reading / writing means 128, and moves the IC card CD from the holding position HPD to the IC card insertion slot 140. , A function of projecting a part of the IC card slot 140 from the IC card slot 140 and transferring the IC card CD located at the holding position HPD to the collection passage 349, and the IC coin IC located at the holding position HPN to the storage passage 244IC. It has a function of conveying and sending it into the return passage 313.
Therefore, the conveying means 132 can be changed to another apparatus having a similar function different from the embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the conveying means 132 includes a belt 322, pulleys 324 and 326, a roller 328, an electric motor 332, and a speed reducer 334.
As shown in FIG. 14, a lateral channel-shaped bracket 336 is rotatably attached to a vertical shaft 338 at the rear end of the base 144.
A reduction gear 334 is fixed to the lower surface of the rear end portion of the lower flange 342 of the bracket 336 and is driven by an electric motor 332 fixed to the reduction gear 334.

The drive pulley 324 is fixed in a horizontal state at the tip of the output shaft 345 protruding into the channel groove 344 of the speed reducer 334.
A support shaft 348 having a lower end fixed to the lower flange 342 of the bracket 336 on the common insertion port 102 side is disposed in the channel groove 344.
A driven pulley 326 is rotatably attached to the upper end portion of the support shaft 348.
The upper end portion of the second support shaft 350 is fixed on the flange 346 of the bracket 3 36, the roller 328 is rotatably mounted on the lower end.
A press roller 351 is rotatably disposed in the opening of the base 144 opposed to the roller 328 (see FIG. 7) so that the IC card CD or the IC coin IC is sandwiched between the peripheral surfaces as described later.
This is because the IC card CD or the IC coin IC can pass between them smoothly.
A belt 322 is wound around the pulleys 324 and 326 with a predetermined tension.
The belt 322 may be a round belt, a flat belt, or the like, but in this embodiment, a flat belt is used to prevent slippage with the IC card CD.
The belt 322 and the roller 328 are opposed to the IC coin path 112.

The roller 328 is disposed to face the side surface of the upper end portion of the IC coin IC.
The distance between the belt surface of the pulleys 324 and 326 and the roller 328 and the side surface 152 of the base 144 is set smaller than the thickness of the IC card CD.
An idle gear 354 is rotatably supported on a vertical shaft 352 whose ends are supported by the upper flange 346 and the lower flange 342 of the bracket 336.
The idle gear 354 meshes with a gear 356 formed integrally with the pulley 326 and a gear 358 formed integrally with the roller 328.
Further, a small-diameter guide roller 359 is disposed so as to face the IC card path 112 upstream of the pulley 394.
The guide roller 359 is rotatably supported on a shaft (not shown) that is suspended from the lower flange 342.
The IC card CD traveling away from the side surface 152 of the base 144 is guided between the belt 322 and the side surface 152 by the guide roller 359.

When the IC medium detecting means 114 detects the IC card CD, in other words, when the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 simultaneously detect the value medium, the motor 332 is activated and the belt 322 and the roller 328 are connected to the IC card. It is rotated in the direction of loading the CD.
When the IC card CD is sandwiched between the belt 322 and the roller 328 and the side surface 152 of the base 144, the IC card CD is conveyed to the left in FIG. 6, and the mechanical sensor 360 described later detects the IC card CD. The motor 332 is stopped and the IC card CD is held at the holding position HPD.
Further, when the motor 332 is rotated in the same direction, the IC card CD is sent to the opposite side of the common insertion slot 102 and sent to the collection passage 349.

The conveying means 132 may be a flat belt arranged in parallel with the belt 322 instead of the roller 328.
However, since the holding force of the IC card CD is large, it takes a lot of collection space. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange a belt on the lower side and a roller on the upper side as in the embodiment.
The bracket 336 can be rotated 180 degrees backward from the operating position shown in FIG. 7 with the vertical shaft 338 as a fulcrum.
This is because when attaching to a game machine or the like, the width of the value medium processing device 100 is narrowed so that it can be easily attached to the game machine or the like.

