JP4823720B2 - Game media lending machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending machine represented by a medal lending machine that lends medals used for gaming machines such as slot machines and a ball lending machine that lends pachinko balls used for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

  For example, in a game hall in which a gaming machine such as a slot machine is installed, one medal lending machine that rents out medals as a gaming medium of the slot machine is arranged on each side of each gaming machine (patented) Reference 1). A customer (player) who wants to play a game on a gaming machine has a predetermined amount of money in a medal lending machine adjacent to the gaming machine (generally installed on the right side of the slot machine in a front view in the case of a slot machine). A bill (for example, a thousand yen bill) is inserted, a medal is borrowed from a medal lending machine, and a slot machine game is played using this medal. In general, 50 medals are lent out for an input amount of 1,000 yen.

  The medal lending machine has a banknote insertion slot for customers to insert banknotes to borrow medals, a banknote discriminator (bill validator) that identifies the authenticity of the inserted banknotes and the amount of money, and banknote storage that stores the inserted banknotes. Etc. are provided. Moreover, the opening part opened when collect | recovering banknotes from a banknote storage part, and the opening-and-closing door which opens and closes the opening part are provided. A locking mechanism is attached to the open / close door to prevent the banknote from being stolen from the banknote storage (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Normally, the lock is locked by this locking mechanism so that the opening cannot be opened. When necessary, such as when the clerk (administrator) of the game hall collects banknotes from the banknote storage or performs maintenance. Only the door is unlocked with a key and the opening is opened. Furthermore, an open / close detection sensor for detecting whether or not the opening is open is provided (see Patent Document 2). For example, when a malicious person tries to unlock a banknote without using a genuine key and take out a banknote, the opening / closing detection sensor can detect that the opening has been opened, and can notify a store clerk by an alarm or the like. It has become. This prevents bills from being stolen.

  By the way, even when the open / close detection sensor as described above is provided, for example, a work is performed to prevent the open / close detection sensor from operating normally, and the opening is opened or formed near the bill insertion slot. There is a risk of theft being done without the knowledge of the store clerk, such as by inserting a special instrument into the small gap and removing the bill. In order to detect such fraud, conventionally, when a bill is inserted into each medal lending machine, the amount information read by the bill identifier is sent to the hall computer, and based on the amount information, While the hall computer calculates the sales information for each medal lending machine, the store clerk circulates at predetermined intervals during business hours and collects each banknote from the banknote storage of each medal lending machine. The stored sales information of each medal lending machine is collated with the amount of bills collected from each medal lending machine. As a result, if the amount of bills actually collected is less than the amount of sales information stored in the hall computer, it is determined that the bill may have been stolen from the bill storage part of the medal lending machine, In addition, it was estimated that there was a suspicion of a person in the vicinity of the gaming machine paired with the medal lending machine, and measures such as starting monitoring with the surveillance camera directed at the person were performed.

JP 2002-325890 A JP 2003-220279 A

  However, with conventional methods of detecting fraud, after a banknote is stolen from the banknote storage unit, a considerable amount of time has passed until the store clerk completes the collection and verification of the banknote. There was a risk of not being able to. Therefore, the time when fraud was performed was only vaguely known. In addition, there is a possibility that the real culprit has already escaped from the gaming hall, and it is also unlikely that a person in the vicinity of the gaming machine is a criminal who has committed cheating. Therefore, even if the possibility of fraudulent acts was discovered, the culprit could not be identified, and in terms of deterring fraudulent acts.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium lending machine that can immediately find an illegal act of stealing a bill.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a gaming medium lending machine that lends gaming media based on the insertion of banknotes from a banknote slot, and that can store banknotes inserted from the banknote slot. A bill storage detection sensor comprising: a storage portion; an opening portion that is opened when a bill is taken out from the bill storage portion; and an open / close door that opens and closes the opening portion, and detects the presence or absence of a bill stored in the bill storage portion. And an open / close detection sensor for detecting whether or not the opening is open, and the fraud that identifies the presence or absence of fraud based on the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor and the detection information of the open / close detection sensor An identification unit, wherein the detection information of the open / close detection sensor is detection information indicating a closed state, and the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor is a detection information indicating that no banknote is present. On condition that changed, and judging that the fraud was made, the game media lending machine is provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium lending machine that lends gaming media based on the insertion of banknotes from the banknote insertion slot, which can store banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot, A banknote storage detection sensor for detecting a decrease in banknotes stored in the banknote storage section, comprising an opening that is opened when a banknote is taken out from the banknote storage section, and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening. An open / close detection sensor that detects whether or not the card is opened, and includes a fraud identification unit that identifies the presence or absence of fraud based on the detection information of the bill storage detection sensor and the detection information of the open / close detection sensor, The fraud identification section is a fraudulent act on condition that the detection information of the open / close detection sensor is detection information indicating a closed state and the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor is detection information indicating a decrease in banknotes. And judging the made the, game media lending machine is provided.

  This game medium lending machine may be provided with a notification device that informs that the fraud identification unit has determined that an illegal act has been performed. If it is determined by the fraud identification unit that a fraudulent act has been made, the gaming medium lending may be stopped.

  According to the present invention, the detection of the banknote storage detection sensor and the detection information of the open / close detection sensor indicate that the banknotes in the banknote storage section disappear (or decrease) while the opening is closed. It is possible to detect an abnormal phenomenon that may occur when the operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to immediately detect fraudulent attempts to steal banknotes. In addition, by providing a notification device, it is possible to notify the store clerk that an illegal act has been performed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a medal lending machine as an example of a game medium lending machine as an example. FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a medal lending machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure with the side wall of the medal lending machine 1 removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part unit of the medal lending machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal lending machine 1 includes a coin processing device 5, a main control device 6 for controlling the medal lending device 1 as a whole, a security black box (BB) 7, a bill processing device. (Bill Bali unit) 10, an open / close detection sensor 11 for detecting whether or not an opening 138 to be described later is opened, a medal delivery device (medal paying device) 12, and a power supply unit 13 are built in, and the front side of the lending machine body 3 The upper panel 15, the middle panel 16, and the lower panel 17 are detachably attached to (the front side facing the customer side).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lending machine main body 3 includes a housing 40 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose front side (front side) is opened. The housing 40 is elongated in the height direction, and when viewed from the front, the left inner side surface 40a positioned on the left side, the right inner side surface 40b positioned on the right side, the rear inner side surface 40c positioned on the back side (rear side), A ceiling surface 40d and a bottom surface 40e are provided, and an opening 41 having a substantially rectangular shape is formed on the front side.

  In the housing 40, three partition plates, that is, a first partition plate 45, a second partition plate 46, and a third partition plate 47 are attached. The first partition plate 45 is fixed substantially horizontally and below the ceiling surface 40 a of the housing 40. The second partition plate 46 is fixed substantially horizontally and below the first partition plate 45. The third partition plate 47 is fixed substantially horizontally and below the second partition plate 46. In other words, the internal space of the housing 40 is partitioned into four regions vertically by the first partition plate 45, the second partition plate 46, and the third partition plate 47.

  The upper panel 15 described above is provided between the ceiling surface 40d and the upper surface of the first partition plate 45 so as to close the upper portion of the opening 41. The middle panel 16 is provided between the lower surface of the first partition plate 45 and the upper surface of the second partition plate 46 so as to close an intermediate portion of the opening 41 (opening portion 138 described later). The lower panel 17 is provided between the lower surface of the second partition plate 46 and the bottom surface 40 e so as to close the lower portion of the opening 41. Thus, the entire opening 41 is closed by the upper panel 15, the middle panel 16, and the lower panel 17.

  Further, the coin processing device 5, the main control device 6, and BB7 are surrounded by the ceiling surface 40d, the left inner side surface 40a, the right inner side surface 40b, the rear inner side surface 40c, the upper surface of the first partition plate 45, and the upper panel 15. (Hereinafter referred to as “upper accommodation space S1”). The banknote processing apparatus 10 includes a space surrounded by the lower surface of the first partition plate 45, the left inner surface 40a, the right inner surface 40b, the rear inner surface 40c, the upper surface of the second partition plate 46, and the middle panel 16 (hereinafter referred to as “the inner panel 16”). It is accommodated in “intermediate portion accommodating space S2”. The medal delivery device 12 has a space surrounded by the lower surface of the second partition plate 46, the left inner surface 40a, the right inner surface 40b, the rear inner surface 40c, the upper surface of the third partition plate 47, and the lower panel 17 (hereinafter referred to as the lower panel 17). (Hereinafter referred to as “lower housing space S3”). The power supply unit 13 includes a space surrounded by the lower surface of the third partition plate 47, the left inner side surface 40a, the right inner side surface 40b, the rear inner side surface 40c, the bottom surface 40e, and the lower panel 17 (hereinafter referred to as “lowermost housing space S4”). ").

  Next, each device built in the lending machine body 3 will be described in detail. First, a coin C that is a money substitute used in the medal lending machine 1 and a medal M as a game medium lent out by the medal lending machine 1 will be described. The coin C has, for example, a disk shape, and has a configuration in which an electronic component that is a non-contact data carrier is incorporated. A memory that stores information such as an ID code unique to each coin C is mounted on each electronic component built in each coin C. Further, different ID codes are assigned to the coins C used in the game hall. The ID code is stored by, for example, a sales management device 73 described later, and information on each coin C is stored in association with each ID code and managed by the sales management device 73. The medal M has a disk shape, for example, and is formed of a material such as a conductive metal.

  Next, the coin processing device 5 will be described. The coin processing device 5 receives a coin C inserted into a coin insertion slot 125, which will be described later, and can store a plurality of coins C therein. The coin C is discharged to the coin payout exit 126. An ID code reading unit for reading the ID code of the coin C is built in the coin processing device 5. The coin processing device 5 is electrically connected to the main control device 6 (coin-related control unit 221 described later), and the main control device 6 (coin-related control unit 221) is connected to the coin processing device 5. The control signal is transmitted, and the ID code information of the coin C is transmitted from the coin processing device 5 to the main control device 6 (coin-related control unit 221). The function of the coin processing device 5 will be described in detail later.

  Various devices arranged in the medal lending machine 1 are connected to the main controller 6 so as to be able to transmit electrical signals, and various information is transmitted and received between the main controller 6 and each device. Is called. Further, the main control device 6 is connected to a hall computer 71 installed outside the medal lending machine 1 so as to be able to transmit an electric signal. The functional configuration of the main controller 6 will be described in detail later.

  The BB 7 has a function of collecting various data in the medal lending machine 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, the BB 7 is electrically connected to an I / F (interface) unit 72 installed outside the medal lending machine 1. Connected so that signals can be transmitted. The I / F unit 72 is connected to a sales management device 73 that calculates the sales of game halls and the like. That is, the BB 7 can transmit various information to the sales management device 73 via the I / F unit 72.

  Next, the banknote processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the banknote handling apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a bill insertion slot 80 through which a customer inserts a bill E (for example, a thousand yen bill) in order to borrow a medal M is formed in a horizontally long slit shape on the front surface of the apparatus main body 10 a of the bill processing apparatus 10. Is open. Inside the apparatus main body 10a, a bill validator (bill valid) 81 as a bill insertion detection sensor for identifying the authenticity of the bill E inserted into the bill insertion slot 80 and the amount of the bill E, and the bill E are stored and stored. A banknote storage unit 82, a banknote storage detection sensor 84 that detects the presence or absence of the banknote E stored in the banknote storage unit 82, and a banknote processing device controller 85 that controls the operation of the banknote processing device 10.

  The bill validator 81 is electrically connected to the bill processing device controller 85 and is driven based on a control signal transmitted from the bill processor control portion 85. Further, a detection signal (authentic ticket determination signal) regarding the authenticity of the banknote E and a detection signal regarding the amount of the banknote E are transmitted to the banknote processing device control unit 85.

  The banknote storage detection sensor 84 is also electrically connected to the banknote processing device control unit 85 and transmits a detection signal to the banknote processing device control unit 85. As the bill storage detection sensor 84, for example, an optical sensor is used.

  When the banknote processing apparatus 10 determines that the banknote E is authentic by the banknote discriminator 81 under the control of the banknote processing apparatus controller 85, the banknote E is sent to the banknote storage section 82, and the banknote E is authentic. When it is not determined (when the banknote E is a fake or when an error occurs in the determination operation), the banknote E is driven so as to be sent back out of the banknote insertion slot 80. The banknote processing device controller 85 and the main controller 6 (a banknote related control unit 222 described later) are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit and receive electrical signals. That is, the detection information of the banknote discriminator 81 and the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor 84 are transmitted to the main controller 6 (banknote related control section 222) via the banknote processing apparatus control section 85. ing. Moreover, it is comprised so that a control signal may be transmitted to the banknote processing apparatus control part 85 from the main control apparatus 6 (banknote related control part 222).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a bill tray 92 for receiving the bill E is integrally attached to the apparatus main body 10 a in front of the bill insertion slot 80. The bill receiving tray 92 includes a bottom plate 92a provided sideways along the lower edge of the bill insertion slot 80, and guide walls 92b and 92c disposed on the left and right sides of the bottom plate 92a. The banknote tray 92 is configured such that a leading end is projected outside the middle panel 16 through a tray opening 148 provided in the middle panel 16 described later. A bill is formed in a gap formed between the upper edge portion of the saucer opening 148, that is, a horizontally long slit-like gap surrounded by the bottom plate 92a, the guide walls 92b and 92c and the upper edge portion of the saucer opening 148. E is inserted. The banknote E is inserted into the gap in a state in which the longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction (direction from the front to the back side), and is placed on the bank tray 92 substantially horizontally. , It is inserted into the apparatus main body 10a. Further, on the front surface of the apparatus main body 10 a, a takeout port 93 for taking out the banknote E from the banknote storage portion 82 is provided below the banknote tray 92.

