JP2011107980A - Paper money conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce energy costs required for conveyance, and to reduce the occurrence frequency of any failure due to early deterioration caused when the use time of driving parts accumulates. <P>SOLUTION: A paper money conveyance system 1 is configured to convey paper money 2 input from one or more input parts 3a in a conveyance line 3, The paper money conveyance system 1 is provided with: a plurality of conveyance unit devices 6 configured to convey paper money 2 in a temporary stoppable state, and to form a conveyance line 3 by connecting the upstream side and downstream side of the conveyance direction between the adjacent devices 6 and 6; a safe device 4 arranged at the downstream side termination position of the conveyance line 3 for storing the paper money 2 conveyed by the conveyance line 3; and a conveyance controller 5 for acquiring the position information of the paper money 2 in the conveyance line 3, and for making each conveyance unit device 6 perform the conveying operation and the temporary stop operation so that the storage space of the paper money 2 in the conveyance line 3 is filled up. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a banknote transport system that transports banknotes to a safe.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 6, a transport line for transporting banknotes to a safe is integrally formed by a transport member such as a belt to connect each banknote to a safe. Then, by operating the entire conveying line to move in the conveying direction by driving the conveying member, the banknote is sent to the safe even if it is inserted into the conveying line from any part.

Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-62054 Publication No. 5-123449 Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-131064 Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-270687 Publication No. 6-40589 Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 6-115753

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, since the entire conveyance line is activated, even a portion unnecessary for conveyance of banknotes is activated, so that wasteful energy costs are required for conveyance, There is a problem that failure is likely to occur due to early deterioration due to accumulation of usage time of the driving parts.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote transport system that can reduce the energy cost required for transport, and can reduce the frequency of failure due to early deterioration due to accumulation of drive component usage time. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a banknote transport system for transporting banknotes inserted from one or more input sections in a transport line, and transports the banknotes so that they can be temporarily stopped. A plurality of transport unit devices that form the transport line by connecting the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction to each other between the devices, and the downstream end position of the transport line, A safe apparatus that stores the conveyed banknotes, acquires position information of the banknotes in the transport line, and transports and pauses each transport unit so that the storage space for the banknotes in the transport line is filled. A conveyance control device that performs the operation.

  According to said structure, when a banknote is thrown into a conveyance line from one or more insertion parts, a conveyance operation and a pause operation are performed for every conveyance unit apparatus which forms a conveyance line, A conveyance line While being controlled by the transport control device so as to fill the storage space for banknotes, the bill is transported to a safe device arranged at the end of the transport line. Thereby, compared with the case where the whole conveyance line was operated and the banknote was conveyed to the safe apparatus like the past, it becomes possible to operate only the part required for conveyance per conveyance unit apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy cost required for the conveyance, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of the failure of the drive component due to the operation even to the portion unnecessary for the conveyance. Furthermore, the line length of the transport line can be easily changed by changing the number of connected transport unit devices.

  Moreover, the said conveyance unit apparatus in this invention may be made to expand / contract with respect to a conveyance direction.

  According to said structure, since a conveyance unit apparatus can be expanded / contracted with respect to a conveyance direction, since a conveyance line can be formed adjusting to the optimal unit length for every conveyance unit apparatus, a conveyance line The line length can be easily fine-tuned.

  Further, the transport control device according to the present invention can receive a command signal from the outside, and when the command signal is a forced discharge command, all the banknotes in the middle of transport in the transport line are transferred to the safe device. You may continue conveyance operation with respect to all the said conveyance unit apparatuses until it conveys.

  According to said structure, since all the banknotes in the middle of conveyance can be removed by sending out to a safe apparatus from a conveyance line, various work, such as a maintenance inspection of a conveyance line, replacement work of a conveyance unit apparatus, an expansion work, etc. Can be performed quickly.

  Further, the transport control device according to the present invention is configured such that at least one of time and time can be set from the outside, and at the timing when the set time or time is reached, all the banknotes in the middle of transport in the transport line are The transport operation may be continued for all the transport unit devices until transport to the safe device.

  According to said structure, since it can remove by sending out all the banknotes in the middle of conveyance at the time of preset time and time from a conveyance line to a safe apparatus, maintenance check of a regular conveyance line, etc. Management can be performed easily.

  Further, the present invention is a transport unit device of a banknote transport system that is incorporated in a game system for playing using a game ball of a predetermined size and transports banknotes inserted from one or more input sections in a transport line, The bill is transported so that it can be stopped temporarily, and the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction can be connected to each other between adjacent devices, and the transport mechanism for transporting the bill is disposed around the transport mechanism. And all the gaps and openings communicating from the inside to the outside on the side of the transport mechanism have a transport container formed so as to prevent the game ball from passing therethrough.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily incorporate it into various transport lines, and to prevent problems such as a malfunction of the transport mechanism and a banknote jam due to a game ball entering from the gap or opening of the transport container. be able to.

  Moreover, the said conveyance mechanism in this invention is arrange | positioned so that expansion / contraction is possible in the said conveyance direction, has a conveyance belt which moves this banknote in a conveyance direction by rotating while pressing against the said banknote, The said conveyance container Is engaged with an upstream accommodating portion that rotatably supports one end of the conveying belt in the conveying direction, and is slidably engaged in the conveying direction with respect to the upstream accommodating portion, and the other in the conveying direction of the conveying belt. You may be set as the structure which has the downstream accommodating part which supports an end rotatably.

  According to said structure, it can expand / contract easily in a conveyance direction, protecting a conveyance unit apparatus with a simple mechanism.

  Moreover, this invention is a conveyance method of the banknote conveyance system which conveys the banknote thrown in from the 1 or more insertion part in a conveyance line, Comprising: The conveyance unit apparatus which conveys the said banknote so that it can be stopped temporarily is adjacent apparatus. The transport line is formed by mutually connecting the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction, the position information of the banknote in the transport line is acquired, and the position of the transport line is determined based on the position information of the banknote. The banknotes are transported to a safe apparatus disposed at a terminal position on the downstream side of the transport line while performing a transport operation and a pause operation for each of the transport unit devices so that the storage space for the banknotes is filled.

  According to said structure, when a banknote is thrown into a conveyance line from one or more insertion parts, a conveyance operation and a pause operation are performed for every conveyance unit apparatus which forms a conveyance line, A conveyance line While being controlled by the transport control device so as to fill the storage space for banknotes, the bill is transported to a safe device arranged at the end of the transport line. Thereby, compared with the case where the whole conveyance line was operated and the banknote was conveyed to the safe apparatus like the past, it becomes possible to operate only the part required for conveyance per conveyance unit apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy cost required for the conveyance, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of the failure of the drive component due to the operation even to the portion unnecessary for the conveyance. Furthermore, the line length of the transport line can be easily changed by changing the number of connected transport unit devices.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to reduce the energy cost required for conveyance, the banknote conveyance system which can reduce the occurrence frequency of failure of a drive component can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing of a banknote conveyance system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external force structure of a conveyance line. It is a figure which shows the external structure of a conveying apparatus, (a) is the figure seen from the upper surface, (b) is the figure seen from the front. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a conveying apparatus, (a) is the figure seen from the upper surface, (b) is the figure seen from the front. It is a figure which shows the end surface of a conveying apparatus, (a) is the figure seen from the side, (b) is the figure of the principal part seen from the front. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and contracted the conveying apparatus. It is a top view of a confluence apparatus. It is a front view of a confluence apparatus. It is a top view of a confluence apparatus. It is a rear view of a confluence apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the components arrangement | positioning of a sending drive mechanism. It is a block diagram of the banknote conveyance system centering on a conveyance unit apparatus. It is a block diagram of the banknote conveyance system centering on a conveyance control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of a warehousing table. It is explanatory drawing of a safe management table. It is explanatory drawing of a conveyance management table. It is explanatory drawing of a conveyance management table. It is explanatory drawing of a conveyance management table. It is explanatory drawing of a display screen. It is explanatory drawing of a display screen. It is a flowchart of a safe side main routine. It is a flowchart of a unit state acquisition routine. It is a flowchart of a denomination management routine. It is a flowchart of a conveyance management routine. It is a flowchart of a conveyance operation routine. It is a flowchart of a management table update routine. It is a flowchart of a sand storage management routine. It is a flowchart of a forced discharge routine. It is a flowchart of a timer discharge routine. It is a flowchart of a full routine. It is a flowchart of an abnormality monitoring routine. It is a flowchart of a screen display routine. It is a flowchart of a conveyance routine.

(Bill transport system)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
The bill transport system has a transport function that transports bills inserted into the transport line to a safe device so that the bill can be temporarily stopped, and a storage function that uses the storage space of the transport line as a storage location for bills based on the position information of the bills being transported. It has the composition which has.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the banknote transport system 1 has one or more input sections 272 for banknotes 2, and a transport line 3 for transporting banknotes 2 inserted from these input sections 272, Manage and control the transport operation of the banknote 2 in the banknote transport system 1 so that the banknote transport system 1 is provided with a transport function and a storage function in the safe apparatus 4 disposed at the downstream end position in the transport direction in the transport line 3. And a conveyance control device 5 that performs the above operation. The banknote transport system 1 is provided on all islands 13 in the hall, and data communication is possible with a management server 14 that manages the operating state of all banknote transport systems 1 and a hall computer 15 that manages the entire hall. It is connected to the.

