WO1999010845A1 - Bill conveyance system using air flow - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of game machines (2) are placed in a game hall. Bills are collected from the game machines (2) by means of a bill conveyance system which has a plurality of first conveying pipes (6110) provided for each group (1) of the game machines (2), a second conveying pipe (6120), first conveying vessels (2900) in the first conveying pipes (6110), a second conveying vessel (3000) in the second conveying pipe (6120), a storage unit (S) in which the collected bills are stored, air flow generating mechanisms (7200 and 9100) which generate air flows in the first and second conveying pipes (6110 and 6120) to move the conveying vessels (2900 and 3000) in the pipes, a plurality of bill introducing machines which introduce bills into the first conveying vessels (2900) of the respective groups (1), a plurality of bill transferring machines (9300) which transfer bills from the first conveying vessels (2900) to the second conveying vessel (3000), a bill discharging machine (9200) which takes out bills from the second conveying vessel (3000) and put them into the storage unit (S) and a control system which receives the bill collection requests from the game machines (2) and performs the collection control.

Description

 Description Banknote transport system using airflow Technical field

 The present invention relates to a bill transport system installed in a game arcade and used for transporting a transported object such as a bill, and more particularly to a banknote transport system that transports a transported object by airflow. More specifically, each of the plurality of islands arranged in the amusement arcade, each including a plurality of gaming machines and the like, is used to air the bills input by the player to the equipment included in the islands. The present invention relates to a bill transport system suitable for collection using a flow. Background of the Invention

In the amusement arcade, a lot of one or more types of gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko gaming machines are arranged. Gaming machines are generally arranged in groups called islands. Among these gaming machines, there are devices in which bills are inserted into the gaming machine to play the game. Also, rather than the bill itself, coins, or game media include, for example, when the can also _c This possible to perform the game by using a token, such as medals, game media lending for dispensing medals to the player Machine at least

One, generally more than one, will be installed at the game arcade. In addition, at least one currency exchange machine for exchanging bills for coins will be provided. A player inserts a bill into one of the game media lending machines and receives the necessary tokens for lending, or exchanges the bills for coins with a money changing machine to play the game.

In this way, at the amusement arcade, bills are inserted into gaming machines, game media rental machines, and currency exchange machines. It is. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the inserted bills. If banknotes are manually collected from various types of equipment, there are problems such as theft and other accidents, and the possibility that the collector may be lost. Therefore, it is desired to install a collection device for collecting bills inserted in various devices such as a game machine, a game media lending machine, and a money changer.

 By the way, in order to collect bills from gaming machines and game media lending machines, a transport device using an air flow has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent No. 25111692 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-185357, which are patented in Japan, disclose devices for transporting banknotes using an air flow. .

 The device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2511 1692 discloses a bill transport tube for transporting bills pneumatically, a blower for sucking air in the bill transport tube, and repairs pneumatically transported bills. And a bill collector. This device transports banknotes by forming an air flow in the same manner as in the transport of coins described above.

 The device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-185737 includes a transport path having a hollow portion for pneumatically transporting bills, an exhaust device for sucking air in the transport path via an exhaust valve, It has a detector that detects the passage of banknotes in the transport path, and an inference unit that performs fuzzy inference based on the detection results of the detector and the like and determines the adjustment amount of the exhaust valve. This device also transports bills by air flow.

However, the above-described device basically generates a straight air flow in the pipe, and conveys the bill itself, which is the object to be conveyed, by the air flow. For this reason, there is a problem that the banknote easily comes into contact with the pipe wall and the like and stays in the pipe. In particular, electrification caused by the bills rubbing against the tube wall causes the bills to adhere to the tube wall, causing the sent bills to not reach the target position. This also causes clogging. Summary of the Invention

 It is an object of the present invention to be able to transport banknotes to a destination reliably without adhering to a pipe wall, to prevent clogging, and to collect banknotes safely and reliably from a plurality of islands. It is an object of the present invention to provide a banknote transport system capable of performing the above.

 According to the present invention, in a game arcade in which a plurality of gaming machines are arranged, in a bill transport system for collecting bills from each gaming machine,

 The plurality of gaming machines are grouped, and a plurality of first transport pipes individually arranged corresponding to each group;

 A second transfer pipe arranged so as to have a location close to all the first transfer pipes;

 A first transport container arranged in the first transport tube for accommodating bills; a second transport container arranged in the second transport tube for accommodating bills; each of the gaming machines A storage unit for storing bills collected from

 An air flow generating mechanism for generating an air flow in the first and second transport pipes and moving the first and second transport containers in the transport pipe;

 A plurality of bill introduction machines inserted and installed at the positions of the respective gaming machines in the first transport pipe and for introducing bills into a first transport container transported in the transport pipe; And a plurality of banknote changers for inserting and installing the first and second transport pipes at a position where the transport pipes are close to each other to transfer banknotes from the first transport vessel to the second transport vessel. ,

 A bill ejector inserted and installed at the position of the storage section in the second transport pipe, for removing bills from the second transport container and storing them in the storage section;

A control system for receiving a bill collection request from a gaming machine and performing bill collection control. And a stem.

 A bill transfer system is provided.

 The first and second transport containers can each have an opening for introducing and discharging bills.

 The banknote transfer machine includes a container supplementing mechanism that supplements the first and second transport containers at positions close to each other, and an opening that communicates each opening of the supplemented first and second transport containers. Can have.

 In response to the bill collection request, the control system moves the first transport container to a bill introduction machine to be collected, and introduces the bill into the first transport container. Moving the second transfer container to the above-mentioned bill transfer machine, and moving the second transfer container to the bill transfer machine where the first transfer container containing the bills is waiting, and transferring the second transfer container to the second transfer container. The method can include a process of reloading the bills and a collecting and storing process of moving the second transport container containing the bills to the bill ejector and storing the bills in the storage unit from the second transport container.

 The control system can execute the collection and storage process at the time when the banknotes are transshipped to the second transport container by two or more predetermined times.

 The air flow generating mechanism is provided separately for each of the first and second transport pipes, and is a switching valve unit for switching a direction of an air flow in the first and second transport pipes. And the control system can individually control the switching state of each of the switching valve units.

The bill introduction machine includes a container capturing mechanism that captures a first transport container that moves in the first transport pipe, a container detection sensor that detects that the first transport container has been captured, Having a bill moving mechanism for introducing bills into the transporting container being captured, The banknote ejector includes a container capturing mechanism that captures a second transport container that moves in the second transport tube, a container detection sensor that detects that the second transport container has been captured, A banknote transfer mechanism for discharging banknotes from the captured second transport container, wherein the banknote transfer machine separately captures the first and second transport containers; and It is possible to have a container detection sensor for individually detecting capture of the first and second transport containers, and a bill transfer mechanism for transferring banknotes from the captured first transport container to the second transport container. .

 The first and second transport containers each have an opening for introducing and discharging bills, and the bill moving mechanism of the bill reloading machine has an opening of the supplementary first transport container. It is possible to have a bill pushing bar that pushes bills from the section to the opening of the second transport container and accommodates the bills in the second transport container.

 In response to the bill collection request, the control system issues a setting instruction to the switching valve unit to move the first transport container to the bill introduction machine to be collected, and outputs a container detection signal from the bill introduction machine. Upon receiving the bill, the banknote introduction machine is switched to a process for issuing a bill introduction instruction to the bill introduction machine, and the first transport container storing the bills is moved to the bill transfer machine in response to the bill introduction end notification from the bill introduction machine. Set the switching valve unit to send a setting instruction to the valve unit and receive the detection signal of the first transport container from the banknote changer, and move the second transport container to the banknote changer. Issuing a command, and issuing a bill transfer instruction to the bill transfer machine in response to the detection signal of the second transport container from the bill transfer machine; and outputting a bill transfer end notification from the bill transfer machine. Switching valve to move the second transport container to the bill ejector Setting instruction to put, in accordance with the second detection signal of the transfer container from the bill discharge machine which can include a recovery storing process issues a bill ejection instruction to the paper currency discharge machine.

The control system sends the second transfer container a predetermined number of times or more to the second transfer container. When the banknotes are transshipped, the above-mentioned collection and storage process can be performed,

 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the bill transport system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of an island in the bill transport system of the present invention ₍ FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a slot machine.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of the switching valve used in the present invention ₍ FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a transport container (second) used for transporting bills, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a transport container (first) used for transporting bills. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the transport container (first).

 FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the upper surface of the transfer container (first).

 FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the bill introducing machine used in the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a supply state of bills to the bill introducing machine.

 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a mechanism for capturing a transport container and performing stop positioning in the bill introducing machine.

 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of a shirt evening mechanism in a bill introducing machine.

 FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a transport container used for transporting bills and pins used for capturing and stopping and positioning the transport container.

 FIGS. 14A, B, C, D and E are explanatory views showing a process of introducing a bill in a bill introducing machine.

 FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a mechanism for capturing and positioning a transport container in the banknote ejector used in the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of the shirt evening mechanism of the banknote discharge machine. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the bill discharging machine.

 FIGS. 18F, G and H are explanatory views showing a process of discharging a bill in a bill discharging machine.

 FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a banknote changer used in the present invention.

 FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the control system used in the present invention.

 FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus used in the present invention. <FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating various devices in a slot machine and terminal units corresponding thereto.

 FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a bill discharging machine and a corresponding terminal unit.

 FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing various devices such as a banknote changer and a switching valve, and a terminal unit corresponding thereto.

 FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the information processing system.

 FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting a processing order after examining various requests from the terminal unit.

 FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a procedure for introducing a bill.

 FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a transfer procedure after the introduction of a bill.

 FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring banknotes.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure for discharging bills. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 An embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

 The system of the present invention is a system that is installed in a game arcade and collects bills from various devices into which bills are inserted. In particular, it is a game arcade transport system that stores bills in transport containers and transports the transport containers by airflow. In the amusement arcade, a plurality of gaming machines such as coin games, for example, slot machines, are arranged in one or two rows on a common base to form a group of gaming machines called "islands". Amusement arcades usually have multiple islands of this type. The transport system of the present invention can be installed for collecting bills from these islands.

 Figure 1 shows an example of gaming machine layout on an island in a game arcade. FIG. 1 shows an example in which four slot machines 2 are arranged in one row on a gantry 3 to form an island 1. In this example, four slot machines 2 are arranged in one row on the gantry 3, but the number and the number of rows are not limited to this. For example, 2 n slot machines may be arranged in two rows of n units, such as 20 slot machines in two rows of 10 units on the gantry 3. In FIG. 1, islands 1 are arranged in parallel. Usually, such an arrangement is common, but not limited to this.

Further, in FIG. 1 and the following description, only a configuration for collecting bills inserted into the slot machine is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. If game media rental machines such as medals, coin exchange machines, etc. are provided on the island, this includes collecting banknotes therefrom. In addition, when a game media lending machine, currency exchange machine, etc. are provided independently, it is also applied to the collection of bills from them. In this case, for example, the ability to handle a currency exchange machine installed alone as a device included in any island, or to treat bills as a single island by collecting itself be able to.

 With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an outline of a game arcade transport system of the present invention will be described.

 As shown in FIG. 1, the transport system of the present invention includes a plurality of branch pipes 6 11 10 penetrating each of the plurality of rows of islands 1 along a row of the slot machine 2, and each branch pipe. A main pipe 6 1 20 which is arranged orthogonal to 6 1 1 0, and a plurality of transport containers 2 900 and a plurality of transfer vessels 2 which are respectively arranged in each branch pipe 6 1 10 and the main pipe 6 1 20. 3 0 0 0 and a plurality of air flow generating mechanisms 7 2 0 0 for transferring the transfer containers 2 900 and 3 0 0 0 within each branch pipe 6 11 0 and the main pipe 6 12 0. A plurality of banknote reloading machines for transferring banknotes from the transport container 2 900 in each branch pipe 6 11 0 to the transport container 9 00 0 in the main pipe 6 1 0 0, and the main pipe 6 1 It has a safe S for taking in and storing bills from the transport container 900 in 200.

 Further, in the transport system of the present invention, a banknote introduction machine 2700 (see FIG. 2) for introducing banknotes into the transport container 2900 in each slot machine 2 is provided in each branch pipe 6110. Connected.

 The safe S is composed of a bill discharging machine 9200 for discharging bills from the transport container 2900 transported in the main pipe 6120 and a storage unit for storing the discharged bills. 6 600 (see FIG. 17).

 The air flow generating mechanism 720 is a switching valve unit for switching the direction of the air flow, that is, the moving direction of the transfer container, with the air flow generating device 720 that generates an air flow by suction. 7 2 2 0

The states and operations of the above components are managed and controlled by a control system CS (see FIG. 24) including a plurality of terminal units TU and an information processing device PS. The information processing system PS uses signal line groups SL and buses BL to operate all terminal units. Connected to the TU. As the simplest control, the control system CS moves the transport container 2900 to the slot machine 2 which has issued the bill collection request and introduces the bill. Then, the transfer container 2900 and the transfer container 90000 in the main pipe 6120 are moved to the common banknote changer 9300, and the transfer container 2900 is transferred from the transfer container 2900. Transfer banknotes to 9 00 00. Finally, the transport container 900 is moved to the safe S, and the bills are stored in the storage unit 660.

 For example, when the control system CS and the transport system are arranged for each floor of a game arcade, as shown in FIG. 24, a management computer MC for managing each information processing device PS is separately provided. The information processing devices PS and the management computer MC are connected to each other by the communication line CL.

 Next, specific examples of each element constituting the transport system of the present invention will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 2 includes a game execution unit 10 for executing a game, a handle 15 for executing the game, and a game for paying out coins used in the game. It has a machine hopper 30, a bill receiving section 40, and a coin receiving section 50.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the bill receiving unit 40 can take in the bill by receiving a bill insertion slot 41 and determining whether the inserted bill is true or false and a denomination. It has a bill validator 42 for taking in fresh bills, and a guide part 44 for guiding the taken bills inside. The banknote recognition section 42 is provided with a counter 43 for counting the number of sheets taken in (see FIG. 26). The bill validator 42 outputs information on the denomination, and also outputs information on the number of sheets taken in by the counter 43. These denomination information and information on the number of pieces taken in are input to the corresponding terminal unit TU. In FIG. 3, the coin receiving unit 50 determines the authenticity and the denomination of the inserted coin, and takes in coins that can be taken in, inside the coin insertion slot 51. And a coin identification unit (not shown). The captured coin is sent to the game machine hopper 30 via a not-shown shot. Each output of the bill receiving unit 40 and the coin receiving unit 50 is connected to the terminal unit TU corresponding to the slot machine 2.

 As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine hopper 30 includes a coin storage unit 31 for storing coins, and a delivery unit 32 for paying out the stored coins in response to a payout instruction from the game execution unit 10. Have. The delivery section 32 is provided with a coin delivery mechanism, a drive module for the coin, and a motor drive circuit (none of them is shown). The game machine hopper 30 pushes up the coins stored in the coin storage unit 31 through a passage (not shown) by the delivery unit 32 and supplies the coins to the game execution unit 10. The capacity of the coin that can be stored by the game machine hopper 30 is an amount that can be paid out at least a plurality of times.

 The game machine hopper 30 has an overflow mechanism 60 for collecting coins that have overflowed when the stored coins have exceeded their capacity. The overflow mechanism 60 has, as a part thereof, a counter 61 for counting the number of coins ejected. The output of the counter 61 is connected to the terminal unit TU corresponding to the game machine hopper 30 and the count value is output to the terminal unit TU (not shown). If the number of overflowed coins exceeds a predetermined amount, the coins are collected.

The game machine hopper 30 is provided with a coin accumulation state detection sensor 33 for detecting the accumulation state of coins. The output of the coin accumulation state detection sensor 33 is connected to the terminal unit TU, and sends a signal indicating the coin accumulation state to the terminal unit TU (not shown). The coin accumulation state detection sensor 33 is constituted by, for example, a microswitch or the like, and is stored in the game machine hopper 30. Activates when the amount of coins in the storage becomes smaller than the predetermined storage amount, and detects that the amount of coins has decreased. The terminal unit TU receives this signal as a coin supply request signal to the corresponding slot machine 2. Then, coins are supplied in response to the coin supply request signal. In the present invention, since the transfer of coin is not directly related, the description is omitted.

