JP2021160916A - Paper sheet carrier device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve carrying capability of a carrier chain for bearing a load whatever part of the carrier chain is loaded, and to efficiently optimize imbalance occurring to any part of the carrier chain even in such a case.SOLUTION: A paper sheet carrier device 8A carries a bill exiting from a game medium lending machine 3, and has: a carrying path where the bill is carried; an annular carrier chain 24 which carries the bill along the carrying path; two motors 44a, 44b which drive the carrier chain 24; and power transmission means 54 which transmits power of the two motors 44a, 44b to the carrier chain 24. The power transmission means 54 transmits the power of the drive sources 44a, 44b to the carrier chain 24 to let the carrier chain 24 move in one direction, and also allows the carrier chain 24 itself to move in the same one direction. The power transmission means 54 belonging to the two motors 44a, 44b respectively transmits power in mutually the same directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a paper leaf transporting device for transporting paper sheets such as banknotes.

Conventionally, a paper leaf transporting device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-213954. In this paper leaf transport device, a transport chain is hung between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. The transport chain is formed in an annular shape by connecting a plurality of links, which are unit members, in order. Friction members are attached to the individual links. An action portion formed of a friction material is provided on the side surface of the friction member. When the transport chain is driven by a drive sprocket and moves around, the bills are moved by the action of frictional force generated between the action part of the links belonging to the individual links that make up the transport chain and the bills that are paper sheets. Be transported.

Conventionally, other paper leaf transporting devices are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-087932. In this paper leaf transport device, a plurality of transport pieces, which are unit members, are connected in order to form an annular shape. The banknotes are transported by the action of the frictional force generated between the banknote contact portion provided on each transport piece and the banknotes that are paper sheets.

Conventionally, still another paper sheet transporting apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-047760. In this paper leaf transport device, a ring-shaped transport chain is formed by connecting a plurality of chain pieces, which are unit members, in order. This transport chain is supported by a pair of pulleys. A rotary actuator for traveling the transport chain in one direction is connected to one pulley (paragraph [0019]). The specific configuration of the rotary actuator is not clear. When the transport chain moves around, the banknotes are transported by the action of the frictional force generated between the acting portion of the chain piece and the banknotes that are paper sheets.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-213954 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-087932 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-047760

In a transport mechanism using a transport chain, a transport chain is formed by connecting unit members such as transport pieces. One unit member can freely move in contact with and separate from another adjacent unit member, and can freely rotate and swing. Contact / detachment movement is movement that moves closer to or further away from each other.

When a unit member moves in contact with or separates from another unit member as described above, or rotates and swings, a load is generated for the orbital movement of the transport chain, or the transport chain vibrates to transport the unit member. There is a risk that the balance of the orbital movement of the chain will be lost.

On the other hand, in the conventional paper leaf transport device described above, there is only one drive source for driving the transport chain, for example, an electric motor, with respect to one paper leaf transport device. For this reason, when a load is generated for the orbital movement of the transport chain, it is difficult to generate a transport force that does not lose the load in any part of the transport chain. Further, when the balance of the orbital movement is lost at various parts of the transport chain, it is difficult to optimize the imbalance for all parts.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional apparatus, and improves the transporting force of the transport chain so that no matter which part of the transport chain a load is generated, the load is not lost. , And when any part of the transport chain is out of balance, the purpose is to be able to efficiently optimize the imbalance.

The paper leaf transport device according to the present invention is a paper leaf transport device for transporting a paper leaf discharged from a paper leaf processing means, in which the paper leaf is transported and the paper leaf is transported along the transport path. It has an annular transport chain, at least two drive sources for driving the transport chain to move in a ring shape, and a power transmission means for transmitting the power of the at least two drive sources to the transport chain. The power transmission means transmits the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction, and also functions to allow the transfer chain itself to move in the one direction. The power transmission means belonging to each of the two drive sources is characterized in that the directions of transmitting power are the same as each other.

According to this paper sheet transport device, since the endless annular transport chain is driven by a plurality of drive sources (for example, an electric motor), a sufficient transport force can be obtained as compared with the case of driving with one drive source. Was done. Further, by using a plurality of drive sources provided at different positions of the transport chain, the transport chain can be revolved around the entire transport chain in a well-balanced manner.

Further, the power transmission means transmits the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction (for example, the C direction in FIG. 8), and the transfer chain itself moves in the one direction (C direction). It works to allow that. As a result, when one transport chain is driven by a plurality of drive sources, the transport chain can be stably orbited even when the driving force of each drive source varies slightly.

Further, the transport chain is formed by connecting a plurality of transport pieces. When each transport piece moves around, it rotates and swings with respect to other adjacent transport pieces, and moves back and forth. These movements of the transport piece cause an imbalance of the transport chain that moves around. However, in the present embodiment, the power transmission means transmits the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction (for example, the C direction in FIG. 8), and the transfer chain itself itself is in the one direction (C). Since it is allowed to move in the direction), even if each of the multiple transport pieces independently rotates and swings or moves back and forth, the transport chain can be stably moved around without losing its balance. can.