  The island 13 is an aggregate of the bill insertion device 11 (sand device) and the gaming machine 12. The island 13 is a combination of the peninsula 11 and the gaming machine 12 so that the back sides of the peninsulas arranged in the same direction are opposed to each other, and a work space is provided on the inner peripheral side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the island 13 may be a peninsula or may be configured by combining peninsulas in an arbitrary direction. In the work space of the island 13, the transfer line 3 is arranged. The bill insertion device 11 has a function of identifying the bill 2 and taking in only the genuine bill 2 and a function of lending out game media such as a number of game balls and medals according to the amount of the bill 2. The gaming machine 12 can be exemplified by a pachinko device or a pachislot device that plays using a game medium, but includes all models that play using a game medium.

  The conveyance line 3 is disposed along the back side of the bill insertion device 11 and the gaming machine 12. The transport line 3 is formed by a transport direction changing device 9 that connects a plurality of transport unit devices 6 in series and is arranged at a site where the peninsula and the peninsula are folded back and changes the transport direction of the banknote 2. . The transport unit device 6 includes a transport device 7 that transports the banknote 2 so that it can be temporarily stopped, and a junction device 8 that is detachably connected to the transport device 7. The merging apparatus 8 has a function of taking in the banknotes 2 inserted via the banknote insertion apparatus 11 and sending them out to the transport apparatus 7, and a function of taking in the banknotes 2 carried out from the upstream transport unit apparatus 6 and sending them out to the transport apparatus 7. And have. Details of the conveying device 7 and the merging device 8 will be described later.

  The safe apparatus 4 connected to the transport line 3 includes a banknote storage unit that sequentially stores the banknotes 2 transported by the transport line 3 and a display 272 such as a liquid crystal panel. A transport control device 5 is provided inside the safe device 4. The transport control device 5 has a safe management function for controlling the safe device 4 in addition to the system control function for realizing the transport function and the storage function described above in the banknote transport system 1. Details of the transport control device 5 will be described later.

  In this embodiment, since the transport control device 5 is built in the safe device 4, the system control function and the safe management function are shared by one control device, but the present invention is not limited to this. . That is, the transport control device 5 may be a dedicated control device that is provided outside the safe device 4 and has only a system control function.

  The banknote transport system 1 configured as described above connects the transport unit device 6 that transports the banknote 2 so that it can be temporarily stopped between the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction between the adjacent devices 6 and 6. Each of the transport unit devices so as to fill the storage space of the banknote 2 in the transport line 3 based on the step of forming the transport line 3, acquiring the position information of the banknote 2 in the transport line 3, and the position information of the banknote 2. The transport method includes a step of transporting the banknote 2 to the safe device 4 disposed at the terminal position downstream of the transport line 3 while performing the transport operation and the pause operation for every six.

  Furthermore, the banknote conveyance system 1 was formed by mutually connecting the conveyance unit apparatus 6 which conveys the banknote 2 so that suspension is possible between the upstream and downstream of a conveyance direction between the adjacent apparatuses 6 * 6. The conveyance control device 5 includes a conveyance line 3 and a conveyance control device 5. The conveyance control device 5 acquires the position information of the banknote 2 in the conveyance line 3 and the banknote in the conveyance line 3 based on the position information of the banknote 2. A step of transporting the banknote 2 to the safe device 4 disposed at the end position on the downstream side of the transport line 3 while performing the transport operation and the pause operation for each transport unit device 6 so that the storage space of 2 is filled. And a conveyance control program for executing the above.

  According to the banknote transport system 1, the transport method, and the transport control program described above, for each transport unit device 6 that forms the transport line 3 when the banknote 2 is inserted into the transport line 3 from one or more input units 272. By performing the transport operation and the temporary stop operation, the bank 2 is transported to the safe device 4 disposed at the end of the transport line 3 while being controlled to fill the storage space of the banknote 2 in the transport line 3. Thereby, since the banknote conveyance system 1, the conveyance method, and the conveyance control program can operate only the part required for conveyance by the conveyance unit apparatus 6 unit, the energy cost required for conveyance can be reduced. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of failure of the drive parts by operating even parts unnecessary for conveyance. Furthermore, the line length of the transport line 3 can be easily changed by changing the number of connected transport unit devices 6.

(Transport unit device)
The transport unit device 6 transports the banknote 2 so that it can be temporarily stopped, a drive mechanism that drives the transport mechanism, and an upstream side and a downstream side in the transport direction between adjacent transport unit devices 6 and 6. It has a unit connection mechanism to be connected and an expansion / contraction mechanism capable of expanding / contracting the conveyance length in the conveyance direction.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit device 6 is detachably connected to the transport device 7 including a transport mechanism, an expansion / contraction mechanism, and an upstream side portion of the unit connection mechanism. The merging device 8 includes a driving mechanism and a downstream side portion of the unit coupling mechanism.

(Transfer device: Transport container)
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the transport device 7 has a transport container 71 disposed around the transport mechanism. The transport container 71 is formed of a transparent material so that the inside can be visually observed. The transport container 71 is formed such that all gaps and openings prevent passage of game media such as game balls. For example, when the game medium is a game ball having a predetermined size, all the gaps and openings of the transport container 71 are formed to have a width and an opening length less than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, troubles such as a failure of the transport mechanism and a banknote jam due to a game medium such as a game ball entering from the gap or opening of the transport container 71 are prevented.

  More specifically, the transport container 71 includes a bottom cover 712, a slide cover 713, a bottom back cover 715, and a slide back cover 716.

  The bottom cover 712 is disposed on the transport upstream side, and includes a front wall on the gaming machine 12 side, an upper surface wall positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction, and a lower surface wall positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction. The bottom cover 712 is formed so that the end surface portion 75 on the upstream side of the conveyance can be connected to the junction device 8. A bottom back cover 715 is detachably provided on the back side of the bottom cover 712. The bottom back cover 715 is formed in a shape that closes the opening on the back side of the bottom cover 712. The bottom cover 712 and the bottom back cover 715 are connected via a ball chain 72. The ball chain 72 prevents the bottom back cover 715 from falling to the ground when the bottom back cover 715 is removed from the bottom cover 712. The bottom cover 712 and the bottom back cover 715 constitute an upstream accommodating portion that rotatably supports one end, which is an upstream end in the conveyance direction, of the conveyance belt 731.

  A roller cover 718 covering the roller opening is provided on the back surface of the bottom back cover 715. On the other hand, on the front surface of the bottom back cover 715, a plurality of conveyance protrusions (not shown) are extended in parallel in the conveyance direction so as to sandwich both sides of the banknote 2 with a conveyance belt 731 described later.

  Further, a slide cover 713 is disposed on the downstream side of the bottom cover 712 in the conveyance. The slide cover 713 is formed so that the end surface portion on the downstream side of the conveyance becomes the upstream side portion 76 of the unit coupling mechanism. The slide cover 713 includes a front wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall. The slide cover 713 is set to a size that covers each wall surface of the bottom cover 712 in a contact state. As shown in FIG. 6, the slide cover 713 is engaged with the bottom cover 712 so as to be slidable in the transport direction by being fitted to the bottom cover 712.

  A sensor base cover 720 is detachably provided on the upper surface wall of the slide cover 713, and a slide opening 713b is formed. A shaft end of a first intermediate roller 737, which will be described later, on which a conveyor belt 731 is stretched is movably fitted in the slide opening 713b. And the opening part 713b for a slide determines the expansion / contraction length of the conveying apparatus 7 with the length of a major axis direction. The sliding opening 713b is formed in a long hole shape having a width (short diameter) smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the long diameter direction coincides with the expansion / contraction direction as the transport direction. Note that the slide opening 713b may be covered with a cover in the case of a game medium having a different size (width, thickness, length) such as a medal. Thus, the slide opening 713b is prevented from passing game media such as game balls.

  A slide back cover 716 is detachably provided on the back side of the slide cover 713. The slide back cover 716 is a back surface of the slide cover 713 in a state where the transport device 7 has a minimum length in the transport direction, that is, in a state where the slide cover 713 is slid to the shortest position on the transport upstream side with respect to the bottom cover 712. The opening is formed to be closed with the bottom back cover 715 described above. The slide cover 713 and the slide back cover 716 are slidably engaged with the upstream accommodating portion so as to be slidable in the transport direction, and downstream of the transport belt 731 that rotatably supports the other end serving as the downstream end in the transport direction. The side accommodating part is comprised.