 Next, a description will be given of a transfer pipe and a portion for switching the direction of the air flow. The branch pipe 611 and the main pipe 6120 have a size and a shape capable of transporting the transport containers 2900 and 300000, respectively, without interruption in the hollow portion. For example, in both cases, a flexible plastic hose is used. Of course, it is not limited to such hoses. However, if such a hose is used, each transfer pipe can be bent freely, so that the pipe becomes easy. In addition, this type of hose is easy to process such as cutting, and is light, so that the construction is easy even when the transfer system of the present invention is installed on site.

Each of the branch pipes 6110 and the main pipe 6120 individually forms an airflow circulation path. The circulation path of each branch pipe 6110 is connected to an airflow generator 7210 via a switching valve 7220, respectively. Similarly, the circulation path of the main pipe 612 is connected to the air flow generator 910 via the switching valve 912. The switching valve section 720 forms an airflow generating mechanism 720 in combination with the airflow generating device 720, and switches the direction of the airflow generated in each branch pipe 6110. Similarly, the switching valve section 9120 forms an airflow generating mechanism 9100 in combination with the airflow generating device 9110, and controls the direction of the airflow generated in the main pipe 6120. Switch. Here, the switching valve section 7220 and the switching valve section 9120 have the same configuration, but have different sizes due to the different diameters of the main pipe 611 and the branch pipe 6120. Hereinafter, the switching valve section 722 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 shows an example of the structure of the switching valve section 7220. As shown in FIG. 4, the switching valve section 7220 has three pipe connection ports (A, B, and C). Port A is an air flow generator 72 10, and ports B and C are transported in a loop. Connected to tubes 6110 respectively. Further, the switching valve section 7220 includes a shirt 7221 for selectively sealing the ports B and C, a rotary solenoid 7222 for driving the shirt 7221, and an air hole formed on the port C side. 7 22 3, air hole shirt 7 2 24, one-way solenoid for opening and closing the shirt 7 224 7 22 5, air hole 72 26 formed on the port B side, air hole shirt It has a mouth 7228 and a mouthpiece solenoid 722 7 for opening and closing the shirt 7272. Here, the respective driving states of the rotary solenoids 7222, 7225 and 72227 are controlled by the switching valve drive circuit 7230. The switching valve drive circuit 7 230 is connected to the terminal unit TU, and performs the above control according to an instruction from the terminal unit TU.

 The switching valve section 7220 exclusively realizes a state in which an air flow is generated from the port C to the port B and a state in which an air flow is generated from the port B to the port C in the loop-shaped transfer pipe. In the state where airflow is generated from port C to port B, as shown in Fig. 4, shirt 722 blocks port C from port A. Then, the air hole shutter 7224 on the port C side opens the air hole 7223, and the air hole shirt 7722 on the port B side seals the air hole 7226. Conversely, when airflow is generated from port B to port C, shutdown 7221 shuts off port B for port A. Then, the air hole shutter 7224 on the port C side closes the air hole 7223, and the air hole shirt 7227 on the port B side opens the air hole 7226.

The air hole 6 523 is provided with air sufficient to generate an air flow in the transfer pipe 6 100. Is set to a size that allows the inflow of water. Therefore, when the opening cross-sectional area is reduced, a plurality of openings may be provided.

 Next, the transfer containers 2900 and 300000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

 Each of the transfer containers 2900 and 300000 has a cylindrical structure having a side surface and an end surface. The side and end faces are large enough to accommodate bills in the internal space formed by them. The side surface may have a structure having two slits for use in introducing and discharging bills. These two slits are provided at positions facing each other on the side surfaces. Further, the two slits have a cross-sectional shape capable of passing a folded bill. In order to enable the banknotes to be transshipped, the volume of the internal space and the position of the slit are different between the transport container 2900 and the transport container 900.

As shown in FIG. 5, the transport container 900 that moves in the main pipe 612 has a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the cylinder has slits 920 and 930 provided at two symmetrical positions. These slits 920 and 930 are formed of through holes having a shape and an area that can be inserted in a state where a bill is folded in two. In the example of FIG. 5, the slits 900 and 9030 are provided such that their longitudinal directions are respectively orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the transport container 900. The length in the longitudinal direction of the slits 920 and 930 is slightly larger than the width of the bill B (the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The reason for this size is that the bills (a plurality of stacked bill bundles) are brought into contact with the inner wall of the transport container 900 so that the alignment of the bill bundles is improved. . In addition, the first reason that the slits 900 and 030 were large enough to insert a banknote in two folds was that the banknotes became U-shaped by folding them in half. When inserting bills into the transport container, they are less likely to buckle. The second reason is that after the bundle of bills is stored in the transport container 900, the folded bundle of bills spreads due to the nature of the bill itself and cannot pass through the slit 900. However, it is possible to prevent the bill from slipping out.

 At the bottom of the inner space of the transport container 900, a flat surface 950 slightly larger than the bill B is formed. The bills introduced into the transport container will be aligned on the plane 950.

 At both ends of the transport container 900, weights 9004 having notches 9004 for positioning are provided. The weight portion 9004 is provided to prevent the rotation of the transport container 900. This makes it possible for the transport container 900 to arrive at the banknote reloading machine 9300 and the banknote ejecting machine 9200 in a correct posture. As shown in FIG. 13, the cutout portion 90041 is for catching the transport container 900 and engaging a pin for positioning. The V-groove is for guiding the pin and engaging it accurately.

On the other hand, the transport container 2900 that moves in the branch pipe 6110 has a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. The outer peripheral surface of the cylinder has slits 292 and 290 provided at two symmetrical locations. These slits 292 and 290 are constituted by through holes having a shape and an area that can be inserted in a state where a bill is folded in two. The slits 2920 and 2930 are provided such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport container 2900, respectively. The lengths of the slits 292 0 and 230 0 in the longitudinal direction are set to be slightly larger than the width of the banknote B for the same reason as the above-described transport container 900. At both ends of the transfer container 290, a weight portion 294 having a notch portion 294 for positioning is provided. This weight portion 2940 is the weight of the aforementioned transport container 900 Like the unit 900, it is provided to prevent the rotation of the transfer container 2900. This makes it possible for the transport container 2900 to arrive at the banknote introduction machine 2700 and the banknote transfer machine 9300 in a correct posture. The notch 2941, as shown in FIG. 13, is for engaging a pin for capturing and positioning the transfer container 2900. The V-groove is for guiding the pin and engaging it accurately.

 On one side in the longitudinal direction of the slit 2920 of the transport container 2900, a mechanism for preventing bills from popping out is provided. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, this pop-out prevention mechanism 2950 is a cantilevered lever that is rotatable between the opening surface of the slit 2920 and the inside of the transport container 2900. 2951, a support portion 2952 for cantileverably supporting the lever 2951, and a lever 2951 for maintaining the lever 2951 in the slit 292 opening surface. And a biasing elastic member 2 95 3. When the lever 2 951 is located on the opening surface of the slit 2 920, the opening length of the portion of the slit 2 920 that is not covered by the lever 295 1 is paper. Its length is determined to be less than the width of the bill.

 Normally, the protrusion preventing mechanism 2950 is positioned so that the lever 2950 closes a part of one end of the opening surface of the slit 2920 by the action of the elastic member 2953. I do. For this reason, in the bill bundle accommodated in the transport container 2900, a part of the opening surface of the slit 2920 is covered by the lever 2951. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bill from jumping out.

In addition, when the bill bundle is folded in two and inserted into the slit 2920, one side of the bill bundle comes into contact with the pop-out preventing mechanism 2950, and the transport container is moved along with the progress of the paper defect. Pushed inside 2900. At this time, an axial component of the transfer container 2900 is applied to the lever 2951 by the action of the elastic member 2953. this Due to the component force, the banknote bundle is pressed against the inner surface of the axial end portion 2913 of the transport container 2900, and the banknote bundle is moved between the lever 2951 and the inner wall surface of the end portion of the transport container 2900. It is sandwiched between. As a result, a frictional force is generated evenly on the periphery of the bills included in the bill bundle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the banknotes from being disordered due to the imbalance of the frictional force applied to the banknote bundle. That is, the banknote bundle is neatly inserted into the transport container 2900.

 In the above description, a cylindrical transport container is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other forms of transport containers can be used. For example, it may be a rectangular tube.

 Next, the bill introducing machine 2700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14 and FIG.

 As shown in FIG. 9, the banknote introduction machine 2700 is installed following the banknote receiving section 40. This bill introducing machine 270 00 has a bill moving mechanism 270 110 and a container capturing mechanism 276 000.