Another aspect of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention has a guide member arranged so as to face the transport chain, and the transport path is formed between the transport chain and the guide member. Will be done. With this structure, the paper leaf can be stably conveyed.

In still another aspect of the paper leaf transfer device according to the present invention, the drive source is an electric motor, and the power transmission means is a rotation transmission element that engages with the transfer chain in order to orbit the transfer chain. And a one-way clutch provided between the output shaft of the electric motor and the rotation transmission element, and the one-way clutch transfers the power of the output shaft of the electric motor to the rotation transmission element. It can take two states, a locked state in which the clutch is transmitted and a non-locked state in which the rotation transmitting element is idled with respect to the output shaft of the electric motor. The one-way clutch is the drive source in the locked state. Power in one direction is transmitted to the rotation transmission element, and the transport chain itself is allowed to move in the one direction in the unlocked state. With this configuration, the power transmission means of the present invention can be easily and surely realized.

In still another aspect of the invention of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention, the transport chain has a linear outward traveling portion and a linear return traveling portion, and the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion are The drive source is provided at both ends of the transport chain, which is a straight line having no bent portion and is a boundary portion between the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion. In this paper leaf transfer device, since the transfer chain is installed in a straight line, the transfer chain can stably move around.

In still another aspect of the invention of the paper leaf transporting device according to the present invention, the transport chain has an outward traveling section and a returning traveling section, and the outward traveling section and the returning traveling section have at least one bent portion. The drive source is provided at both ends of the transport chain, which is a boundary portion between the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion. In this paper leaf transport device, since the transport chain has a bent portion, the paper leaf transport device can be installed even if there is an obstacle such as a pillar at the installation location of the paper leaf transport device.

In still another aspect of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention, the paper sheet is a banknote and has a banknote storage for storing the banknote, and the paper sheet processing means is the banknote. It is a game medium lending machine that pays out the game medium in response to the insertion, and the transport path transports the bills from the paper sheet processing means to the bill storage. According to this paper leaf transporting device, it becomes possible to transport banknotes in a game facility equipped with a plurality of gaming machines.

According to the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention, since the endless annular transport chain is driven by a plurality of drive sources (for example, an electric motor), the transport chain is driven by one drive source, as compared with the case where the transport chain is driven by one drive source. Sufficient transport capacity was obtained.

Further, by using a plurality of drive sources provided at different locations of the transport chain, the transport chain can be revolved around the entire transport chain in a well-balanced manner as compared with the case where one drive source is provided at one location.

Further, the power transmission means transmits the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction (for example, the C direction in FIG. 8), and the transfer chain itself moves in the one direction (C direction). It works to allow that. As a result, when one transport chain is driven by a plurality of drive sources, the transport chain can be stably orbited even when the driving force of each drive source varies slightly.

Further, the transport chain is formed by connecting a plurality of transport pieces. When each transport piece moves around, it rotates and swings with respect to other adjacent transport pieces, and moves back and forth. These movements of the transport piece cause an imbalance of the transport chain that moves around. However, in the present embodiment, the power transmission means transmits the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction (for example, the C direction in FIG. 8), and the transfer chain itself itself is in the one direction (C). Since it is allowed to move in the direction), even if each of the multiple transport pieces independently rotates and swings or moves back and forth, the transport chain can be stably moved around without losing its balance. can.

It is a top view of the game island including one Embodiment of the paper leaf transport device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the part shown by the arrow A in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the vertical cross-sectional structure of the paper leaf transporting apparatus according to line BB of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the paper sheet transport device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the paper sheet transport device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the transport piece which is a unit member of the transport chain which is a component element of the paper leaf transport device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view of a part of an embodiment of a transport chain which is a component of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the power transmission means which is a component of the paper sheet transport device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode that the transport piece rotates. It is another figure which shows how the transport piece rotates. It is a top view of the game island including another embodiment of the paper leaf transport device which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of the game island including still another embodiment of the paper leaf transporting apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross-sectional structure of the paper leaf transporting apparatus according to the line HH of FIG. It is a top view of the game island including still another embodiment of the paper leaf transporting apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention will be described based on the embodiment. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Further, in the drawings attached to the present specification, the components may be shown at a ratio different from the actual one in order to show the characteristic parts in an easy-to-understand manner.

(First Embodiment)
(Overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of a game island using the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the game island 1A has a plurality of game machines 2 and a game medium lending machine 3 as a plurality of paper leaf processing means. In FIG. 1, not all gaming machines are designated by reference numeral 2. Further, all the game media lending machines are not marked with reference numeral 3. However, the game machine 2 and the game medium lending machine 3 are installed side by side without any gap over the entire surface of the game island 1A.

