JP3496429B2 - Card issuance and collection device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card issuing / collecting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general pachinko parlor, a ball counter used by a customer is installed at a required place in the store. On the other hand, recently, there is a proposal to attach a ball counter to each pachinko machine. That is, a counter for each table is installed in the counter portion below the lower plate of each pachinko machine. The counter for each platform receives the pachinko balls that are dropped and supplied from the ball discharge port of the lower plate at the time of a big hit, and the received pachinko balls pass through the inter-mechanical unit in the platform sand to go around the island (pachinko ball). Return to the passage). At the time of this return, the number of pachinko balls passing through is counted.

As a result, the pachinko balls are returned to the island, and can be used as hit balls (prize balls) or the like that are directly supplied to each pachinko machine that constitutes the island. Then, the counted number of balls is managed as electronic information, and for example, a ball deposit certificate (IC card or the like) for exchanging a prize is issued. As the electronic information to be recorded in the IC card, the number of balls itself may be recorded, or the number of balls may be recorded in the host computer of the pachinko parlor and the IC
The card may have a code number similar to the code number for accessing the number of balls recorded in the host computer. Then, the player brings the IC card concerned to the settlement counter and starts the settlement.

Therefore, in a pachinko parlor, it is necessary to install a device for issuing such an IC card for each pachinko machine or at an appropriate position such as a central settlement counter. Further, when the settlement is finally completed, it is necessary to collect the issued IC card. Therefore, the collection device is also installed at a predetermined position (settlement counter) in the store. Then, the collected card is transferred again to the issuing device and reused.

On the other hand, recently, IC cards are used as members cards issued by pachinko parlors. Then, it is conceivable that the IC card is also used as a card for recording information on the number of balls in the case of the big hit. However, even in that case, not all people who visit have possession members cards, so it is still necessary to install the above-mentioned card issuing device and card collecting device.

Further, a system for issuing and collecting such a card is necessary for managing automatic lift ticket gates at ski resorts and opening / closing gates of entrances and exits of parking lots that are attached to various stores or are independent of each other. There is an automatic parking system that automatically issues and collects parking tickets.

As a device for realizing such a system, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-212148 for pachinko parlors, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-106561 for automatic ski lift ticket gates. There is a bulletin etc.

[0008]

However, in each of the above-mentioned conventional devices, a device exclusively for issuing and a device exclusively for collecting are provided independently, and therefore, in order to reuse the collected card, It becomes necessary to manually take out the card collected in the collecting device and set it in the issuing device.

As a result, for example, when the cards are issued and collected at the same place, not only the installation space of the device doubles and the size becomes large, but also the manual transfer of the cards becomes complicated. There is a problem.

[0010] Further, for example, the device installed on the pachinko machine may be used only for issuing, and the device installed on the settlement counter may be used for collecting only. However, even in such a case, each device is designed and separated. Since it will be manufactured using components, it will be necessary to always perform two types of issuance and collection for everything from design and development to manufacturing. And manufacturing a structure with a different structure not only causes a high cost by itself, but also when improving or developing a new product, it is always carried out while considering the structure of the other party. It becomes very complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a card issuing / collecting apparatus having a card issuing function and a collecting function. It is in.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, the card issuing and collecting apparatus according to the present invention is mounted on a card management apparatus which collects cards and reuses the collected cards. The card storage means for temporarily storing a predetermined number of cards in a stacked state, and the card transport means installed below the card storage means for loading and unloading the card with respect to the storage means. The carrying-out of the card by the carrying means is carried out in order from the lowermost card among the cards stored in the card storing means, and the carrying-in of the card is supplied to the lowermost of the cards stored in the stacked state. And
When carrying in the card, the card stored in the card storing means is moved upward to form a space into which the card can be carried in (claim 1). Here, in the embodiment, the card carrying means is constituted by the carrying belt 25 or the like, but a roller or the like may be used instead of the carrying belt. Further, various pushing means such as a pusher may be used, but since it is necessary to have a function of sending the card in the card storing means to the outside and a function of supplying the card into the card storing means, a belt or roller which can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions is more preferable. This is preferable because it can be realized with a simple configuration.