  A slide opening cover 719 and a roller cover 718 are provided on the back surface of the slide back cover 716. The slide opening cover 719 is in contact with the bottom back cover 715 in a state where the transport device 7 has the maximum length in the transport direction, that is, in a state where the slide cover 713 is slid to the longest position on the transport downstream side with respect to the bottom cover 712. It is formed in a shape and size that closes a gap formed between the slide back cover 716 and the slide back cover 716. Thus, the transport device 7 can be easily expanded and contracted in the transport direction while protecting the internal transport mechanism 73 from the game medium by a simple mechanism of the upstream storage section and the downstream storage section.

(Transport device: transport mechanism)
The transport container 71 houses the transport mechanism 73. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B, the transport mechanism 73 includes an annular transport belt 731 set so that the belt surface coincides with the vertical direction, A first support member 736 that rotatably supports one end of the belt 731 on the upstream side of conveyance is provided, and a second support member 735 that rotatably supports the other end of the conveyance belt 731 on the downstream side of conveyance. As for the 1st support member 736, the rotating shaft 736a protrudes outside from the upper surface wall of the bottom cover 712. A conveyance-side drive gear 74 is provided at the upper end of the rotation shaft 736a, and the conveyance-side drive gear 74 is configured to transmit a driving force for rotationally driving the conveyance belt 731 from a merging device 8 described later. ing.

  A first pressure roller 732, a second pressure roller 733, a belt support roller 734, a first intermediate roller 737, and a second intermediate roller 738 are disposed between the first support member 736 and the second support member 735. Yes. The first pressure roller 732 is disposed on the bottom back cover 715 at a predetermined distance in the transport direction, and is disposed on the slide back cover 716. A second pressure roller 733 is disposed between the first pressure roller 732 provided on the slide back cover 716 and the first pressure roller 732 on the transport downstream side provided on the bottom back cover 715. . The second pressure roller 733 is arranged in parallel in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The first pressure roller 732 and the second pressure roller 733 are pressed against the surface of the transport belt 731, and the banknote 2 is transported by sandwiching the banknote 2 with the transport belt 731.

  Further, the belt support rollers 734 are arranged at a predetermined distance on the inner peripheral side of the transport belt 731. These belt support rollers 734 support the back side of the conveyor belt 731 in the direction in which the first pressure contact roller 732 and the second pressure contact roller 733 are disposed. The first intermediate roller 737 is rotatably supported at the end of the bottom cover 712 on the downstream side of conveyance. Further, the end portion of the first intermediate roller 737 is movably fitted in the slide opening 713b.

  On the other hand, the second intermediate roller 738 is rotatably supported at the end of the slide cover 713 on the upstream side of conveyance. A conveyor belt 731 is stretched around the first intermediate roller 737 and the second intermediate roller 738. That is, the first intermediate roller 737 and the second intermediate roller 738 hold the conveyance belt 731 in a folded state. Thereby, when the slide cover 713 is expanded / contracted with respect to the bottom cover 712, the conveyance belt 731 is expanded / contracted by the expansion / contraction of the gap between the first intermediate roller 737 and the second intermediate roller 738. The state of being stretched between the first support member 736 and the second support member 735 is maintained.

(Transport device: Junction device)
As shown in FIG. 7, a merging device 8 is detachably connected to the transport device 7. The junction device 8 has a frame body 81 formed in a box shape. A bottom guide portion 81 a and the like are formed on the end surface portion on the upstream side of the frame body 81 so as to become the downstream side portion 82 of the unit coupling mechanism. On the other hand, a bottom guide portion 81b and the like are formed on an end surface portion of the frame body 81 on the downstream side of the conveyance so as to be connectable to the conveyance device 7.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a main bracket 88 having an opening inside is provided on the front surface of the frame body 81. The main bracket 88 is connectable to the end face of the banknote insertion device 11 on the banknote discharge side. Further, a bill guide member 83 is provided on the front surface of the frame body 81. The banknote guide member 83 is disposed so as to communicate with the banknote outlet of the banknote insertion device 11 through the opening of the main bracket 88.

In addition, a delivery mechanism 84 is provided inside the frame body 81. The delivery mechanism 84 is
The bill 2 is taken in from the transport device 7 on the upstream side of the transport and sent to the transport device 7 on the downstream side of the transport, and the bill 2 is taken in from the bill input device 11 on the front side and sent to the transport device 7 on the downstream side of transport. It is configured.

  More specifically, the delivery mechanism 84 includes a guide plate 842, a drive roller 841, and a drive belt 843. The guide plate 842 is disposed behind the banknote guide member 83 and is formed in a flat plate shape that covers the inside of the frame body 81 from the transport upstream side to the transport downstream side. In the guide plate 842, a bill insertion slot 842b is formed at a position below the bill guide member 83, and two roller opening holes 842a and 842a are formed. The roller opening holes 842a and 842a are arranged in parallel on the conveyance upstream side of the bill guide member 83.

  Two drive rollers 841 and 841 are provided in front of the guide plate 842. The drive rollers 841 and 841 have roller surfaces protruding rearward of the guide plate 842 through roller opening holes 842a and 842a. On the other hand, two drive belts 843 and 843 are arranged behind the guide plate 842. In addition, even if one of the two drive belts 843 and 843 is broken, the conveyance of the banknote 2 can be continued by conveying the banknote 2 only by the other. These drive belts 843 and 843 are stretched around drive pulleys 845 and 845 on the upstream side of conveyance and driven pulleys 844 and 844 on the downstream side of conveyance. The surfaces of these drive belts 843 and 843 are in contact with the roller surfaces of the drive rollers 841 and 841. The drive belts 843 and 843 are preferably timing belts in order to synchronize with the speeds of the roller surfaces of the drive rollers 841 and 841.

  The delivery mechanism 84 configured as described above sandwiches the banknote 2 delivered from the transport apparatus 7 on the upstream side of the transport and the banknote input apparatus 11 on the front side between the drive belts 843 and 843 and the drive rollers 841 and 841. Then, it is sent out to the transport device 7 on the downstream side of the transport while being guided by the guide plate 842.

  The delivery mechanism 84 is rotationally driven by a delivery drive mechanism 85 as shown in FIG. The delivery drive mechanism 85 includes a gear case 851 connected to the lower surface of the frame body 81 and a gear assembly 852 housed in the gear case 851. As shown in FIG. 11, the gear assembly 852 includes a first drive gear 8521 connected to a drive pulley 845 and 845 on which drive belts 843 and 843 are stretched via a rotation shaft 845a, a drive roller 841 and a drive roller 841. 841 has a second drive gear 8522 connected via a rotary shaft 841a, a first reduction gear 8524a meshed via an idle gear 8523a, and a motor output gear 8426 meshed with the first reduction gear 8524a. is doing.

  The motor output gear 8426 is also meshed with the second reduction gear 8524b. The second reduction gear 8524b is meshed with the third drive gear 8525 via the idle gear 8523b. The third drive gear 8525 has a rotation shaft 881 provided therethrough, and the upper end of the rotation shaft 881 is connected to a merging side drive gear 871 disposed above the frame body 81. The merging side drive gear 871 can be engaged with the conveying side driving gear 74 of the conveying device 7 when the merging device 8 and the conveying device 7 are connected.

  The delivery drive mechanism 85 obtains a driving force from the power mechanism 86. The power mechanism 86 includes a motor 862 coupled to the rotation center of the motor output gear 8426 and a motor cover 861 that houses the motor 862.

  When the motor 862 outputs a rotational driving force, the delivery drive mechanism 85 and the power mechanism 86 configured as described above are provided with a motor output gear 8426, first and second reduction gears 8524a and 8524b, and idle gears 8523a and 8523b. Accordingly, the first to third drive gears 8521, 8522, and 8525 are driven to rotate at the same speed. Then, by rotating the driving pulleys 845 and 845, the driving rollers 841 and 841, and the merging side driving gear 87 that are rotationally driven by the first to third driving gears 8521, 8522, and 8525, at the same rotational speed, The drive belts 843 and 843, the drive rollers 841 and 841 stretched around the drive pulleys 845 and 845, and the transport belt 731 of the transport device 7 on the downstream side are rotated so as to have the same transport speed. As a result, the drive belts 843 and 843 and the drive rollers 841 and 841 convey the bill 2 to the downstream side while sandwiching the banknote 2 at a synchronized speed, and send it out at a conveyance speed synchronized with the conveyance belt 731 of the downstream conveyance device 7. Is possible.

  A hand knob 872 is provided at the lower end of the rotating shaft 881. The manual knob 872 manually rotates the conveyance belt 731 of the conveyance device 7 via the merging-side drive gear 871 and allows the drive belts 843 and 843 and the drive rollers 841 and 841 to rotate.

(Transfer direction changing device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit device 6 configured as described above has a transport direction changing device 9 that can be applied to the U-shaped transport line 3 by bending both ends at 90 degrees in the same direction. It is used as. The transport direction changing device 9 is preferably formed so that the bending angle of at least one end of the transport unit device 6 can be changed. In this case, it is possible to correspond to various island shapes (shapes of the conveyance line 3). For example, when only one end of the transport unit device 6 is bent at an angle of 90 degrees, it can be applied to the L-shaped transport line 3.