Next, the mechanical sensor 360 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When a mechanical sensor is employed, there is an advantage that the degree of safety against fraud is improved.
The mechanical sensor 360 is such that the IC card CD is located at a predetermined position of the IC card passage 112, specifically, at a holding position HPD suitable for reading / writing by the reading / writing means 128, and the IC card CD and the IC coin. It has a function of detecting that the IC has passed through the mechanical sensor 360.
The mechanical sensor 360 includes a contact piece 362, a contact piece sensor 363, and a biasing means 368.

The contact piece 362 is disposed so as to be swingable around the vertical axis in a triangular opening 372 formed in the base 144 opposite to the middle of the belt 322 in the longitudinal direction of the IC card passage 112.
A shaft protruding from the upper and lower ends of the contact piece 362 on the common insertion port 102 side is rotatably supported by bearings 374 and 376 on the back surface of the base 144.
The contact piece 362 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 10 by a spring 378 as the urging means 368.
When the IC card CD or the IC coin IC does not exist at the relative position of the IC card path 112, the contact piece 362 protrudes into the IC coin path 112 and contacts the belt 322.
When the contact piece 362 is pushed by the IC card CD or the IC coin IC, the contact piece 362 is rotated clockwise in FIG.
The end surface of the contact piece 362 on the side opposite to the common slot 102 is formed as a downward slope, and serves as a barrier 365 against the return movement of the IC card CD and the IC coin IC.
In other words, the barrier 365 becomes an obstacle to the IC coin IC and the IC card CD and does not move back.

The contact piece sensor 363 includes an action piece 364 and a sensor 366.
The action piece 364 extends in the lateral direction from the back surface of the contact piece 362.
As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 366 is fixed to a bracket 380 fixed to the back surface of the base 144, and detects the action piece 364.
Specifically, the sensor 366 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor, and when the contact piece 362 is positioned in the IC coin path 112, the action piece 364 does not block the projection light of the sensor 366.
When the contact piece 362 leaves the IC coin passage 112, the action piece 364 blocks the projection light, and the sensor 366 outputs a detection signal.
As described above, by using the mechanical sensor 360 as the sensor of the IC card CD, fraud by the infrared irradiator cannot be performed.
Further, when the IC card CD passes to the collection passage 349 side, the contact piece 362 is located in the IC card passage 112, so that the movement of the IC card CD is blocked by the barrier 365 and is not pulled back.

The mechanical sensor 360 preferably further includes auxiliary pushing means 384.
The auxiliary pushing means 384 has a function of pushing the IC card CD and the IC coin IC against the contact piece 362.
Therefore, the auxiliary pushing means 384 can be changed to another device having the same function.
In this embodiment, the auxiliary pushing means 384 is a pushing roller 386 that pushes the belt 322 toward the contact piece 362 at a position facing the rear end of the contact piece 362.
One end of the push roller 386 is rotatably attached to the tip of a lever 388 that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft 387, and the peripheral surface thereof is applied to the back surface of the belt 322.
The fixed shaft 387 is a cantilever shaft that is suspended from the lower flange 342 of the bracket 336.
The lever 388 is given a clockwise rotational force in FIG. 10 by a spring (not shown).
Thus, when the IC card CD or the IC coin IC is present, the contact piece 362 is reliably pushed out of the passage 112 because it is pressed against the contact piece 362 by the push roller 386 via the belt 322.

When the IC coin IC is located at the holding position HPN, a part of the IC coin IC is sandwiched between the belt 322 and the side surface 152.
This is because, IC coin IC rolling on the upper gas Idoreru 150 fit between the belt 322 and the side surface 152 with its inertia force.
When the value information read from the inserted IC coin IC, or the value information after subtraction from the read value information becomes zero, an IC coin IC collection command is output.
In response to the IC coin IC collection command, the electric motor 332 is rotated forward, and the IC coin IC is conveyed to the opposite side to the common insertion slot 102 by the belt 322 and the roller 328.
At this time, the lower end of the IC coin IC is formed continuously with the upward guide rail 162C, extends horizontally in the IC coin passage 112, and is guided by the IC coin transport guide rail 389 formed horizontally on the side surface of the base 144. .