Each of the plurality of gaming machines 2 and the plurality of gaming medium lending machines 3 is provided upright in the vertical direction (direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 1). Further, the plurality of gaming machines 2 and the plurality of gaming medium lending machines 3 are provided alternately arranged in the horizontal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1). Further, the front side gaming machine row 4A and the back side gaming machine row 4B are provided back to back with a space separated from each other.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the portion shown by arrow A in FIG. 1 when viewed from an obliquely upward direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 2 is a pachinko machine in the case of the present embodiment. In some cases, the gaming machine 2 may be a pachislot machine or other gaming machine. The game medium lending machine 3 has a bill insertion slot 7. Further, a game medium payout port (not shown) is provided at an appropriate position of the game medium lending machine 3. When a predetermined amount of bills is inserted into the bill insertion slot 7, a predetermined amount of game media (pachinko balls in the case of the present embodiment) is paid out from the game medium payout outlet and supplied to a predetermined location of the game machine 2. Reference numeral 6 in FIG. 2 indicates a banknote storage for collecting banknotes.

(Paper leaf transport device)
In FIG. 1, a paper leaf transport device 8A according to the present invention is provided inside the gaming island 1A, specifically between the front side gaming machine row 4A and the back side gaming machine row 4B. FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional structure of the paper leaf transport device 8A according to the line BB of FIG. In FIG. 3, the paper leaf transport device 8A includes a frame 9, a guide plate 10A as a guide member, and a guide plate 10B as a guide member. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 9, the guide plate 10A, and the guide plate 10B are all substantially rectangular plate-shaped members.

In FIG. 4, the frame 9 is made of a light and rust-resistant material, such as an aluminum alloy. The guide plates 10A and 10B are made of synthetic resin. The guide plates 10A and 10B are preferably transparent or light-transmitting so that the bills carried inside can be visually recognized.

Straight grooves 11 and 11 are formed on both the left and right sides of the upper end edge of the frame 9. Straight grooves 12 and 12 are formed on both the left and right sides of the lower end edge of the frame 9. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 15 are provided on the upper end edge of the guide plate 10A. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 16 are also provided on the lower end edge of the guide plate 10A. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 17 are provided on the upper end edge of the guide plate 10B. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 18 are also provided on the lower end edge of the guide plate 10B.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper engaging protrusion 15 of the guide plate 10A is inserted into the upper groove 11 of the frame 9 and fitted, and the lower engaging protrusion 16 of the guide plate 10A is inserted into the lower groove 12 of the frame 9. Insert and fit, insert and fit the upper engaging protrusion 17 of the guide plate 10B into the upper groove 11 of the frame 9, and further insert the lower engaging protrusion 18 of the guide plate 10B into the lower groove 12 of the frame 9. By inserting and fitting, the overall square tube-shaped transport unit 19 as shown in FIG. 5 is formed. By connecting a plurality of the transport units 19 continuously in the longitudinal direction, the long paper leaf transport device 8A shown in FIG. 1 is formed.

In FIG. 3, the frame 9 has a partition plate 22 between the upper groove 11 and the lower groove 12. A chain space K1 is formed between the partition plate 22 and the left side guide plate 10A, and a chain space K2 is formed between the partition plate 22 and the right side guide plate 10B. The inner surfaces of the guide plates 10A and 10B are provided with ridges 23 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction (the paper surface penetrating direction in FIG. 3). These ridges 23 act to guide the banknotes that are the paper sheets to be transported.

An outward traveling portion of the transport chain 24 is provided in the chain space K1. A return traveling portion of the transport chain 24 is provided in the chain space K2. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport chain 24 is supported by a first sprocket 25a at one end thereof and by a second sprocket 25b at the other end. The transport chain 24 is stretched between the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b in a long, endless ring. The transport chain 24 orbits between the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the transport unit 19 (see FIG. 5) having the guide plate 10A and the guide plate 10B as both side surfaces is used as the casing. Then, both the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion of the transport chain 24 are surrounded by the one casing. The inner surfaces of both side surfaces of the casing are guide surfaces for guiding the bills to be transported.

(Bending part)
In FIG. 1, the transport chain 24 has a plurality of bent portions 28, 28 (two in the present embodiment) in the middle of the circuit moving path. In the present embodiment, these bent portions 28 are formed by a combination of rotational transmission elements such as a driven pulley and a driven sprocket, and curved guide plates 10A and 10B. These bent portions 28 are provided according to the convenience of the place where the game island 1A is installed. For example, the bent portion 28 is provided to avoid an obstacle such as a wall or a pillar at the installation location. Further, the bent portion 28 is provided when it is desired to install a large number of gaming machines 2 when the installation location is not elongated such as a circular shape or a square shape when viewed in a plane.