  Next, the open / close detection sensor 11 will be described. FIG. 5 shows a state where the open state of the middle panel 16 is detected by the open / close detection sensor 11, and FIG. 6 shows a state where the closed state of the middle panel 16 is detected by the open / close detection sensor 11. As the open / close detection sensor 11, for example, an optical sensor can be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor main body 105, a light emitting unit 106 that emits light, and light emitted from the light emitting unit 106. A configuration including a light receiving unit 107 that receives light is used.

The sensor body 105 is formed in a substantially U-shape having two arm portions 105a and 105b provided at positions facing each other, for example. One arm portion 105a is provided with a light emitting portion 106, and the other arm portion 105b is provided with a light receiving portion 107. A gap between the arm portions 105a and 105b serves as a sensor groove 105c into which a sensor projection 146 formed on the inner edge (free end side) of the inner panel 16 described later is inserted. In the illustrated example, the sensor main body 105 is provided in the vicinity of the lower surface front edge of the first partition plate 45 (in the vicinity of the upper edge of the opening 138 described later), and the sensor groove 105c has an opening end. It arrange | positions so that it may face front (front side). That is, when the middle panel 16 is in a closing position P _E 0 described later, the sensor projection 146 is disposed in the sensor groove 105c.

  The light emitting unit 106 includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode. Further, the light emitting unit 106 is connected to the power supply unit 13 through wiring. The light receiving unit 107 has a light receiving element such as a phototransistor, for example. The light receiving unit 107 is electrically connected to the main controller 6 (an unauthorized identification unit 231 described later) via a signal line or the like.

  Normally, the light emitting unit 106 emits light toward the light receiving unit 107, but the inner surface of the middle panel 16 is close to the opening 138, and the sensor protrusion 146 passes through the opening end of the sensor groove 105c. In the state of being inserted into the sensor groove 105c (see FIG. 6), the emitted light is blocked by the sensor protrusion 146 and is not received by the light receiving portion 107, and a current is generated in the light receiving element of the light receiving portion 107. There is nothing to do. That is, in the main control device 6 (unauthorized identification unit 231), an electrical signal (current) from the light receiving unit 107 is not detected, in other words, the opening 138 is closed (closed). Detection information to be shown is given to the main control device 6 (unauthorized identification unit 231). On the other hand, the state in which the middle panel 16 falls to the outside and is separated from the opening 138, that is, the sensor projection 146 does not exist in the sensor groove 105 c, and exits from the opening end of the sensor groove 105 c. In the state (see FIG. 5), the light emitted by the light emitting unit 106 is received by the light receiving unit 107 without being blocked, and a current is generated in the light receiving element. That is, the main control device 6 detects an electrical signal of the light receiving unit 107, and the detection information indicating that the opening 138 is opened (is in an open state) is sent to the main control device 6 (illegal identification unit). 231).

In the main control device 6 (an unauthorized identification unit 231 described later), whether or not the middle panel 16 is in a closing position P _E 0 described later based on whether or not a current flows through the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 107, That is, it can be detected whether or not an opening 138 described later is opened. That is, if no current flows through the light receiving element, it is determined that the sensor protrusion 146 is present in the sensor groove 105c, that is, the middle panel 16 is in the closed position P _E 0 and is in the closed state, and the light receiving element When a current flows, it can be determined that the sensor projection 146 is not present in the sensor groove 105c, that is, the middle panel 16 is not in the closed position P _E 0 and is in the open state.

  For example, the sensor body 105 may be mounted in the vicinity of the upper front edge of the second partition plate 46 (opening portion) instead of the vicinity of the lower front edge of the first partition plate 45 (near the upper edge of the opening 138). 138 in the vicinity of the lower edge), and the mounting position of the sensor projection 146, which will be described later, is set as the lower inner edge of the inner panel 16 (the rotation center shaft 141a side described later) instead of the upper edge of the inner surface of the middle panel 16. Also good. In this way, malfunction of the open / close detection sensor 11 can be more effectively prevented. That is, for example, there is an error in the mounting position of the middle panel 16 or a hinge 141, which will be described later, or there is an error in the structure of the hinge 141, for example, and rattling occurs when the middle panel 16 is moved. Even if there is, the lower the middle panel 16 (the closer to the rotation center axis 141a), the smaller the error and the shakiness, and the smaller the positional deviation between the sensor groove 105c and the sensor projection 146. Therefore, in spite of the fact that the sensor projection 146 is actually in the sensor groove 105c and is in the closed state, it is erroneously determined that the main controller 6 (the unauthorized identification unit 231) is in the open state. Can be prevented. That is, the reliability of detection using the open / close detection sensor 11 can be improved.

  Further, as the light emitting element provided in the light emitting unit 106, an element that emits infrared light (for example, an infrared light emitting diode) is employed, and as the light receiving element provided in the light receiving unit 107, an element that detects only infrared light is employed. You may do it. In this case, for example, even if light other than infrared light enters the light receiving unit 107 from the outside of the open / close detection sensor 11, the light is not detected by the light receiving element. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the open / close detection sensor 11 due to external light. That is, although the sensor projection 146 is present in the sensor groove 105c, it is possible to prevent a current from flowing to the light receiving unit 107 due to external light, and it is erroneously determined that the main controller 6 is in the open state. The detection reliability using the open / close detection sensor 11 can be improved.

  It is more preferable that the surface of the sensor projection 146 be dark with as little reflected light as possible. For example, a paint such as black is applied to the surface of the sensor projection 146, or a resin previously colored in black is used. The sensor protrusion 146 may be molded. In this case, it is possible to prevent light emitted from the light emitting unit 106 or light from the outside from being irregularly reflected on the surface of the sensor projection 146, thereby preventing malfunction of the open / close detection sensor 11. . That is, although the sensor projection 146 is present in the sensor groove 105c, the irregularly reflected light can be prevented from being received by the light receiving unit 107, and thus the main controller 6 erroneously determines that it is in the open state. The detection reliability using the open / close detection sensor 11 can be improved.

  Next, the configuration of the medal sending device 12 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the medal delivery device 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the medal delivery device 12 is attached to a main body base (housing) 110 and an upper portion of the main body base 110, and a medal hopper 111 as a game medium storage unit that stores a plurality of medals M, a medal hopper 111. Is provided with a medal payout mechanism 112 for discharging the medals M accommodated in the unit. Drive control of the medal payout mechanism 112 and the like is performed based on a control command transmitted from the sending device control unit 113 via the connector 114.

  The main body base 110 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, for example, by press molding a metal plate having a plate pressure of about 2 mm. Inside the main body base 110, a motor 120 and the like of a medal feeding mechanism 112, which will be described later, are provided. A connector 114 for electrically connecting an external device and each part of the medal delivery device 12 is attached to the side wall of the main body base 110.

  The medal hopper 111 has an opening 111a at the top, and is narrowed toward the bottom. The medal hopper 111 is provided with a medal outlet 116 that is opened to a size that can discharge a single medal M at the bottom front side of the medal hopper 111.

  In the medal hopper 111, as a storage amount detection sensor for detecting the storage amount of the medal M stored in the medal hopper 111, for example, medal detection for detecting that the storage amount is smaller than a predetermined amount (near empty state). A sensor (near empty sensor) 117 is provided. The medal detection sensor 117 includes two terminal portions 117 a and 117 b installed at the same predetermined height from the bottom of the medal hopper 111. The power supply unit 13 is electrically connected to one terminal portion 117a via a wiring 117c and a connector 114, and the other terminal portion 117b is connected to a sending device control section 113 via a wiring 117d and a connector 114. Are electrically connected.

  That is, when the medal M is stored more than the height at which the terminal portions 117a and 117b are installed, and the medal M is in contact with the terminal portions 117a and 117b, a voltage is applied to the terminal portion 117a. Then, a current is supplied to the terminal portion 117a, the plurality of metal medals M, and the terminal portion 117b, and an electrical signal (current) is detected by the sending device control unit 113. On the other hand, if the medal M is stored only to a position lower than the terminal portions 117a and 117b, the medal M does not contact the terminal portions 117a and 117b, and in this case, a current is passed from the terminal portion 117a to the terminal portion 117b. The current does not flow, and the current is not detected by the delivery device control unit 113. Therefore, the sending device control unit 113 determines whether or not the medal M is stored up to a predetermined height, that is, whether or not there is a predetermined storage amount, based on whether or not a current is supplied to the terminal unit 117b. It can be detected.

  Note that the predetermined storage amount of medals M in the medal hopper 111 is, for example, about 150. In the present embodiment, the amount corresponds to about three times the predetermined number (for example, 50) lent out at a time in exchange for the amount of money for a predetermined unit amount (for example, 1000 yen). Accordingly, if the medal M is not replenished to the medal hopper 111 in spite of the fact that the amount is less than the predetermined storage amount, that is, the near empty state is detected, there is a possibility that the medal M can be lent out up to two more times. However, in the third or fourth lending, there is a high possibility that the medal M is insufficient and the predetermined number cannot be lent. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the near empty state is detected, the medal hopper 111 is not replenished with the medal M as described later, and the next medal M is lent out. It is determined that the storage amount of medals M is insufficient (empty state).

  The medal payout mechanism 112 includes a rotating plate 118 provided with a plurality of recesses 118a capable of accommodating medals M one by one, and a motor 120 that rotates the rotating plate 118.

  A main body 120 a of the motor 120 is fixed in the main body base 110. Further, the motor main body 120 a is electrically connected to the delivery device control unit 113 via the connector 114 and is driven by a control command from the delivery device control unit 113. Further, the motor main body 120 a is electrically connected to the power supply unit 13 via the connector 114. The rotating shaft 120b of the motor 120 penetrates the upper surface of the main body base 110 and protrudes from the bottom of the medal hopper 111, and is provided with the axial direction oriented in a substantially vertical direction.

  The rotating plate 118 is disposed along the bottom of the medal hopper 111, and is fixed to the rotating shaft 120b by a fixture 121 including a cap 121a and a stop pin 121b. The rotating shaft 120b is attached so as to penetrate the central portion of the rotating plate 118. A plurality of claws 118b projecting toward the outer peripheral side are provided at the peripheral edge portion of the rotating plate 118 for each equiangular position so as to surround the periphery of the rotating shaft 120b. A recess 118a is formed between adjacent claws 118b. The medals M in the medal hopper 111 drop into the respective recesses 118a from above and are inserted, and are held one by one in the recesses 118a in a substantially horizontal posture.

  In such a configuration, when the motor 120 is driven, the rotating plate 118 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 120b, and the medal M inserted in each recess 118a rotates together with the rotating plate 118 around the rotating shaft 120b. To do. When the concave portion 118a moves forward and reaches a position facing the medal outlet 116, the medal M in the concave portion 118a is moved into the concave portion by the action of a guide pin (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the medal outlet 116. It is sent out from 118a toward the outer periphery, and is led out of the medal hopper 111 through the medal outlet 116. The medal M in the medal hopper 111 is again supplied from the upper side to the recess 118a after the medal M is sent out. Then, the next concave portion 118a located next to the concave portion 118a moves to a position facing the medal delivery port 116, and the medal M is led out from the concave portion 118a in the same manner as described above. In this way, the medal M is sequentially sent out one by one to the medal delivery port 116 from each recess 118a by driving the medal payout mechanism 112. The medal M delivered from the medal delivery port 116 is configured to be introduced into a medal delivery nozzle 165 described later.

  In addition, a medal counter 123 for counting the number of sent medals M is provided near the medal delivery port 116 as a sending detection sensor for detecting that the medal M is sent from the medal sending port 116. Yes. The detection signal of the medal counter 123 is transmitted to the sending device control unit 113 via the connector 114.

  The sending device control unit 113 is connected to the main control device 6 (medal related control unit 223 described later) so as to be able to send and receive electrical signals. Information is transmitted to the main control device 6 (medal related control unit 223). Further, a control signal related to the operation of the medal payout mechanism 112 is transmitted from the main control device 6 (medal related control unit 223) to the sending device control unit 113.