(Electric configuration of transport unit device 6 and reverse guide device 9)
As shown in FIG. 12, the transport unit device 6 and the transport direction changing device 9 include a CPU board 77, a sensor board 78 connected to the CPU board 77, and a banknote sensor 79 provided on the sensor board 78. Have. The banknote sensor 79 is disposed at a distance shorter than the length of the banknote 2 in the longitudinal direction so that the banknote 2 can be detected simultaneously by at least two banknote sensors 79.

  In addition, as for the sensor space | interval of the banknote sensor 79, it is preferable that the installation number of the banknote sensors 79 is set to the minimum necessary. Therefore, for example, when the banknote 2 is 525 mm, the banknote insertion device 11 is 40 mm, and the expansion / contraction length of the transport unit device 6 is 120 mm and 150 mm, the banknote sensor 79 is the minimum length of the transport unit device 6. It is preferable that the bottom cover 712 and the slide cover 713 are evenly arranged so that the bill 2 can be detected at all times. The bill sensor 79 cannot detect the bill 2 because the sensor interval between the bottom cover 712 side and the slide cover 713 side is equal to or longer than the length of the bill 2 when the transport unit device 6 is set to the maximum length. However, in this case, it is handled by a virtual detection process in which the conveyance control device 5 manages the conveyance position based on the latest detection signal from the banknote sensor 79.

  The CPU board 77 is connected so that the operation of the motor 862 can be controlled, and is connected to the transport control device 5 so as to be able to perform data communication. The CPU board 77 transmits the detection signal of the banknote 2 detected by the banknote sensor 79 to the transport control device 5, and rotates and stops the motor 862 based on the command information of the command signal transmitted from the transport control device 5. To do.

(Safety device, transport control device)
The transport control device 5 is provided in the safe device 4. The safe apparatus 4 is configured to be incorporated into the island 13 and includes an apparatus main body and a banknote storage unit provided in the apparatus main body and capable of stacking and storing a large number of banknotes 2. . The bill storage part has a function as a safe and is detachably provided on a frame constituting the apparatus main body. Specifically, the bill storage part can be detached from the frame of the apparatus main body by pulling a handle provided on the front surface in a state where the lock mechanism is released.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the apparatus main body, a banknote transport mechanism that transports the banknote 2, an insertion detection sensor 251 that detects the banknote 2, and a banknote that is in the transport state and is disposed downstream of the insertion detection sensor 251. The bill reading detection sensor 255 that reads the information 2, the skew correction mechanism that accurately positions and conveys the bill 2 with respect to the bill reading detection sensor 255, and the movable piece that the bill 2 constitutes the skew correction mechanism Detecting the position of the movable piece passage detection sensor 252 that detects that the bill 2 has passed, the discharge detection sensor 253 that detects that the bill 2 has been discharged to the bill housing portion, and the position of the pressing plate that presses the bill 2 within the bill housing portion. A control circuit group that controls the driving of the possible pressure plate detection sensor 254 and the above-described bill conveyance mechanism, bill reading detection sensor 255, skew correction mechanism, and pressure plate detection sensor 254. Door is provided. These members constitute a part of the transport control device 5.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 214, and a reference data storage unit 216 are mounted on the control circuit board.

  In the ROM 212, operation programs of various driving devices such as a motor 261 for driving the bill conveyance mechanism, a motor 262 for driving the pressing plate, a motor 263 for the conveyance roller, and a motor 264 for driving the skew driving mechanism, Various programs such as an authenticity determination program and permanent data are stored, and the CPU 210 generates a control signal according to the program stored in the ROM 212 and communicates with the various driving devices described above via the input / output unit 220. The input / output of signals is performed in order to control the driving of various driving devices.

  Further, the CPU 210 receives detection signals from various sensors such as an insertion detection sensor 251, a movable piece passage detection sensor 252, a discharge detection sensor 253, a magnetic sensor 256, and a pressing plate detection sensor 254 via the input / output unit 220. Based on these detection signals, drive control of various drive devices is performed.

  The RAM 214 stores data and programs used when the CPU 210 operates. Details of the data and program will be described later. In the reference data storage unit 216, reference data used when determining the authenticity of the banknote, for example, various data acquired from the entire printing area of the genuine note banknote (for example, data relating to shading, infrared rays are projected onto the banknote. Data related to transmitted light and reflected light) is stored as reference data. The reference data is stored in the dedicated reference data storage unit 216, but it may be stored in the ROM 212.

  The CPU 210 is connected to a banknote reading detection sensor (for example, a line sensor) 55 via an input / output section 220. The banknote reading data read by the banknote reading detection sensor 255 is a reference data storage section. Compared with the reference data stored in 216, a denomination determination process for the banknote is executed. The authenticity determination process may be performed simultaneously with the denomination determination process.

  Further, the CPU 210 transmits banknote information to the reader / writer 265 via the input / output unit 220. That is, the CPU 210 compares the banknote reading data read by the banknote reading sensor 255 with the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 216, executes the denomination determination processing of the banknote, and drives the reader / writer 265. The banknote information is written into the storage unit 266 such as an ID tag installed in the banknote storage unit.

  Further, the CPU 210 associates the denomination information of the banknote 2 with the time information when the banknote 2 is inserted and the ID information of the apparatus main body, and stores them in the storage unit 266. The time information is generated by a timer 257 connected to the input / output unit 220. The timer 257 functions as a real time clock when the communication line is cut off or when the server is abnormal. Further, the timer 257 is synchronized in time based on time information from the management server 14 at the time of activation. The ID information can be manually set by an ID setting unit 258 connected to the input / output unit 220.

  Further, the CPU 210 is configured to transmit the same information as the banknote information written in the storage unit 266 by the reader / writer 265 to the management server 14 via the communication unit 267 in association with the unique ID information. The management server 14 is configured to manage a large number of transport lines 3. Various information such as denomination information is transmitted from each transport control device 5 together with ID information, and stores and manages the received various information.

  Further, the transport control device 5 includes an alarm 271, a display 272, and a printer 273. The alarm device 271 is provided outside the safe apparatus 4 and warns by voice or light when an abnormality occurs. The indicator 272 is visible from the outside through the window portion of the door of the safe device 4. The printer 273 is enabled when the door of the safe device 4 is opened.

  Further, the transport control device 5 includes an operation unit 51 that can be manually operated. The operation unit 51 includes a transport display switch 511, a denomination display switch 512, a carry-out switch 513, and a print switch 514. The conveyance display switch 511 is operated for the purpose of displaying the conveyance state screen of FIG. The denomination display switch 512 is operated for the purpose of displaying the denomination screen of FIG. The carry-out switch 513 is operated for the purpose of forcibly transporting the banknote 2 on the transport line 3 to the safe device 4. The print switch 514 is operated for the purpose of causing the printer 273 to print a hard copy of the screen display and various data. Further, the operation unit 51 may include a timer setting switch capable of setting time and time.

  As described above, the transport control device 5 provided in the safe device 4 stores the programs of FIGS. 21 to 32 in the RAM 214 and can be executed by the CPU 210. Thus, the transport control device 5 has a system control function for realizing the transport function and storage function in the transport line 3 by the banknote transport system 1 and a safe management function for controlling the safe device 4. The safe management function includes a function of discriminating the denomination, a function of displaying the state of transport of the banknote 2 in the banknote transport system 1 on the display 272 (FIGS. 19 and 20), and the total number and total amount of banknotes 2 stored. Etc. on the display 272 (FIG. 19).

  Further, the transport control device 5 has a forced discharge function. The forcible discharge function is a function for continuing the transport operation for all the transport unit devices 6 until all the banknotes 2 being transported in the transport line 3 are transported to the safe device 4. Thereby, since the conveyance control apparatus 5 can remove all the banknotes 2 in the middle of conveyance by sending out to the safe apparatus 4 from the conveyance line 3, the maintenance check of the conveyance line 3, and the replacement | exchange work of the conveyance unit apparatus 6, Various operations such as expansion work can be performed quickly.

  Further, the transport control device 5 has a timer forced discharge function. The timer forced discharge function enables at least one of time and time to be set from the outside, and transports all banknotes 2 being transported in the transport line 3 to the safe apparatus 4 at the set time or time. This is a function of continuing the transport operation for all the transport unit devices 6. Thereby, since the conveyance control apparatus 5 can remove all the banknotes 2 in the middle of conveyance by sending to the safe apparatus 4 from the conveyance line 3 at the time of preset time and time, a periodic conveyance line This makes it possible to easily manage the maintenance and inspection of No. 3.