As shown in FIG. 11, the container capturing mechanism 2 760 includes a container capturing section 276 1 inserted and connected to the branch pipe 210, and a transport container 2 in the container capturing section 276 1. It has a lock mechanism 2790 for capturing, positioning and fixing 900. As shown in FIG. 11, at least the inner periphery of the container catching portion 27661 is formed in a circular shape, and the stover pin 270, which will be described later, protrudes at two locations on the bottom side thereof. Are provided with through holes 2 7 6 2. Note that, in FIGS. 9 and 12, the container catching portion 2761 shows a shape penetrating through a solid prism, but is not limited thereto. For example, a pipe shape as shown in FIG. 14 can be used. At both ends of the container capturing section 2761, connecting sections 2763 for connecting the branch pipes 210 are provided. In addition, a container detection sensor 2769 (see Fig. 26) that detects the presence of a transport container and a clogging detection sensor 2701 (see Fig. 26) It is set up.

 The lock mechanism 2790 is moved into and out of the container capturing section 2761, and serves as a stopper for the transfer container 2900 and also serves as a positioning pin. 270) and a drive mechanism 27980 that causes the pin 2770 to protrude and retract into the container capturing section 2761.

 The pin 2770 has, for example, a pyramid shape at the tip end as shown in FIG. Specifically, for example, it is formed in a shape in which a deformed hexagonal pyramid or an octagonal pyramid is vertically divided into two. Then, they are arranged so that the sides with many ridges face each other, and sandwich the transport container 900 therebetween. An angle is formed so as to be engaged with the notch 294 1 provided in the weight 290 40 of the transport container 290 0 described above.

 The driving mechanism 2780 includes, for example, a tally solenoid 27781, a power transmission mechanism 27782 that converts the rotation of the solenoid 2778 into a linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the pin. It has a support portion 2783 for supporting them, and a lock mechanism drive circuit 27989 (see FIG. 26). The lock mechanism drive circuit 2789 drives the two solenoids 2787 independently of each other in accordance with an instruction from the terminal unit TU.

 Next, the bill moving mechanism 2710 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the banknote transfer mechanism 2710 stores the banknotes and presses down the banknote storage unit 2720 that forms a banknote stack and the stored banknote stack. And a bill introduction unit 2730 to be inserted into the transport container 2900.

The banknote storage unit 272 0 supports the banknotes, and has a stage 272 1 with an opening 272 3 for pushing the banknotes at the center, and both sides of the bottom plate 272 1 A guide member 2722 arranged to align banknotes, a shirt member 2724 arranged below the stage 2721 and closing the opening 2723 openably and closably. A shutter drive mechanism 2750 for opening and closing the shirt 2724; The bottom plate 272 21 sequentially stacks the bills sent from the guide section 44 of the bill receiving section 40 and accumulates the bills at that position. The above guide member 2 7 2 2

It is installed on both sides of 2 7 2 1 with an interval of width L that can align banknotes. The guide members 2722 accumulate bills sent from the guide portions 44 in a uniform width. The height of the guide member 272 is set so that the thickness of the accumulated banknote bundle is h. Therefore, the height of the stacked bill bundle may be compared with the value h to output a bill collection request.

 As shown in FIG. 12, the above-mentioned shirt driving mechanism 2750 is composed of a rotary solenoid 275 1 that outputs a driving force for moving the shirt 2724, and this driving force is converted into a linear motion. A power transmission mechanism 2752 that converts and transmits it to the shirt 2 7 2 4, a support section 2 7 5 3 that supports them, and a shirt drive circuit that drives the above-mentioned mouth solenoid 2 7 5 1 2 7 5 9 (see FIG. 26).

 The above-mentioned bill introduction unit 2730 includes a linear movement mechanism 2731 for realizing a linear movement of a long stroke, and a bill pushing unit 2740 for pushing down a bill. The linear motion mechanism 2731 includes a rack 2732 (covered in FIG. 9) provided with a necessary stroke, a pinion (not shown) that meshes with the rack 2732, and a pinion drive mode. 2 7 3 4 (see Fig. 26), limit switches 2 738 T and 2 738 B for setting the stroke, and an indicator board 2 7 3 7 supporting these limit switches .

 The rack 2 7 3 2 has a locking portion 2 7

3 3 are provided. This locking part 2 7 3 3 is the above-mentioned limit switch 2 7 3 8 When T is pressed, the limit switch 2738 # outputs a stroke upper limit signal indicating that the displacement of the rack 2732 has reached the upper limit. On the other hand, when the locking portion 2733 pushes the limit switch 2738Β, the limit switch 2738Β outputs a stroke lower limit signal indicating that the displacement of the rack 2732 has reached the lower limit. . The outputs of these limit switches 273 8 Τ and 2 738 are input to the bill introduction drive circuit 2739, not shown. Thus, the bill introduction drive circuit 2739 can automatically push down and return the bill pushing member 2740. Of course, the operation may be performed by inputting to the terminal unit TU and controlling the operation of the bill introduction drive circuit 2739 by the terminal unit. The outputs of limit switches 2738 ス and 2738Β, especially the output of limit switch 2738Τ, can also be used as an operation completion signal. Therefore, these outputs can be sent to the terminal unit TU and used for generating a completion report signal to the information processing device PS.

 The arrangement interval between the above-mentioned limit switches 2 7 3 8 Β and 27 38 決定 is determined in accordance with the press-down depth of a bill press-down mechanism described later. Here, the stroke is set such that the stroke that the push-down bar 2741 can reach can be secured to the vicinity of the inner bottom surface of the transport container 2900 captured by the container capturing unit 276 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the bill push-down member 2740 contacts the bill and pushes down the push-down bar 274 1, supports the push-down bar 2 74 1, and is linked to the linear motion mechanism 2 731. And a support member (rack) 2742 for transmitting linear motion to the bar 274 1.

Next, introduction of bills into the transport container 2900 by the bill introduction machine will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 14 shows the state of changing step by step from Α to Ε. First, in step 搬 送, the transport container 2900 is captured by the container capturing section 2760, This shows the positioned state. At this stage, the shirt is still closed.

 In the stage B, the shirt 2 7 2 4 is opened, and the tip 2 7 4 1 a of the bill push-down bar 2 7 4 1 1 is in contact with the stacked bill bundle B. Here, the tip 274 4a of the bill push-down bar 2741 contacts the bill at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the stacked bill bundle along the width direction of the bill. This is to make the bill bundle folded into two when the bill pushing bar 2 7 4 1 is pushed down.

 Then, in stage C, the bill push-down bar 2741 is further pushed down by the linear motion mechanism 2731, and its tip 2741a force opens the opening 2772 of the stage 2721. The bill passes through the slit 292 of the transport container 290 0, and the folded portion of the bill is being inserted into the transport container 290. At this stage, the banknote bundle B is pressed in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 14 by the lever 295 1 of the pop-out prevention mechanism 295 50 shown in FIG. For this reason, a frictional force is generated at the edge along the longitudinal direction of the banknote bundle B, which is a resistance to pushing down the banknote bundle. As a result, even if slippery banknotes are present in the banknote bundle, resistance is generated against such banknotes, so that the banknotes are pressed down evenly.

Next, in the stage D, the bill push-down bar 2741 is further pushed down by the linear motion mechanism 2731, and the tip 2741a of the bill pusher 2711 is slit into the transport container 2900. This is a state in which it has reached near 930. In this state, the banknote is in a state where the folded part of the banknote is being inserted into the transport container 2900. In this state, the banknote bundle is not restricted by the opening width of the slit 2720. Therefore, it is spread by the elasticity of itself until it touches the inner wall in the transfer container 2900. In such a state, banknote bundle B has slits 2 7 2 0 and 2 7 3 0 Cannot pass by itself. Therefore, even if the transport container 2900 is transported with the slits 2720 and 2730 open, the bills will not fall out of the transport container 2900.

 Stage D is the lower limit of the linear motion stroke. Therefore, the limit switch 2732B is pressed by the locking portion 2733 to operate. As a result, the limit switch 2738B outputs a stroke lower limit signal. This stroke lower limit signal is sent to the bill introduction drive circuit 2739. Therefore, the bill introduction drive circuit 2739 reverses the rotation of the motor 2734 to raise the bill push-down bar 2741.