  Next, the upper panel 15 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the upper panel 15 has a coin insertion slot 125 for inserting a coin C as a money substitute into the lending machine body 3, and the coin C is paid from the lending machine body 3. A coin payout exit 126 for giving out, an information display unit 127 for displaying information such as the balance of the coin C to the customer, a status display lamp 128 for displaying the operation state of the medal lending machine 1 by a lighting color, etc. Lending request switch 130 that is pressed when requesting the lending of medal M that uses the memorized value of money, coin return switch 131 that is pressed when the customer requests return of coin C, and upper panel 15 are lent A locking mechanism 132 that locks the main body 3 so as not to come off is provided.

  The coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 125 is introduced into the above-described coin processing device 5. When the coin C has a monetary value, the medal M can be borrowed within the range of the monetary value of the coin C. Also, each time the lending request switch 130 is pressed, a lending request signal is transmitted to the main control device 6 (coin-related control unit 221 to be described later), and each time within the range of the value of the coin C, A predetermined number (for example, 50) of medals M corresponding to a predetermined unit amount (for example, 1000 yen) is lent out in a lump. On the other hand, when the coin return switch 131 is pressed, a return request signal is transmitted from the coin return switch 131 to the main control device 6 (coin-related control unit 221), whereby the coin C is ejected from the coin processing device 5, It is configured to be paid out through a coin payout exit 126.

  The upper panel 15 is detachably attached to the opening 41 by sliding in the front-rear direction with respect to the opening 41. The coin processing device 5 and the main control device 6 described above are fixed to the upper panel 15, and the coin processing device 5, the main control device 6, and the upper panel 15 constitute one unit. That is, when the upper panel 15 is slid in the front-rear direction with respect to the opening 41, the coin processing device 5 and the main control device 6 are also slid integrally with the upper panel 15, and with respect to the upper space S 1 through the opening 41. It is possible to insert and withdraw integrally.

Next, the configuration of the middle panel 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the middle panel 16, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a state in which the middle panel 16 is disposed at the closing position P _E 0, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show the middle panel 16 in the first position. It shows a state arranged on one of the open position P _{E 1.} FIG. 13 shows a state in which the middle panel 16 is further pulled out from the first open position P _E 1. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the middle panel 16 is disposed at the second open position P _E 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the middle panel 16 has a panel body 137 having, for example, a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The inner surface of the panel body 137 opens the front side of the intermediate housing space S2, that is, the left side. An opening 138 (see FIG. 3) surrounded by the front edge of the inner surface 40a, the front edge of the right inner surface 40b, the front edge of the first partition plate 45, and the front edge of the second partition plate 46. Can be opened and closed. That is, the middle panel 16 has a function as an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening 138. The opening 138 is a part of the opening 41 of the lending machine body 3 to be described later, and has a substantially rectangular shape. For example, when a clerk (manager) takes out the banknote E from the banknote storage part 82, or It is opened at the time of maintenance etc. of equipment (banknote processing device 10, opening / closing detection sensor 11, etc.) provided in middle part accommodation space S2.

  A locking mechanism 140 for locking the bill E so as not to be taken out from the bill storage portion 82 described above is provided above the middle portion of the middle panel 16. The lower edge portion of the panel main body 137 is rotatably attached to the lower edge portion of the opening 138 (the front edge portion of the partition plate 46) via the hinge 141. For example, a torsion coil spring (torsion spring) 142 is provided at the lower edge of the panel body 137 as an elastic member (biasing member) that urges the panel body 137 in the opening direction. Flange portions 145 (left flange portion 145A and right flange portion 145B) are attached to the left and right sides of panel body 137, respectively. A sensor projection 146 to be inserted into the sensor groove 105c described above is attached to the inner edge (rear side) upper edge of the panel body 137. A decorative outer plate 147 is attached to the front surface of the panel body 137. The middle panel 16 has a tray opening 148 through which the banknote tray 92 of the banknote processing apparatus 10 described above passes, so as to penetrate from the inner surface side of the panel body 137 to the outer surface of the outer plate 147. .

The keyhole 140 a of the locking mechanism 140 is opened on the outer surface of the middle panel 16. Further, on the inner surface side of the middle panel 16, a movable movable piece 140b for locking is provided. The locking movable piece 140b can be moved upward or laterally by inserting a predetermined key into the keyhole 140a and rotating it. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper end portion of the opening 138 (the front edge portion of the first partition plate 45) is provided with a movable piece engaging portion 140c with which the locking movable piece 140b is engaged. . If the movable movable piece 140b is moved upward in a state in which the middle panel 16 is disposed at a closing position P _E 0 described later, the movable movable piece 140b is moved to the inner surface of the movable piece engaging portion 140c. Is held so as not to move outside the movable piece engaging portion 140c. Thus, the middle panel 16 is locked so as not to open outward.

  The rotation center axis 141a of the hinge 141 is disposed along the lower edge side of the panel body 137 in a substantially horizontal direction (left-right direction). The middle panel 16 can be separated from the opening 138 in the proximity and outside (front side) by rotating about the rotation center axis 141a.

The torsion coil springs 142 are provided on both sides of the hinge 141, for example. One end of the torsion coil spring 142 is attached to the lower edge of the panel body 137, and the other end is attached to the lower edge of the opening 138 (the front edge of the partition plate 46). The torsion coil spring 142 is provided so as to bias the middle panel 16 in the direction of tilting outward. That is, the direction from the closed position P _{E 0,} which will be described later in the first open position P _{E 1,} also elastic force such as to move from a first open position P _{E 1} towards the second open position P _{E 2} It is equipped to generate.

  Next, the flange portion 145 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the left flange portion 145A is provided on the left side of the panel body 137 when viewed from the front side, and the right flange portion 145B is provided on the right side of the panel body 137 when viewed from the front side. Since the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are configured to be symmetrical with each other, the left flange portion 145A will be described in detail below, and the description of the right flange portion 145B will be omitted. In the present specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

The left flange portion 145A holds the leaf spring 151, which is an elastic member having a protrusion 151a as a first engaging portion, and the middle panel 16 in a state where the left flange portion 145A is tilted to a second open position P _E 2 described later. The engagement holding part 152 is provided. The engagement holding part 152 is provided below and behind the leaf spring 151. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a protrusion 151 a and an engagement holding portion 152 are formed on the left edge (the front edge of the left inner surface 40 a of the housing 40) on the left side when viewed from the front side of the opening 138. The second engaging portion 153 that is selectively engaged is provided so as to protrude toward the right edge as viewed from the front side of the opening 138. Further, the left flange portion 145A extends along the left inner side surface 40a of the housing 40 as shown in FIG.

  The leaf spring 151 is provided so that both planes are along the side surface of the left flange portion 145A, and gradually toward the upper end portion side of the panel body 137 as it moves toward the panel body 137 (from the rear toward the front). , And are inclined with respect to the panel body 137. Further, both end portions of the leaf spring 151 are fixed to the left flange portion 145A, respectively, and between the both end portions can be elastically deformed in the left-right direction, and elastic force is applied by receiving deflection in the left-right direction. It is arranged to generate. The protrusion 151a as the first engaging portion is provided between both end portions of the leaf spring 151. The protrusion 151a is provided so as to protrude from the right side to the left side of the left flange portion 145A when viewed from the front side through a hole 155 formed in the left flange portion 145A.

  The right flange portion 145B extends along the right inner surface 40b of the housing 40 as shown in FIG. The right flange portion 145B is also provided with an engagement holding portion 152 and a hole 155 for holding the leaf spring 151 having the protrusion 151a and the middle panel 16 in a state of being tilted outward. As shown in FIG. 10, the right edge (the front edge of the right inner surface 40b of the housing 40) is provided so as to protrude toward the left edge as viewed from the front side of the opening 138. A second engaging portion 153 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the middle panel 16 is disposed at the position where the opening 138 is closed, that is, at the closed position P _E 0, the panel body 137 of the middle panel 16 is erected substantially vertically. The left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are disposed on the inner side of the opening 138, and the protrusions 151a of the leaf springs 151 provided on the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are respectively inward from the engaging portion 153. The leaf springs 151 are separated from each other (backward), and are not subjected to deflection. On the other hand, the torsion coil spring 142 is in a state where it receives a torsion, and generates an elastic force in a direction to move the middle panel 16 away from the opening 138, but the middle panel 16 is locked by the locking mechanism 140. 16 can be fixed at the closing position P _E 0.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the middle panel 16 is rotated outward from the closing position P _E 0 about the rotation center axis 141a and moved to the first opening position P _E 1, the panel body 137 Is inclined with respect to the lending machine main body 3 so as to go outward as it goes from below to above. The left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are in a state where the upper portions thereof protrude outward from the opening 138, and the protrusions 151a of the leaf springs 151 are in contact with the engaging portions 153 from the inside. become. Further, the torsion coil spring 142 is in a state where it receives a torsion even when each projection 151 a is in contact with the engaging portion 153, so that the middle panel 16 is separated from the opening 138. Generate elastic force. In this way, each protrusion 151a is hooked on the engaging portion 153 while being pushed outward by the torsion coil spring 142, so that the middle panel 16 is held so as not to move outward or outward, and the first opening is released. It is stopped at position P _E 1.

In other words, when the middle panel 16 is in the first open position P _E 1, the moment of force around the rotation center axis 141 a acting on the middle panel 16 is balanced. In other words, around the rotation center axis 141 a, the moment due to the weight of the middle panel 16 and the moment due to the elastic force of each torsion coil spring 142 act as the moment acting in the direction to rotate the middle panel 16 outward. However, as moments acting in the opposite direction to these, moments due to the backward drag F applied to the projections 151a from the left and right second engaging portions 153 act, When all the moments around the shaft 141a are added, the moment is zero. The drag force F applied to each protrusion 151a also acts as an external force that elastically deforms each leaf spring 151 leftward or rightward, but each leaf spring 151 receives the drag force F received in this state. In some cases, the protrusion 151a has such rigidity (spring constant) that the protrusion 151a does not displace so much that it gets over the second engaging portion 153. The spring constant of the torsion coil spring 142, the spring constant of the leaf spring 151, and the like are appropriately set so as to satisfy the above relationship.

When trying to move the middle panel 16 to the outside from the first open position P _E 1, an administrator such as a store clerk applies an external force to the middle panel 16 by pulling the middle panel 16 further outward, Each leaf spring 151 may be elastically deformed so that each protrusion 151 a gets over the top of the engaging portion 153. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the protrusion 151a of the leaf spring 151 provided on the left flange portion 145A is relatively pushed by the left engagement portion 153, so that it is pushed into the hole 155 side (right side), and the leaf spring 151 is bent toward the right side, and the protrusion 151a of the leaf spring 151 provided on the right flange portion 145B is pushed relatively to the engagement portion 153 on the right side, thereby being pushed into the hole 155 side (left side), What is necessary is just to apply external force so that the leaf | plate spring 151 may bend toward the left side. Further, when trying to move the middle panel 16 from the outside to the inside from the first opening position P _E 1, each clerk or the like applies an external force to the middle panel 16 such as pushing the middle panel 16 inward. The leaf spring 151 may be elastically deformed so that each protrusion 151a gets over the top of the engaging portion 153. By elastically deforming the leaf spring 151 in this way, each projection 151a is moved to the inside and outside of the engaging portion 153, and the middle panel 16 is moved from the first open position P _E1 and the first open position P _E 1. It can be moved to the outside. In other words, unless the store clerk or the like pulls the middle panel 16 artificially, each projection 151a does not exceed the engaging portion 153, and the middle panel 16 moves outward from the first open position P _E1. It is supposed not to.

When the middle panel 16 is moved further outward than the first open position P _E 1 and moved to the second open position P _E 2 as shown in FIG. 14, the panel body 137 is tilted sideways. , Move downward from the opening 138. The left flange portion 145 </ b> A and the right flange portion 145 </ b> B come out of the opening 138, and the protrusions 151 a of the leaf springs 151 are moved to the outside of the engaging portion 153. Then, the engagement holding portions 152 of the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are lifted from below (rear) and are in contact with the respective engagement portions 153 from the inside. Further, the torsion coil spring 142 is hardly subjected to torsion and hardly generates elastic force. Thus, each of the engagement holding portions 152 is hooked on the engagement portion 153, so that the middle panel 16 is held so as not to rotate further downward and is made stationary at the second open position P _E 2. . In the second open position P _E 2, the inner surface of the panel body 137 is tilted so as to form a maximum angle (for example, 90 ° or more) with respect to the lending machine body 3 and the opening 138. It will be in the state inclined so that it may go below as it goes outside.

As described above, the middle panel 16 is moved to the closing position P _E 0 for closing the opening 138, the first opening position P _E 1, and the second opening position P _E 2 for completely opening the opening 138. It can be held in a state. Further, the leaf spring 151 can be deformed into an engaged state in which the protrusion 151a and the engaging portion 153 are engaged, and an engaged state in which the engagement between the protrusion 151a and the engaging portion 153 is released. ing. In a state in which locking by the locking mechanism 140 is not performed, middle panel 16 in a closed position P _{E 0} is the bias of the coil spring 142 and torsion own weight, the first open position from the closed position P _{E 0} P _E 1 It moves naturally toward the center and stops naturally at the first opening position P _E 1. Further, outside the first opening position P _E 1, the middle panel 16 is naturally moved to the second opening position P _E 2 by the urging and self-weight of the torsion coil spring 142, and the second opening position P _E 1. It naturally comes to rest at position P _E 2. Thus, the opening 138 can be opened in two stages.