(Data table: Receipt table)
Further, the transport control device 5 stores various types of data in the RAM 214 in the data table storage form shown in FIGS. The data table in FIG. 14 is a warehousing table, and has a warehousing number column, a denomination column, and a warehousing date / time column. In the warehousing number column, serial number data from “0001” to “1000” is set in advance, and is associated with the number of times that the banknote 2 is stored in the safe device 4 from the transport line 3. The denomination column stores denomination data of the banknote 2 stored in the safe apparatus 4. Examples of denomination data include the new 10,000 yen bill, the old 10,000 yen bill, the new 5,000 yen bill, the old 5,000 yen bill, the 2000 yen bill, the new thousand yen bill, and the old thousand yen bill. The The denomination data may be all denominations used in countries around the world. The warehousing date / time data is date / time data when the banknote 2 is warehousing the safe device 4.

  Thereby, for example, it is understood that the banknote 2 that has been received fourth from the reset time point is an old thousand yen bill, and was received at 20:01:17 on November 1, 2009. Each data is transmitted to the management server 14 and the hall computer 15 and used for managing the operating status of each bill transport system 1 and the whole hall.

(Data table: Receipt table)
The data table in FIG. 15 is a safe management table, and includes a management item column, a number-of-sheets column, and a total amount column. The management item column is associated with the denomination stored in the denomination column of the warehousing table. The 10,000 yen bill (new and old) data, 5,000 yen bill (new and old) data, and 2,000 yen bill Data, thousand yen bill (new and old) data, and grand total data are stored in advance.

  The number field stores the number data corresponding to the denomination of the banknote 2 received and the total number data of all denominations. The total amount column stores total amount data corresponding to the denomination of the banknote 2 received and total amount data of all denominations. Thereby, it can be seen that there are six thousand yen bills received after resetting and the total amount is 12,000 yen. Each data is transmitted to the management server 14 and the hall computer 15 and used for managing the operating status of each bill transport system 1 and the whole hall.

(Data table: Transport management table)
The data tables in FIGS. 16 to 18 are transport management tables, and include a management step field, an operation state field, a unit number field, and a safe field. In the management step field, a storage number corresponding to the maximum storage number of the safe device 4 is secured in advance. The operation state column has a sand storage state (denomination) column, a transport U storage state (denomination) column, and a transport operation column as a set, and these sets are set in association with each management step. . The unit number column and the safe column are unique numbers of the transport unit device 6 and the safe device 4 arranged from the transport upstream side to the downstream side of the transport line 3.

  The sand storage state (denomination) column and the transport U storage state (denomination) column are “10Y” as 10,000 yen bill data, “5Y” as 5,000 yen bill data, “2Y” as 2,000 yen bill data, “1Y” is stored as the thousand yen bill data. The transfer operation column stores “A” indicating A operation data and “B” indicating B operation data.

  Here, “A operation” means that the bill 2 is present in at least one of the transport unit device 6 and the bill insertion device 11 as the transport source, and the storage space for the bill 2 is stored in the own transport unit device 6 or the safe device 4. This is an operation in the case where the first condition is present, and is an operation in which the transport unit device 6 as a transport source is taken in and stored in the transport unit device 6 or the safe device 4 in preference to the bill insertion device 11. .

  The “B operation” is a second condition in which the bill 2 is present in at least one of the transport unit device 6 and the bill insertion device 11 as the transport source, and the bill 2 is present in the own transport unit device 6. After the banknote 2 of its own transport unit device 6 is sent to the transport destination transport unit device 6 and the safe device 4, the transport unit device 6 of the transport source is given priority over the bill input device 11. This is an operation of taking in and storing it in its own transport unit device 6 or safe device 4.

  More specifically, the transport management table of FIG. 16 has ten transport unit devices 6 with unit numbers 00 to 09 set, and all the transport unit devices 6 store a single banknote 2. The state of the conveyance line 3 set so as to exist is shown.

  In the management step 0 immediately after the resetting, the banknote 2 is not present in all the transport unit devices 6 and the banknote insertion devices 11. The management step 1 shows a state in which the 10,000 yen bill “10Y” has been inserted into the bill insertion device 11 with the unit number 04, and in this case, the conveyance operation column corresponding to the unit number 04 to be the own conveyance unit device 6 “A” is stored. As a result, the transport unit device 6 with unit number 04 executes the A operation so that the transport unit device 6 with unit number 04 takes in and stores the 10,000 yen bill “10Y” from the bill insertion device 11 as the transport source. become. This state is indicated by “10Y” being moved to the transport U storage state column corresponding to the unit number 04 in the management step 2.

  Further, in the management step 2, when the 10,000 yen bill “10Y” is inserted into the bill insertion device 11 of the unit number 07, since it is the same as that in the management step 1, “A” is stored and the A operation is performed. The 10,000 yen bill “10Y” of the bill insertion device 11 as the transport source is taken into the own transport unit device 6 and stored. This state is indicated by “10Y” moving to the transport U storage state column corresponding to the unit number 07 in the management step 3.

  Further, in the management step 3, when the 5,000-yen bill “5Y” is inserted into the bill insertion device 11 with the unit number 04, the 10,000 units carried into the own transport unit device 6 with the unit number 04 in the management step 2 will be described. Since the yen bill “10Y” exists, “B” is set in the transport operation column. Subsequently, in the transport unit device 6 on the transport downstream side which is the transport destination, it is determined which of the first condition “A” and the second condition “B” is satisfied. In this case, since the banknote 2 does not exist in the transport unit 6 at the transport destination, “A” is stored. As a result, in the management step 4, the 5,000 yen bill “5Y” is moved and stored in the transport unit device 6 of unit number 04, and the 10,000 yen bill “5Y” is moved to the transport unit device 6 of unit number 05. The stored state is shown.

  Furthermore, in the management step 7, a 2000 yen bill “2Y” is inserted into the bill insertion device 11 of unit number 04, and “A” is stored in unit number 08 where there is a storage space for the bill 2 on the downstream side of conveyance, A state in which “B” is stored for unit numbers 04 to 07 is shown. In each transport unit device 6, operations corresponding to “A” and “B” are executed.

  Further, the transfer management table of FIG. 17 includes five transfer unit devices 6 with unit numbers 00 to 04 set, and transfer lines set so that all the transfer unit devices 6 have two storage spaces. 3 is shown. Also in this case, the A operation and the B operation can be obtained under the same conditions as in the case of FIG. In the management step 7, “1Y1”, “2Y”, and “1Y2” are stored in the unit numbers 01, 02, and 04 in the sand storage state column. The data added to the right side of “Y” is the weighting data indicating the priority order. In the relationship between “1Y1”, “2Y” and “1Y2”, “2Y”, “1Y1” and “1Y2” It means that it is processed in order.

  In addition, the transfer management table of FIG. 18 has six transfer unit devices 6 with unit numbers 00 to 05 set, and the transfer line 3 set so that the transfer unit devices 6 have different numbers of storage spaces. Shows the state. Also in this case, the A operation and the B operation can be obtained under the same conditions as in the case of FIG. A specific processing method will be described in a later-described transport management routine.

(Screen display)
As shown in FIG. 19, the transport status screen and the denomination screen can be displayed on the display 272 of the safe device 4. The transport status screen and the denomination screen may be displayed on the management server 14 or the hall computer 15. These transfer state screen and denomination screen can be displayed by operating the transfer display switch 511 and the denomination display switch 512 in the operation unit 51 of the transfer control device 5.

  The conveyance state screen displays the arrangement state of the conveyance unit device 6, the conveyance direction changing device 9, and the safe device 4 with the device model 2721, and displays the banknote 2 stored in each device model 2721 with the bill model 2722. . Note that “A” and “B” in the screen are for specifying which side of the island 13 is a peninsula. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the conveyance state screen displays a caution mark 2723 in an overlapping manner on the device model 2721 in which a failure has occurred when a failure such as a banknote jam occurs. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify the conveyance unit device 6 or the like in which a problem has occurred.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the denomination screen displays the denominations stored in the safe apparatus 4, the total number of each denomination, the total amount of each denomination, the total number of all denominations and the total number of denominations. The total amount is displayed.

(System configuration method)
In the above configuration, a configuration method of the banknote transport system 1 after the layout of the island 13 is determined will be described.

  First, when the layout of the island 13 is determined, the shape of the transport line 3 is determined based on the arrangement positions of the banknote insertion device 11 and the gaming machine 12 constituting the island 13. Then, the linear distance, width, bending angle, etc. of the transport line 3 are determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the layout of the island 13 is U-shaped, the conveyance line 3 is determined to be U-shaped suitable for the layout of the island 13.

  Next, the arrangement position and unit length of the transport unit device 6 in the transport line 3 corresponding to the bill insertion device 11 and the gaming machine 12 are determined, and the expansion / contraction length of the transport device 7 is determined so as to be the unit length. The Further, the unit length of the transport direction changing device 9 corresponding to the width of the transport line 3 is determined, and the expansion / contraction length of the transport device 7 is determined so as to be this unit length. Thereafter, the transport device 7 and the junction device 8 are connected to form the transport unit device 6, and then the slide cover 713 of the transport device 7 slides with respect to the bottom cover 712 so as to have the determined expansion / contraction length. Moved. In addition, after the conveying apparatus 7 is expanded / contracted, the conveying apparatus 7 and the junction apparatus 8 may be connected.