The raising and lowering of the card in the card storing means can be realized by, for example, a cam mechanism (claim 2). In the embodiment, an example in which the cam is moved up and down in response to claim 2 (the cam actually applies a force in the upward direction and the downward movement uses a natural drop) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, not limited to the cam, various driving means such as a cylinder and a screw screw can be used.

With the above arrangement, when issuing a card, one card from the bottom of the stacked cards is to be issued.
It can be taken out one by one and issued. Further, when the card is collected, the card can be positioned in the lowermost position of the cards stacked and stored in the card storage portion by transporting the card in the opposite direction to that when the card was issued. At this time,
Since the stacked cards that have already been stored are moved upward to form a space below, the cards that have been transported for the above-described collection are smoothly carried into the space. After that, the series of cards that have been raised are lowered and loaded on the card that has just been loaded.

As described above, by raising and lowering the cards stored in the stacked state in synchronization with the collection of the cards, it is possible to supply the cards to the lower position in the card storing means. Moreover, the lower position of the card storage portion is a fixed position regardless of the number of stacked cards. As a result, the card transportation path for issuing and collecting cards can be moved in the opposite direction on the same path, and the entrance / exit of the card can be shared. Therefore, the device configuration can be simplified.

Further, since the card issuing and collecting can be performed by the same device, the time required for the production is greatly simplified as compared with the conventional case where the issuing machine and the collecting machine are designed and manufactured separately. Therefore, the cost can be reduced. Moreover,
Design changes can be easily made. Further, in the case where the card is issued and collected at one place, conventionally, it is necessary to install two devices, but in the present invention, it is sufficient to install one device. As a result, not only does it require a small installation area, but the collected cards can be used as they are for the next card issuance, which eliminates the need for card transfer work and is extremely convenient.

As described above, according to the present invention, the card issuing function and the card collecting function are provided in the same device, but the issuing and collecting machines can be used as the actual use / use mode. . Even in such a case, since the device configuration is the same, the effect that the design and manufacturing are easy and mass production by commonality can be achieved, and the cost can be reduced based on them. Further, even if it is used as a dedicated machine, it is rare to use only one and normally both are used. Therefore, even if maintenance for a failure is taken into consideration, only one type of spare device needs to be prepared, which is also preferable.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a card issuing and collecting machine of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this example, a recycle card such as an IC card is issued (issued), collected, and further, mounted on a card management device for reading and writing data with respect to the card.

First, the card management device will be described. The front side of the upper surface of the housing 10 is an inclined surface 10a.
A display operation panel 11 including a display unit such as an LCD and an operation unit is provided on the inclined surface 10a. Also, the housing 1
An open card entrance / exit portion 10b is formed at a predetermined position below the front surface of 0.

Inside the housing 10, a card reader section 12 is provided adjacent to the card entrance / exit section 10b. The card reader unit 12 is adapted to read and write information on the passing card 13. A card issuing / collecting device 14 according to the present invention is provided continuously behind the card reader unit 12. Further, in the housing 10, a card reader unit 12
Also, a control unit 16 for controlling the operation of the card issuing / collecting device 14 and a power supply unit 18 for driving the respective devices.
Is built in.

As the card 13 used here, a card such as an IC card or a magnetic card capable of rewriting predetermined information is used. Further, once the card 13 is collected, the information of the collected card is rewritten so that it can be used for the next card issuing. In the present invention, it is not always necessary that the card used is capable of rewriting data.

The card issuing / collecting device 14 includes a card storing section 20 capable of storing a predetermined number of cards 13 in a stacked state,
The card storage unit 20 is provided below the card storage unit 20 and has a card transport unit 22 for loading and unloading the card 13 into and from the card storage unit 20.