As described above, the engaging portion with which the protrusion 151a is engaged at the first opening position P _E 1 and the engaging portion with which the engagement holding portion 152 is engaged at the second opening position P _E 2. By using the common second engaging portion 153, the structure near the opening 138 can be simplified, rather than providing them separately as different engaging portions.

Further, in a state where the panel body 137 is disposed at the closing position P _E 0, the bill tray 92 is disposed in the tray opening 148, and the panel body 137 is in the first opening position P _E 1, the second opening. In the state of being arranged at the position P _E 2 or the like, the tray opening 148 moves relative to the bill tray 92 (rotates about the rotation center axis 141a).

  As described above, the bill tray 62 is disposed in the tray opening 148 in a state in which the tip portion protrudes forward. When the middle panel 16 is opened and closed, the bill tray 62 is not opened. The tray opening 148 is formed larger than the outer shape of the banknote tray 92 when viewed from the front so as to avoid interference with the tray opening 148 and allow the tray opening 148 to be moved with a margin. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, a gap is formed between the inner edge of the tray opening 148 and the outer surface of the banknote tray 92. In this case, a special instrument or the like is inserted into a gap 156 between the lower surface of the bill tray 92 and the lower edge of the tray opening 148, whereby the bill E is removed from the bill storage portion 82 through the outlet 93. There is a risk of being. A baffle plate 157 is attached to prevent such illegal acts.

  The baffle plate 157 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape, and is fixed along the inside of the panel main body 137 below the tray opening 148. And the upper edge part of the baffle plate 157 is arrange | positioned so that it may protrude upwards from the lower edge part of the opening 148 for saucers. As shown in FIG. 9, when the bill tray 92 is disposed in the tray opening 148, the top edge of the baffle plate 157 is disposed so as to be close to the bottom surface of the bottom plate 92a of the bill tray 92. As a result, the gap 156 is closed. Thereby, it can prevent that a special instrument etc. are inserted in the clearance gap 156, and can prevent that the banknote E is extracted via the clearance gap 156. FIG.

In addition, in order to prevent the banknote E from being stolen from the banknote storage part 82 through the gap 156, a structure is provided in which the cover is provided at the take-out port 93, and the banknote storage part 82 is configured by the cover and the middle panel 16. However, the structure having only the baffle plate 157 as described above can be manufactured more easily and cheaply than such a structure. Moreover, in the structure which provides such a cover body, when managers, such as a store clerk, take out the banknote E, it takes time to remove and attach a cover body, and there exists a possibility that the efficiency of collection | recovery of the banknote E may worsen. On the other hand, in the structure in which the baffle plate 157 is provided as described above, when the clerk or the like takes out the bill E, the baffle plate 157 is integrated with the middle panel 16 only by moving the middle panel 16 outward. The opening 138 can be opened, and at the same time, the take-out port 93 can be opened to the outside. Moreover, after taking out the banknote E, the baffle plate 157 can also be returned to the original position integrally with the middle panel 16 only by returning the middle panel 16 to the closing position P _E 0. Therefore, since the troublesome work of removing and attaching the lid is unnecessary, the banknote E can be collected quickly.

  Next, the configuration of the lower panel 17 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the lower panel 17 includes a lower panel main body 160 and a replenishment for opening and closing a medal replenishing port 161 for a store clerk to insert (supplement) the medal M into the lending machine main body 3. A mouth door 162. The supply port door 162 is provided above the lower panel main body 160.

  The lower panel main body 160 is provided with a pipe-shaped medal delivery nozzle 165 for discharging the medal M from the lending machine main body 3. The tip of the medal delivery nozzle 165 is arranged toward a medal tray attached to a slot machine (a gaming machine provided adjacent to the side of the medal lending machine 1) (not shown). That is, the medal M discharged from the lending machine main body 3 is guided by the medal delivery nozzle 165 and supplied to the tray for the medal.

  The medal replenishment port 161 is a substantially rectangular opening that forms part of the opening 41 of the lending machine body 3, and is positioned below the second partition plate 46 and above the opening 111 a of the medal hopper 111 described above. ing.

Next, the configuration of the replenishing port door 162 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 16 shows a state where the supply port door 162 is viewed from the front, FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the supply port door 162, and FIG. 18 shows the supply port door 162 in the open position P _M. FIG. 19 shows the state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the closing position P _M0 from the rear side, and FIG. 20 shows the state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed. A state of being arranged at the open position P _M 1 is shown from the rear side.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the replenishing port door 162 has a door body 190 having a substantially rectangular shape, for example, and the medal replenishing port 161 can be opened and closed by the inner surface side of the door body 190. It has become. The lower edge portion of the door main body 190 is rotatably attached to the lower edge portion of the medal replenishment port 161 (the upper edge portion of the lower panel main body 160) via the hinge 191. A decorative outer plate 193 is attached to the front surface of the door body 190. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, flange portions 195 (left flange portion 195 </ b> A and right flange portion 195 </ b> B) are respectively attached to the left and right sides of the door main body 190. The left flange portion 195A and the right flange portion 195B extend along the left inner side surface 40a and the right inner side surface 40b of the housing 40, respectively. Further, a locking mechanism 196 for locking the medal replenishment port 161 so as not to be opened is provided on the upper center portion of the replenishment port door 162.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the rotation center shaft 191 a of the hinge 191 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction (left-right direction) along the lower edge portion side of the door body 190. One end 191b of the hinge 191 is fixed to the lower panel main body 160 (that is, the side wall on the front side of the medal lending machine 1). The other end 191c of the hinge 191 is connected to the lower part of the replenishing port door 162 (in the illustrated example, the back side of a convex part 201a described later). Thus, the replenishing port door 162 is connected to the lower panel main body 160 via the hinge 191 and rotates integrally with the end 191c around the rotation center shaft 191a, so that the medal replenishing port 161 can be rotated. And can be separated to the outside and the outside (front side). That is, it is possible to move to a closing position P _M 0 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) for closing the medal replenishment port 161 and an open position P _M 1 (see FIG. 18) for opening the medal replenishment port 161.

The rotation center shaft 191 a is disposed at a position closer to the outer surface than the inner surface of the supply port door 162 and closer to the outer surface than the inner surface of the lower panel main body 160. Therefore, the replenishing port door 162 can be rotated and moved using a position closer to the outer surface than the inner surface of the lower panel 17 as a fulcrum. In this case, even if the lower end portion of the supply port door 162 and the upper end portion of the outer surface of the lower panel main body 160 are arranged close to each other, the lower end portion of the supply port door 162 when the supply port door 162 is tilted outward. And the outer surface upper end of the lower panel main body 160 can be prevented from interfering with each other. Therefore, the outer surface of the replenishing port door 162 and the outer surface of the lower panel main body 160 can be formed in a relatively simple shape, and the design can be improved. For example, in a state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the closed position P _M 0, the lower end portion of the replenishing port door 162 and the upper end portion of the outer surface of the lower panel main body 160 are brought close to each other, and when viewed from the outside, the replenishing port door The gap between the lower end portion of 162 and the upper end portion of the lower panel main body 160, the hinge 191 and the like can be made inconspicuous. And the external appearance of the good design property that the outer surface of the door 162 for supply ports and the outer surface of the lower panel main body 160 comprise the continuous smooth surface can be made.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the closing position P _M 0, the door main body 190 is erected substantially vertically along the medal replenishing port 161. . Further, the left flange portion 195A and the right flange portion 195B are housed inside the medal supply port 161.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the open position P _M 1, the door main body 190 is rented out so as to be gradually separated from the medal replenishing port 161 toward the upper side. The machine body 3 is inclined. Further, the left flange portion 195 </ b> A and the right flange portion 195 </ b> B are pulled out from the medal supply port 161 and are disposed between the medal supply port 161 and the door body 190. That is, an opening portion 197 surrounded by the left flange portion 195A, the edge portion of the right flange portion 195B, the upper edge portion of the inclined door body 190, and the front portion of the lending machine body 3 is formed. Through 197, the medal M is supplied.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a first uneven portion 201 is provided in the lower part on the inner surface side of the supply port door 162. The first uneven portion 201 includes a plurality of convex portions 201a extending downward from the lower edge portion of the door body 190, and a plurality of concave portions 201b formed between the respective convex portions 201a. It is formed in a shape (comb shape). In the example shown in the drawing, the respective convex portions 201a are arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals in the left-right direction.

  On the other hand, a second uneven portion 202 that meshes with the first uneven portion 201 is provided inside the housing 40. The second uneven portion 202 is provided on the guide member 205 that guides the medal M from the medal supply port 161 to the opening 111 a of the medal hopper 111.

  For example, the left and right ends of the guide member 205 are fixed to the left inner surface 40a and the right inner surface 40b of the housing 40, respectively. The upper surface of the guide member 205 is an inclined surface 206 that is gradually inclined downward from the lower edge side of the supply port door 162 toward the inner opening 111a side (front to rear). In the present embodiment, the inclined surface 206 is configured as a guide surface for guiding the medal M from the lower edge side of the replenishing port door 162 toward the inside of the lending machine body 3.

  The second concavo-convex portion 202 is formed on the upper portion (front portion) of the inclined surface 206. The second uneven portion 202 has a plurality of convex portions 202a formed so as to extend obliquely upward, and a plurality of concave portions 202b formed between the convex portions 202a, and is formed in a comb shape. ing. In the illustrated example, the convex portions 202a are formed in, for example, an elongated, substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and are arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 19, in a state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the closing position P _M 0, the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 are in a mutually shifted state. The convex portion 201 a formed on the first concave and convex portion 201 is inserted below the inclined surface 206 through the concave portion 202 b formed on the second concave and convex portion 202. The convex portion 202a formed in the second concave and convex portion 202 is inserted into the cavity 190a (see FIG. 17) inside the door main body 190 through the concave portion 201b formed in the first concave and convex portion 201. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, in a state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the open position P _M 1, the first uneven portion 201 is lifted toward the second uneven portion 202, and the second uneven portion The part 202 is in a state of being almost completely engaged. The convex portions 201a formed on the first concave and convex portion 201 are respectively inserted into the concave portions 202b formed on the second concave and convex portion 202, whereby each concave portion 202b is closed. Further, the convex portions 202a formed on the second concave and convex portion 202 are respectively inserted into the concave portions 201b formed on the first concave and convex portion 201, whereby each concave portion 201b is closed. In this way, the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 are engaged with each other, whereby the inclined surface (inner surface) of the door body 190 and the inclined surface 206 are connected, and the medal M inserted into the opening portion 197 is a door. It is possible to smoothly slide down from the inclined surface of the main body 190 toward the inclined surface 206.

In order to smoothly move the first uneven portion 201 with respect to the second uneven portion 202, the concave portion 201b is formed larger than the convex portion 202a, and the concave portion 202b is formed larger than the convex portion 201a. Therefore, even when the replenishment port door 162 is disposed at the open position P _M 1 and the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 are engaged with each other, the inner surface of the recessed portion 201b and the outer surface of the protruded portion 202a In the meantime, a slight gap is formed between the inner surface of the concave portion 202b and the outer surface of the convex portion 201a. Thus, the gap between the first concave and convex portion 201 and the second concave and convex portion 202 is as described above. The formed gap is set so that the medal M cannot pass. That is, in any part, the width of the gap is narrower than the thickness of the medal M, so that the medal M cannot enter the gap. Therefore, the medal M can be prevented from being caught by the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 or being caught in the gap.

In addition, in a state where the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the open position P _M 1, the upper surface of the first uneven portion 201 protrudes slightly upward as viewed from the upper surface of the second uneven portion 202 and the inclined surface 206. Alternatively, refer to FIG. Then, the medal M can be smoothly slid down from the first uneven portion 201 onto the second uneven portion 202 and the inclined surface 206, and the medal M is surely caught on the second uneven portion 202. Can be prevented.

Further, even when the replenishing port door 162 is disposed at the closing position P _M 0, the gap formed between the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202, that is, the recessed portion 201b and the protruded portion 202a, The gap formed between the two and the gap formed between the concave portion 202b and the convex portion 201a is set so as to prevent the medal M from passing therethrough. That is, in any part, the width of the gap is narrower than the thickness of the medal M, so that the medal M cannot enter the gap. In this case, for example, even when a large number of medals M are stored in the medal hopper 111 and the medals M are accumulated up to the vicinity of the guide member 205, the medals M are separated from the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion. It can be prevented from being caught in the gap between the portion 202. Therefore, when the medal replenishing port 161 is opened and closed, the medal M can be prevented from getting in the way of the movement of the replenishing port door 162 and the replenishing port door 162 can be moved smoothly.