  Thereafter, the banknote transport system 1 is cleaned. More specifically, the banknote transport system 1 is brought into a transport state at a predetermined cleaning speed, and cleaning paper and cleaning cloth for cleaning are transported from the most upstream side in the transport line 3, whereby banknotes such as the transport belt 731. The member in contact with 2 is cleaned. The cleaning may be performed periodically.

  Thus, according to the banknote conveyance system 1 of this embodiment, since the conveyance line 3 can be comprised per conveyance unit apparatus 6, the various conveyance lines 3 can be comprised easily. Furthermore, since the conveyance length can be enlarged / reduced in units of each conveyance unit device 6, the conveyance line 3 can be finely adjusted.

(System operation)
In the banknote transport system 1 configured as described above, when the power is turned on, the transport control device 5 in the safe device 4 executes at least the programs of FIGS. Further, at least the program shown in FIG. 33 is executed on the CPU board 77 of the transport unit device 6.

(Transport control device: Safe side main processing)
In the transport control device 5, as shown in FIG. 21, the safe-side main routine is executed, and the processes of S1 to S11 are executed in order at regular time intervals. That is, the transport control device 5 includes a unit state acquisition process (S1) for acquiring the initial state of the transport line 3, a denomination management process (S2) for managing the banknote 2 stored in the safe device 4, and the transport line 3 Management process (S3) for managing banknotes 2 in the middle of transport, sand storage management process (S4) for determining the priority order for taking banknotes 2 into transport line 3, and forcing all banknotes 2 in transport line 3 A forced discharge process (S5) for transporting to the safe apparatus 4, and a timer discharge process (S6) for forcibly transporting all banknotes 2 in the transport line 3 to the safe apparatus 4 at a predetermined time or a predetermined time. Full processing (S7) for forcibly transporting all banknotes 2 on the transport line 3 to the safe apparatus 4 at the timing when the safe apparatus 4 reaches the maximum number of stored sheets, and notification of abnormality of the transport line 3 to the outside Anomaly monitoring process (S8), a screen display process (S9) for displaying warehousing information such as denominations, and a polling response process (S10) for responding to a call signal periodically transmitted from the management server 14. The server hole transmission / reception process (S11) for transmitting / receiving various types of information is executed in order at regular time intervals.

(Transport control device: Unit status acquisition process)
When the unit state acquisition process (S1) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 22, it is determined whether or not a unit state acquisition signal is input from an external device such as the management server 14 (S101). . The unit status acquisition signal is output when a new transfer management table needs to be recreated by constructing a new transfer line 3 or changing an existing transfer line 3.

  When the unit status acquisition signal is not input (S101, NO), this routine is ended, and the process is returned to the safe-side main routine. On the other hand, when a unit state acquisition signal is input (S101, YES), a unit number is set for each transport unit device 6 including the transport direction changing device 9 (S102). The unit number is set so that the number increases from the transport upstream side to the transport downstream side. Thereby, the conveyance control device 5 can acquire the number of installed conveyance unit devices 6.

  Next, a constant speed transfer operation is commanded to each transfer unit device 6 (S103). And the unit length in each conveyance unit apparatus 6 is acquired, respectively (S104). Specifically, a unit length acquisition command is transmitted to each transport unit device 6, and in each transport unit device 6, banknote sensors 79 and 79 in which joints and markers of the transport belt 731 are arranged at both ends in the transport direction. Is detected. Alternatively, when the simulated banknote is inserted into the most upstream transport unit device 6 and the simulated banknote passes through each transport unit device 6, it is detected by banknote sensors 79 and 79 disposed at both ends in the transport direction. Then, the unit length is calculated based on the time difference when the both banknote sensors 79 and 79 detect the joint, the marker, and the simulated banknote and the transport speed, and each transport unit device 6 transmits the unit length data to the transport control device 5. . Thereby, the unit length of each transport unit device 6 is collected in the transport control device 5. The unit length may be calculated in the transport control device 5 that has received the time difference data.

  Next, based on the unit length of each transport unit device 6 and the length of the banknote 2, the number of storage spaces in which the banknote 2 can be stored in each transport unit device 6 is calculated (S105). Thereafter, a transport management table corresponding to the set state of each transport unit device 6 is created, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 (S1061).

(Transport control device: denomination management process)
When the denomination management process (S2) is executed in the safe-side main routine, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the banknote 2 on the transport line 3 has been stored in the safe apparatus 4 (S201). When the goods are not received (S201, NO), this routine is ended and the process is returned to the safe-side main routine.

  On the other hand, when the banknote 2 is received (S201, YES), denomination information is acquired (S202). Then, the denomination information and the warehousing date and time are stored in the warehousing management table (S203). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the acquired denomination information is a 10,000 yen bill (S204). If it is a 10,000 yen bill (S204, YES), the 10,000 yen bill number data is incremented by “1” (S210), and the total amount data of 10,000 yen bill is added by 10,000 yen. (S211). Then, after the total number of sheets and the total amount are calculated (S209), this routine is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is not a 10,000 yen bill (S204, NO), it is determined whether or not the acquired denomination information is a 5,000 yen bill (S205). In the case of a 5,000 yen bill (S205, YES), after the number data of the 5,000 yen bill is incremented by “1” (S212), the total amount data of the 5,000 yen bill is added by 5,000 yen. (S213). Then, after the total number of sheets and the total amount are calculated (S209), this routine is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is not a 5,000 yen bill (S205, NO), it is determined whether or not the acquired denomination information is a 2,000 yen bill (S206). In the case of a 2000 yen bill (S206, YES), the number data of the 2000 yen bill is incremented by “1” (S214), and the total amount data of the 2000 yen bill is added by 2000 yen. (S214). Then, after the total number of sheets and the total amount are calculated (S209), this routine is ended.

    On the other hand, if it is not a thousand yen bill (S206, NO), since the acquired denomination information is a thousand yen bill, the number data of the thousand yen bill is incremented by "1" (S207), The total amount data of the yen bill is added by 1000 yen (S208). Then, after the total number of sheets and the total amount are calculated (S209), this routine is ended.

(Transport control device: Transport management processing)
When the transport management process (S3) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 24, the storage state of the banknote 2 in the banknote insertion apparatus 11 as all the sand apparatuses is acquired (S301). Note that the bill insertion device 11 determines the denomination and authenticity of the bill 2, stores only the genuine bill 2, and transmits the denomination data to the transport control device 5. Then, it is determined whether or not the denomination data is added by determining whether or not the acquired denomination data is already stored in the transport management table (S301). When the denomination data is not added (S302, NO), since there is no change in the transport management table, this routine is terminated and the process is returned to the safe side main routine.

  On the other hand, when denomination data is added (S302, YES), all denomination data and weighting data are acquired (S303). Then, the unit number corresponding to the minimum weight data is specified (S304), and all the transport U storage data of the specified unit number is acquired (S305).

  For example, in the management step 7 in the transport management table of FIG. 18, “1Y1” of unit number 02, “2Y” of unit number 03, and “1Y2” of unit number 04 are acquired. A unit number 03 corresponding to “2Y” having weighting data is specified. Then, all the three pieces of transport U storage data “1Y”, “5Y”, and “10Y” corresponding to the specified unit number 03 are acquired. In the management step 9, only “1Y” of the unit number 04 is acquired, and the unit number 04 corresponding to “1Y” having the minimum weight data is specified. Then, two pieces of all transport U storage data “5Y” and “10Y” corresponding to the specified unit number 04 are acquired.

  Next, it is determined whether or not “0” exists in the acquired transport U storage data (S306). If “0” exists (S306, YES), the transport operation data of the specified unit number is set to “A” (S313), and then the transport operation process is executed (S311). On the other hand, when “0” does not exist in the acquired transport U storage data (S306, NO), the transport operation data of the specified unit number is set to “B” (S307). Thereafter, all the transport U storage data of the unit number one downstream side is acquired (S308), and it is determined whether or not “0” exists in the acquired transport U storage data (S309).

  If “0” does not exist in the transport U storage data (S309, NO), since there is no storage space, the transport operation data of the corresponding unit number is set to “B” (S314). Re-executed from S308. On the other hand, if “0” is present in the transport U storage data (NO in S309), since there is a storage space, the transport operation data of the corresponding unit number is set to “A” (S310). . Thereby, for example, in the management step 6 in the transport management table of FIG. 17, the transport operation data of unit numbers 01 and 02 is set to “B”, and the transport operation data of unit number 03 is set to “A”. It will be.

  Next, a transport operation process is executed (S311). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the transport operation routine is executed, and all transport operation data is acquired (S1001). Then, a unit number corresponding to the transport operation data of “A” is acquired (S1002), and the transport unit device 6 with the acquired unit number is set as a reference unit (S1003).

  Thereafter, the transport operation data of the unit number one upstream of the unit number of the reference unit is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the transport operation data is “B” (S1004). If the transfer operation data is “B” (YES in S1004), the take-in command is transmitted to the transport unit device 6 of the reference unit, and the send-out command is transmitted to the transport unit device 6 on one upstream side. (S1007). Thereafter, the process waits for completion of conveyance (S1008), and after one upstream conveyance unit apparatus 6 is set as a reference unit (S1009), S1004 is re-executed.