After the information stored in the card reader section 12 is read out, the card 13 inserted through the card entrance / exit section 10b is taken in by the card transport section 22 and is located at the bottom of the card storage section 20. Is set to. In addition, when issuing a card, the lowermost card of the card group stored in the card storage section 20 is taken out by the card transport section 22 and supplied to the card reader section 12, and necessary information is written therein. After that, the card is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the card entrance / exit portion 10b.

Further, instead of writing in this way, an ID number is given to the card in advance, and the card reader unit 12
Then, it is possible to read only the ID number of the card passing therethrough and not write the information. In other words, when issuing a card, the ID of the issued card
While reading the number, the host computer is notified of the ID number of the card that has just been issued, and the host computer stores the card and specific information in association with each other. The actual information can be read by reading the ID number and accessing the host computer when the card is collected. Note that an example of a specific usage mode of this device will be described later.

The specific structure of the card issuing / collecting device 14 for performing the above-described processing is as shown in FIGS. That is, the card storage unit 20 is provided with a frame body 23 that is opened vertically as shown in each figure (A), and the inner shape of the frame body 23 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the card 13 to be stored or slightly larger. Is forming. In addition, a card separation plate 24 shown by hatching in the drawing is provided on the inner surface of the frame body 23 on the front surface side. A predetermined gap t is formed between the lower end of the card separating plate 24 and the bottom surface 23 a of the frame body 23. The length of the gap t is set to be wider than the thickness of one card 13 and smaller than the thickness of two cards (see FIG. 2C), and one card is inserted through the gap t. Only 13 can pass through.

The bottom surface 23a of the frame 23 is provided in a part of the periphery and is locked to a part of the side edge of the card 13 to be stored, so that the card 13 is prevented from falling from the card storage portion 23. It's suppressed. Most of the bottom surface side of the frame body 23 is opened so that the card 13 comes into contact with a card carrying section 22 described later, and a carrying force can be given to the card 13.

Further, in order to smoothly eject only the lowermost card of the stacked cards 13 to the outside, the lower surface of the card separating plate 24 becomes a tapered surface 24a, and is gradually guided by the tapered surface 24a. In addition, the lowermost card 13 and the cards stacked on it are taken out while being separated.

On the other hand, the card carrying section 22 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, a conveyor belt 25 arranged to face the opening of the bottom surface 23 a of the frame body 23, and a pair of conveyor rollers 26 arranged on the lower outside of the front surface of the frame body 23.
And have. As the transport belt 25, for example, a vacuum conveyor may be used to transport only the card 13 that contacts the belt surface in a suction-held state. That is, it is provided with an endless belt 25c stretched between a drive pulley 25a and a driven pulley 25b, and a vacuum mechanism (not shown) is mounted in the endless belt 25c,
A suction force is generated through the innumerable holes formed in the endless belt 25c.

The transport belt 25 and the transport roller 26 both rotate in the forward and reverse directions, and
As shown in (A), convey the card to the left in the figure (issue / delivery direction), or convey the card to the right in the figure (collection / delivery / delivery direction) as shown in FIG. 3 (A). You can Then, the rotation control is performed by a control signal from the control unit 16. The drive system for driving such rotation is as shown in FIG. 4 (A).

That is, in this example, the first gear 28a is fixed to the output shaft 27a of one card carrying motor 27,
The first gear 28a is meshed with the second gear 28b fixed to the rotation shaft of the lower roller 26a that constitutes the transport roller 26. In addition, the upper roller 2 that constitutes the transport roller 26
6b is rotatably supported in a free state where it receives no driving force. As a result, when the card carrying motor 27 rotates forward and backward, the lower roller 26a rotates forward and backward via both gears 28a and 28b. The upper roller 26b that contacts the lower roller 26a rotates following the rotation of the lower roller 26a. That is, the rotational force is transmitted via the roller surface. Needless to say, a gear may be fixed to the rotation shaft of the upper roller 26b and the power may be transmitted via the gear.