  The hinge 191 described above is disposed below the inclined surface 206 of the guide member 205, and the rotation center shaft 191 a is provided at a position separated from the inclined surface 206 outside and below the upper end of the inclined surface 206. It has been. As described above, when the rotation center shaft 191a and the inclined surface 206 are separated from each other, the door body 190 moves away from the inclined surface 206, but between the door body 190 and the inclined surface 206, as described above. A first uneven portion 201 and a second uneven portion 202 are provided. Thereby, the medal M can be prevented from entering between the door body 190 and the inclined surface 206. In other words, it is not necessary to provide the rotation center shaft 191a at a position close to the inclined surface 206, and the degree of freedom in design such as the arrangement of the supply port door 32, the hinge 191, and the rotation center shaft 191a can be increased. Design that emphasizes is also possible.

  Next, the locking mechanism 196 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the locking mechanism 196 is provided inside the supply port door 162. The locking mechanism 196 includes a key hole 211 provided on the outer surface of the outer plate 193, a slit-shaped hole 212 formed on the upper edge (upper surface) of the supply port door 162, and a key inserted into the key hole 211. And a rotating body 213 that is rotated along with the rotation.

  The hole 212 is formed in, for example, an elongated, substantially rectangular shape, and is provided in a state in which the length direction is directed along the upper edge of the door body 190, that is, in the left-right direction. Moreover, it opens so that it may penetrate in the up-down direction from the upper surface of the door main body 190 to the cavity 190a.

The rotating body 213 is disposed in a cavity 190a formed inside the supply port door 162. When the movable piece 216 for locking and the movable piece 205 are disposed at an unlocking position P _K2 described later. And a lid piece 217 for closing the hole 212. The movable piece 216 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness smaller than the width of the hole portion 212 in the short direction, and the movable piece 216 has a height that can protrude upward from the upper edge portion of the supply port door 162 through the hole portion 212. Have On the other hand, the lid piece 217 has, for example, a flat plate shape and a substantially rectangular shape whose cross-sectional shape is smaller than the hole portion 212, and does not protrude from the hole portion 212 and can close the lower opening of the hole portion 212. It is formed in a large size.

The rotating body 213 is rotated with respect to the door body 190 by inserting a predetermined key into the keyhole 211 and rotating the key. The movable piece 216 and the lid piece 217 are integrally rotated around the rotation center axis of the rotating body 213 by the rotation of the rotating body 213. Thereby, the movable piece 216 is locked at the locking position P _K1 (FIG. 16) where the replenishing port door 162 is locked, and the unlocking position where the movable port 216 is retracted from the hole 212 and unlocked. The lid piece 217 can be moved to the position P _K 2 (FIG. 21), and the cover piece 217 is retracted from the hole 212 to the retracted position P _K 3 (FIG. 16) and the closed position P _K 4 (blocking the hole 212). 21). In the illustrated example, when the key, the key hole 211 and the rotating body 213 are rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front side, the movable piece 216 is moved from the unlocked position P _K 2 to the locked position P _K 1, and the locking mechanism 33 is locked. By rotating to the right, the movable piece 216 can be moved from the locking position P _K 1 to the unlocking position P _K 2, and the locking mechanism 33 can be brought into the unlocked state.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the movable piece 216 is in the locking position P _K 1, the movable piece 216 is projected upward from the upper edge of the supply port door 162 through the hole 212, and replenished. In the state where the mouth door 162 is disposed at the closing position P _M 0, the upper end portion of the movable piece 216 is the movable piece engagement member provided at the upper edge portion (the front edge portion of the partition plate 46) of the medal replenishment port 161. It is made to contact | abut to the joint part 220 from an inner side. As a result, the supply port door 162 is locked. On the other hand, when the movable piece 216 is in the locking position P _K 1, the lid piece 217 is retracted to the retract position P _K 3 in the cavity 190a.

As shown in FIG. 21, in a state where the movable piece 216 is at the unlocked position P _K 2, the movable piece 216 is retracted from the hole 212 and drawn into the lower cavity 190a. That is, it is separated from the engaging part 220 for movable pieces, and thereby the replenishing port door 162 is unlocked. On the other hand, when the movable piece 216 is at the unlocking position P _K 2, the lid piece 217 is disposed at the closing position P _K 4 in the cavity 190 a and the upper end portion is opposed to the lower opening of the hole portion 212. .

Here, the width of the gap between the movable piece 216 arranged at the locking position P _K 1 and the hole 212 is set to be smaller than the thickness t of the medal M at any location, that is, in the gap. It is designed so that the medal M cannot enter. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the width of the gap between the lid piece 217 arranged at the closing position P _K 4 and the hole 212 is also made smaller than the thickness t of the medal M at any location. That is, the medal M cannot enter the gap. Therefore, for example, when the medal M is inserted into the medal replenishment port 161, even if the locking mechanism 196 is in the unlocked state, the medal M enters the hole 212 by closing the hole 212 with the lid piece 217. Can be prevented. In particular, in order to provide the movable piece 216 with sufficient strength, if the movable piece 216 is to be formed thick, it is necessary to increase the width of the hole 212. In this case, the opening shape of the hole 212 is that of the medal M. (Ie, for example, the width B in the short direction of the hole 212 is larger than the thickness t of the medal M, and the length L in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) of the hole 212 is equal to the medal M). M becomes larger than the diameter d of the M), and the medal M easily enters the hole 212. In such a case, the medal M is caught in the hole 212 by closing the hole 212 with the lid piece 217. , And falling into the cavity 190a through the hole 212 can be prevented. Therefore, even if the hole 212 is formed larger than the medal M, there is no problem, and the supply piece door 162 can be firmly locked by giving the movable piece 216 sufficient thickness and strength.

It should be noted that the gap between the lid piece 217 arranged at the closing position P _K 4 and the hole 212 may be in a state where the medal M cannot enter, and the width is smaller than the thickness t of the medal M at all points. Not necessarily. For example, the gap G formed on the left and right of the lid piece 217 has a length in the front-rear direction (that is, a width B in the short direction of the hole 121) even if the width in the left-right direction is larger than the thickness t of the medal M Is sufficiently smaller than the diameter d of the medal M, the invasion of the medal M can be surely prevented.

  Incidentally, the locking mechanism 196 also has a function as a locking mechanism for the entire lower panel 17. That is, the lower panel 17 is disposed so as to close the opening 41 at the front part of the lower housing space S3 and the front part of the lowermost housing space S4 (see FIG. 1), and the medal replenishing port 161 is closed by the replenishing port door 162. When the locking mechanism 196 is locked, the entire lower panel 17 can be fixed so as not to be removed from the opening 41. On the other hand, when the locking mechanism 196 is unlocked, the medal replenishment port 161 can be opened, and the engagement between the lower panel body 160 and the housing 40 is released, and the lower panel body 160 is removed from the opening 41. Is also possible.

  Next, control of the medal lending machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the main control device 6 includes an external input / output control unit 220 for inputting / outputting various information to / from the medal lending machine 1, a coin-related control unit 221 for controlling the coin processing device 5, and the like. A bill-related control unit 222 that controls the bill processing apparatus 10 and the like, and a medal-related control unit 223 that controls the medal sending device 12 and the like are provided. In addition, a first fraud identification unit 231 for identifying the presence or absence of fraud based on the detection information d84 of the bill storage detection sensor 84 and the detection information d8 of the open / close detection sensor 11, the detection information d84 of the bill storage detection sensor 84, coins And a second fraud identification unit 232 for identifying the presence or absence of fraud based on the related information dc and the detection information d123 of the medal counter 123. Furthermore, a replenishment determination unit 233 that determines whether or not it is necessary to replenish the medal M based on the detection information d81 of the bill discriminator 81 and the detection information d117 of the medal detection sensor 117 is provided.

  The external input / output control unit 220 includes a coin-related control unit 221, a banknote-related control unit 222, a medal-related control unit 223, a first fraud identification unit 231, a second fraud identification unit 232, and a supply determination unit 233, respectively. Predetermined information is transmitted. The external input / output control unit 220 is connected to the BB 7 and the hall computer 71 so that various types of information can be transmitted and received. For example, coin related information from the coin related control unit 221 (coin processing device 5), money amount information based on detection information of the bill discriminator 81, and the like are transmitted from the external input / output control unit 220 to BB7. Yes. Further, for the hall computer 71 from the external input / output control unit 220, for example, money amount information based on detection information of the bill discriminator 81, opening / closing information of the middle panel 16 based on detection information of the opening / closing detection sensor 11, fraud identification unit The identification information by H.231, the identification information by the fraud identification unit 232, the replenishment request signal based on the determination by the replenishment determination unit 233, and the like are transmitted.

  A coin processing device 5, an information display unit 127, a lending request switch 130, and a coin return switch 131 are electrically connected to the coin related control unit 221. The coin-related control unit 221 is connected to the external input / output control unit 220 so as to be able to transmit and receive electrical signals.

  That is, the coin-related control unit 221 is transmitted with the information of the ID code of the coin C read by the coin processing device 5, and the coin-related control unit 221 sends the external input / output control unit 220, BB 7, and I / F unit 72. Accordingly, the ID code is transmitted to the sales management device 73, so that the sales management device 73 is inquired about information such as the value of money of the coin C. Further, the coin related control unit 221 is configured to transmit information such as the value of money of the coin C from the sales management device 73 via the I / F units 72, BB7, and the external input / output control unit 220. .

  Further, the coin-related control unit 221 can perform control to display information such as the monetary value of the coin C received from the sales management device 73 on the information display unit 127. In addition, when the lending request switch 130 is pressed, an electrical signal is transmitted from the lending request switch 130 to the coin related control unit 221, and an electrical signal is transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the medal related control unit 223. In the medal-related control unit 223, control related to the lending of the medal M is performed. When the coin return switch 131 is pressed, an electrical signal is transmitted from the coin return switch 131 to the coin related control unit 221, a control signal is transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the coin processing device 5, and the coin C Is controlled to be paid out from the coin payout exit 126. As described above, the coin-related control unit 221 is configured to mainly perform control related to the coin C.

  A bill processing device control unit 85 is electrically connected to the bill related control unit 222. That is, a control signal for controlling the driving of the banknote processing apparatus 10 is transmitted to the banknote processing apparatus control unit 85, and detection information of the banknote discriminator 81 and banknote storage detection are transmitted from the banknote processing apparatus control section 85. The detection information of the sensor 84 is received. Further, an electrical signal is transmitted from the bill related control unit 222 to the medal related control unit 223. That is, when it is detected by the detection information of the banknote discriminator 81 that an authentic banknote E has been inserted, an electrical signal is transmitted from the banknote related control section 222 to the medal related control section 223, and the medal related control section At 223, control regarding the lending of medals M is performed. The banknote related control unit 222 is connected to the external input / output control unit 220 so as to transmit the detection information of the banknote discriminator 81, the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor 84, and the like.

  In addition, when a high-value bill E (for example, a 5,000-yen bill or a 10,000-yen bill having a monetary value higher than a predetermined unit amount (1000 yen)) is inserted into the banknote handling apparatus 10, a banknote-related control unit The detection information of the bill discriminator 81 is transmitted from the 222 to the sales management device 73 via the external input / output control unit 220 and the like, and used for lending the medal M out of the amount of the inserted large bill E. The amount value (balance) of the amount that has not been stored is stored in the sales management device 73 in association with the ID code of any coin C (that is, the balance is given to any coin C). You may do it. Moreover, regardless of the amount of the bill E inserted into the bill processing apparatus 10, the detection information of the bill discriminator 81 is transmitted to the sales management device 73, and the amount value of the inserted bill E is given to any coin C. You may be allowed to. In other words, the money value of the bill E inserted into the bill processing apparatus 10 may be recognized once instead of the money value of the coin C. Then, by renting the medal M using the monetary value given to the coin C, the monetary value equivalent to the number of lent medals M is subtracted from the monetary value given to the coin C. The new amount value after the deduction may be stored as the amount value of the coin C.

  The medal-related control unit 223 is electrically connected to the sending device control unit 113. That is, a control signal for controlling the driving of the medal payout mechanism 112 is transmitted to the sending device control unit 113, and the detection information of the medal detection sensor 117 and the medal counter 123 are sent from the sending device control unit 113. Detection information and the like are received. Further, as described above, electrical signals are transmitted from the coin-related control unit 221 and the bill-related control unit 222 to the medal-related control unit 223, and the medal-related control unit 223 controls the sending device based on these pieces of information. A control signal is transmitted to the unit 113. Further, the medal related control unit 223 is connected to the external input / output control unit 220 so as to transmit the detection information of the medal detection sensor 117, the detection information of the medal counter 123, and the like.

  Detection information d84 of the bill storage detection sensor 84 is transmitted from the bill-related control unit 222 to the fraud identification unit 231, and detection information d8 (detection signal of the light receiving unit 107) is transmitted from the open / close detection sensor 11. The fraud identification unit 231 identifies the presence or absence of fraud based on the detection information d84 and d8. That is, the detection information d8 is detection information indicating the closed state, and the detection information d84 is changed from detection information indicating the presence of banknotes to detection information indicating the absence of banknotes E. Therefore, it is determined that an illegal act has been made.