In the present embodiment, the transport chain 24 is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees at the bent portion 28, but the bent angle can be any angle other than 90 degrees. Further, the bent portion 28 may have a curved shape that is curved with a curvature. Further, in the present embodiment, the bent portion 28 is configured by combining a rotational transmission element such as a pulley and a curved guide plate, but the bent portion 28 may have any other configuration.

In FIG. 3, a banknote transport path R1 for transporting banknotes 29 as paper sheets is formed between the outward traveling portion of the transport chain 24 and the left side guide plate 10A. Further, a banknote transport path R2 for transporting the banknotes 29 is formed between the return path traveling portion of the transport chain 24 and the right side guide plate 10B.

(Transport chain)
The transport chain 24 is formed by connecting a plurality of transport pieces 30 as unit members shown in FIG. 6 in order as shown in FIG. 7 by connecting pins 31. In FIG. 6, the transport piece 30 has a connecting portion 32 and arm portions 33a and 33b. A bill contact portion 36 is provided on the side surface portion of the connecting portion 32. The bill contact portion 36 is formed of a material capable of generating a sufficient frictional force with the bill, for example, a member having a large friction coefficient. Further, the connecting portion 32 is provided with a connecting hole 37 for passing the connecting pin 31.

A space S1 is formed between the arm portion 33a and the arm portion 33b branching from the connecting portion 32. The connecting pin 31 exists inside the space S1. In FIG. 7, a hole 38 for fitting a sprocket is formed between the rear end of the connecting portion 32 of one transport piece 30 and the tip of the connecting portion 32 of another transport piece 30 adjacent to the rear end thereof. There is.

In FIG. 6, a roller 39a is provided on one arm 33a of the transport piece 30. Flange 40s are provided at both ends of the roller 39a. A roller 39b is provided on the other arm 33b of the transport piece 30. Flange 40s are provided at both ends of the roller 39b. In FIG. 3, two guide rails 43a and 43b are provided at positions slightly above the center of the frame 9 in the vertical direction. These guide rails 43a and 43b extend linearly as shown in FIG. Further, two guide rails 43c and 43d are provided at a position slightly below the center of the frame 9 in the vertical direction. These guide rails 43c and 43d also extend linearly as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the flanges 40 of the rollers 39a and 39b of the transport piece 30 of the transport chain 24 installed inside the chain spaces K1 and K2 are loosely fitted to the guide rails 43a, 43b, 43c, 43b of the frame 9. There is. As a result, the transport piece 30 is guided by the guide rails 43a, 43b, 43c, 43b of FIG. 4 and moves.

(Drive source and power transmission means)
In FIG. 1, a first electric motor 44a as a drive source is provided at the left end of the endless annular transfer chain 24. On the other hand, a second electric motor 44b as a drive source is provided at the right end of the transport chain 24. As shown in FIG. 8, these electric motors 44a and 44b serve as a drive source for orbiting the transport chain 24. Specifically, the pulley 50 is attached to the output shafts 45a and 45b of the electric motors 44a and 44b, and the pulley 52 is attached to the shafts of the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b that mesh with the transport chain 24. A belt 46 is hung between the 50 and the pulley 52.

The rotation of the output shafts 45a and 45b of the motors 44a and 44b is transmitted to the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b by the belt 46. The teeth of the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b are adapted to fit into the sprocket fitting holes 38 of the transport piece 30 of the transport chain 24. Therefore, when the sprockets 25a and 25b are driven by the motors 44a and 44b and rotate, the transport chain 24 orbits as shown by the arrow C.

In this embodiment, a one-way clutch 47 is provided between the belt 46 and the sprockets 25a and 25b. The one-way clutch 47 is locked when the belt 46 orbits in the direction of arrow D, and transmits the orbital movement to the sprockets 25a and 25b. As a result, the sprockets 25a and 25b rotate in the direction of arrow C, and the transport chain 24 orbits in the direction of arrow C.

When the belt 46 tries to orbit in the direction opposite to the arrow D, the one-way clutch 47 is in the unlocked state, and the belt 46 idles with respect to the sprockets 25a and 25b. In other words, the one-way clutch 47 transmits the power of the motors 44a and 44b to the transfer chain 24 so that the transfer chain 24 moves in the one direction indicated by the arrow C, and the transfer chain 24 itself has the same one-way C. Functions to allow movement to.

From another point of view, the following explanation is given. In a normal state, it is assumed that the transport chain 24 is driven by the motors 44a and 44b and orbits at a speed v. If the speed of the transport chain 24 becomes faster than v for some reason under this condition, the speeds of the sprockets 25a and 25b and their shafts 51 follow the transport chain 24 and become faster. However, at this time, the pulley 52 and the pulley 50 do not become fast due to the action of the one-way clutch 47.