The rotational force of the second gear 28b is transmitted to the drive pulley 25a of the conveyor belt 25 via the third gear 28c.
It is adapted to be transmitted to the fourth gear 28d connected to. As a result, the rotation directions of the second gear 28b and the fourth gear 28d become the same, and the conveyance belt 25 and the conveyance roller 2
The lower roller 26a of 6 rotates in synchronization with the same direction.

Further, in this example, the third gear 28c is attached to the rotary plate 29. This rotating plate 29 is used for the fourth gear 2
It rotates forward and reverse in a predetermined angle range about the rotation axis of 8d as a center of rotation. More specifically, the illustrated second and third gears 28b and 28c are in a meshed state and a counterclockwise direction from that state. It is possible to switch between two states in which the two gears 28b and 28c are rotated and separated from each other and the rotational force from the second gear 28b is not transmitted to the third gear 28c.

The switching is performed by the solenoid 30.
It is performed by controlling the energization to. That is, in a steady state in which power is not supplied, the state is as shown in FIG. 4, and when power is supplied to the solenoid 30 from such a state, the connecting portion of the rotary plate 29 with the solenoid is pulled toward the front side to rotate,
The connection between the third gear 28c and the second gear 28b is cut off.

The timing of this switching control is performed when the card is issued. That is, when the lowermost card (first card) is carried out from the card storage unit 22, the card carrying motor 27 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction in a state where all the gears 28a to 28d shown in FIG. 4 are connected. To do. Then, since the conveyor belt 25 and the conveyor roller 26 rotate in the direction to carry out the card 13, first, a conveyor force is applied to the lowermost card contacted with the conveyor belt 25, and the card 13 (one sheet)
Is taken out of the card storage unit 20 and carried out. As a result, the front of the card 13 abuts on the carrying roller 26 and receives the carrying force from the carrying roller 26.

Then, as the transport roller 26 rotates, the card 13 further advances and is finally carried out from the card inlet / outlet port 20b provided in the housing 10. At this time, the rotational force is applied to the transport belt 25. If it is transmitted, the next card (second card) will also be sent out from the card storage section 20.

Therefore, when the carrying force from the carrying roller 26 can be transmitted to the card 13, the solenoid 30 is energized to stop the rotation of the carrying belt 25. As a result, only one card can be carried out. Since the above-mentioned inconvenience does not occur when the card is carried in with the card collection, the four gears 28a to 28d are always connected and the switching control is not performed.

By the way, when collecting the card 13,
Since a plurality of cards are already stored in the card storage portion 20 in a stacked state, they cannot be inserted into the card storage portion 20 through the gap between the lower end of the card separating plate 24 and the bottom surface 23a of the frame body 23 as they are. Therefore, in the present invention, by raising the card group already stored at the time of collection to secure a space continuous to the above gap, after inserting the card into the space, by lowering the lifted card group , Card groups are stacked on top of the inserted card. That is, the cards are collected in order from the bottom of the card storage unit 20, and the cards are issued in order from the bottom of the card storage unit 20.

In this example, the cam mechanism is used to move the card group up and down in accordance with the above-mentioned recovery timing. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 (B) and 3 (B), disk-shaped plate cams 31 are provided below both sides of the frame body 23, and the side surfaces of the plate cams 31 can contact the card 13. . The specific shape is basically a shape in which a semi-circular portion 31a having a small radius and a semi-circular portion 31b having a large radius are joined together with their centers aligned, and further, a switching portion of both semi-circles on the leading side in the rotation direction. Has an arc-shaped protrusion 31
c is provided. Further, the pair of plate cams 31 and 31 are configured to rotate in one direction in synchronization.

In the state shown in FIG. 2 in which the semicircular portion 31a having a small radius is located inside, a pair of plate cams 31, 31 are provided.
The distance between them is set to be longer than the width of the card 13. As a result, as shown in the drawing, the cards 13 do not come into contact with the plate cam 31 and are stored in a stacked state without opening a space below the card storage portion 20. Then, such a state is the card issuing / standby state.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 3 in which the semicircular portion 31b having the large radius is located inside, the distance between the pair of plate cams 31, 31 is set to be shorter than the width of the card 13. . As a result, as shown in the drawing, the lower surface of the lowermost card 13 comes into contact with the plate cam 31 and is lifted, and the space K is formed below the card storage portion 20.
This state is the card collection state.