 Stage E shows a state in which the banknote depressing bar 2741 is raised. After that, when the locking portion 273 3 3 pushes the limit switch 2 738 T and the stroke upper limit signal is output from the limit switch 2 738 T, the bill introduction drive is performed. The circuit 2739 outputs a bill introduction completion signal to the terminal unit TU. Next, the banknote discharging machine 9200 will be described with reference to FIGS. The banknote discharge machine 9200 is a device for discharging a banknote bundle stored in the transport container 900 to the outside of the transport container 900 and storing it in the storage unit. The banknote ejecting machine 9200 captures a container capturing section 9761 inserted and connected to the main pipe 6120 and a transport container 900 in the container capturing section 9761. It has a lock mechanism 9790 for positioning and fixing, a bill moving mechanism for pushing out a bill bundle to the outside of the container, and a bill push-down section 9740. This device has the same basic structure as the banknote introduction machine 2.700 described with reference to Figs. Here, differences will be mainly described.

First, the container catching part 9761 has a larger internal volume than the container supplementing part 27761 of the bill introduction machine 2700, and a through hole for protruding the stover pin 970. The intervals are widening. This is because the transport container 900 is larger than the transport container 2900.

 As shown in FIG. 15, the container capturing portion 9761 is formed with an opening 9732 and an opening 9762 on the top surface and the bottom surface, respectively. The openings 9732 and 9776 are of the same shape at the position facing the slits 900 and 9030 of the transport container 900 supplemented in the container catching section 9761. , Respectively. In addition, the container catching section 9761 is provided with a shirt 976 4 and a shirt 976 5 corresponding to each opening 972 3 and opening 9762. The shirts 974 and 975 can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, one driving mechanism 975 can be driven. The banknote moving mechanism 9740 passes the banknote pressing section 9740 through the inside of the transport container 9000 and the container catching section 9761, and transfers the banknote bundle to the safe S below the container. Storage

(Not shown). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 17, the displacement stroke of the linear motion mechanism is wide. For this reason, the rack 9742 becomes longer, and the interval between the limit switches also becomes longer accordingly. Also, the depressed part 9 7 4 0

The longitudinal direction of the push-down bar 9741 is arranged to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the container supplement portion 9761.

As with the bill introduction machine 270, the bill ejection machine 920 has a container detection sensor 977, a clogging detection sensor 270, and a drive circuit 97789 and a lock mechanism driving circuit. A solenoid 97781, a drive circuit 97559 and 97739 for the bill moving mechanism, a solenoid 9751, and a motor 97734 are provided (see Fig. 23). These are connected to a terminal unit TU arranged corresponding to the banknote dispenser 9200. The discharge of bills from the transport container 2900 to the storage section of the safe S by the bill discharge machine will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 17 shows how it changes step by step from F to G.

 First, in the stage F, the state is the same as the stage D in FIG. 14 described above. That is, in the stage F, the bill push-down bar 974 1 1 1 is pushed down by the linear motion mechanism, and reaches the vicinity of the bottom plane 9 0 5 0 of the tip 2 7 4 1 a is there. In this state, the banknotes are not restricted by the opening width of the slit 930 in this state. Therefore, it is in a state of being spread until it touches the bottom plane 9500 in the transport container 2900 by its own nature. At this stage, the linear motion stroke has not reached the lower limit yet. In the stage G, the bill push-down bar 974 1 1 is pushed down by the linear motion mechanism, and the leading end passes through the slit 9 0 3 0 of the transport container 9 0 0 0 and enters the storage 6 6 0 0 of the safe S. It has been reached. The banknote bundle is being inserted into the storage section 660. The storage section 660 shown in FIG. 17 is provided with a member 669 that pushes up the stored bill bundle B. Therefore, the bill pushing bar 2 7 4 1 pushes down the bill bundle against the pushing member 6 6 9 9. In this way, the bill bundle is pushed down to the depth where it can be spread in the storage section 6600. This point is detected by the lower limit switch, and the lower stroke limit signal is output to the terminal unit TU.

 Then, stage H is a state in which the bill push-down bar 9741 is lifted above the transport container 900. At this time, the push-up member 6699 in the storage section 660 is in a state of pushing up the bill bundle B in the safe.

 Next, the banknote transfer machine 9300 will be described with reference to FIG.

The banknote transfer machine 9300 starts from the transfer container 2900 in the branch line 611 This is a device for transferring banknotes to a transfer container 900 in 0120. In the banknote changer 9300, the main pipe 6120 is arranged so that the lower side of the branch pipe 6110 crosses the branch pipe 6110 at right angles. Bank transfer machine 9300 is a branch pipe

Branch pipe corresponding section 9 3 10 inserted into 6 11 0, trunk pipe section 9 3 2 0 inserted into main pipe 6 12 0, and banknote transfer section for bill movement 9330. These configurations have many points in common with the above-described banknote introduction machine 2700 and banknote ejection machine 9200, and therefore, the differences will be mainly described here. Note that common components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

 The branch line corresponding portion 9310 has basically the same configuration as the container supplementary portion and the lock mechanism of the banknote introduction machine 2700. However, in order to enable the discharge of banknotes from the transport container 2900, the branch pipe corresponding section 93110 has an opening 2 below the container supplementary section.

7 6 2 and a shirt 2 7 2 5 for opening and closing it. Since the shirt shirt 275 can be opened and closed in conjunction with the upper shirt shirt 274, it is driven by a common drive mechanism 270. In FIG. 19, the lock mechanism of the branch line corresponding portion 9310 is not shown, but in actuality, a lock mechanism 2790 is provided as shown in FIG. .

 The trunk pipe corresponding section 9320 has basically the same configuration as the container supplementary section and the lock mechanism of the banknote ejecting machine 9200. However, since only bills are introduced into the transport container 900, the container supplementary portion does not have a lower opening. The upper opening is arranged at the same position as the opening 276 of the branch pipe corresponding portion 930, and is commonly opened and closed by the shirt 270 of the branch pipe corresponding portion 930.

The banknote transfer section 9330 has basically the same configuration as the banknote transfer mechanism of the banknote ejecting machine 9200. However, in the banknote transfer section 9330, the longitudinal direction of the push-down bar 9741 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the internal space of the container supplementary section of the branch pipe 6110. Placed in The relationship with the main pipe 6120 is the same as that of the banknote discharge machine 9200 described in FIG. Due to the bill moving mechanism, the banknote depressing section 9740 passes through the transport container 2900 in the branch pipe corresponding section 9310, and the transport container 9900 in the main pipe corresponding section 9320. It is moved to the vicinity of the bottom plane 9 0 0 of 0.

As shown in FIG. 24, the banknote transfer machine 9300 is provided with a shirt driving circuit 2759 and a solenoid 27551 for driving the shirt. It also has a bill introduction drive circuit 97339 and a motor 9734 for driving the bill movement mechanism. In addition, it has various sensors 2769 and 2701, a lock mechanism driving circuit 2789 and a solenoid 2781 corresponding to the branch line corresponding section 9310. Similarly, corresponding to the trunk pipe corresponding portion 9 3 2 0, and the various sensors 9 7 6 9 and 9 7 0 1, _c they have mouths click mechanism drive circuit 9 7 8 9 and the solenoid 9 7 8 1 It is connected to the terminal unit TU installed corresponding to the banknote changer 9300.

 In the banknote transfer operation, first, the transport containers 2900 and 9000 are supplemented and fixed in the branch pipe corresponding section 9310 and the main pipe corresponding section 9320, respectively. In this state, the bill pushing-down unit 274 is pushed down by the bill moving mechanism. The bundle of bills in the transport container 2900 is bound by the lower opening 2930 of the transport container 2900 and is folded in two by a push-down bar 2741 to form a branch line corresponding portion. The liquid is introduced into the transfer container 900 through the opening 276 of the 930 and the opening 920 of the transfer container 900. Then, when the bill push-down unit 2740 force is pushed down to the vicinity of the bottom plane 9500 of the transfer container 900, the bill is restrained by the openings 2930 and 9020, and It spreads due to its own restoring force and is aligned on the bottom plane 9500 in the transport container 900.