On the other hand, if the speed of the transport chain 24 tries to be slower than v for some reason, the sprockets 25a and 25b, their shafts 51, the pulley 52, and the pulley 50 try to be slower accordingly. This is the same with or without the one-way clutch 47. In this case, an excessive load is applied to the motors 44a and 44b. When such an excessive load is applied to the motors 44a and 44b, the clutches in the motors 44a and 44b operate and the output shafts 45a and 45b rotate intermittently. A sensor is attached to the shaft 51 of the sprockets 25a and 25b in advance, and the intermittent rotation of the output shafts 45a and 45b of the motors 44a and 44b is detected by the sensor. In this case, countermeasures are taken assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the motors 45a and 45b.

In the present embodiment, the pulley 50, the belt 46, the pulley 52, the one-way clutch 47, and the sprockets 25a and 25b constitute a power transmission means 54 for transmitting the power of the motors 44a and 44b to the transfer chain 24. The main function of the power transmission means 54 is to transmit the power of the motors 44a and 44b to the transfer chain 24 so that the transfer chain 24 moves in one direction indicated by the arrow C, and the transfer chain 24 itself has the same direction. Allowing to move to C. As long as this function is achieved, the specific configuration of the power transmission means is not limited to the configuration adopted in the present embodiment. A structure in which the tension of the transport chain is kept constant by a well-known ratchet or urging means may be used.

(Operation of paper leaf transport device)
Since the paper leaf transport device 8A shown in FIG. 1 is configured as described above, the output shafts 45a and 45b (see FIG. 8) of the motors 44a and 44b at both ends of the transport chain 24 are at the same speed in the same rotation direction. When rotated, the transport chain 24 orbits in a certain direction. In this state, the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 7 (see FIG. 2) of any of the game medium lending machines 3. The inserted banknote undergoes a predetermined authenticity inspection process. The banknotes determined to be genuine banknotes by this authenticity inspection process are sent out to the banknote transport path R1 or R2 (see FIG. 3) of FIG.

The sent out bill 29 comes into contact with the surface of the bill contact portion 36 of the transport piece 30 in a horizontally long standing state, and is conveyed in the circumferential movement direction of the transport chain 24 by the action of frictional force. The banknotes 29 thus transported are moved according to the orbital movement of the transfer chain 24 in FIG. 1, and then stored in the banknote storage 6 provided at the left end of the game island 1A.

In this embodiment, the length of the transport chain 24 is increased in order to meet the demands of the user and the like. Moreover, the transport chain 24 has two bent portions 28, 28. For these reasons, the load applied to the entire transport chain 24 is large. Assuming that there is only one motor as a drive source for driving the transport chain 24 as in the conventional case, a sufficient transport force cannot be obtained unless a large-capacity motor is used. However, even if one large-capacity motor is used, there is a possibility that stable banknote transport cannot be achieved due to a difference in transport force between the portion close to the motor and the portion away from the motor.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the transport chain 24 is driven by two motors 44a and 44b provided at different locations, even if the transport chain 24 is long, or the transport chain 24 has a bent portion 28. Even in this case, the transport chain 24 can be stably transported with sufficient transport force over the entire chain.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a one-way clutch 47 is provided between the output shafts 45a and 45b of the motors 44a and 44b and the sprockets 25a and 25b. Therefore, a degree of freedom is given to the movement of the sprockets 25a and 25b to independently rotate in the direction of the arrow C. Therefore, even when two motors 44a and 44b are provided for one transport chain 24, it is possible to prevent an abnormal load from being applied to the sprockets 25a and 25b so that the sprockets 25a and 25b can be rotated stably. Is now possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the banknote 29 is transported by the transport chain 24. As shown in FIG. 7, the transport chain 24 has a structure in which a plurality of transport pieces 30 are connected by a connecting pin 31. In this case, the connecting pin 31 is inserted into the hole 37 of FIG. 6, and there is a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the hole 37 and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pin 31, so that one transport in FIG. 9 is performed. As shown by the arrow E in FIG. 9, the frame 30a rotationally swings with respect to the other transport frame 30b adjacent thereto in a vertical plane parallel to the circumferential movement direction F of the transport chain 24, or the arrow G in FIG. As shown by, the transport chain 24 may rotate and swing in a vertical plane perpendicular to the circumferential movement direction F (paper surface penetration direction in FIG. 10). In addition, the transport piece 30 may move back and forth (that is, move closer or further away) with respect to another adjacent transport piece 30.