By rotating the plate cam 31 in synchronism, the above-mentioned two positions can be taken alternately, and the drive system for such rotational drive is as shown in FIG. 4 (B). ing. That is, the gear 34 is fixed to the output shaft 33a of one card lift motor 33, and the gear 34 is meshed with one intermediate gear 35a. The one intermediate gear 35a meshes with the gear 35b connected to the rotary shaft of the one plate cam, and also meshes with the other intermediate gear 35a '. The other intermediate gear 35a 'meshes with the gear 35b' connected to the rotating shaft of the other plate cam. As a result, when the lift motor 33 rotates, the gears 31, 35a, 35
Both plate cams 31, 31 rotate synchronously via b, 35a ', 35b'.

Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawings, in the present embodiment, the card storage section 20 is removable from the card transport section 22.
Even if the card is removed with the card stored therein, the card does not drop from below the card storage portion 20. As a result, the card storage unit 20 collected by another device
By removing the card and attaching it to another device (mainly a device for issuing), the card in the storage section can be used as a card for issuing.

Next, the operation of this apparatus will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the basic position / orientation of this embodiment is such that a semi-circular portion 31a having a small radius is located inside. As a result, the card 1 in the card storage unit 20
3 does not receive the upward force of the plate cam 31, and the frame body 23
It is stacked and stored on the bottom surface 23a of the. Then, this state is the card issuing state, and when the card is issued, the plate cam 31 is not rotationally driven and the card transport unit 22 is operated to carry out one card 13 at the bottom. become.

On the other hand, when the card is collected, the plate cam 31 is rotated in a predetermined direction. As a result, first, as shown in FIG. 3B, the protrusion 31c of the plate cam 31 hits the lower surface of the card 13 and is further rotated as it is,
As shown in FIG. 3C, the protrusion 31c lifts the card 13 upward. Further rotation, as shown in FIG. 6D, the card 13 comes into contact with the semicircular portion 31b having the large radius, and is held in a state of being lifted in a stable state. Then, the rotation of the plate cam is once stopped in the illustrated state. As a result, a predetermined space K is formed below the stacked cards 13, which is the card collection position.

In this state, the card transport section 22 is operated to carry in one card 13 'and supply it into the space K of the card storage section 20. This completes the recovery process. Then, thereafter, the plate cam 31 is rotated again in the same direction. Then, when it is rotated to a certain angle, the semicircular portion 31a having a large radius is located outside the frame body 23, and the supporting force for the card 13 is lost. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The cards 13 descend and drop, and are in a state of being stacked in the card storage portion 20. And the plate cam 31 rotates further,
It returns to the reference position shown in FIG.

Next, a mode of using the above-mentioned device will be described. First, at a pachinko parlor, it can be used as a payment card (deposit certificate) in case of a big hit.

That is, as described in the section of the prior art, in a system in which each pachinko machine has a counter (counter for each machine), a pachinko ball is directly returned to the island when a big hit occurs, and at the time of the return. It is possible to count the number of pachinko balls. Then, after the right to win the jackpot has been exhausted (a predetermined number of hit balls have been discharged), the counter for each machine obtains the total number of balls.

Next, the above card management device is driven to take out one card stored in the card storage section 20 and issue it. At this time, for example, in the case where the card reader unit 12 can read and write, the card can be issued while the total number of balls counted is written. Then, the player who has obtained the card goes to the settlement counter and carries out the settlement processing only with the card or with other pachinko balls.
Also at the time of this settlement, the card management device provided with the above-mentioned card collection and issuing device is used. That is, the clerk inserts the card into the card management device. Then, a recovery process is performed, and the inserted card is stored in the card storage section 20. At this time, since the card passes through the card reader unit 12, the settlement process can be performed by reading the number-of-balls data recorded on the card at the time of the passage. Then, in the case of this method, when the collected card is reused, the data is written again.