Next, regarding the configuration of the control system used in the present invention, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

 The control system CS of the present invention can control the transport system as an independent system. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, it can be incorporated in a part of a system for managing the entire game arcade. In the control system in FIG. 20, basically, one control system CS is configured for the floor 6000. Each control system CS is composed of an information processing device PS and a plurality of terminal units TU connected thereto via a signal line group SL and a bus BL. The information processing device PS of each control system CS is connected to a management computer MC via an information transmission line CL. Each information processing device PS has information on events that have occurred on the floor on which each is placed, such as the number of coins received, the number of coins received, the number of coins paid out, the number of coins stored in a coin safe, the number of bills received, and banknotes Various information such as the number of safes stored is sent to the management computer MC via the information transmission line CL.

 The signal line group SL includes a required number of signal lines according to the number of signals output from the terminal. Therefore, the terminal units TU having different numbers of output signals have different numbers of signal lines included in the signal line group SL connected thereto. Note that the signal line group S L may be standardized to include the same number of signal lines.

The information processing device PS is configured by a computer system. The information processing device PS includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, a central processing unit (CPU) 210, a memory 220, an interface (IZF) 230, and a storage device 240. Prepare. The information transmission line CL, the signal line group SL connected to each terminal unit TU, and the bus BL are connected to the interface 230. The interface 230 has a communication control function for transmitting information. In addition, the interface 230 can be connected to an external device such as a storage device. I can do it.

 The communication control functions of the interface 230 include control of communication with the terminal unit TU via the bus BL and control of communication with the management computer MC via the information transmission line CL. In the communication with the terminal unit TU, the information processing device PS manages the bus access right, and the information processing device PS transmits a message to all or a specific terminal unit TU. Also, the information processing device PS sends a data transmission request to a specific terminal unit TU, and in response to this, the specific terminal unit puts the requested data on a message and transmits the information via the bus BL. Send to processor PS.

 The interface 230 has a corresponding input port (not shown) for each of the plurality of signal line groups SL. That is, this input port exists for the terminal unit TU to which the signal line group SL is connected. The CPU 210 checks the input port, and when a signal that needs to be processed by the information processing device is input, the information indicating the content of the signal together with the source information indicating the source of the signal Is linked to the end of the queue.

When CPU 2 1 0 is examined input port, _c that is compared with the contents of this queue, if it is the same as the contents that are linked to wait current state matrix, the signal of the input port It is determined that there is no change. On the other hand, for an input port to which a signal that is not linked to the queue is input, information indicating the signal source and information indicating the content of the signal are linked at the end of the queue. I do. Then, for an input port in which the signal linked to the queue is not currently output, the signal is unlinked from the queue. This raises the queue's rank for signals linked to the queue after the released signal is placed next to the queue. CPU 2 1 0 executes processing from the top of this queue. Therefore, it can be said that this queue gives the priority of the processing of the information processing device PS.

 Further, the CPU 210 checks the input port and detects whether or not there is a response to the instruction given to the specific terminal unit TU. In this case, the response does not always come from the terminal unit TU to which the instruction was directed. Information about the environment in which the symmetry is located may be collected at different terminal units TU. When a signal input to the input port is linked to the queue, it can be linked to a higher position depending on the content of the signal and Z or the transmission source. That is, priority processing can be performed.

 For example, a hard disk device is used as the storage device 240, and stores a program executed by the information processing device, data to be processed, processed data, and the like. The program stores the program sent from the management computer MC via the information transmission line CL in the storage device 240. In addition, a program stored in a recording medium such as a floppy disk or an optical disk may be installed. For example, a program recorded on a floppy disk can be stored in the storage device 240 by connecting a floppy disk drive to the interface 230. Also, a recording medium such as a ROM in which a program is written can be mounted.

 The CPU 210 loads the programs stored in the storage device 240 into the memory 220 and sequentially executes the programs on the memory 220, thereby realizing the processing shown by the flowchart described later. .

Next, the terminal unit TU will be described with reference to FIGS. In the transport system shown in FIG. 1 which is one of the typical embodiments of the present invention, the terminal unit TU has a connection form as shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. There can be several types of embodiments.

 Each of the terminal units TU shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 is configured by a computer system. That is, it has a central processing unit (CPU) 110, a memory 120, and an interface (I / F) 130. The memory 120 is provided with a ROM as a part thereof. This ROM is a storage medium for storing programs executed by the CPU 110. Of course, as in the case of the information processing apparatus P S described above, a storage device such as a hard disk device may be separately provided, and the program may be stored in the storage device. In addition, the program may be stored on a floppy disk, an optical disk, or the like, and may be read via a reading device. Of course, necessary programs, data, and the like may be received from the information processing device PS via the signal line group SL.

 The signal line group SL is connected to the interface 130. The interface 130 has a communication control function for transmitting information. The interface 130 allows connection of an external device such as a storage device. The CPU 110 receives various signals input through the interface 130, checks the content of the input information, and if there is information that needs to be notified to the information processing device PS, The information to be notified is notified by using a predetermined signal line of the signal line group SL. For example, for each of the plurality of signal lines constituting the signal line group SL, the meaning is defined in advance and dedicated, and when an event occurs, a signal is placed on the signal line corresponding to the event, The occurrence of the event can be notified. More specifically, request signals such as a coin supply request, a coin collection request, and a bill collection request are assigned to dedicated signal lines, respectively, and an operation completion report signal is assigned to another signal line. Can be.

If there are many types of signals, assign dedicated signal lines to each type. Then, there is a problem that the number of signal lines increases. Therefore, information can be encoded and transmitted using several signal lines. In this case, an encoder and a decoder are required, but much information can be notified with a small number of signal lines. It can also be extended to various systems. Here, it is assumed that these signal lines are assigned for each event.

 Next, the connection relationship between each terminal unit TU and the corresponding device will be described.

 The terminal unit TU shown in FIG. 22 is provided for a gaming machine, that is, provided for a slot machine 2. This terminal unit TU is provided for each slot machine 2. To this terminal unit TU, various sensors (not shown) for detecting the type of coins, the amount of accumulated coins, and the like, and a counter 43 provided in the bill validator 42 are connected. Furthermore, regarding the bill introduction machine 2700, a container detection sensor 2 769 and a clogging detection sensor 2 701, a bill introduction drive circuit 2 7 3 9 for driving the motor 2 734, and a shirt for driving the solenoid 27 5 1 The evening drive circuit 2759 and the lock mechanism drive circuit 2789 for driving the solenoid 2781 are connected. When the terminal unit TU detects the accumulation of a predetermined number (one or more) of bills based on the output of the count 43, the terminal unit TU issues a bill collection request to the information processing apparatus PS.

The terminal unit TU shown in FIG. 23 is provided in correspondence with the bill discharging machine 9200 and the airflow generating mechanism 9100. The terminal unit TU is connected to a banknote accumulation state detection sensor provided in the safe S and a counter provided in the banknote identification unit of the safe S. In addition, this terminal unit T is connected to a switching valve driving circuit 9 526 for driving the switching valve 9 120 of the air flow generating mechanism 9 100. Further, for the bill discharging machine 9 200, a container detection sensor is provided. 2 769 and jam check Driving the introductory sensor 2 7 0 1, the bill introduction drive circuit 2 7 3 9 that drives the banknote movement mechanism 9 7 10 4, and the solenoid 2 7 5 1 that opens and closes the shutter And a lock mechanism driving circuit 27989 for driving a solenoid 2781 for container supplementation.

 The terminal unit TU shown in FIG. 24 is provided in correspondence with the banknote changer 9300 and the airflow generating mechanism 720. The terminal unit TU is connected to a switching valve drive circuit 956 that drives the switching valve 72 of the airflow generating mechanism 720. In addition, it is connected to the container detection sensor 2769 and the clogging detection sensor 2701 of the branch pipe corresponding part 9310 of the banknote transfer machine 9300, and to the lock mechanism drive circuit 27898. You. Similarly, the container detection sensor 9769 and the clogging detection sensor 9701 of the main pipe corresponding section 9320 are connected to the lock mechanism driving circuit 97889. Furthermore, a bill introduction drive circuit 9739 for driving the motor 2734 of the bill transfer mechanism 9710 and a shirt drive circuit 9759 are connected.

 Next, the operation of the transport system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the opening in FIG. 25 to FIG.

 First, in the transfer system described below, in principle, the air flow generator 6510 is always operated. Then, by controlling various devices, a counterclockwise airflow is generated in a circulation path formed by any one branch pipe 611 and the main pipe 6120, and the transfer container 2900 From the departure position to the destination position. Of course, a control mode in which the operation of the air flow generator is turned on and off as part of the control can also be adopted. However, the explanation here is based on the assumption that the operation is always performed.