  That is, for example, when the clerk collects the banknote E from the banknote processing apparatus 10, the banknote E is taken out from the banknote storage section 82 after the opening 138 is opened, or the banknote E disappears (or the banknote E In this case, it is determined that the banknote E has been taken out normally. On the other hand, when a person who wants to steal the banknote E performs a work to prevent the opening / closing detection sensor 11 from operating normally and opens the opening 138 (for example, when removing the middle panel 16, the sensor groove 105c). The sensor main body 105 recognizes that the opening 138 is closed by inserting an obstacle into the sensor groove 105c while blocking the sensor projection 146 while blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit 106. However, when the middle panel 16 is moved), the fraud identification unit 231 loses the banknote E in the banknote storage unit 82 as if the opening 138 is closed (or It is recognized as if the number of bills E has decreased). As described above, when a phenomenon that may occur when an illegal act is performed is determined, it is determined that the illegal act has been performed.

  Coin-related information dc related to the coin C is transmitted from the coin-related control unit 221 to the fraud identification unit 232, detection information d84 of the banknote storage detection sensor 84 is transmitted from the banknote-related control unit 222, and the medal-related control unit 223. The detection information d123 of the medal counter 123 is transmitted. The fraud identification unit 232 identifies the presence / absence of fraud based on the coin related information dc and the detection information d84 and d123. Specifically, the coin related information dc is information indicating that no coin C has been inserted, or information indicating that the coin C has been inserted but its value is zero, and the detection information d84 is the bill E. It is determined that an illegal act has been performed on the condition that the detection information d123 is detection information indicating that the medal M has been sent out. That is, it is determined that an illegal act has been performed when the medal M is sent from the medal hopper 111 while neither the banknote E nor the coin C having a monetary value is inserted into the medal lending machine 1. .

  In addition, you may provide the alerting | reporting device which notifies a store clerk that it was determined with the fraud identification part 231 (or fraud identification part 232) having performed fraud. For example, the information display unit 127, the status display lamp 128, or the hall computer 71 may be used as an alarm. For example, when the fraud identification unit 231 (232) determines that an illegal act has been performed, the main control device 6 is configured to transmit a control signal to the information display unit 127, and an alarm is visually displayed on the information display unit 127. It may be displayed so that it can be recognized. The status display lamp 128 may be lit with a display color indicating an abnormality. Alternatively, the hall computer 71 may display an alarm on the screen or sound an alarm sound.

  If the fraud identification unit 231 (232) determines that an illegal act has been performed, the main control device 6 transmits a control signal to each device to stop the operation of the medal lending machine 1 (impossible motion). It is also possible to make it. For example, a control signal may be transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the coin processing device 5 so that coin C insertion, reading of an ID code, etc., coin C return and the like cannot be performed. Further, even if a control signal is transmitted from the banknote related control unit 222 to the banknote processing device control unit 85 and the banknote E cannot be inserted, that is, even if the genuine banknote E is inserted into the banknote slot 80, the banknote It may not be taken into the processing apparatus 10. In addition, a control signal may be transmitted from the medal-related control unit 223 to the sending device control unit 113, and the driving of the medal feeding mechanism 112 may be temporarily stopped to stop the lending of the medal M. It should be noted that such disabling of the medal lending machine 1 may be performed without notification by the above-described alarm device, or may be performed in combination with notification by the alarm device.

  In addition, when the fraud identification unit 231 (232) determines that an illegal act has been performed, for example, the aim of the surveillance camera installed in the game hall corresponds to the medal lending machine 1 or the medal lending machine 1 You may comprise so that it may match | combine with the slot machine which is the game machine provided by doing. Then, a person who is in the vicinity of the medal lending machine 1 or the slot machine, that is, a person who has a strong suspicion of cheating or who is cheating is monitored using a surveillance camera. It is possible to identify the criminal. For example, an electrical signal is transmitted from the fraud identification unit 231 (232) to the external input / output control unit 220, and an illegal act is performed in the fraud identification unit 231 (232) from the external input / output control unit 220 to the hall computer 71. When identification information indicating that the determination has been made is transmitted, a control signal may be transmitted from the hall computer 71 to the surveillance camera, thereby adjusting the aim of the surveillance camera.

  Detection information d81 of the bill discriminator 81 is transmitted from the bill related control unit 222 to the replenishment determining unit 233, and detection information d117 of the medal detection sensor 117 is transmitted from the medal related control unit 223. The replenishment determination unit 233 determines whether or not it is necessary to replenish the medal hopper 111 with the medal hopper 111 based on the detection information d81 and d117. Specifically, the medal M is replenished on the condition that the detection information d81 is detection information indicating that the bill E has been inserted, and the detection information d117 is detection information indicating the two empty state. Judge that it is necessary. For example, when the replenishment determination unit 233 confirms that the detection information d81 has become detection information indicating that the bill E has been inserted, the detection information d117 is received and confirmed. When the detection information indicates the second empty state, it may be determined that the medal M needs to be replenished.

  For example, while the medal M is being paid out by inserting a bill E (for example, a thousand yen bill) into the medal lending machine 1, the storage amount of the medal M in the medal hopper 111 decreases, and the two empty state When the amount of storage is less than the height of the terminal portions 117a and 117b, the replenishment determination unit 233 determines that the medal M needs to be replenished. Then, an electrical signal is transmitted from the replenishment determination unit 233 to the external input / output control unit 220, and a replenishment request signal is transmitted from the external input / output control unit 220 to the hall computer 71. On the other hand, even if the two-empty state is entered, if no bill E is inserted in the medal lending machine 1, it is not determined that the medal M needs to be replenished, and no replenishment request signal is transmitted. In this way, when an illegal act of taking out the medal M from the medal hopper 111 without inserting the banknote E is performed, the medal M is not replenished even if the second empty state is entered. be able to. That is, it is possible to prevent such an illegal act and the replenishment of the medal M from being repeated.

  If the second medal M is not replenished after the second empty state is detected by the medal detection sensor 117 and the next medal M is lent out, the medal M is ending when the rent is completed. It may be determined that the storage amount is insufficient, that is, the empty state. When it is determined that the state is empty, the medal payout mechanism 112 may not be driven, and the lending of the medal M may be stopped. In addition, when current is energized between the terminal portions 117a and 117b while the lending of the medal M is stopped due to the determination of the empty state, that is, when the medal M is replenished. When the medal M is stored again at a height higher than the terminal portions 117a and 117b, it is determined that the near empty state and the empty state have been released. In this case, the medal feeding mechanism 112 can be resumed. The medal M may be returned to a state where it can be lent.

  Next, the operation of the medal lending machine 1 configured as described above will be described. A customer who wants to borrow the medal M in exchange for the banknote E first inserts the banknote E (for example, a thousand-yen bill) into the banknote insertion slot 80 from the front end of the banknote tray 92. The bill E inserted into the bill insertion slot 80 is taken into the bill processing device 10 by driving the bill processing device 10, and the authenticity of the bill E is identified by the bill identifier 81. As a result, the banknote E determined to be authentic is fed into the banknote storage unit 82 after the amount is read. On the other hand, the bill E that has not been determined to be authentic is sent back from the bill processing apparatus 10 to the outside of the bill insertion slot 80 and discharged from the medal lending machine 1.

  When the amount of the bill E is read by the bill discriminator 81, the amount information is transmitted to the bill related control unit 222 of the main controller 6. Then, a control signal is transmitted from the banknote-related control unit 222 to the sending device control unit 113, and the number of medals M according to the amount information read by the bill validator 81 is sent out by the control of the sending device control unit 113. Thus, the medal payout mechanism 112 is driven. By driving the medal payout mechanism 112, the medals M stored in the medal hopper 111 are sequentially sent out one by one from the medal delivery outlet 116, and are paid out to a tray of a slot machine (not shown) through the medal delivery nozzle 165.

  The medal counter 123 detects the medal M sent from the medal delivery port 116 and transmits a detection signal to the sending device control unit 113. Thereby, the sending device control unit 113 can recognize the number of sent medals M. When the target number of medals M is sent out, a control signal for stopping the driving of the medal payout mechanism 112 is transmitted. That is, the payout of the medal M from the medal lending machine 1 is stopped. In this way, a predetermined amount of medals M are paid out to the tray of the slot machine, and the customer borrows a number of medals M corresponding to the amount of the inserted bill E in exchange for the bill E inserted into the medal lending machine 1. be able to. For example, when a thousand yen bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 80, 50 medals M can be borrowed in a lump.

  Thus, after the medal M corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote E is lent out, the banknote related control section 222 and the replenishment determining section 233 of the main controller 6 confirm that the banknote E has been inserted. The detection information d81 shown is canceled. As a result, it is recognized that the money value of the inserted bill E has already been used for lending the medal M. When the next bill E is inserted, when the detection information d81 indicating that the bill E has been inserted is transmitted again, the bill-related control unit 222 and the replenishment determination unit 233 still use it for lending. It is recognized that a bill E having a new monetary value that has not been inserted has been inserted.

  The money amount information transmitted from the bill validator 81 to the bill related control unit 222 is also transmitted from the bill related control unit 222 to the BB7 and the hall computer 71 via the external input / output control unit 220, respectively. Each of them is stored in the hall computer 71. This amount information is used for sales totalization.

  If the number of medals M lent out is smaller than the number corresponding to the amount inserted into the bill insertion slot 80, that is, the amount of medals M lent out than the amount value X1 of the inserted bill E. If the corresponding monetary value X2 is small, the surplus monetary value X3 (= X1-X2) (for example, if 5,000-yen bills are inserted and medals M worth 1,000 yen are lent out, the remaining four thousand The value of the amount of yen (X1 = 5000, X2 = 1000, X3 = 4000)) can be stored using the coin C without being used for lending the medal M.

  The coin processing device 5 stores a plurality of coins C in advance. On the other hand, the hall computer 71 stores an ID code of each coin C used in the game hall. When storing the surplus amount value X3, first, one coin C is selected from the coins C stored in the coin processing device 5, and an ID code of the coin C is provided in the coin processing device 5. It is read by the ID code reading unit. The information of the read ID code is transmitted from the coin processing device 5 to the coin related control unit 221 and further transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the sales management device 73 via the external input / output control unit 220 and the like. In addition, information on the money value X3 is transmitted from the banknote related control unit 222 to the sales management device 73 via the external input / output control unit 220 and the like. In the sales management device 73, the ID code information transmitted from the main control device 6 and the value value X3 information are stored in association with each other. That is, it is stored that the coin C selected by the coin processing device 5 (the ID code has been read) has the monetary value X3.

  Thus, the coin C to which the monetary value X3 is given in the hall computer 71 is paid out through the coin payout exit 126 and given to the customer. If the coin C to which the money value X3 is given is inserted into the medal lending machine 1, the money value X3 can be used to borrow the medal M, and if it is inserted into the checkout machine in the game hall, the money value X3. Can also be converted into cash.

  When borrowing the medal M using the coin C, the coin C is inserted into the coin insertion slot 125 and the lending request switch 130 is pushed. The coin C inserted into the coin insertion slot 125 is taken into the coin processing device 5 and the ID code is read by the coin processing device 5. The information of the read ID code is transmitted from the coin processing device 5 to the sales management device 73 via the coin related control unit 221 and the like. In the sales management device 73, based on the received ID code, information such as the monetary value corresponding to the ID code, that is, information such as the monetary value of the coin C is searched. The retrieved information is returned from the sales management device 73 to the coin related control unit 221 via the external input / output control unit 220 and the like. On the other hand, when the lending request switch 130 is pressed, an electrical signal is transmitted to the coin related control unit 221. Then, the coin-related control unit 221 compares the amount value information of the coin C received from the sales management device 73 with the number n of times the lending request switch 130 is pressed, and the requested number (50 × n) of medals. It is determined whether or not M can be lent. As a result, when it is determined that the loan can be made, an electrical signal is transmitted from the coin-related control unit 221 to the medal-related control unit 223, whereby a control signal is transmitted from the medal-related control unit 223 to the sending device control unit 113. Then, the number of medals M (50 × n) corresponding to the number n of times the lending request switch 130 is pressed is sent out under the control of the sending device control unit 113. Thus, the medal M can be borrowed in the same manner as when the bill E is inserted.