When the rotational swing or forward / backward movement of the transport piece 30 as described above occurs in the chain space K1 or the chain space K2 shown in FIG. 3, a large load is applied to the transport chain 24 or the transport chain 24 is transported. May be out of balance. In the present embodiment, since the two (that is, a plurality) motors 44a and 44b are provided at different positions of one transport chain 24, a sufficient transport force is provided over the entire range of the transport chain 24 against a large load applied to the transport chain 24. You can now add it.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, by using the power transmission means 54 including the one-way clutch 47, the power in one direction (D direction) of the motors 44a and 44b is transmitted and the power in the opposite direction is transmitted. Since the transmission was prevented, in other words, the sprocket 25a and 25b were provided with a degree of freedom to rotate in the circumferential movement direction C, so that the transfer balance of the transfer chain 24 could be optimized.

Further, in the chain transfer with a load, the interval between each transfer frame is widened from the load point to the drive motor (that is, the interval between each transfer frame is widened), and the interval between each transfer frame is widened from the drive motor to the load point. (That is, the interval between each transport frame is narrowed). Specifically, the chain is pulled and pushed out (that is, bent) before and after the pulley (or sprocket) of the drive unit, and in addition, the driving force is increased by the continuous drive of the chain, and the bending caused by each of the transport pieces is increased. Due to the increase, the chain comes off. On the other hand, if the power transmission means 54 including the one-way clutch 47 as in the present embodiment is used, such disconnection of the chain can be prevented.

(Modification example)
In the above embodiment, the two bent portions 28 in FIG. 1 are formed by a combination of a driven rotational transmission element such as a driven pulley and the curved guide plates 10A and 10B. However, instead of this, one or both of the two bends 28 may be configured by a rotational drive structure. Such a rotary drive structure can be a structure including, for example, the electric motor 44a shown in FIG. 8 and the power transmission means 54.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 shows a planar structure of another embodiment of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of these members will be omitted. The game island 1B shown in FIG. 11 has a paper leaf transport device 8B. The overall planar shape of the paper sheet transporting device 8B is different from that of the paper sheet transporting device 8A of FIG. 1, but the cross-sectional structure of the paper sheet transporting device 8B according to the line BB in FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. It has the same cross-sectional structure as the paper leaf transport device 8A.

In the present embodiment, the first detour portion 57a is formed by the four bent portions 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the transport chain 24 on the left side of the central portion of FIG. Further, on the right side of the central portion, the second detour portion 57b is formed by the four bent portions 28e, 28f, 28g, 28h of the transport chain 24. These detour portions 57a and 57b are provided for installing the transport chain 24 while avoiding obstacles 58 and 58 existing at the installation location of the game island 1B. The obstacle 58 is, for example, a pillar existing at the installation site. According to this embodiment, the game island 1B can be installed without any problem even in a place where an obstacle such as a pillar exists.

Also in this embodiment, when the output shafts 45a and 45b (see FIG. 8) of the motors 44a and 44b at both ends of the transfer chain 24 rotate in the same rotation direction at the same speed, the transfer chain 24 orbits in a fixed direction. In this state, the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 7 (see FIG. 2) of any of the game medium lending machines 3. The inserted banknote undergoes a predetermined authenticity inspection process. The banknotes determined to be genuine banknotes by this authenticity inspection process are sent out to the banknote transport path R1 or R2 (see FIG. 3) of FIG.

The sent out bill 29 comes into contact with the surface of the bill contact portion 36 of the transport piece 30 in a horizontally long standing state, and is conveyed in the circumferential movement direction of the transport chain 24 by the action of frictional force. The banknotes 29 conveyed in this way move according to the orbital movement of the transfer chain 24 in FIG. 11, and then are stored in the banknote storage 6 provided at the left end of the game island 1B.

In the present embodiment, since a large number of bent portions 28a to 28h are provided in the middle of the transport chain 24, the load applied to the orbiting transport chain 24 becomes very large. In such a case, when the transport chain is driven by only one motor as in the conventional case, the capacity of the one motor is increased. However, a motor having a large capacity has a high cost. Further, when the transport chain is driven by one motor, the movement of the transport chain may vary between a place near the motor and a place far from the motor. On the other hand, if the transport chain 24 is driven by the motors 44a and 44b provided at different positions of the transport chain 24 as in the present embodiment, the transport chain 24 can be stably moved around.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention. In FIG. 12, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of these members will be omitted. In FIG. 12, a paper leaf transport device 8C according to the present invention is provided inside the game island 1C, specifically between the front side game machine row 4C and the back side game machine row 4D.

FIG. 13 shows the cross-sectional structure of the paper leaf transporting apparatus 8C according to the line HH of FIG. In FIG. 13, the paper leaf transport device 8C has a casing 59 for accommodating the transport pieces 30 constituting the transport chain 24, and guide rails 60 and 60 extending from the upper wall and the lower wall of the casing 59. The side wall 59a on the right side of the casing 59 functions as a guide member for guiding the bill 29. The inside of the casing 59 constitutes a banknote transport path R3 for transporting the banknotes 29. Similar to the transport unit 19 shown in FIG. 5, the casing 59 has a square tubular shape as a whole. By connecting a plurality of the casings 59 continuously in the longitudinal direction, the long paper sheet transport device 8C shown in FIG. 12 is formed. The guide rails 60, 60 of FIG. 13 extend linearly in the longitudinal direction (the direction through which the paper surface is penetrated in FIG. 13).