Also, in the transport system described below, various request signals and status signals from devices such as slot machines are processed by information processing using signal lines assigned to each device. Sent to the control unit. Instructions and instructions from the information processing device are sent to each device via the bus BL. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such a signal transmission system, but here, the operation will be described on the premise of such a system.

 FIG. 25 shows a general processing flow of the information processing apparatus PS.

 Here, a request to be processed is selected from various requests (step 101). This selection picks up the first-ranked one from a preset queue and processes the request. Normally, as will be described later, the information processing device PS links the various request signals sent via the signal line group SL to a queue in the order in which they are generated, and executes the request signals in order from the upper level. That is, contents to be processed relating to the request are extracted (step 102), and processing corresponding to the contents is executed (step 104). As the contents of the processing, for example, in the case of the present invention, a bill collection request and the like can be mentioned. If the process is completed, the process is terminated. If there is a matter to be continued, the process returns to step 101 again to execute the process (step 105).

 Here, the setting of a queue used for selecting a processing target will be described with reference to FIG. This queue is equivalent to a priority table in that processing is performed in that order.

First, the information processing device PS checks the input port of the interface 230 (step 501). It is determined whether any request signal is present in any of the signal line groups (step 503). If the request signal exists, the request source information indicating the request source and the request content are read for the input port (step 504). Then, if there is another unprocessed request, this request signal is linked to the end of the queue (step 505). Here, regarding the request signal, It is checked whether any priority has been given (step 506). If any priority is given, the queue is reset (step 507). As described above, an object to be selected in step 101 of FIG. 28 can be set in advance. This processing is performed by the information processing device PS as needed. Next, the procedure of bill collection will be described with reference to FIGS. 27-30.

 In the collection of bills, the transport container 2900 is moved to the slot machine 2 that has issued the bill collection request to introduce the bills (Fig. 27), and the transport container 290 containing the bills. 0 to the banknote reloading machine 9300 (Fig. 28), and the transfer container 90000 to the banknote reloading machine 9300 that issued the banknote reloading request. The transfer operation (Fig. 29) and the transfer of the transport container 900, which has been performed a predetermined number of times, to the banknote dispenser 9200, and storing the banknotes in the storage unit (Fig. 30). These operations are performed individually in each of the branch pipes 6110 and the main pipe 6120.

 In the present embodiment, the air flow generators 720 and 910 are normally operated continuously. In addition, the transport container 2900 is set in a standby state by the banknote reloading machine 9300, and the transport container 9900 is a banknote reloading machine 9300 that has reprinted the banknotes or the banknote discharge. The machine is in standby mode at 9002.

 First, the operation of moving the transport container 2900 to the slot machine 2 that has issued the bill collection request and storing bills will be described with reference to FIG.

The information processing device PS checks whether there is a bill collection request by looking at the signal of the corresponding input port. When a collection request is made, the information processing device PS first instructs a route setting to the terminal unit TU that controls the switching valve 7220 of the island 1 of the collection request source (step 60). 1). As a result, the state of the switching valve 7220 is controlled, and the air flow in the branch pipe 6110 flows from the banknote changer 9300 to the direction of the island 1. Is done. Next, the information processing device PS issues a transfer container capturing instruction to the terminal unit TU of the slot machine 2 that has requested the collection (step 602). In response to this, the terminal unit TU issues an instruction to the lock mechanism drive circuit 27989 to protrude the pin on the far side from the banknote changer 9300. Then, the information processing apparatus PS instructs the terminal unit TU of the banknote changer 9300 to open the captured transport container (step 603). In response, the terminal unit TU instructs the lock mechanism drive circuit of the banknote changer 9300 to lower the pin. As a result, the transport container 2900 is released from the restraint, and moves in the branch pipe 2100 by the air flow. At this time, the transport container 2900 is transported while maintaining its posture due to the presence of the weight portion. Then, the bill comes into contact with the pin of the lock mechanism of the bill introducing machine 2700 corresponding to the slot machine 2 to be collected, and is stopped. In the banknote introduction machine 270 000 where the transport container has arrived, the container detection sensor 276 69 detects the presence of the transport container, and the detection signal is sent to the terminal unit TU and the lock mechanism drive circuit 287 89. In response to this detection signal, the lock mechanism drive circuit 2789 drives the solenoid 2781 to raise the remaining pins. As a result, the transport container 2900 is sandwiched between the two pins. Since the tip of the pin engages with the cutout 2294 of the weight 2940, the transport container 2900 is accurately positioned. On the other hand, the terminal unit TU that has received the detection signal from the container detection sensor 2769 sends a signal to the effect that the transport container has been captured to the information processing device PS. Receiving the signal (step 604, YES), the information processing apparatus PS instructs the terminal unit TU of the slot machine 2 to be collected to introduce a bill (step 605). The terminal unit TU that has received the instruction instructs the bill introduction drive circuit 2739 to introduce the bill. As a result, the banknote is introduced into the transport container in the procedure described with reference to FIG.

Next, the transfer container 2 900 containing the banknotes in the branch pipe 6 11 10 is transferred to the banknote transfer machine 9 3 The operation of transporting to 0 will be described with reference to FIG.

The information processing device PS checks whether there is a notice of the completion of the introduction of the bill by looking at the signal of the corresponding input port. When notified of the completion of the introduction, the information processing device PS first instructs the terminal unit TU that controls the switching valve 7220 of the island 1 of the notification source to set the route (step 7001). . By this instruction, the state of the switching valve 7220 is controlled, and the airflow in the branch pipe 6110 is directed from the island 1 to the banknote changer 9300. Then, the information processing device PS issues a transport container capturing instruction to the terminal unit TU corresponding to the banknote changer 9300 on the same island 1 (step 720). In response to this, the terminal unit TU instructs the lock mechanism drive circuit 2789 to project the pin farther from the island 1 of the transport container. Further, the information processing apparatus PS instructs the terminal unit TU of the banknote introduction machine 270 on the same island 1 to open the captured transport container (step 703). In response, the terminal unit TU instructs the lock mechanism drive circuit 27989 to lower the pin. As a result, the transport container 2900 is released from the restraint and moves in the branch pipe 2100 on the air flow. Then, when reaching the position of the lock mechanism of the banknote discharging machine 9200 of the banknote reloading machine 9300, it comes into contact with the pin and is stopped. At this time, when the container detecting sensor 2769 of the banknote ejecting machine 9200 detects the presence of the transport container 2900, the detection signal is sent to the terminal unit TU and the lock mechanism driving circuit 2789. . The lock mechanism drive circuit 287 89 drives the solenoid 278 1 to raise the remaining pins in response to the detection signal. As a result, the transport container 2900 is sandwiched between the two pins. At this time, since the tip of the pin engages with the cutout portion 294 1 of the weight portion 294, the transport container 290 is accurately positioned. Accordingly, the terminal unit TU that has received the detection signal from the container detection sensor 2769 sends a bill transfer request to the information processing device PS. Next, the operation of moving the transport container 900 with the main pipe 612 and performing the transfer of bills will be described with reference to FIG.