Further, as described above, the card reader unit 12
Even if it has no write function and is read-only,
A settlement system can be supported by using the following system configuration. That is, the ID number is recorded in advance on the card. Then, when a big hit occurs, the total number of balls is counted by the counter for each unit as in the above, and then the card is issued. At the time of this issuance, the card reader unit 12 reads the ID number of the card and transfers it to the host computer. At the same time, the total number of balls obtained by the counter for each machine is transferred to the host computer. And
The host computer records the ID number and the total number of balls as a pair. Note that the above-mentioned association is performed by, for example, the I of the card issued from the card management device to the counter for each table.
This can be easily realized by notifying the D number and causing the counter for each machine to associate the acquired ID number with the obtained total number of balls and transfer them to the host computer. In this case, only the ID number is recorded on the issued card, so there is no risk of data modification and it is safe.

On the other hand, at the time of payment, the issued card is brought to the payment counter, and the card is inserted into the card management device installed at the counter. Then,
Similar to the above, the card is collected in the card storage unit 12 after passing through the card reader unit 12. Then, the card reader unit 12 reads the ID number of the passed card and outputs it to the settlement machine. And at the checkout machine, ID
The host computer is accessed by using the number as a key, and the ball number data related to the card with the ID number is transferred to the settlement machine to perform the settlement process.

In any of the above systems, the card management device with the built-in card issuing and collecting device installed on the pachinko machine side functions as a card issuing exclusive machine, and the card managing device installed on the checkout counter side collects the card. Functions as a dedicated machine. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the collected cards at a predetermined timing, and in this respect, it is the same as in the case of a dedicated machine having another conventional configuration. Further, in the present embodiment, even if it happens to be used exclusively for the function, since the device configuration is the same, only one type of processing from designing to assembling is sufficient. Further, if the device used as the collecting machine fails, the used machine can be replaced with the one used.

On the other hand, if the same device is used to issue and collect cards, this device is installed, for example, at a settlement counter. And when a big hit, the clerk takes out the card issued from the device, takes it to the pachinko stand that is a big hit, and inserts the card into a counter for each stand adjacent to the pachinko stand. , The ID number of the card is notified, and the ID number and the number of balls are transferred to the host computer. Then, the settlement is performed in the same manner as above. That is, the person who has hit the jackpot carries out the settlement process by bringing the card received from the clerk to the settlement counter. At this time, the card is collected. That is, the card can be issued and collected using the same device.

Further, instead of issuing the card only when the jackpot is hit like this, for example, when the player enters the pachinko parlor, he / she acquires the card and the user / player inserts the card into a predetermined position on the pachinko machine. To allow you to start the game. Then, the data regarding the number of balls is directly managed on the card, or the data such as the number of balls is collectively managed by the host computer using the ID number of the card. The same card is used when changing the pachinko machine to be used. By doing this, the information in the pachinko parlor can be centrally managed by the host computer together with the ID number of the card, and when you finally return, bring the card to the settlement counter and perform the settlement process. Applicable. In this case, the card is collected at the time of settlement processing as described above.

In any of the above cases, not only the card issuing / collecting device 14 according to the present invention, but also the card management device itself in which it is mounted can be realized with the same device configuration.

Although the various systems described above have been applied to pachinko parlors, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a game hall other than pachinko parlors, various game centers, amusement parks, and ski resorts. It can also be applied to other recreation facilities.

Further, as another usage mode, the present invention can be applied to an entrance / exit management / automatic ticket gate system attached to a pachinko parlor or other store, or existing independently. That is, FIG. 6 shows the vicinity of the entrance / exit gate in the parking lot, and in this example, the entrance side passage 40 and the exit side passage 41 are arranged in parallel in a separated state. A gate 42 is provided so as to block the entrance-side passage 40, and a gate 43 is similarly provided so as to block the exit-side passage 41. And each gate 42, 4
3 is normally closed, and is designed to open for a certain period when certain conditions are met.