As described above, while the medals M are lent out by the respective medal lending machines 1, the clerk of the game hall can change the banknote processing device 10 of each medal renting machine 1 every predetermined time (for example, about every 2 hours). To collect banknotes E. When collecting the banknote E, first, a predetermined key is inserted into the locking mechanism 140 to bring the locking mechanism 140 into an unlocked state. The unlocked middle panel 16 receives the urging force of the torsion coil spring 142 and falls naturally from the closed position P _E 0, but the protrusions 151a provided on the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B are By being hooked by the engaging portions 153, the first opening position P _E 1 is temporarily stopped (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

Thus, in the state where the middle panel 16 is held at the first open position P _E 1, the opening 138 is opened, but when viewed from the front, the middle panel 16 covers almost the entire opening 138. And it is not completely open. That is, the banknote storage part 82 and the taking-out port 93 of the banknote processing apparatus 10 are covered and hidden by the middle panel 16 in a front view, and it is difficult to take out the banknote E from the banknote storage part 82. It is. Thus, it is possible to make it difficult for the banknote E to be stolen from the banknote handling apparatus 10 by temporarily holding the middle panel 16 at the first open position P _E 1. In other words, since the banknote E cannot be taken out from the banknote processing apparatus 10 unless the middle panel 16 is gripped and further tilted outward, it is difficult to take out the banknote E quickly. Therefore, after opening the opening 138, even when another operation such as picking up a key accidentally dropped on the floor is taken, the banknote E can be easily stolen in the space where the store clerk looks away. Can be prevented.

Further, since the middle panel 16 is stopped in the first open position P _E 1 in this way, even if the locking mechanism 140 of the middle panel 16 is unlocked, the middle panel 16 is in the second opened position P _E 2. Can be prevented from falling down at once. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lower edge portion of the middle panel 16 from colliding with the lower panel 17 (upper edge portion of the supply port door 162) positioned below the upper panel. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the middle panel 16 itself from being damaged and the lower panel 17 from being damaged due to the collision of the middle panel 16. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the holding engaging portion 152 and the engaging portion 153 that support the middle panel 16 from colliding with each other, the holding engaging portion 152 and the engaging portion 153 can be prevented from being damaged. In this way, it is possible to prevent the middle panel 16 and surrounding components from being damaged.

The inclination angle of the middle panel 16 at the first opening position P _E 1 is smaller than the inclination angle at the second opening position P _E 2, and the middle panel 16 moves from the closing position P _E 0 to the first opening position. When falling to P _E 1, the lower edge of the middle panel 16 does not collide with the lower panel 17 or the like vigorously. Furthermore, since the impact is absorbed by the leaf spring 151, even if the protrusion 151a of the leaf spring 151 and the engaging portion 153 come into contact with each other, damage can be prevented. As described above, when the middle panel 16 moves from the closed position P _E 0 to the first open position P _E 1, it is possible to prevent the middle panel 16 and surrounding components from being damaged.

The middle panel 16 once stopped at the first opening position P _E 1 is moved to the second opening position P _E 2 by grasping and pulling (see FIG. 14). Then, the opening 138 is completely opened, and the inside of the take-out port 93 and the bill storage portion 82 is exposed in a front view, that is, the bill E can be taken out from the bill processing apparatus 10. In this state, the banknote E in the banknote storage part 82 can be taken out through the takeout port 93 while the apparatus main body 10a is disposed in the lending machine main body 3. After the banknote E is collected, the middle panel 16 held at the second open position P _E 2 is gripped and lifted, pushed back to the closed position P _E 0, the locking mechanism 140 is returned to the locked state, and the key is locked. Pull out.

  While the opening 138 is opened and closed and the bill E is taken out in this way, the detection information d84 of the bill storage detection sensor 84 and the detection information d8 of the opening and closing detection sensor 11 are automatically transmitted to the fraud identification unit 231. Is done. The fraud identification unit 231 automatically identifies whether there is a risk of fraud based on the transmitted detection information d84 and d8. When the banknote E is normally taken out as described above, it is detected that the banknote E is not detected from the state in which the banknote storage detection sensor 84 detects the banknote E when the opening 138 is opened. It is confirmed from the change of the information d84 and d8, and in this case, it is determined that it is not an illegal act.

  On the other hand, when the banknote E in the banknote processing apparatus 10 is taken out illegally, that is, the opening / closing detection sensor 11 is crafted to move the middle panel 16 while recognizing that the opening 138 is closed. When the banknote E is taken out, it is confirmed from the change in the detection information d8 and the detection information d84 that the banknote E is not detected from the state in which the banknote E is detected when the opening 138 is closed. Is done. In this case, the fraud identification unit 231 determines that it is a fraudulent act. In addition, although the fraudulent act which unlocks the locking device 22 and takes out the banknote E can also be considered, since the time for a store clerk to collect the banknote E is determined in advance, the opening 138 is not included in the determined time. If it is confirmed that is opened, it is possible to immediately determine that it is illegal. In this way, when the fraud identification unit 231 determines that it is a fraudulent act, a notification to that effect is given to the store clerk. For example, the identification information of the fraud identification unit 231 is transmitted from the main control device 6 to the hall computer 71 and an alarm is automatically displayed to notify the store clerk.

  By the way, when the medal M is sent from the medal lending machine 1, the amount of the medal M in the medal hopper 111 gradually decreases. When the customer inserts a new banknote E and the medal M is sent out, if the medal M disappears from the medal hopper 111, the medal M cannot be sent out and the medal M corresponding to the inserted amount cannot be lent out. End up. Such a shortage of medals M causes a decrease in game hall sales. Therefore, it is necessary to always store a sufficient amount of medals M in the medal hopper 111. The timing for supplying the medal M is automatically detected by the supply determining unit 233.

  While the medal M in the medal hopper 111 is stored more than the height of the terminal portions 117a, 117b of the medal detection sensor 117, the medal M comes into contact with the terminal portions 117a, 117b and energization is performed. On the other hand, when the storage amount of the medal M becomes equal to or less than the height of the terminal portions 117a and 117b, and energization is not performed, the storage amount is sent from the sending device control unit 113 to the medal related control unit 223 of the main control device 6. Detection information (near empty signal) notifying that the amount is below a predetermined amount (near empty state) is transmitted, and detection information d117 of the medal detection sensor 117 is sent from the medal related control unit 223 to the replenishment determination unit 233. Sent. Thereby, the replenishment determination part 233 can detect that the storage amount became below the predetermined storage amount. Further, the replenishment determination unit 233 detects whether or not the banknote E has been inserted based on the detection information d81 of the banknote discriminator 81. Then, it is determined that the medal M needs to be replenished only when the storage amount of the medal M decreases to a predetermined amount or less in the state where the bill E is inserted. Then, a replenishment request signal is transmitted to the hall computer 71, and a replenishment request is automatically presented on the screen of the hall computer 71 or the like. When the replenishment request is presented, the store clerk replenishes the medal M to the medal lending machine 1 that is the transmission source of the replenishment request.

  The replenishment determination unit 233 receives the medal only when the amount of the medal M stored in the medal hopper 111 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (becomes near empty) in a state where the bill E is inserted into the bill storage unit 82. It is determined that the medal M needs to be replenished to the hopper 111, and a replenishment request signal is transmitted to the hall computer 71. Thereby, a replenishment request is automatically presented on the screen of the hall computer 71 or the like. When the replenishment request is presented, the store clerk replenishes the medal M to the medal lending machine 1 that is the transmission source of the replenishment request.

When performing the replenishment of the medal M, first, pledges predetermined key the locking mechanism 196, the locking mechanism 196 in the unlocked state, placing the supply opening door 162 in the open position P _{M 1} (see FIG. 18) . Then, the left flange portion 195A and the right flange portion 195B are pulled out to the outside of the housing 40, and an opening portion 197 is formed. Further, the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 provided inside the supply port door 162 are in mesh with each other, and the lower inclined surface of the door body 190 and the inclined surface of the guide member 205 are in contact with each other. 206 are connected. When the replenishing port door 162 is thus arranged at the open position P _M 1, a plurality of medals M are dropped into the opening portion 197 at once. The medal M slides down along the inclined surface of the door body 190 between the left flange portion 195A and the right flange portion 195B on both sides, passes through the medal supply port 161, and slides down on the inclined surface 206. It falls toward the opening 111a of the medal hopper 111. Thus, the medal M is smoothly inserted into the medal hopper 111.

  The gap between the first uneven portion 201 and the second uneven portion 202 is sufficiently narrow so that the medal M cannot enter. Therefore, the medal M inserted into the opening 197 does not get caught in the first uneven portion 201 or the second uneven portion 202 or is not caught in the gap from the inclined surface of the door main body 190 toward the inclined surface 206. ， Can slide down smoothly. Therefore, the medal M can be inserted smoothly.

  Further, a hole 212 having a width B and a length L larger than the diameter d and thickness t of the medal M is formed on the upper surface of the replenishing door 162, but the locking mechanism 196 is unlocked. Even when the movable piece 216 is retracted from the hole 212, the lid piece 217 is disposed in the hole 212. The medal M cannot enter the gap formed between the inner surface of the hole 212 and the outer surface of the lid piece 217. Of course, even when the movable piece 216 is positioned in the hole 212 when the replenishing port door 162 is opened, the hole 212 is blocked by the movable piece 216. Intrusion into 212 can be prevented. Therefore, when the medal M is inserted into the opening portion 197, the medal M can be prevented from entering the hole 212, being caught or caught, and the medal M can be smoothly inserted (supplemented).

After the medal M is replenished, the replenishing port door 162 is returned to the closed position P _M 0, and then the locking mechanism 196 is returned to the locked state. That is, the movable piece 216 is returned to the locking position P _K 1. As a result, the movable piece 216 is re-engaged with the movable piece engaging portion 220, and the replenishing port door 162 is locked. At this time, there is no concern that the medal M has entered the hole 212 or the cavity 190a, and the movement of the movable piece 216 or the cover piece 217 is not likely to be obstructed by the medal M. Therefore, the locking failure due to the entry of the medal M does not occur, and the locking can be performed smoothly and reliably.

  By the way, in the medal lending machine 1, there is a risk that an illegal act of taking out the medal M without performing the insertion of the banknote E or the coin C may be performed. For example, the medal M may be taken out from the medal hopper 111 when a special instrument is inserted through the medal outlet 116 and the medal feeding mechanism 112 is artificially operated. Such a fraudulent act can be automatically detected by identification of the fraud identification unit 232. The fraud identification unit 232 is fraudulent when the medal M stored in the medal hopper 111 decreases while the coin C having a monetary value is not inserted and the bill E is not present in the bill storage unit 82. It is determined that an action has been taken. In this way, when the fraud identification unit 232 determines that an illegal act has been performed, the store clerk is notified accordingly. For example, the identification information of the fraud identification unit 232 is transmitted from the main control device 6 to the hall computer 71 and an alarm is displayed to notify the store clerk.

  Even when the medal M is taken out without inserting the banknote E due to fraud, if the storage amount of the medal M falls below a predetermined amount, a near empty signal is transmitted from the sending device control unit 113 to the medal related control unit 223. , The replenishment determination unit 233 detects that the storage amount of the medal M has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount. However, even when the banknote E is not inserted, even if the storage amount becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the replenishment determination unit 233 does not determine that the medal M needs to be replenished, and the replenishment request signal is not transmitted. Therefore, even if an illegal act of extracting the medal M without inserting the banknote E is performed, if the medal M disappears from the medal hopper 111, such an illegal act cannot be continued any more. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the illegal act of extracting the medal M without inserting the banknote E from being repeated, and to prevent the economic loss of the game hall from increasing.

  According to the medal lending machine 1, a fraudulent act was performed in which the banknotes E in the banknote storage unit 82 disappeared (or the number of banknotes E decreased) while the opening 138 was closed. Abnormality that can occur in this case can be automatically detected by the fraud identification unit 231 based on the detection information d84 of the banknote storage detection sensor 84 and the detection information d8 of the open / close detection sensor 11. Thereby, the fraudulent act which tries to steal the banknote E from the banknote storage part 82 can be discovered immediately. In addition, the store clerk can be informed immediately that fraudulent acts may have occurred. Therefore, it is effective for identifying a criminal who has performed a fraudulent act, and can enhance the deterrence effect of the fraudulent act and improve the crime prevention effect.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that it belongs to.

  As the medal detection sensor 117, a proximity sensor that detects the presence or absence of the medal M as a detection target in a non-contact manner may be used instead of the contact sensor described in the above embodiment. For example, an inductive proximity sensor using electromagnetic induction, a capacitive proximity sensor using a change in capacitance, an optical sensor, or the like may be applied. When using a capacitive proximity sensor, it is preferable to ground the medal M to be detected. For example, a ground wire or the like is connected to the main body base 110 to ground the main body base 110, and the medal in the medal hopper 111. M may be grounded through the medal hopper 111 and the main body base 110. When using an optical sensor, a position where a light projecting part (light emitting element) that projects light and a light receiving part (light receiving element) that receives light projected from the light projecting part are opposed to each other at the same height. (For example, the position of the terminal portions 117a and 117b) may be provided. That is, when the medal M is greater than or equal to the predetermined storage amount, the light projected from the light projecting unit is blocked by the medal M and is not received by the light receiving unit, while the medal M having the predetermined storage amount is not present. May be configured such that the light projected from the light projecting unit is received by the light receiving unit without being blocked, and the received light is detected by the current flowing through the light receiving element.

In the above embodiment, the engagement portion to which the engagement holding portion 152 is engaged when the middle panel 16 is located at the second open position P _E 2 is the middle panel 16 is at the first open position P _E 1. The second engagement portion 153 is engaged with the protrusion 151a when the engagement holding portion 152 is engaged with the second engagement portion 153. May be.