  If it is determined in S1004 that the transport operation data is not “B” (S1004, NO), a take-in command is sent to the transport unit device 6 of the reference unit, and a send-out command is sent to the bill insertion device 11 as the transport source. Is transmitted (S1005). Thereafter, after waiting for the completion of conveyance (S1006), this routine ends and the process returns to the conveyance management routine of FIG.

  When the execution of the transport operation process is completed as described above (S311), the management table update process is subsequently executed (S312). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, all data of the management step is stored together with the management step value. Thereafter, all the transport U storage data is acquired (S1102), and it is determined whether or not “B” transport U storage data exists (S1103). If transport U storage data of “B” exists (S 1103, YES), all transport U storage data corresponding to the range from “A” unit number to the most upstream “B” unit number is acquired. (S1104). Then, all the transport U storage data is moved to the downstream side (S1105), and the sand storage data corresponding to the most upstream “B” transport U storage data is moved to the transport U storage data (S1106). Thereafter, S1107 is executed.

  On the other hand, if the transport U storage data “B” does not exist (S 1103, NO), all transport U storage data corresponding to the unit number “A” is acquired (S 1109). Thereafter, all the transport U storage data is moved to the downstream side (S1110), and the sand storage data corresponding to the transport U storage data of “A” is moved to the transport U storage data (S1111).

  Thereafter, the set weighting data added to all the remaining sand storage data is counted down by “1” (S1107), the management step value is counted up by “1” (S1108), and this routine is terminated. 24 is returned to the transport management routine. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, when the management table update process is completed (S312), the transport management routine is terminated and the process returns to the safe side main routine of FIG.

(Transport control device: Sand storage management process)
When the sand storage management process (S4) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 27, it is determined whether or not the banknote 2 has been inserted into the banknote insertion apparatus 11 (S401). When the banknote 2 is not inserted (S401, NO), this routine is ended and the process returns to the safe-side main routine.

  On the other hand, when the banknote 2 is inserted (S401 YES), after the denomination data read by the banknote insertion apparatus 11 is acquired (S402), all the sand storage data is acquired (S403). Then, it is determined whether or not denomination data is added to the sand storage data (S404). When denomination data is added (S404, YES), the maximum weighting data is specified from the weighting data added together with each denomination data (S405). Then, calculation of setting weight data = maximum weight value + 1 is executed (S406), and S407 is executed.

  On the other hand, when no denomination data is added (S404, NO), a minimum value is set in the setting weight data (S408). Thereafter, the setting weighting data and the acquired denomination data are added to the sand storage data of the unit number corresponding to the banknote insertion device 11 into which the banknote 2 has been inserted (S407), and this routine is terminated and the safe side main routine is completed. Returned to

(Transport control device: forced discharge processing)
When the forced discharge process (S5) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not the discharge switch 513 is operated (S501). If it is not operated (S501, NO), this routine is terminated and the process returns to the safe-side main routine. On the other hand, when operated (S501, YES), an insertion prohibition designation for prohibiting insertion of the bill 2 into the bill insertion device 11 is transmitted to all the bill insertion devices 11 (S502).

  Thereafter, a conveyance start command is transmitted to all the conveyance unit devices 6 (S503), and it waits until a predetermined time elapses when all the banknotes 2 stored in the conveyance line 3 are conveyed to the safe device 4 ( S504). Then, a conveyance start command is transmitted with respect to all the banknote insertion apparatuses 11 (S505). And it waits until the predetermined time when the banknote 2 stored in the banknote insertion apparatus 11 is conveyed to the safe apparatus 4 via the conveyance line 3 passes (S506), and is conveyed with respect to all the conveyance unit apparatuses 6. A stop command is transmitted (S507).

  Next, the sand storage data, the transport U storage data, and the transport operation data are set to “0” (S508). After the completion leaving process indicating that all banknotes 2 have been stored in the safe apparatus 4 is executed (S509), an insertion release command is transmitted to the banknote insertion apparatus 11 (S510). After the management step value is set to “0” (S511), this routine is terminated and returned to the safe side main routine.

(Transport control device: Timer discharge processing)
When the timer discharge process (S6) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 29, it is determined whether or not the timer switch has been operated (S601). If it has not been operated (S601, NO), this routine is terminated and the process returns to the safe-side main routine. On the other hand, when operated (S601, YES), a timer operation for registering the remaining set time and set time at which the discharge process is started is accepted (S602). Then, the time is set up to the set remaining time and the timer set value of the set time (S603).

  When the set remaining time or the timer setting value of the set time is reached, a insertion prohibition designation for prohibiting insertion of the bill 2 into the bill insertion device 11 is transmitted to all the bill insertion devices 11 (S604). Thereafter, a conveyance start command is transmitted to all the conveyance unit devices 6 (S605), and the apparatus waits until a predetermined time elapses when all the banknotes 2 stored in the conveyance line 3 are conveyed to the safe device 4 ( S607). Then, a conveyance start command is transmitted with respect to all the banknote insertion apparatuses 11 (S608). And it waits until the predetermined time when the banknote 2 stored in the banknote insertion apparatus 11 is conveyed to the safe apparatus 4 via the conveyance line 3 passes (S609), and is conveyed with respect to all the conveyance unit apparatuses 6. A stop command is transmitted (S610).

  Next, the sand storage data, the transport U storage data, and the transport operation data are set to “0” (S611). After completion completion processing indicating that all banknotes 2 are stored in the safe apparatus 4 is executed (S612), an insertion release command is transmitted to the banknote insertion apparatus 11 (S613). After the management step value is set to “0” (S614), this routine is terminated and returned to the safe side main routine.

(Transport control device: full processing)
When the full process (S7) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 30, it is determined whether or not the management step value has become a predetermined value (S701). The predetermined value may be the maximum storage number of the safe device 4 or an arbitrary value set by the administrator.

  If the management step value is not the predetermined value (S701, NO), this routine is terminated and returned to the safe-side main routine. On the other hand, when the management step value has reached a predetermined value (S701, YES), an insertion prohibition designation for prohibiting insertion of the bill 2 into the bill insertion device 11 is transmitted to all the bill insertion devices 11 (S702). ).

  After this, a conveyance start command is transmitted to all the conveyance unit devices 6 (S703), and it waits until a predetermined time elapses when all the banknotes 2 stored in the conveyance line 3 are conveyed to the safe device 4 ( S704). Then, a conveyance start command is transmitted with respect to all the banknote insertion apparatuses 11 (S705). Then, after waiting for a predetermined time until the bill 2 stored in the bill insertion device 11 is transported to the safe device 4 via the transport line 3 (S706), it is transported to all the transport unit devices 6. A stop command is transmitted (S707).

  Next, the sand storage data, the transport U storage data, and the transport operation data are set to “0” (S708). After completion completion processing indicating that all banknotes 2 have been stored in the safe apparatus 4 is executed (S709), an insertion release command is transmitted to the banknote insertion apparatus 11 (S710). After the management step value is set to “0” (S711), this routine is terminated and returned to the safe side main routine.

(Transport control device: Abnormality monitoring process)
When the abnormality monitoring process (S8) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 31, a calling signal is transmitted to all the transport unit devices 6 (S801). It is determined whether response signals have been received from all the transport unit devices 6 (S802). If response signals have been received from all the transport unit devices 6 (S802, YES), it is determined that there is no abnormality, and this routine is terminated and returned to the safe side main routine.

  On the other hand, when a response signal is not received from one or more transport unit devices 6 (S802, NO), a transport unit device 6 without a response signal is specified (S803). Thereafter, abnormality notification is performed (S804), and abnormality information is transmitted to the management server 14 (S805). Then, this routine is terminated and returned to the safe-side main routine. In addition, when abnormality is detected, you may stop the banknote conveyance system 1 whole.

(Transport control device: Screen display processing)
When the screen display process (S9) is executed in the safe side main routine, as shown in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not the display command switch (conveyance display switch 511, denomination display switch 512) has been operated (see FIG. 32). S901). If not operated (S901, NO), this routine is terminated and the process returns to the safe-side main routine.

  On the other hand, when the display command switch is operated (S901, YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not the operation content is a display of a transport state screen due to the operation of the transport display switch 511 (S902). . If the transfer status screen is not displayed (S902, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the denomination screen is displayed when the denomination display switch 512 is operated (S908). If the denomination screen is not displayed (S908, NO), this routine ends. On the other hand, if the denomination screen is displayed (S908, YES), the denomination screen as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed (S909), and then this routine is terminated.