A plurality of (four in this embodiment) ridges 63 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of one side surface of the casing 59. These ridges 63 extend linearly in the longitudinal direction (the direction through which the paper surface is penetrated in FIG. 13). These ridges 63 act to guide the bill 29, which is a paper leaf to be transported.

An outward traveling portion of the transport chain 24 is provided inside the casing 59 on one side (upper part of the drawing) of FIG. 12, and a return traveling portion of the transport chain 24 is provided inside the casing 59 on the other side (lower side of the drawing). The transport chain 24 is supported at one end thereof by a first sprocket 25a as a power transmission means, and at the other end is supported by a second sprocket 25b as a power transmission means. The transport chain 24 is stretched between the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b in a long, endless ring. The transport chain 24 orbits between the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b.

The first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b are provided at intervals J in the horizontal plane. A rotation transmission element 64a, for example, a pulley, a sprocket, or the like is provided slightly apart from the first sprocket 25a. A rotation transmission element 64b, for example, a pulley, a sprocket, or the like is provided slightly apart from the second sprocket 25b. The transport chain 24 is supported by these rotational transmission elements 64a and 64b so that the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion circulate in parallel with each other. The rotation transmission elements 64a and 64b form a bent portion of the transport chain 24.

In the present embodiment, since the interval J is provided between the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion of the transport chain 24, the width L of the paper leaf transport device 1C is widened by that amount. In other words, the paper leaf transport device 1C of the present embodiment is suitable when it is desired to widen the width of the paper leaf transport device in relation to the installation location.

The transport chain 24 is formed by connecting a plurality of transport pieces 30 as unit members shown in FIG. 6 in order as shown in FIG. 7 by connecting pins 31. Since the specific structure of the transport frame 30 has already been described, the description here will be omitted. In FIG. 13, the flanges 40 of the rollers 39a and 39b of the transport piece 30 of the transport chain 24 installed inside the casing 59 are loosely fitted to the guide rails 60 and 60. As a result, the transport piece 30 is guided by the guide rails 60 and 60 and moves.

In FIG. 12, a first electric motor 44a as a drive source is provided at the left end of the endless annular transfer chain 24. On the other hand, a second electric motor 44b as a drive source is provided at the right end of the transport chain 24. As shown in FIG. 8, these electric motors 44a and 44b serve as a drive source for orbiting the transport chain 24. Specifically, the pulley 50 is attached to the output shafts 45a and 45b of the electric motors 44a and 44b, and the pulley 52 is attached to the shafts of the first sprocket 25a and the second sprocket 25b that mesh with the transport chain 24. A belt 46 is hung between the 50 and the pulley 52. Since the specific structures of the electric motors 44a and 44b and the sprockets 25a and 25b have already been described, they will be omitted here.

As described above, even in the present embodiment in which the width L of the bill transfer device 1C is wide as shown in FIG. 12, one is located between the output shafts 45a and 45b of the motors 44a and 44b and the sprockets 25a and 25b. Since the directional clutch 47 is provided, a degree of freedom is given to the movement of the sprockets 25a and 25b to independently rotate in the direction of the arrow C. Therefore, even when two motors 44a and 44b are provided for one transport chain 24, it is possible to prevent an abnormal load from being applied to the sprockets 25a and 25b so that the sprockets 25a and 25b can be rotated stably. Can be done.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the paper sheet transport device according to the present invention. The paper leaf transport device 8A shown in FIG. 1 had a plurality of bent portions 28. Further, the paper leaf transport device 8B shown in FIG. 11 had detour portions 57a and 58b formed by a plurality of bent portions 28a to 28h. The paper leaf transport device 8D shown in FIG. 14 is a paper leaf transport device that does not include a detour portion or a bend portion and extends the length of the game island in a simple linear manner in order to meet the demands of users and the like. ..

Also in this embodiment, the lengthening of the endless annular transport chain 24 increases the generation of load as compared with the conventional case. On the other hand, since the endless annular transfer chain 24 is driven by the electric motors 44a and 44b which are a plurality of drive sources, a sufficient transfer force can be obtained as compared with the case where the transfer chain 24 is driven by one drive source. rice field. Further, by using a plurality of drive sources, the transport chain can be orbited in a well-balanced manner over the entire chain.

Further, in FIG. 8, the one-way clutch 47 transmits the power of the motors 44a and 44b to the transfer chain 24 so that the transfer chain 24 moves in one direction indicated by the arrow C, and the transfer chain 24 itself is the same one. It functions to allow movement in direction C. As a result, when one transport chain 24 is driven by a plurality of drive sources, the transport chain 24 can be stably revolved around even when the driving force of each drive source varies slightly.