When the IC coin IC faces the contact piece 362, the contact piece 362 is pushed out of the IC coin passage 112, and the sensor 366 outputs a detection signal.
Thereafter, when the IC coin IC passes through the contact piece 362, the contact piece 362 projects into the IC coin passage 112 by the biasing force of the spring 398, and the sensor 366 outputs a passage signal.
By this passage signal, the power supply to the electric motor 322 is stopped after a predetermined time.
During this predetermined time, the IC coin IC is further conveyed to the opposite side with respect to the common insertion slot 102.
As a result, the IC coin IC is opposed to the storage opening 390 formed in the base 144, so the IC coin IC is pushed out to the storage opening 390 by the belt 322, falls into the storage passage 244IC, and is stored in a storage safe (not shown). Deferred.

When the IC coin IC is returned, power supply to the electric motor 322 is stopped immediately after the sensor 366 outputs a passage signal, and conveyance by the belt 322 is stopped in a state where the IC coin IC is sandwiched between the belts 322.
Next, the electric motor 322 is reversed, and the IC coin IC is moved toward the common insertion slot 102 by the belt 322.
At this time, since the contact piece 362 protrudes into the passage 112, the IC coin IC is guided downward by the downward slope of the barrier 365 and released from being pinched by the belt 322.
As a result, the IC coin IC falls into the return passage 313 by its own weight, and is returned to the return port 172 through the return passage 313.

Next, the ejecting means 391 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ejecting means 391 has a function of ejecting the IC card CD transported toward the recovery passage 349 by the transport means 132 and reliably sending it out to the recovery passage 349.
Therefore, it can be changed to another device having the same function.
In this embodiment, the ejecting means 391 is a rod body 392 made of an elastic body, and is fixed to the output shaft 345 in a horizontal state above the pulley 324.
The rod body 392 is formed to have a length that protrudes outside the outer periphery of the pulley 324, and rotates across the IC card path 112.
As a result, the rear end of the IC card CD is bounced by the rod body 392 and falls into the collection passage 349.

Note that it is preferable to dispose the thread suspension preventing means 404 in the storage passage 244C.
The yarn suspension preventing means 404 of the present embodiment is a fan-shaped blocking body 410 that is swingably attached to the shaft 408.
Usually, a portion of the blocking body 410 is suspended by gravity due to protruding into the storage passage 244C. When the genuine coin C passes, it is moved by the coin C, and the coin C can pass.
After the coin C has passed, the blocker 410 returns.
Therefore, even if it tries to pull up the coin C suspended from the thread, it is blocked by the blocking body 410 and cannot be pulled up.
It is preferable to attach a display 330 for displaying value information stored in the IC chip TP of the IC coin IC or IC card CD to the front cover 132.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, a case where the coin C is inserted will be described.
When the present value medium processing apparatus 100 is not in a standby state, the second electromagnetic actuator 266 of the deflecting means 122 is demagnetized, and the iron core 280 is moved downward by a spring (not shown) in FIG. Thus, the third swing lever 270 is rotated clockwise and is located at the most clockwise position (the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8).
As a result, the deflecting body 262 is held at a position where it has left the common passage 170.
On the other hand, the blocking piece 288 moved to the opposite phase has advanced into the common passage 170 close to the common inlet 102.
Therefore, the coin C, the IC coin IC, and the IC card CD cannot be inserted into the common insertion slot 102.