The information processing device PS checks whether there is a bill transfer request from the terminal unit TU of the bill transfer machine 9300 by looking at the signal of the corresponding input port. When this request is made, the information processing device PS first checks whether or not the transport container 900 is currently in the banknote changer 9300 of the request source (step 8101). If the transport container 90000 is not in the requesting banknote changer 9300, the route is set to the terminal unit TU corresponding to the switching valve section 9120 of the main pipe 6120. (Step 802). By this instruction, the state of the switching valve 912 is controlled, and the airflow in the main pipe 612 is changed from the current position of the transport container 900 to the notification of the container supplement notification from the current banknote transfer machine 9. The direction is 300. Then, the information processing device PS issues a transport container capturing instruction to the terminal unit TU of the banknote changer 9300 of the request source (step 803), and further supplements the transport container 900. It instructs the terminal unit TU of the banknote discharging machine 9200 or the banknote reloading machine 9300 that is currently operating to open the captured transport container (step 8004). As a result, the transport container 900 is released from the restraint, and moves in the main pipe 612 on the air flow. When the lock mechanism of the request banknote changer 9300 reaches the position of the lock mechanism, it comes into contact with the pin and is stopped. At this time, in the banknote transfer machine 9300, when the container detection sensor 9769 detects the presence of the transport container 900, the detection signal is sent to the terminal unit TU and the lock mechanism driving circuit 97889. Send to The lock mechanism driving circuit 97889 drives the solenoid 9781 to raise the remaining pins according to the detection signal. Thus, the transport container 900 is sandwiched between the two pins. At this time, since the tip of the pin engages with the cutout 9994 of the weight portion 9940, the transport container 9000 is accurately positioned. As a result, the container detection sensor 976 The terminal unit TU that has received the knowledge signal sends a signal to the effect that the transport container has been captured to the information processing device PS. Receiving this signal (step 805, YES), the information processing apparatus PS issues a banknote transfer instruction to the terminal unit TU of the banknote transfer machine 9300 (step 806). As a result, the banknotes are transferred from the transport container 2900 to the transport container 900. When the transfer of banknotes is completed, the terminal unit TU issues a transfer end notification to the information processing device PS. In the above step 801, even if the transport container 90000 is in the banknote changer 9300 of the requesting source, the information processing apparatus PS also operates the terminal unit of the banknote changer 9300. It issues a banknote transfer instruction to the TU (step 806).

 Next, the operation of storing the banknotes stored in the transport container 900 in the storage section of the safe S will be described with reference to FIG.

The information processing device PS checks whether there is a notice of the completion of the transfer of bills by looking at the signal of the corresponding input port. When the end notification is received, the information processing device PS determines whether or not N current banknotes have been transshipped in the current transport container 900 (step 901). If the number of transshipments is less than N, the process ends. When the transshipment has been performed N times, the route setting is instructed to the terminal unit TU corresponding to the switching valve section 912 of the main pipe 612 (step 902). By this instruction, the state of the switching valve 912 is controlled, and the air flow in the main pipe 612 is directed from the current position of the transport container 900 to the bill ejecting machine 920. . Then, the information processing apparatus PS issues a transport container capturing instruction to the terminal unit TU of the banknote ejecting machine 9200 (step 9003), and furthermore, the banknote stack supplementing the transport container 900. Instruct the terminal unit TU of the replacement machine 930 to open the captured transport container (step 904). As a result, the transport container 900 is released from the restraint, and moves in the main pipe 612 on the air flow. And the bill ejection When it reaches the position of the lock mechanism of the output machine 920, it comes into contact with the pin and is stopped. At this time, in the banknote discharger 920, when the container detection sensor 9769 detects the presence of the transport container 900, the detection signal is sent to the terminal unit TU and the lock mechanism driving circuit 97889. . The lock mechanism driving circuit 9778 drives the solenoid 9781 to raise the remaining pins according to the detection signal. As a result, the transport container 900 is sandwiched between the two pins. At this time, since the tip of the pin engages with the cutout 9994 of the weight portion 9940, the transport container 9000 is accurately positioned. Accordingly, the terminal unit TU that has received the detection signal from the container detection sensor 97669 sends a signal indicating that the transport container has been captured to the information processing device PS. Upon receiving this signal (step 905, YES), the information processing device PS issues a bill discharging instruction to the terminal unit TU of the bill discharging machine 920 (step 906). As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, bills are discharged from the transport container 900 and stored in the storage section 660. When the transfer of bills is completed, the terminal unit TU issues a discharge completion notification to the information processing apparatus PS. As described above, the collection of banknotes from the island 1 to the storage section of the safe S is performed automatically without human intervention. It is very safe because bills can be collected without human intervention. In addition, since the bills are stored in the transport container and transported, the bills can be reliably transported to the destination without adhering to the pipe wall.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. In a game arcade where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged, in a bill transport system for collecting bills from each gaming machine,  The plurality of gaming machines are grouped, and a plurality of first transport pipes individually arranged corresponding to each group;  A second transfer pipe arranged so as to have a location close to all the first transfer pipes;  A first transport container arranged in the first transport tube for accommodating bills; a second transport container arranged in the second transport tube for accommodating bills; each of the gaming machines A storage unit for storing bills collected from  An air flow generating mechanism for generating an air flow in the first and second transport pipes and moving the first and second transport containers in the transport pipe;  A plurality of bill introduction machines inserted and installed at the positions of the respective gaming machines in the first transport pipe and for introducing bills into a first transport container transported in the transport pipe; And a plurality of banknote changers for inserting and installing the first and second transport pipes at a position where the transport pipes are close to each other to transfer banknotes from the first transport vessel to the second transport vessel. ,  A bill ejector inserted and installed at the position of the storage section in the second transport pipe, for removing bills from the second transport container and storing them in the storage section;  A control system is provided for receiving bill collection requests from gaming machines and performing bill collection control. A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 2. In the bill transfer system according to claim 1,  Each of the first and second transport containers has an opening for introducing and discharging a bill.  A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 3. In the bill transport system according to claim 2,  The banknote transfer machine includes a container supplementing mechanism that supplements the first and second transport containers at positions close to each other, and an opening that communicates each opening of the supplemented first and second transport containers. Have  A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 4. In the bill transport system according to claim 1,  The control system is  In response to the bill collection request, the first transport container is moved to a bill introduction machine to be collected, and a bill is introduced into the first transport container.  A process of moving the first transport container containing the bills to the above-mentioned banknote reloading machine, and moving the second transport container to the banknote refilling machine where the first transport container containing the banknotes is waiting, A process of transferring banknotes to the second transport container,  Moving the second transport container containing the bills to the bill ejector, and collecting and storing the bills from the second transport container to the storage unit.  A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 5. The bill transport system according to claim 4, The control system is The above-mentioned collection and storage process is performed at the point in time when the banknotes have been re-transferred to the above-mentioned second transport container two or more times in advance  A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 6. The bill transfer system according to claim 1,  The air flow generating mechanism is provided separately for each of the first and second transport pipes, and is a switching valve unit for switching a direction of an air flow in the first and second transport pipes. Has individually,  The said control system controls the switching state of each said switching valve part individually, The banknote conveyance system characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. In the bill transfer system according to claim 6,  The bill introduction machine includes a container capturing mechanism that captures a first transport container that moves in the first transport pipe, a container detection sensor that detects that the first transport container has been captured, A banknote transfer mechanism for introducing a banknote into the captured transport container, wherein the banknote discharger includes a container capture mechanism for capturing the second transport container moving in the second transport pipe; A container detection sensor for detecting that the second transport container has been captured, and a bill moving mechanism for discharging bills from the captured second transport container,  The banknote transfer machine includes a container capturing mechanism that individually captures the first and second transport containers, and a container detection sensor that individually detects capture of the first and second transport containers. A bill transfer mechanism for transferring bills from the captured first transport container to the second transport container A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 8 · In the bill transfer system according to claim 7,  The first and second transport containers each have an opening for introducing and discharging bills,  The banknote transfer mechanism of the banknote transfer machine pushes banknotes from the supplementary opening of the first transport container to the opening of the second transport container, and stores the banknotes in the second transport container. Having  A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 9. In the bill transfer system according to claim 7,  The control system is  In response to the bill collection request, a setting instruction is issued to the switching valve so as to move the first transport container to the bill introduction machine to be collected, and upon receiving a container detection signal from the bill introduction machine, Processing to issue a bill introduction instruction to the introduction machine,  In response to a notice of completion of bill introduction from the bill introduction machine, a process of issuing a setting instruction to the switching valve unit to move the first transport container storing bills to the above-mentioned bill transfer machine; and from the bill transfer machine. Receiving a detection signal of the first transport container of the second transfer container, issues a setting instruction to the switching valve unit to move the second transport container to the banknote transfer machine, and performs a second transfer from the banknote transfer machine. Issuing a bill transfer instruction to the bill transfer machine in response to the container detection signal; In response to the banknote transfer notice from the banknote transfer machine, a setting instruction is issued to the switching valve so as to move the second transport container to the banknote ejector, and the second transport container from the banknote ejector is set. Collecting and storing processing for issuing a bill discharging instruction to the bill discharging machine in response to the detection signal. A bill transfer system characterized by the above. 10. The bill transfer system according to claim 9,  The control system is  The above-mentioned collection and storage process is performed when the banknotes have been re-transferred to the above-mentioned second transport container by the predetermined number of times two or more.  A bill transfer system characterized by the above.