Further, a parking ticket issuing machine 44 is installed in front of the gate 42 installed in the entrance passage 40, and in front of the gate 42 installed in the exit passage 41, A checkout machine 45 is installed. The card issuing / collecting device 14 (the card management device (which further includes the above-mentioned card reader unit) 38) including the card issuing / collecting device 14 according to the present invention is the same as the parking ticket issuing device 44 as shown in FIG. Each is installed in the settlement machine 45. of course,
Card issuing and collecting device 14 installed in each machine 44, 45
(Card management device 38) has the same configuration.

That is, the parking ticket issuing machine 44, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), for example, has an outlet 38a (which is continuous with the card issuing / collecting device 14) for issuing a parking ticket (card) on its front surface. Further, a clock 44a for displaying the current time, a speaker 44b for making a predetermined announcement, and the like are arranged at appropriate positions.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (B), the settlement machine 45 has a slot 38a (continuous to the card issuing / collecting device 14) for inserting a parking ticket (card) on the front surface thereof. A display unit 45 that has and further displays a parking fee
a, a coin slot 44b, a bill slot 44c, a change outlet 45d, etc. are arranged at appropriate positions.

Each of the above-mentioned devices is automatically operated unattended. That is, when first entering the vehicle, the vehicle comes in front of the parking ticket issuing machine 44 and temporarily stops, and the driver receives the parking ticket issued from the parking ticket issuing machine 44. Along with this, the gate 42 opens, so that the vehicle passes through it and parks at a predetermined position in the parking lot. In terms of the present invention, when issuing the parking ticket, one card is taken out from the card storage unit in the card issuing / collecting device 14 and carried out, and the card reader unit in the card management device. After writing necessary information such as the time on the parking ticket (card) at 12, it is discharged from the exit 48a. When the card reader unit 12 is read-only, it reads the ID number recorded on the card, associates the ID number with the issued date and time information, and transfers it to a storage device installed at a predetermined position. This storage device is installed on the parking ticket issuing machine 44 side, on the adjustment machine 45 side, or in a host computer arranged at a different position.

When exiting, the automobile 46 is made to enter the exit side passage 41 and temporarily stopped in front of the settlement machine 45. Then, the parking ticket received earlier is inserted into the insertion opening 38a of the settlement machine 45. Then, the parking ticket (card) inserted by the card issuing and collecting device 14 of the present invention being operated.
Collect. Then, at the time of collection, the card reader unit 12
At the same time, the information stored in the parking ticket is read and the read information is sent to the CPU on the adjustment machine 45 side. Payment machine 45
The CPU calculates the parking charge based on the given information and displays it on the display unit 45a. When the payment of the predetermined amount is confirmed, the settlement process is ended and the gate 43 is opened. Therefore, you will pass through it and leave the parking lot.

The above-mentioned read information is, for example, such time data when the information such as the entry time is written in the parking ticket itself when the parking ticket is issued.
PU obtains the parking time from the entry time and the current time,
The parking fee will be calculated from there. In addition, the parking ticket issuing machine does not write data
When the number is read and stored in the storage device in association with the entry time, the information read by the settlement machine 45 side is also the ID number of the inserted card. And CP
U accesses the above-mentioned storage device based on the ID number of the card, acquires the entrance time, and then performs a predetermined settlement process. In this way, regardless of whether or not data is written to the card when the card is issued, the same device configuration can be used as in a pachinko parlor or the like.

In the illustrated example, the parking ticket issuing machine 44 and the settlement machine 45 are separately installed, and as is clear from FIG. 7, the entire device has a different configuration, but at least the card according to the present invention. The issue collection device and the card management device including it can have the same configuration.