When the value medium processing apparatus 100 is set in the standby state, the second electromagnetic actuator 266 is excited, the iron core 280 is pulled up in FIG. 7, and the third swing lever 270 is rotated counterclockwise via the link 278. Is done.
As a result, the deflecting body 262 advances into the common passage 170, and the blocking piece 288 exits from the common passage 170.
Therefore, it is possible to insert value media into the coin slot 138 and the IC card slot 140, respectively.
The first electromagnetic actuator 248 of the coin allocating means 130 is demagnetized, and the iron core 260 is moved rightward in FIG. 4 by a spring (not shown). Is rotated in the most clockwise direction and is held in the vertical state (the state shown in FIG. 4).
Thus, the sorting member 246 is held in the return position CP (solid line position in FIG. 6).

Coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 138 collides with the vertical part 272 of the deflecting body 262, and after the inertial force in the lateral direction disappears, it falls downward due to gravity and starts rolling. Fall on 148.
Since the coin C has a small diameter, the optical axes of the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 are not cut off at the same time, so the second electromagnetic actuator 266 remains excited.
The coin C falling on the rolling surface 168 rolls while being accelerated by the arc surface, and then rolls on the guide rail 150.
In the process of rolling on the guide rail 150, the coin C is sequentially opposed to the sensor bodies 236, 234, 232, and identification information regarding the material, thickness, and diameter of the coin C is collected.

The discriminating means 118 discriminates the authenticity of the coin C from these identification information.
Since this case is a true coin, it is determined as a true coin, and the first electromagnetic actuator 248 is excited for a predetermined time.
Due to this excitation, the iron core 260 is pulled rightward in FIG. 4, so that the second swing lever 254 is rotated counterclockwise.
Thereby, the distribution body 246 is moved to the holding position SP.
The coin C dropped from the guide rail 150 falls onto the sorting body 246, and with its inertial force, it rebounds to the left in FIG. 6 and is guided to the storage passage 244C.
The coin C that has fallen into the storage passage 244C passes through the blocking body 410 by turning it clockwise in FIG. 6, and is held in a holding safe (not shown).
Even if an attempt is made to pull up the held coin C by the thread suspension, it is blocked by the blocking body 410 as described above and cannot be pulled up.

Next, a case where a false coin is inserted in the standby state will be described.
The false coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 138 roll on the guide rail 150 of the coin path 104 as described above.
Since the determination device 118 outputs a false signal based on the identification information from the sensor bodies 236, 234, 232, the first electromagnetic actuator 248 is not excited.
As a result, the sorting body 246 maintains the return position CP, so that the false coin collides with the sorting body 242 and rebounds in the reverse direction, is guided to the return path 190, and returned to the return port 172.

Next, a case where the IC coin IC is inserted into the coin slot 138 will be described.
The IC coin IC rolls on the IC coin guide rail 162 and moves in the IC coin passage 106 from right to left in FIG.
Since the projection light of the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 is blocked during rolling, the detection means 118 detects it as an electrical value information storage medium.
As a result, the second electromagnetic actuator 266 is demagnetized and the iron core 280 is moved downward in FIG. 7, so that the third swing lever 270 is rotated clockwise, and the deflector 262 is withdrawn from the common passage 170. At the same time, the blocking piece 288 advances into the common passage 170, and the coin C, the IC coin IC, and the IC card CD cannot be inserted (the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8).
Further, since the second stopper 224 protrudes in the rotation path of the locking portion 226, the return lever 174 cannot be rotated.

The IC coin IC rolls on the IC coin guide rail 162 and reaches the rear upward guide rail 162C due to the withdrawal of the deflecting body 262 from the common passage 170, but with the belt 322 and the roller 328 due to the rolling inertia force It fits into the gap with the side 152 and becomes stationary.
This position is the holding position HPN of the IC coin IC.
After the IC coin IC is held at the holding position HPN, the reading / writing means 128 communicates with the IC chip TP built in the IC coin IC, and reads or writes the value information.
When the IC coin IC is held at the holding position HPN, the return lever 174 cannot be rotated as described above, so the return cover 146 is not rotated while the IC coin IC is being read / written. .
As a result, the information on the IC chip TP can be prevented from being rewritten illegally, and the IC coin IC can be moved during the reading or writing process of the IC chip TP to prevent an abnormality in the reading or writing process.