  In S902, if it is the display of the conveyance state screen (S902, YES), as shown in FIGS. 1, 19 and 20, the apparatus such as the conveyance unit device 6, the bill insertion device 11, the safe device 4 or the like. The arrangement state (unit arrangement) of the model 2721 is displayed (S903). Thereafter, the number of banknotes 2 stored in the transport unit device 6 is acquired (S904), and the number of banknote models 2722 corresponding to the number of storage of each transport unit device 6 is displayed in duplicate on the unit layout (S905). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred (S906). If no abnormality has occurred (S906, NO), this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred (S906, YES), the abnormality occurrence mark is displayed in duplicate on the device model 2721 in which the abnormality has occurred (S907), and then this routine ends.

(Conveyance unit device: Conveying process)
As shown in FIG. 33, in the transport unit device 6, it is determined whether or not a delivery command has been received from the safe device 4 (H1). When the delivery command is received (H1, YES), the banknote 2 is transported (H2). It is determined whether or not the delivery of the banknote 2 has been completed (H3). And it will be in a standby state until delivery is completed (H3, NO), and when it completes (H3, YES), the conveyance operation | movement of the banknote 2 will be stopped (H4). Thereafter, after a delivery completion signal is transmitted to the conveyance control device 5 (H5), this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the delivery signal has not been received (H1, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not a take-in command has been received (H6). When the take-in command is received (H6, YES), the banknote 2 is transported (H7). It is determined whether or not the banknote 2 has been taken in (H8). And it will be in a standby state until taking in is completed (H8, NO), and when it completes (H8, YES), the conveyance operation | movement of the banknote 2 will be stopped (H9). Thereafter, after a capture completion signal is transmitted to the transport control device 5 (H10), this routine is terminated.

  In S6, when the take-in command is not received (H6, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the transfer start command is received (H11). If not received (H11, NO), this routine ends. On the other hand, when it is received (H11, YES), the banknote 2 is transported (H12), and is kept in a standby state until a transport stop command is received (H13, NO). , YES), the conveyance operation of the banknote 2 is stopped (H14). Then, this routine ends.

(Overview)
As described above, the banknote transport system 11 according to the present embodiment is the banknote transport system 1 that transports the banknotes 2 inserted from one or more input sections 3a in the transport line 3, and the banknotes 2 can be temporarily stopped. A plurality of transport unit devices 6 that form a transport line 3 by transporting and connecting the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction between adjacent devices 6 and 6, and the downstream end position of the transport line 3 The safe apparatus 4 that stores the banknotes 2 transported by the transport line 3 and the position information of the banknotes 2 in the transport line 3 are acquired, and the storage space for the banknotes 2 in the transport line 3 is filled. Each transport unit device 6 includes a transport control device 5 that performs a transport operation and a pause operation.

  According to said structure, when the banknote 2 is thrown into the conveyance line 3 from the one or more input parts 3a, conveyance operation and temporary stop operation | movement are performed for every conveyance unit apparatus 6 which forms the conveyance line 3. FIG. Thus, the banknotes 2 are transported to the safe device 4 disposed at the end of the transport line 3 while being controlled by the transport control device 5 so as to fill the storage space of the banknotes 2 in the transport line 3. Thereby, compared with the case where the whole conveyance line 3 was operated and the banknote 2 was conveyed to the safe apparatus 4 like the past, only the part required for conveyance can be operated by the conveyance unit apparatus 6 unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy cost required for conveyance, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of drive component failures caused by operating even parts unnecessary for conveyance. Furthermore, the line length of the transport line 3 can be easily changed by changing the number of connected transport unit devices 6.

  Moreover, the conveyance unit apparatus 6 in this invention may be made to be able to expand / contract with respect to a conveyance direction.

  According to said structure, since the conveyance unit apparatus 6 can be expanded / contracted with respect to a conveyance direction, since the conveyance line 3 can be formed, adjusting to the optimal unit length for every conveyance unit apparatus 6. FIG. The line length of the transfer line 3 can be easily finely adjusted.

  Further, the transport control device 5 according to the present invention can receive a command signal from the outside, and when the command signal is a forced discharge command, all the banknotes 2 being transported in the transport line 3 are transferred to the safe device 4. You may continue conveyance operation with respect to all the conveyance unit apparatuses 6 until it conveys.

  According to said structure, since all the banknotes 2 in the middle of conveyance can be removed by sending out to the safe apparatus 4 from the conveyance line 3, the maintenance check of the conveyance line 3, the replacement | exchange work of the conveyance unit apparatus 6, and the expansion work It is possible to quickly perform various operations such as.

  Further, the transport control device 5 according to the present invention can set at least one of time and time from the outside, and at the timing when the set time or time is reached, all banknotes 2 being transported in the transport line 3 are safe. Until all the transport unit devices 6 are transported to the device 4, the transport operation may be continued.

  According to said structure, since all the banknotes 2 in the middle of conveyance can be removed by sending out to the safe apparatus 4 from the conveyance line 3 at the timing of preset time and time, of the regular conveyance line 3 Maintenance and inspection can be easily managed.

  In addition, the present invention is incorporated in a game system that uses a game ball of a predetermined size, and is a transport unit device for a banknote transport system 1 that transports banknotes 2 inserted from one or more input sections 3a in the transport line 3. 6, a transport mechanism for transporting the banknote 2 so that the banknote 2 can be temporarily stopped and the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction can be connected to each other between the adjacent devices 6 and 6. All the gaps and openings that are arranged around the transport mechanism and communicate from the inside on the transport mechanism side to the outside have a transport container formed so as to prevent the passage of game balls.

  According to said structure, malfunctions, such as a failure of a conveyance mechanism by a game ball approaching from the clearance gap or opening of a conveyance container, and a banknote 2 clogging, can be prevented.

  Moreover, the conveyance mechanism in this invention is arrange | positioned so that expansion / contraction is possible in a conveyance direction, has the conveyance belt 731 which moves this banknote 2 to a conveyance direction by rotating while pressing against the banknote 2, and a conveyance container is An upstream housing portion that rotatably supports one end of the transport belt 731 in the transport direction, and is slidably engaged with the upstream housing portion in the transport direction, and the other end of the transport belt 731 in the transport direction is engaged. You may be set as the structure which has the downstream accommodating part supported rotatably.

  According to said structure, it can expand / contract easily in a conveyance direction, protecting the conveyance unit apparatus 6 with a simple mechanism.

  Moreover, this invention is the conveyance method of the banknote conveyance system 1 which conveys the banknote 2 thrown in from the 1 or more input part 3a in the conveyance line 3, Comprising: The conveyance unit apparatus 6 which conveys the banknote 2 so that a pause is possible. Are connected to each other between the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction to form the transport line 3, acquire the position information of the banknote 2 in the transport line 3, and based on the position information of the banknote 2. The safe unit 4 disposed at the end position on the downstream side of the transport line 3 while performing the transport operation and the pause operation for each transport unit device 6 so that the storage space for the banknote 2 in the transport line 3 is filled. The banknote 2 is conveyed.

  According to said structure, when the banknote 2 is thrown into the conveyance line 3 from the one or more input parts 3a, conveyance operation and temporary stop operation | movement are performed for every conveyance unit apparatus 6 which forms the conveyance line 3. FIG. Thus, the banknotes 2 are transported to the safe device 4 disposed at the end of the transport line 3 while being controlled by the transport control device 5 so as to fill the storage space of the banknotes 2 in the transport line 3. Thereby, compared with the case where the whole conveyance line 3 was operated and the banknote 2 was conveyed to the safe apparatus 4 like the past, only the part required for conveyance can be operated by the conveyance unit apparatus 6 unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy cost required for conveyance, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of drive component failures caused by operating even parts unnecessary for conveyance. Furthermore, the line length of the transport line 3 can be easily changed by changing the number of connected transport unit devices 6.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Banknote conveyance system 2 Banknote 3 Conveyance line 4 Safe apparatus 5 Conveyance control apparatus 6 Conveyance unit apparatus 7 Conveyance apparatus 8 Junction apparatus 9 Conveyance direction change apparatus 11 Bill insertion apparatus 12 Game machine 13 Island 14 Management server 15 Hall computer 731 Conveyance belt

Claims (4)

A banknote transport system for transporting banknotes inserted from one or more input sections in a transport line,
A plurality of transport unit devices that transport the banknotes so that they can be temporarily stopped and connect the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction between adjacent devices;
A safe apparatus that is disposed at a terminal position downstream of the transport line and stores the banknotes transported by the transport line;
A transport control device that acquires position information of the banknote in the transport line and performs a transport operation and a pause operation for each of the transport unit devices so that a storage space for the banknote in the transport line is filled; A bill transport system characterized by the above.   The banknote transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit device is capable of being expanded and contracted in a transport direction. The transfer control device
When the command signal from the outside is made receivable and the command signal is a forced discharge command, all the transport unit devices are transported until all the banknotes in the middle of transport in the transport line are transported to the safe device. The banknote transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport operation is continued. The transfer control device includes:
It is possible to set at least one of time and time from the outside, and at the timing when the set time or time is reached, all the bills are transported until all the banknotes in the middle of transport in the transport line are transported to the safe apparatus. The banknote transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport operation is continued with respect to the unit device.

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