Further, in the illustrated example, the entrance-side passage 40 and the exit-side passage 41 are formed separately, but it is of course possible to enter and exit in the same passage. In that case, for example, a gate may be provided at an intermediate point of the passage, and the parking ticket issuing machine 44 and the settlement machine 45 described above may be installed on both sides of the gate, or a parking ticket in which they are integrally formed. You may install one issue settlement machine. And when formed with one device, the collected parking ticket (card) can be used for issuing the next parking ticket. Therefore, the parking ticket collected by the settlement machine 45 is manually transferred to the parking ticket issuing machine 44 side. Eliminates the hassle of transferring.

In the case where the above parking lot system is installed in a pachinko parlor or other store, for example, a service is usually provided to the customers of the store to make the parking charge free for a certain period of time. It is being appreciated. In such a case, the issued parking ticket (card) is presented to a clerk at the time of using the store, and directly to the parking ticket, or to the storage device described above based on the ID number of the parking ticket. ,
Stores information about usage. As a result, the settlement machine 4
When the parking ticket is inserted into the parking lot 5, it is possible to know whether the parking lot is used or not based on the information stored in the parking ticket. If the parking fee is free, the gate can be opened as it is.

On the other hand, in the case of a parking lot, a commuter pass or the like may be issued, and in the case of a store, a person who issues a member's card and has the member's card May provide services such as free parking.

Even in this case, the card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention is designed to carry out the card at the bottom at the time of issuance and put the collected card at the bottom. With such a configuration, it is possible to process using the same card doorway as issuance and collection of parking tickets for general users.

That is, the parking ticket issuing machine 44 does not immediately issue the parking ticket when the car comes before it, but
For example, the parking ticket is issued when a certain condition such as "after a certain period of time" or "depression of the ticket issuing button" is satisfied. By doing so, for example, a person who possesses the above-mentioned commuter pass / members card will eject the above-mentioned normal parking ticket if he / she comes in front of the parking ticket issuing machine 44 when entering the parking lot. The card is inserted into the coming exit 38a. Then, the card issuing / collecting device of the present invention performs processing on the carry-in side, reads the card inserted by the card reader unit 12, and transfers the read information to the main body side CPU of the parking ticket issuing machine 44. Then, the card is once taken into the card storage portion, but subsequently the parking ticket issuing process is performed. That is, the bottom card stored in the card storage portion is taken out, and the card is discharged from the outlet 38a. Then, the ejected card is a personal card that was inserted immediately before. Of course, for general users who do not have such a card, the same processing as described above is performed,
A parking ticket will be issued from the exit 38a.

[0069]

As described above, in the card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention, the cards stored in the card storing means in a stacked state can be moved up and down. Of the lowermost card, the card is taken out, carried out and issued, and when the card is collected, the stored card is raised to ensure a space below the card storing means for storing a new card. Therefore, it is possible to collect the card by reversing the transportation route at the time of issuing, and it is possible to provide both the issuing function and the collecting function with a simple device configuration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a card management device including a card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a card issuing / collecting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the present device is used in an automatic ticket gate system for a parking lot.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the present device is used for an automatic ticket gate system in a parking lot.

[Explanation of symbols]

13 cards 14 Card issuance and collection device 20 card storage 22 Card carrier 31 plate cam

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G07B 11/02 G07B 11/02 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 85/00 B65H 3/04 B65H 29/18 A63F 7/02 328 G07B 1/00 G07B 11/02 B65H 83/02

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A card storing means for collecting a card and mounting the collected card on a card management device for reusing, and temporarily storing a predetermined number of cards in a stacked state, and the card storing means. And a card carrying means for carrying in and carrying out a card to and from the storing means, wherein the card carrying out by the card carrying means is the lowest of the cards stored in the card storing means. Cards are loaded in order, and the cards are loaded at the bottom of the stacked cards, and when loading the cards, the cards loaded in the card loading means are loaded. The card issuing / collecting device is characterized in that a space into which a card can be carried in is formed by moving up and down. 2. The cam mechanism raises and lowers the card in the card storing means.
Card issuing and collecting device described in.