When the value information of the IC coin IC becomes zero, the electric motor 332 is rotated forward, and the belt 322 of the transport device 132 travels toward the collection passage 349.
Thus, the lower end of the IC coin IC is guided by the IC coin conveyance guide rail 389 and is moved in the same direction by the belt 322 and the roller 326.
In the course of this movement, the IC coin IC pushes the contact piece 362 out of the IC card path 112, so that the action piece 364 that moves integrally blocks the light projection of the sensor 366.
Thereafter, when the IC coin IC passes through the contact piece 362, the contact piece 362 projects into the IC card path 112 by the biasing force of the spring 398.
Since the action piece 364 also moves together with this, the sensor 366 receives light again, and indirectly detects that the IC coin IC has passed by this light reception.

Based on the passage detection signal of the IC coin IC, the power supply to the electric motor 332 is stopped after a predetermined time.
As a result, the IC coin IC is further conveyed toward the anti-common insertion slot 102, pushed out by the belt 322 relative to the storage opening 390, falls into the storage passage 244IC, and is stored in the storage safe.

When the value information of the IC coin IC remains, the electric motor 332 is rotated forward as described above, and the belt 322 of the transport device 132 travels toward the collection passage 349.
Thereafter, the power supply to the electric motor 332 is stopped based on the IC coin IC passage detection signal from the sensor 366, and the IC coin IC is stopped while being sandwiched by the belt 322.
Next, the electric motor 332 is reversed, and the belt 322 advances toward the common insertion port 102 side.
As a result, the IC coin IC is moved toward the common insertion slot 102 side, but is guided by the downward slope of the barrier 365 of the contact piece 362 and moves downward, and finally is not pinched by the belt 322. It falls to 313 and is returned to the return port 172 through the return passage 313.

Next, a case where the IC card CD is inserted in the standby state will be described.
When the IC card CD is inserted into the IC card insertion slot 140, the IC card CD pushes the driven portion 206 in the IC card passage 112, and pushes the driven portion 206 out of the IC card passage 112.
Accordingly, the driven lever 204 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 12A, and the blocking piece 308 protrudes into the coin passage 104 (the position indicated by the chain line in FIG. 12A).
As a result, the coin C or the IC coin IC cannot be inserted into the coin slot 138.
Further, since the stopper 208 integral with the driven lever 204 protrudes in the movement path of the lower end portion 213 of the return lever 174, the return lever 174 cannot be rotated (FIG. 13).
In other words, when the IC card CD is inserted into the IC card insertion slot 140, the coin C and the IC coin IC cannot be inserted into the coin insertion slot 138, and the return cover 146 is not rotated around the shaft 156 as a fulcrum. .

Further, the advance / retreat piece 194 advances on the extension of the lower edge of the IC card slot 140 to guide the lower edge of the IC card CD.
As a result, the IC card CD is guided in a substantially lateral (horizontal) direction and travels through the IC card path 112.
In the course of this progress, the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198 detect the IC card CD.
The electric motor 332 is rotated based on the detection signals of the first sensor 196 and the second sensor 198, the drive pulley 324 is rotated via the speed reducer 334, and the belt 322 takes in the IC card CD (left direction in FIG. 6). ).
As a result, the pulley 326 is rotated via the belt 322, and the roller 328 is also rotated in the same direction via the gears 356, 354, and 358.
Further, the rotation of the output shaft 345 causes the rod body 392 to rotate along a path crossing the IC coin path 112.

The IC card CD is guided at the lower end by the upper surface of the advancing / retracting piece 194, sandwiched between the belt 322 and the roller 328 and the side surface 112, and positively conveyed in a direction away from the card slot 140 by the conveying means 124.
In this process, the IC card CD contacts the contact piece 362 and pushes the contact piece 362 out of the IC card path 112.
As a result, the action piece 364 integrated with the contact piece 362 blocks the projection light of the sensor 366, so that the sensor 366 outputs a detection signal.