In the above embodiment, the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B of the middle panel 16 are symmetrical to each other, and the middle panel 16 has protrusions 151a (leaf springs 151) and engagement holding portions 152 on the left and right sides. Although one each is provided, the protrusions 151a are not necessarily provided on both the left and right sides, and may be provided only on either one. Further, the engagement holding portions 152 are not necessarily provided on both the left and right sides, and may be provided only on either one. Also in this case, the middle panel 16 can be held at the first open position P _E 1 and the second open position P _E 2.

  In the above embodiment, the first engagement portion is the protrusion 151 a provided on the leaf spring 151, and the second engagement portion is the engagement portion 153 provided fixed to the housing 40. The configuration of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is not limited to the above. For example, instead of the leaf springs of the left flange portion 145A and the right flange portion 145B, instead of 151, an elastic body such as a leaf spring is attached to the housing 40, and a second engagement portion (for example, a protrusion) is attached to the elastic body. It may be provided. In addition, although the torsion coil spring 142 is illustrated as an elastic member for urging the middle panel 16, the elastic member is not limited thereto, and for example, rubber or the like may be used instead of the torsion coil spring 142.

The shape of the baffle plate 157 is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the tray opening 148 and the take-out port 93 may be partitioned vertically. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the baffle plate 157 ′ is formed by bending a flat plate so that the longitudinal cross-sectional shape is substantially L-shaped, and extends along the inside of the panel main body 137 below the tray opening 148. And a horizontal plate portion 157b which is disposed sideways along the lower surface of the bottom plate 92a of the bill tray 92 when the middle panel 16 is in the closed position P _E 0. That is, the horizontal plate portion 157b is configured to partition the tray opening 148 and the takeout port 93 vertically. The rear edge portion of the horizontal plate portion 157b is disposed close to the front surface of the apparatus main body 10a of the banknote processing apparatus 10 at a height between the bottom plate 92a and the upper edge portion of the take-out port 93. In this way, it is possible to more effectively prevent a special instrument or the like from being inserted between the baffle plate 157 ′ and the apparatus main body 10a, and the banknote E can be more securely prevented from being stolen.

In the above embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 of the middle panel 16 is manually locked or unlocked using a key. However, the locking mechanism of the middle panel 16 is locked or unlocked by remote operation. It is good also as a structure which is made. Of course, the locking mechanism may be operated either manually or remotely, so that it can be unlocked or locked. For example, the locking mechanism of the middle panel 16 and the main control device 6 are electrically connected, and the store clerk inputs an unlocking command to the hall computer 71, so that the hall computer 71 sends the unlocking command to the main control device 6. Information of the unlocking command may be transmitted, and a control signal may be transmitted from the main control device 6 to the locking mechanism of the middle panel 16 so that the locking mechanism is unlocked. Thus, even when the locking mechanism is unlocked by remote operation, the middle panel 16 does not immediately fall to the second opening position P _E 2 but is temporarily stopped at the first opening position P _E 1. The banknote E can be made difficult to steal. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the banknote E from being stolen from the banknote storage unit 82 before the clerk goes to the medal lending machine 1.

Further, after unlocking by remote operation, before the clerk takes out the bill E from the medal lending machine 1, it is determined whether the middle panel 16 is in the first open position P _E1 or the second open position P _E 2. By checking, it is possible to visually determine whether or not the banknote E may be stolen. That is, when the middle panel 16 has already fallen to the second open position P _E 2, it is considered that a person other than the store clerk has moved the middle panel 16 artificially to extract the banknote E. Therefore, the theft can be detected early, and the possibility that the criminal who carried out the theft can recognize the possibility of the theft before escaping from the game hall is high, which is also effective for identifying the criminal.

When a plurality of medal lending machines 1 are installed in the game hall, the locking mechanisms provided on the middle panel 16 of the plurality of medal lending machines 1 are simultaneously unlocked or locked by remote operation. It may be configured as described above. Such simultaneous unlocking by simultaneous remote operation (simultaneous opening of the opening 138) is performed, for example, when the store clerk collects the bill E from each medal lending machine 1 after the game hall is closed. When the banknote collection operation is performed, it is a good opportunity for a person who tries to steal the banknote E. Therefore, there is a possibility that the banknote E may be stolen by targeting the gap. However, even when the openings 138 of the plurality of medal lending machines 1 are opened at the same time as described above, by stopping the middle panel 16 of each medal lending machine 1 at the first opening position P _E 1, the bill E Can be difficult to steal. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the banknote E from being stolen before the store clerk goes to each medal lending machine 1.

  In the above embodiment, the supply request is notified to the store clerk and the store clerk supplies the medal M manually. However, the medal M may be automatically supplied by the automatic supply system. . For example, a medal supply path for supplying the medal M to the medal hopper 111 from the automatic replenishment system may be provided, and a replenishment request signal may be transmitted from the replenishment determination unit 233 to the automatic replenishment system. That is, when the replenishment request signal is transmitted to the automatic replenishment system, the medal hopper 111 may be replenished via the medal supply path from the automatic replenishment system.

  The banknote storage detection sensor 84 detects the presence or absence of the banknote E in the banknote storage part 82, but may be configured to detect the number of banknotes E. In that case, the fraud identification unit 231 is that the detection information d8 of the open / close detection sensor 11 is detection information indicating a closed state, and the detection information d84 of the banknote storage detection sensor 84 is detection information indicating a decrease in banknotes E. It is good also as a structure which determines with having carried out the fraudulent act on the conditions. Then, even when only a part of the banknote E stored in the banknote storage unit 82 is stolen, the illegal act can be found.

  In the above embodiment, when the banknote E is inserted, the replenishment determining unit 233 needs to replenish the medal M based on the detection information d81 of the banknote discriminator 81 and the detection information d117 of the medal detection sensor 117. However, even when a coin C is inserted, it is necessary to replenish the medal M based on the coin related information (money value information) dc and the detection information d117. It may be possible to determine whether or not. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the medal M from being insufficient when the medal M is rented out using the value of the coin C. Specifically, the coin related information dc related to the coin C transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the replenishment determining unit 233 is information indicating that the amount value of the coin C is equal to or more than a predetermined unit amount. Further, the detection information d117 may be configured to determine that an illegal act has been performed on condition that the detection information d117 is detection information indicating that the amount of the medal M stored is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. On the other hand, even when the storage amount of the medal M is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, when neither the banknote E nor the coin C having a monetary value equal to or larger than the predetermined unit amount is inserted into the medal lending machine 1, It is not determined that the medal M needs to be replenished, and a replenishment request signal may not be transmitted. In this way, when an illegal act of taking out the medal M from the medal hopper 111 without inserting the banknote E or the coin C is performed, the replenishment of the medal M is performed even if the storage amount becomes a predetermined amount or less. It can be avoided. Note that the coin related information dc may be transmitted from the coin related control unit 221 to the replenishment determining unit 233, for example, when the lending request switch 130 is pressed. That is, the determination by the replenishment determination unit 233 may be performed on the condition that the lending request switch 130 is pressed.

  The supply determination unit 233 determines based on the detection information d81 of the banknote discriminator 81 and the detection information d117 of the medal detection sensor 117. In addition to the detection information d81 and d117, the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor 84 is used. The determination may be made using d84. That is, the detection information d81 is detection information indicating that the banknote E has been inserted, the detection information d117 is detection information indicating that the storage amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the detection information d84 is a banknote. It may be determined that the medal M needs to be replenished on the condition that the detection information indicates that E exists. In this way, it is possible to confirm that the banknote E identified by the banknote identification machine 81 has been securely stored in the banknote storage unit 82 thereafter. That is, for example, as one of fraudulent acts, the banknote E is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 80 in a state where a string or the like is tied to the banknote E, and the banknote identification machine 81 identifies the banknote E, and then the banknote E is stored in the banknote. Before being stored in the part 82, an act of pulling a string or the like and pulling out the banknote E from the banknote insertion slot 80 can be considered, but even if the medal M is lent out, The replenishment of medals M can be prevented.

  In the above embodiment, the medal lending machine 1 that lends the medal M based on the insertion of either the banknote E or the coin C has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the lending based on the coin C is not performed, and only the banknote E is performed. The present invention can also be applied to a game medium lending machine that lends game media based on the input. The present embodiment can also be applied to a game medium lending machine that can use coins as cash, that is, a game medium lending machine that lends game media based on the insertion of coins. For example, in a game medium lending machine having a coin storage part for storing coins and an opening or the like that is opened when coins are taken out, the configuration of the middle panel 16 on the opening / closing door, that is, the first engaging part and the second engaging part A configuration in which an engagement portion is provided may be applied, and the opening may be opened in two or more stages. If it does so, it can prevent that the opening-and-closing door which opens and closes an opening part, and its periphery are damaged like the middle panel 16, and can prevent theft of a coin.

  In the above embodiment, a slot machine is illustrated as a gaming machine, a substantially disk-shaped medal M is illustrated as a gaming medium, and a medal lending machine 1 that lends a medal M for a slot machine is illustrated as a gaming medium lending machine. Although illustrated, game machines, game media, and game media rental machines are not limited to the above. For example, the gaming machine may be a pachinko machine, the gaming medium may be a pachinko ball, and the gaming medium lending machine may be a ball lending machine that lends pachinko balls.

  The present invention can be applied to various game medium lending machines such as a medal lending machine that lends medals used in slot machines and a ball lending machine that lends pachinko balls.

It is a perspective view of the game media rental machine concerning this embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the internal structure of the game media rental machine. It is the disassembled perspective view which pulled out and showed the main internal structures of the game media rental machine to the front side. It is a perspective view of a bill processing device. It is a perspective view explaining the structure of an open / close detection sensor. It is a perspective view explaining the structure of an open / close detection sensor. It is sectional drawing explaining the structure of a medal delivery apparatus. It is a perspective view of a middle panel. It is the side view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the center part panel in the obstruction | occlusion position. It is the top view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the center part panel in the obstruction | occlusion position. It is the side view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the center part panel in the 1st open position. It is the top view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the center part panel in the 1st open position. It is the top view which showed a mode that the center part panel was pulled out from a 1st open position. It is the side view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the center part panel in the 2nd open position. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the tray for banknotes, the opening for trays, and a baffle plate. It is a front view of the door for supply ports. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the door for supply ports. It is the perspective view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the door for supply ports in the open position. It is the perspective view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the supply port door in the obstruction | occlusion position from the back side of the supply port door. It is the perspective view which showed the state which has arrange | positioned the supply port door in the open position from the back side of the supply port door. It is a front view of the door for supply ports made into the unlocked state. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which looked at the door for supply ports made into the unlocked state from the upper edge side. It is explanatory drawing which showed the wiring system of the medal lending machine. It is explanatory drawing which showed the baffle plate concerning another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

C coin E banknote M medal 1 medal lending machine 6 main controller 10 banknote processing apparatus 11 opening / closing detection sensor 12 medal delivery apparatus 13 lending machine body 15 upper panel 16 middle panel 17 lower panel 71 hall computer 81 banknote identifier 82 banknote storage part 84 Banknote storage detection sensor 138 Opening part 140 Locking mechanism 231 Unauthorized identification part

Claims (4)

A gaming medium lending machine that lends gaming media based on the insertion of banknotes from a banknote slot,
A banknote storage part capable of storing banknotes inserted from the banknote input port, an opening part opened when taking out banknotes from the banknote storage part, and an opening / closing door for opening and closing the opening part,
A banknote storage detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of banknotes stored in the banknote storage section, and an open / close detection sensor for detecting whether or not the opening is opened,
A fraud identifying unit that identifies the presence or absence of fraud based on detection information of the bill storage detection sensor and detection information of the open / close detection sensor;
The fraud identification section is provided on condition that the detection information of the open / close detection sensor is detection information indicating a closed state, and the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor is changed to detection information indicating a state where no banknote is present. In addition, a game media lending machine characterized in that it is determined that an illegal act has been performed. A gaming medium lending machine that lends gaming media based on the insertion of banknotes from a banknote slot,
A banknote storage part capable of storing banknotes inserted from the banknote input port, an opening part opened when taking out banknotes from the banknote storage part, and an opening / closing door for opening and closing the opening part,
A banknote storage detection sensor for detecting a decrease in banknotes stored in the banknote storage section, and an open / close detection sensor for detecting whether or not the opening is opened,
A fraud identifying unit that identifies the presence or absence of fraud based on detection information of the bill storage detection sensor and detection information of the open / close detection sensor;
The fraud identification section is a fraudulent act on condition that the detection information of the open / close detection sensor is detection information indicating a closed state and the detection information of the banknote storage detection sensor is detection information indicating a decrease in banknotes A game media lending machine, characterized in that it is determined that has been made. The game medium lending machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification device for notifying that a fraudulent act is determined by the fraud identification unit. The gaming medium lending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein lending of the gaming medium is stopped when it is determined that the fraudulent act is performed by the fraud identification unit.

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