Further, the transport chain 24 is formed by connecting a plurality of transport pieces 30 as shown in FIG. The individual transport pieces 30 rotate and swing with respect to other adjacent transport pieces 30 or move back and forth when moving around. These movements of the transfer top cause an imbalance of the transfer chain 24 that moves around. However, in the present embodiment, the power transmission means 54 shown in FIG. 8 has a drive source 44a. Since the power of 44b is transmitted to the transfer chain 24 and the transfer chain 24 itself is allowed to move in one direction (C direction), each of the plurality of transfer pieces 30 can independently rotate and swing. Even when moving back and forth, the transport chain 24 can be stably moved around without losing its balance.

(Other embodiments)
Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be variously modified within the scope of the invention described in the claims.
For example, in the above embodiment, the case of transporting banknotes on a game island including a game machine such as a pachinko machine has been illustrated, but the paper leaf transport device of the present invention is used when transporting banknotes at a facility other than the game island. Can also be applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case of transporting banknotes as paper sheets has been illustrated, but the paper sheet transporting device of the present invention can also be applied to the case of transporting paper sheets other than banknotes.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: Game island, 2: Game machine, 3: Game medium lending machine (paper leaf processing means),
4A, 4B, 4C, 4D: Game machine row, 6: Banknote storage, 7: Banknote insertion slot, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D: Paper leaf carrier, 9: Frame, 10A: Left side guide plate (guide member) 10, B: Right side guide plate (guide member), 11: Upper groove, 12: Lower groove, 15, 16, 17, 18: Engagement protrusion, 19: Conveyance unit, 22: Partition plate, 23: Protrusion, 24: Conveyance Chain, 25a: 1st sprocket, 25b: 2nd sprocket, 28: bent part, 29: banknote (paper leaf), 30: transport piece (transport unit member), 30a, 30b: transport piece, 31: connecting pin , 32: Connecting part, 33a, 33b: Arm part, 36: Banknote contact part, 37: Connecting hole, 38: Sprocket fitting hole, 39a, 39b: Roller, 40: Flange, 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d : Guide rail, 44a: First electric motor (drive source), 44b: Second electric motor (drive source), 45a, 45b: Output shaft, 46: Belt, 47: One-way clutch, 50: Pulley, 51 : Shaft, 52: Pulley, 54: Power transmission means, 57a, 57b: Detour, 58: Obstacle, 59: Casing, 59a: Guide member, 60: Guide rail, 63: Protrusion, 64a, 64b: Rotational transmission Element, J: Spacing, K1, K2: Chain space, L: Width, R1, R2, R3: Banknote carrier, S1: Space

Claims (6)

In a paper leaf transporting device for transporting paper sheets discharged from a paper leaf processing means,
A transport path through which the paper sheets are transported and
An annular transport chain that transports the paper sheets along the transport path, and
At least two drive sources that drive the transport chain to move in a ring,
It has a power transmission means for transmitting the power of at least two drive sources to the transfer chain.
The power transmission means functions to transmit the power of the drive source to the transfer chain so that the transfer chain moves in one direction, and to allow the transfer chain itself to move in the one direction.
A paper sheet transporting device, wherein the power transmitting means belonging to each of the two drive sources transmits power in the same direction as each other. It has a guide member arranged so as to face the transport chain.
The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport path is formed between the transport chain and the guide member. The drive source is an electric motor.
The power transmission means
A rotation transmission element that engages with the transport chain to orbit the transport chain,
It has a one-way clutch provided between the output shaft of the electric motor and the rotation transmission element.
The one-way clutch has two states: a locked state in which the power of the output shaft of the electric motor is transmitted to the rotation transmission element, and a non-locked state in which the rotation transmission element idles with respect to the output shaft of the electric motor. Can be taken,
The one-way clutch is characterized in that, in the locked state, power in one direction of the drive source is transmitted to the rotation transmission element, and in the unlocked state, the transport chain itself is allowed to move in the one direction. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1 or 2. The transport chain has a linear outward traveling portion and a linear returning traveling portion.
The outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion are linear without any curved portion.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive source is provided at each of both ends of the transport chain, which is a boundary portion between the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion. Paper leaf transport device. The transport chain has an outward traveling portion and a returning traveling portion.
The outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion have at least one curved portion.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive source is provided at each of both ends of the transport chain, which is a boundary portion between the outward traveling portion and the returning traveling portion. Paper leaf transport device. The paper leaf is a banknote
It has a banknote storage for storing the banknotes.
The paper leaf processing means is a game medium lending machine that pays out game media in response to the insertion of the banknotes.
The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transport path transports the banknotes from the paper sheet processing means to the banknote storage.

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