The power supply to the electric motor 332 is stopped by this detection signal, in other words, the conveyance of the IC card CD is stopped.
Due to the stop of the motor 332, the IC card CD stops at the position immediately after the tip of the IC card CD moves the contact piece 362, and is held at the holding position HPD.
This holding position HPD is a position where the rear end of the IC card CD has slightly advanced from the IC card insertion slot 140 to the IC card passage 112.
Thus, when the IC card CD is located at the holding position HPD, the customer cannot touch the IC card CD.

At the holding position HPD, the reading / writing means 128 reads the value information stored in the IC chip TP of the IC card CD by wireless communication, and then performs a predetermined process to store new information in the IC chip TP.
For example, value information obtained by subtracting value information 100 necessary for one game play from the read value information is newly stored in the IC chip TP.
Note that it is preferable to display the read information of the IC chip TP and the newly written information on the display device 330 in order to inform the customer.
Furthermore, it is preferable that a sound effect that is generated when a coin is dropped with this display is generated from a speaker.
This is because the customer can visually and / or auditorily recognize that the predetermined processing has been performed.

If the new value information is not zero, after writing the new value information, the electric motor 332 is reversed.
As a result, the IC card CD is moved toward the IC card slot 140 by the belt 322 and the roller 328.
When the IC card CD deviates from the relative position to the contact piece 362 by this movement, the contact piece 362 advances to the IC coin path 112, so that the action piece 364 does not block the transmitted light of the sensor 366.
Power supply to the electric motor 332 is stopped after a predetermined time from when the sensor 366 receives light.
By the conveyance for the predetermined time, the IC card CD is returned to the position where the belt 322 and the roller 328 are released.
As a result, the IC card CD is sent out to the position where the rear end protrudes from the IC coin insertion slot 140, and the customer can grasp and pull out the rear end of the IC card CD.

When the new value information is zero, the electric motor 332 is rotated forward, further draws the IC card CD into the IC coin path 112, and conveys it toward the collection path 349.
When the rear end of the IC card CD is disengaged from the contact piece 362, the contact piece 362 does not block the projection light, so that the electric motor 332 stops supplying power a predetermined time after the sensor 366 receives light.
During the transportation by the transportation means 124 for the predetermined time, the rear end of the IC card CD passes through the belt 322, so that the belt 322 and the side surface 152 are released from being sandwiched. Be played.
As a result, the IC card CD falls into the collection passage 349 and is collected.
The contact piece 362 is projected into the IC coin passage 112 by the spring 378 after the rear end of the IC card CD has passed.
Even if an attempt is made to pull back the IC card by pulling the string tied to the IC card CD, it cannot be pulled back because the barrier 365 of the contact piece 362 acts as a stopper.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a value medium processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the value medium processing apparatus of the embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged explanatory view of the insertion preventing means. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. 12 is a rear view of the coin blocking means. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG.

IC IC coin
CD IC card
102 Common slot
104 Coin passage
106 IC coin passage
112 IC card passage
114 IC medium detection means
118 Discrimination means
126 insertion inhibiting means
128 Read / write means
132 Transport means
138 coin slot
140 IC card-throw entrance
170 Common passage
206 Driven part
288 blocking pieces
308 Coin blocker
362 contact piece
363 Contact piece sensor
364 action pieces

Claims (1)

In a value medium processing apparatus that processes information stored in an IC coin (IC) and an IC card (CD) and collects it in a predetermined case.
A common slot (102) formed by overlapping a part of the slot (138) of the IC coin and the slot (140) of the IC card,
An IC coin passage (106) inclined downward for IC coin formed following the common insertion slot and an IC card passage (112) formed overlapping the IC coin passage following the common insertion slot Common passage (170),
Read / write means common to the IC coin and IC card arranged in the vicinity of the common path (128),
Common transport means (132) for moving the IC coin or the IC card located in the common passage at least in the taking-in direction;
A value medium processing apparatus comprising: