JP2001327647A - Card shuffle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly take out and shuffle cards. SOLUTION: This card shuffling device 10 comprises first and second card stockers 16 and 18 storing cards 14A and 14B, a magnet 70 consisting of a permanent magnet moving in Ya and Yb directions above the card stockers 16 and 18, and a card feed part 24 provided under the middle position of the card stockers 16 and 18. Iron pieces 15a-15f are buried in the cards 14A and 14B, and the magnet 70 moves in Ya and Yb directions while attracting the iron pieces 15a-15f of the cards 14 at the most front end of the first and second card stockers 16 and 18. Accordingly, the magnet 70 is reciprocated, whereby the cards 4B housed in the card stocker 16 and the cards 14A stored in the card stocker 18 are fallen to the card feeding part 24 in the alternately mixed state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card shuffling device configured to supply one card from a plurality of cards stored in a card stocker.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a game facility such as a casino where a card game is played, a card game using playing cards such as blackjack is played, and a card game table of this kind requires a plurality of cards to be drawn. A card shuffle device for supplying cards one by one is attached. Then, the clerk of the amusement facility (called a “dealer”) draws the cards one by one from the card shuffling device according to the customer's request and shows the design, thereby determining the winning or losing of the game as described above. As a card shuffle device that automatically supplies automatically, for example, it has a pair of card stockers in which a plurality of cards are stored in a stacked state, and alternately cards one by one from the bottom side of both card stockers It is configured to take out and supply the card to the card supply unit. Also, in this kind of card shuffling device,
A rubber roller is pressed against the surface of the card, and the frictional force takes out the cards stored in the card stocker one by one.

[0003]

However, in the card shuffling device configured to press the rubber roller against the card surface as described above, the card is easily damaged by frictional force, and the card life is short. is there.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card shuffle device which solves the above problems by removing the cards stored in a card stocker with low friction.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.

The invention according to claim 1 has a magnetic force generating member for magnetically attracting one card housed in a card stocker, and the magnetic force generating member is provided between the card stocker and a card supply unit for supplying the card. And the card transported from the card stocker is dropped to the card supply unit.
Since the card stored in the card stocker can be pulled out with low friction to supply the card to the card supply unit, the card is less likely to be damaged, and the life of the card can be extended.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pair of card stockers facing each other are arranged such that their card take-out openings are at alternate positions, and the card drawn out by the movement of the magnetic force generating member. Can be prevented from being inserted into the opposing card stocker, and the cards accommodated in the pair of card stockers can be supplied alternately.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the card stocker is provided with a card pressing mechanism for pressing the card toward the card outlet with a constant pressure, so that the magnetic force generating member moves even when the number of cards changes. Accordingly, the card stored in the card stocker can be smoothly pulled out.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the magnetic force generating member is reciprocated between the card stocker and the card supply unit, so that the card stored in the card stocker can be efficiently and smoothly pulled out.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the card accommodated in the card stocker is pressed in a horizontal direction with a constant pressure, and the card is discharged to the card outlet side in a vertical state with the movement of the magnetic force generating member. As a result, the resistance of the card pulled out from the card stocker becomes constant, so that the card can be pulled out smoothly and the damage to the card can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, a pair of card stockers are disposed above both sides of the card supply section, and the cards housed in the pair of card stockers can be efficiently moved with the movement of the magnetic force generating member. Can be pulled out alternately.

Further, according to the present invention, the magnetic force generating member reciprocates between a pair of card stockers and alternately supplies cards sucked from one card stocker and cards sucked from the other card stocker. The card stored in the card stocker can be smoothly supplied to a pair of card stockers, and damage to the card can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 8 is arranged such that a card stocker in which a card in which a thin plate-shaped magnetic material is integrally provided is accommodated and a card stocker and a card supply section are provided. A plurality of electromagnets for attracting one accommodated card by magnetic force, moving the attracted card, and then dropping the card to a card supply unit, and the uppermost card accommodated in the card stocker is provided. It can be attracted by magnetic force and transported to the card supply unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the electromagnetic force of the plurality of electromagnets is adjusted so as to attract only the card positioned at the top of the card stocker, and the top card accommodated in the card stocker is adjusted. Only the magnetic card can be sucked by the magnetic force, thereby preventing the suction of two or more cards.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of electromagnets are arranged in two rows between the card stocker and the card supply unit, and the magnetic material embedded in the card is attracted between the two rows of electromagnets. Can be transported.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of electromagnets face the card stocker, a second electromagnet arranged between the card stocker and the card supply unit, and a plurality of electromagnets facing the card supply unit. After the first electromagnet is excited, the second electromagnet and the third electromagnet are sequentially excited, and only the uppermost card stored in the card stocker is excited by the electromagnetic force of the first electromagnet. After aspiration, the second
The card can be transported to the card supply unit by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet and the third electromagnet.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the schematic configuration and operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and then the specific configuration and operation of the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a card shuffle device according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are process diagrams for explaining an outline of a card shuffling operation of the card shuffling device, and FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a state in which a magnet has been moved above a right card stocker;
(B) is a diagram showing a process of moving the magnet from the right card stocker to the left card stocker, (C) is a diagram showing a state where the magnet has moved above the left card stocker, (D) is a diagram showing the magnet FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a process of moving from a stocker 16 to a card stocker 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card shuffling device 10 generally includes first and second card stockers 16 and 18 in which cards 14A and 14B are stored, and a left and right direction above the card stockers 16 and 18. A magnet (magnetic force generating member) composed of a permanent magnet that moves in the (Ya, Yb directions)
70, and a card supply unit 24 provided below the intermediate position between the card stockers 16 and 18. The cards 14A and 14B have an iron piece (magnetic material) 1 as described later.
5a to 15f are embedded. Note that an electromagnet may be used instead of the magnet 70.

Further, the first and second card stockers 16,
The cards 14A and 14B accommodated in 18 are urged in the Xa direction by a constant pressing force F as described later.
Then, the magnets 70 are connected to the iron pieces 15 a to 15 of the foremost card 14 of the first and second card stockers 16 and 18.
It moves in the left-right direction (Ya, Yb directions) while sucking f.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in the card shuffle device 10, the magnet 70 is located above the right card stocker 18 and the card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 18 is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the magnet 70 moves in the Ya direction, the card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 18 moves in the Ya direction while being attracted to the magnet 70, and moves in the Ya direction. Taken out of

As shown in FIG. 2C, when the magnet 70 reaches above the left card stocker 16,
The card 14B taken out of the card stocker 18 comes into contact with the contact plate 82, is released from being attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70, and falls into the card supply unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 2D, when the magnet 70 moves in the Yb direction, the left card stocker 1
The card 14 </ b> A stored in 6 is taken out of the card stocker 16 while being attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70. Then, the magnet 70 is connected to the right card stocker 1.
8, the card 14A taken out of the card stocker 16 comes into contact with the contact plate 80 to be released from the attraction by the magnetic force of the magnet 70, and
To fall.

As described above, the card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 16 and the card 14A accommodated in the card stocker 18 are alternately mixed by the reciprocating movement of the magnet 70 in the left-right direction (Ya, Yb directions). It falls to the card supply part 24 in the state where it fell. Therefore, the cards 14A, 14B stored in the card stockers 16, 18
Is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70 and is taken out with low friction, so that it is hardly damaged by the shuffling operation,
Card life can be extended.

Here, the specific configuration and operation of the card shuffle device 10 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the card shuffle device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is IV-IV in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the card shuffle device along a line. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the card shuffle device. FIG. 6 is in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the card shuffle device along the line VI-VI. 3 to 6, the housing and the front panel of the apparatus are omitted, but the front panel is provided with a transparent window so that the internal shuffling operation can be seen from the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the card shuffling apparatus 10 generally includes a frame 12 and a card 1.
4 and 4 are stored in the first and second card stockers 16 and 18.
And the card 14 stored in the card stockers 16 and 18
A magnet 70 that attracts the magnets A and 14B by magnetic force, a slider 20 that supports the magnet 70, and a moving mechanism 2 that reciprocates the slider 20 in the left and right directions (Ya and Yb directions).
2, a card supply unit 24 provided at an intermediate position between the pair of card stockers 16 and 18, a card drop mechanism 26 for dropping the card 14 sucked and conveyed by the slider 20 to the card supply unit 24, and a card stocker 16,1
And card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29 for pressing the cards 14A and 14B stored in the card 8 at a constant pressure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining the structure of the card 14. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the card 14, FIG. 7B is a side view of the card 14, and FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the card 14 (14A, 14B) is formed of a non-magnetic synthetic resin material, and has six thin iron pieces ( Magnetic materials) 15a to 15f are inserted. Each of the iron pieces 15a to 15f is made of a plate-shaped magnetic material having a small residual magnetization such as soft iron formed thinner than the thickness of the card 14, and extends in a short side direction (A direction) orthogonal to the long side. Are arranged in parallel. That is, each iron piece 15a-1
5f is insert-molded so as to extend in the direction of the short side (A direction) from one side of the long side of the card 14, and is buried inside the card 14 so as not to be seen from the appearance.

Then, the card 14 (14A, 14B)
The card stockers 16 and 15 are arranged in a state in which the iron pieces 15a to 15f are arranged in an upright state such that one ends of the iron pieces 15a to 15f face up.
18. Therefore, the magnet 70 supported by the slider 20 attracts the iron pieces 15a to 15f of the card 14 (14A, 14B) by magnetic force in the process of moving above the card stockers 16, 18.

In the present embodiment, three iron pieces 15a to 15a
5c are arranged at a predetermined interval on one side of the upper side of the long side of the card 14, and three other iron pieces 15d to 15f are arranged at a predetermined interval on the other side of the upper side of the long side of the card 14. The cards 14 (14A, 14B) are accommodated in the card stockers 16, 18 such that the long sides where the ends of the iron pieces 15a to 15f are exposed face upward. Therefore, slider 2
0 iron pieces 15a to 15a depending on the direction of movement (Ya, Yb directions).
Either 15c or the iron pieces 15d to 15f are attracted by magnetic force and taken out of the card stockers 16, 18.

Here, the structure of each mechanism constituting the card shuffle device 10 will be described in detail.

(1) Configuration of Frame 12 As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the frame 12 is composed of left and right side plates 12a and 12b except for the front side, a bottom plate 12c, and an upper plate 1
2d and a back plate 12e. Frame 1 of frame 12
2e, vertical brackets 30, 3 extending in the vertical direction
2, a horizontal bracket 34 extending between the left and right side plates 12a, 12b in the left-right direction (Ya, Yb direction) so as to support the upper and lower portions of the brackets 30, 32.
36 is suspended.

(2) Configuration of Card Stockers 16 and 18 As shown in FIG.
Side surfaces of vertical brackets 30 and 32 and horizontal bracket 34
Is supported on the lower surface of the device. Also, the card stocker 16,
Reference numeral 18 denotes approximately 200 cards 14 (14
A, 14B) are formed in a rectangular box shape having an opening on the upper surface side so as to be able to accommodate the same. Further, the card stockers 16 and 18 are attached so as to extend in the front-rear direction (Xa and Xb directions).
a, 18a are provided. This card slot 16
Since the gaps a and 18a are formed only to allow a single card 14 (14A, 14B) to pass through, two or more cards 14a are required when the magnet 70 moves once.
(14A, 14B) cannot be taken out.

Since the card outlets 16a, 18a of the card stockers 16, 18 are provided so as to open at alternate positions shifted in the front-rear direction (Xa, Xb directions), the left card outlet 16a is provided. The card 14 taken out from the right does not enter the right card slot 18a, and the card 14 taken out of the right card slot 18a does not enter the left card slot 16a.

As a result, a large number of cards 14 (14A,
14B) overlaps in the horizontal direction, the card load when the number of cards is large acts on the cards 14 (14A, 14B) taken out from the card outlets 16a, 18a and becomes heavy, and the card 14 (14A, 14B) becomes excessive. Can be prevented from acting. Further, the frictional force at the time of removing the card 14 from the card outlets 16a and 18a does not fluctuate due to the increase or decrease of the number of cards, and the card 14 always has a constant force.
(14A, 14B) can be taken out.

(3) Configuration of Card Pressing Mechanisms 28 and 29 As shown in FIG. 4, the cards 14 (14A and 14B) stored in the card stockers 16 and 18 are moved from the rear to the front by the card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29. (Xa direction) with a constant pressing force F. The card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29 are disposed on both sides of the card stockers 16 and 18, and are provided on the left and right side plates 12 a and 12 b of the frame 12.
It is supported by.

The card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29 are
2, 43, and ball screws 44, 45 extending in the front-rear direction.
And couplings 50, which connect output shafts 42a, 43a of the motors 42, 43 and one ends of the ball screws 44, 45,
51, nuts 52, 53 screwed to the other ends of the ball screws 44, 45, and coil springs 54, 5
5 and card detection members 5 and 57, and a detection switch 5 for detecting the amount of compression of the coil springs 54 and 55.
8,59.

The card pressing members 56 and 57 are attached so as to extend in the left-right direction. One end is inserted into the card stockers 16 and 18, and the other end is the nut 5.
2, 53 are movably guided by guide shafts 52a, 53a extending in the front-rear direction (Xa, Xb direction), and are pressed forward (Xa direction) by coil springs 54, 55. That is, the card pressing members 56 and 57
The card stocker 1 is driven by the motors 42 and 43.
The card 14 housed in the card slot 6, 18
a, 18a (Xa direction).

Therefore, when the card 14 housed in the card stockers 16 and 18 is taken out by moving the magnet 70, only the card 14 located at the forefront end facing the card taking-out openings 16a and 18a can be taken out.

The motors 42 and 43 are connected to the left and right side plates 12.
The ball screws 44, 45 are supported by brackets 60a, 60b fixed to the left and right side plates 12a, 12b.
B are rotatably supported by bearings 64a to 64d held by brackets 62a to 62d fixed to the bracket b.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing the card pressing mechanism 28. The card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29 are
Since the configuration is the same, the left card pressing mechanism 2 is used here.
8 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the nut 52 screwed to the ball screw 44 is extended in the extending direction (X
(a, Xb directions). The card pressing member 56 has one end 56a of the forked shape supported by the guide shaft 52a so as to be slidable in the Xa and Xb directions, and the other end 56b abuts on the rearmost card 14A housed in the card stocker 16. This guide shaft 52
A coil spring 54 is wound around the outer periphery of a, and one end 56a of the card pressing member 56 is urged by the coil spring 54 in the Xa direction. Therefore, the card pressing member 56 rotates the ball screw 44 to move the nut 52 in the Xa direction, and abuts the card 14A at the rearmost end accommodated in the card stocker 16.

Further, when the ball screw 44 is driven to rotate and the nut 52 moves in the Xa direction, the coil spring 54 is compressed, and the compression load is applied to the last card 14 housed in the card stocker 16. When the amount of compression of the coil spring 54 exceeds a predetermined value, the detection switch 58 attached to the card pressing member 56
And outputs a detection signal. Thus, the control circuit (not shown) stops the rotation of the motor 42 that drives the ball screw 44.

As described above, when the amount of displacement of the coil spring 54 compressed by the relative displacement between the nut 52 and the card pressing member 56 exceeds a predetermined value, the detection switch 58 switches on and outputs a detection signal. Therefore, the motor 42
When the detection switch 58 is turned off, it is driven until it is turned on, and when it is turned on, it is stopped because the pressing force due to the amount of compression of the coil spring 54 has reached a predetermined value.

Therefore, the card 14A accommodated in the card stocker 16 is constantly pressed with a constant pressing force, and the frictional force when removing the card 14A becomes constant.
Therefore, regardless of the number of cards 14A accommodated in the card stocker 16 due to the reciprocating movement of the slider 20, the cards 14A can always be smoothly taken out with a constant force. Of course, the same effect can be obtained in the card pressing mechanism 28 as well.

(4) Structure of the Slider 20 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the slider 20 is moved in the left-right direction (Ya) by a guide rail 68 attached to the front of a vertical bracket 66 standing on the upper surface of the horizontal bracket 34. , Yb direction).
The slider 20 has a U-shaped cross section when viewed from the side (see FIG. 5), and protrudes forward from a vertical plate 20 a engaging with the guide rail 68 and a lower portion of the vertical plate 20 a. It has a lower horizontal part 20b and an upper horizontal part 20c protruding forward from the upper part of the vertical plate 20a.

A magnet (permanent magnet) 70 as a magnetic force generating means is fixed at a middle position in the left-right direction of the lower horizontal portion 20b. The magnet 70 passes above the card outlets 16a and 18a of the card stockers 16 and 18 as the slider 20 slides in the left and right directions (Ya and Yb directions). As the magnet 70 moves in the left-right direction (Ya, Yb directions), the card 14 stored in the card stockers 16 and 18 is moved.
The (14A, 14B) is attracted one by one by magnetic force and taken out from the card outlets 16a, 18a.

(5) Structure of the moving mechanism 22 As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the slider 20 is
A connecting pin 71 to which the moving mechanism 22 is connected is attached to the upper horizontal portion 20c. The moving mechanism 22 includes a motor 74 supported by the upper bracket 72, a first arm 76 having one end coupled to an output shaft 74a of the motor 74,
One end includes a second arm 78 rotatably connected to the first arm 76 via the connection pin 75 and the other end connected to the connection pin 71.

When the first arm 76 is rotated by the rotational force of the motor 74, the connecting pin 71 reciprocates twice as long as the first arm 76 while the second arm 78 swings.
Accordingly, when the motor 74 rotates, the slider 20 to which the connecting pin 71 is fixed can reciprocate the magnet 70 together with the slider 20 in the left-right direction (Ya, Yb direction). Thus, the magnet 70 slides above the card outlets 16a and 18a and reciprocates between the card stockers 16 and 18.

(6) Configuration of Card Drop Mechanism 26 As shown in FIGS.
The card is taken out by the slider 20 and the card outlets 16a, 1
Abutment plate 8 with which card 14 taken out of 8a comes into contact
0,82. The contact plates 80 and 82 face each other at a position above the card supply unit 24, and
6a and 18a are mounted at shifted positions so as not to block. That is, the cards 14 (14A, 14B) which are attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70 and taken out from the card outlets 16a, 18a are brought into contact with the contact plates 80, 82.
, The movement of the magnet 70 in the moving direction is restricted. Therefore, the card 14 (14A, 14B)
Fall from the magnet 70 to the card supply unit 24.

(7) Configuration of Card Supply Unit 24 As shown in FIGS.
A card supply duct 84 provided below the contact plates 80 and 82; a card mounting member 86 provided below the card supply duct 84; an elevating mechanism 88 for moving the card mounting member 86 up and down; It comprises a card pressing mechanism 90 for pressing the card 14 placed on the placing member 86 downward, and a card discharging mechanism 92 for discharging the lowest card 14 placed on the card placing member 86. .

The elevating mechanism 88 includes an elevating motor 94 supported on the lower surface of the horizontal bracket 36 and the horizontal bracket 3.
6, a ball screw 96 supported in a state of standing above and rotated by a lifting motor 94;
Nut 98 which is screwed into and fixed to the card placing member 86
It is composed of

The card pressing mechanism 90 includes a pressing motor 100 supported on the lower surface of the horizontal bracket 36 and a pair of ball screws 1 standing above the horizontal bracket 36.
02 and 104 and an elevating member 106 which is screwed up and down with a pair of ball screws 102 and 104. A pair of ball screws 102 and 104 have pulleys 108 and 110 at the upper end.
Is provided, and a toothed belt 112 is wound between the pulleys 108 and 110.

Therefore, one of the ball screws 102 is driven to rotate by the pressing motor 100 and
The other ball screw 104 is also rotationally driven via a toothed belt 112 mounted between the gears 08 and 110. As described above, the pair of ball screws 102 and 104 are rotationally driven in synchronization with each other, and move the elevating member 106 up and down in a horizontal state.

In the card pressing mechanism 90, similarly to the card pressing mechanisms 28 and 29 described above, the elevating member 106 holds the card 14 mounted on the card mounting member 86 with a constant pressing force.
Is pressed. In addition, the elevating member 106 has moved above the card supply duct 84 before a card shuffling operation described later, and after the card shuffling operation, descends to press the card 14 placed on the card placing member 86. .

The card placing member 86 has risen to the vicinity of the card supply duct 84 before the card shuffling operation. Then, the elevating motor 94 of the elevating mechanism 88 starts a card shuffling operation described later and moves the card placing member 86 at a constant speed (for example, ten cards 14 having a thickness of 0.8 mm fall per second). In such a case, the descent speed is set to 8 mm / sec.).

As described above, the card placing member 86 gradually descends as the number of cards 14 increases by the card shuffling operation, so that the card supply duct from the uppermost card 14 stacked on the card placing member 86 The distance to the lower end position of 84 is always maintained at a constant value. Therefore, the elevating mechanism 88 can prevent the card 14 falling from the card supply duct 84 from being turned upside down.

The card ejection mechanism 92 includes a card ejection motor 114 and a pair of rollers 118 and 120 that are driven to rotate via a gear mechanism 116. Roller 118
When the card placing member 86 descends, the card placing member 86 comes into contact with the lowermost card 14 from an opening (not shown) provided at the bottom. At this time, the elevating member 106 of the card pressing mechanism 90
Descends and presses the uppermost card 14 stacked on the card placing member 86 downward. As a result, the lowermost card 14 placed on the card placing member 86 is
Since the roller 18 is pressurized at a constant pressure, slippage of the roller 118 is prevented, and the card 14 can be reliably ejected.

Then, a card ejection switch (not shown)
Is operated, the lowermost card 14 is ejected forward (in the Xa direction) by the roller 118 rotated by the card ejection motor 114. Further, the card 14 discharged by the roller 118 is guided to the card discharge port 122 by the roller 120 rotated by the card discharge motor 114, and discharged to the card receiving portion 124 protruding forward from the card discharge port 122. . Thus, the shuffled cards 14 are taken out one by one from the card receiving section 124.

Next, the card shuffling operation of the card shuffle device 10 configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a state in which the slider 20 has moved above the right card stocker 18. FIG.
0 is a front view showing a process in which the slider 20 moves from the right card stocker 18 to the left card stocker 16. FIG. 11 shows that the slider 20 is located on the left card stocker 16.
It is a front view showing the state where it moved above. FIG. 12 shows that the slider 20 moves from the card stocker 16 to the card stocker 1.
It is a front view showing the process of moving to 8.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the motor 74 of the moving mechanism 22 is driven to move the slider 20 in the Yb direction and reaches the end position in the Yb direction, the magnet 70 provided on the slider 20 is moved to the right side. The card reaches the uppermost position of the card 14B stored in the card stocker 18. At this time, the card 14B is housed in a vertical state so that one ends of the embedded iron pieces 15a to 15f are exposed.
It is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, when the motor 74 of the moving mechanism 22 is driven to move the slider 20 in the Ya direction, the magnetic force of the magnet 70 causes the card 14B at the foremost position accommodated in the card stocker 18 to move. Only the card is removed from the card outlet 18a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the slider 20 moves in the Ya direction and the magnet 70 reaches above the left card stocker 16, the card outlet 18a
, The end of the card 14B in the Ya direction abuts on the contact plate 82 constituting the card dropping mechanism 26, and the movement in the Ya direction is restricted. As a result, the card 14 is separated from the magnet 70 and released from the magnetic attraction. Then, the card 14B is dropped into the card supply duct 84 and placed on the card placing member 86.

When the slider 20 reaches the end position in the Ya direction, the magnet 70 provided on the slider 20
Reaches above the card 14A at the foremost position stored in the card stocker 16 on the left side. At this time, card stocker 1
The card 14A of No. 6 is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, when the slider 20 moves in the Yb direction, the foremost card 14A housed in the left card stocker 16 is taken out from the card outlet 16a by the magnetic force of the magnet 70. Then, it comes into contact with the contact plate 80 constituting the card drop mechanism 26 and falls into the card supply duct 84.

As described above, in the card shuffling apparatus 10, the card shuffling operation as described above is repeated, so that the card stockers 16 and the right and left card stockers 16, 20 are arranged as the slider 20 reciprocates in the Ya and Yb directions.
The cards 14 </ b> A and 14 </ b> B taken out of 18 are supplied to the card placing member 86 in a state of being alternately mixed. Therefore, the card 14 stored in the card stockers 16 and 18
Since A and 14B are attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 70 and are taken out smoothly with low friction, they are hardly damaged by the shuffling operation, and the life of the card can be extended.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 13 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state. FIG. 15 is a front vertical sectional view showing the operation state. FIG. 16 is a front vertical sectional view showing the operation state. FIG. 17 is a front vertical sectional view showing the operation state. FIG. 18 is a front vertical sectional view showing the operation state.

As shown in FIG. 13, the card shuffler 126 of the second embodiment has a housing 128 in which first and second card stockers 130 and 132 and a card supply section 134 are provided in parallel. ing. The card supply unit 134 is provided at an intermediate position between the pair of card stockers 130, 132, and the cards 14A, 1 taken out from the card stockers 130, 132 arranged on the left and right.
4B are supplied alternately.

The space between the card stockers 130 and 132 and the card supply section 134 is defined by vertical partition walls 136 and 138. The upper ends of the partition walls 136 and 138 are provided to facilitate movement of the cards 14A and 14B. Roller 14
0, 142 are provided. Also, the housing 128
A card moving guide 143 formed in a V-shape and first and second card moving mechanisms 144 and 146
Is provided. This first card moving mechanism 144
Is the card 1 stored in the left card stocker 130
4A is transported to the card supply unit 134, and the second card moving mechanism 146 is connected to the right card stocker 13
2 for transporting the card 14 </ b> B accommodated in the card 2 to the card supply unit 134.

The first card moving mechanism 144 has a magnet 154 attached to a belt 152 mounted between a pair of pulleys 148 and 150, and moves the magnet 154 in the direction of the arrow. Also, the second card moving mechanism 1
Reference numeral 46 designates a magnet 160 attached to a belt 158 mounted between a pair of pulleys 150 and 156, and moves the magnet 160 in the direction of the arrow. Each of the pulleys 148, 150, and 156 has a motor (not shown).
And the magnets 154 and 160 attached to the belts 152 and 158 are rotated by the
0, 132 and the card supply unit 134 are reciprocated.

The intermediate pulley 150 disposed above the card supply unit 134 is connected to the card stockers 130 and 1.
It is provided at a position lower than the pulleys 148 and 156 disposed above the P. 32. Therefore, pulleys 148, 15
The belt 152 mounted between the card supply units 134
The belt 158 mounted between the pulleys 148 and 150 is also inclined toward the card supply unit 134.

The card stocker 130 is provided with a card placing member 162 having an inclined surface parallel to the direction in which the belt 152 is inclined. Also, card stocker 1
32 is provided with a card placing member 164 having an inclined surface parallel to the inclination direction of the belt 152. And
The card supply section 134 is provided with a card placing member 166 having a horizontal upper surface. In addition, the card stocker 130,
132 cards 14A and 14B are stacked so that the printed surface of the symbol is on the lower side, respectively, and the iron piece (magnetic material) 1
7a to 15f (see FIGS. 7A to 7C) are mounted on the card mounting members 162 and 164 in a direction facing the passing positions of the magnets 154 and 160.

The card placing members 162, 164, 16
Reference numeral 6 is provided so as to be movable up and down by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The card placing members 162, 164 of the card stockers 130, 132 are lowered at a constant speed while the number of cards 14A, 14B is reduced by a card shuffling operation described later. Thereby, the card stocker 13
The height position of the uppermost end of the cards 14A and 14B stored in the belts 152 and 158 is maintained at a position close to the passing position of the magnets 154 and 160 provided in the belts 152 and 158, and the cards 14A and 14B are moved to the magnets 154. , 16
It is adjusted so that it is adsorbed to zero.

The card placing member 166 provided in the card supply section 134 is provided with card stockers 130 and 132.
Supplies the cards 14A and 14B and descends at a constant speed. Therefore, the uppermost card 14 placed on the card placing member 166 is maintained at a height position lower than the upper pulley 150 by a predetermined distance. This allows
After the magnets 154 and 160 pass through the pulley 150, the card 14 that falls into the card supply unit 134 is prevented from being turned upside down.

Here, the card shuffle operation of the card shuffle device 126 configured as described above will be described.

In the operation state shown in FIG. 13, the magnet 152 of the first card moving mechanism 144 is located above the card stocker 130 and the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 is
2 is located near the uppermost card 14B accommodated in the second card 2B.
Then, since the pulleys 150 and 156 are driven to rotate clockwise, the magnet 160 moves in the running direction of the belt 158. Therefore, the magnet 160 is connected to the pulley 1
When moving below 50, 156, use card stocker 1
30 to the card supply unit 134 side (Ya direction),
When moving below the pulleys 150 and 156 after passing through the pulley 150, it moves from the card supply unit 134 to the card stocker 130 side (Yb direction).

In the operation state shown in FIG. 14, the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 attracts the uppermost card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 132 by magnetic force while moving in the Ya direction.

In the operation state shown in FIG. 15, the card 14B attracted to the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 is moved by the card moving guide 143 and the roller 142 following the movement of the magnet 160 in the Ya direction. And moves above the card supply unit 134. Therefore, the upper surface of the card 14B is
3 and the lower surface thereof is in sliding contact with the roller 142 to guide the moving position, so that it is smoothly conveyed with low friction.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 16, the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 moves above the adsorbed card 14B passing through the pulley 150 and is separated therefrom. As a result, the card 14B holds the magnet 1
It is released from the magnetic force of 60 and falls into the card supply unit 134.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 17, at the same time when the card 14B falls to the card supply section 134 as described above, the magnet 15 of the first card moving mechanism 144
4 approaches the uppermost card 14A stored in the card stocker 130. Therefore, the first card moving mechanism 1
While the 44 magnet 154 moves in the Yb direction, the uppermost card 14A housed in the card stocker 130 is attracted by magnetic force. The card 14A attracted to the magnet 154 of the first card moving mechanism 144 passes between the card moving guide 143 and the roller 140 following the movement of the magnet 154 in the Yb direction, and Move up. Therefore, the card 14A
Since the upper surface is in sliding contact with the card moving guide 143 and the lower surface is in sliding contact with the roller 140 to be guided in the moving position, it is smoothly conveyed with low friction.

In the operation state shown in FIG. 18, the magnet 154 of the first card moving mechanism 144 moves above the attracted card 14A passing through the pulley 150 and separates therefrom. As a result, the card 14A holds the magnet 1
It is released from the magnetic force of 54 and falls into the card supply unit 134.

At the same time when the card 14A falls into the card supply section 130, the second card moving mechanism 1
The 46 magnets 160 approach the uppermost card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 132. Therefore, the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 attracts the uppermost card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 132 by magnetic force while moving in the Ya direction.

As described above, the first card moving mechanism 144
And the magnet 160 of the second card moving mechanism 146 reciprocate in the Ya and Yb directions, so that the card 14A stored in the card stocker 130 is moved.
And the card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 132 falls into the card supply unit 24 in a state of being alternately mixed.
Accordingly, the cards 14A and 14B accommodated in the card stockers 130 and 132 are attached to the belts 152 and 158 and are attracted by the magnetic force of the reciprocating magnets 154 and 160, and are smoothly taken out with low friction. Thus, the card is hardly damaged, and the life of the card can be extended.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 19 is a front vertical sectional view showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the third
The card shuffling device 176 of the embodiment includes the housing 1
78, first and second card stockers 180, 18
2 and a card supply unit 184 are provided in parallel.
The card supply unit 184 includes a pair of card stockers 180,
Cards 14A and 14B taken out of card stockers 180 and 182 arranged on the left and right are alternately supplied.

The space between the card stockers 180 and 182 and the card supply section 184 is defined by vertical partition walls 186 and 188. A base 193 formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction is laid on the upper portion of the housing 178, and the cards 14A and 14B pass between the upper ends of the partition walls 186 and 188 and the base 193. Gap 1
89, 190 are formed.

In the upper space of the housing 178,
Card stockers 180, 18 mounted on base 193
The cards 14A and 14B stored in the second card supply unit 1
A card moving mechanism 194 that conveys the card to the card 84 is provided. In the card moving mechanism 194, a plurality of electromagnets 196 formed in a columnar shape are installed in an upright state. In this embodiment, 14 electromagnets 196 _{1 to} 196 ₁₄ are arranged in two rows in the card transport direction. ing.

[0093] electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 _{1 0} left and center of the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 _14, the first card moving mechanism 194A for conveying remove the card 14A housed on the left side of the card stocker 180 And the center and right electromagnets 196 _{3 to} 196
Reference numeral ₁₄ denotes a second card moving mechanism 194B for taking out and transporting the card 14B stored in the right card stocker 182.

[0094] That is, first and second rows electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 ₄ of the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 ₁₄ is positioned above the left side of the card stocker 180, third and fifth columns Electromagnets 196 _{5 to} 196 ₁₀
Are arranged above the central card supply unit 184, and the electromagnets 196 _{11 to} 196 in the sixth and seventh rows are arranged.
₁₄ is arranged so as to be located above the right card stocker 182.

The card moving mechanism 194 sucks and transports the card 14A stored in the left card stocker 180 and the card 14B stored in the right card stocker 182. And a second card moving mechanism 194B for transporting.

[0096] Figure 21 is a front view showing the positional relationship between the card 14A and the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 ₁₄ accommodated in the card stacker 180. FIG. 22 shows the card 14A housed in the card stocker 180 and the electromagnet 1 in the first row.
It is a side view showing the positional relationship between the 96 _1, 196 _2.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first
The electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 _{2 in the} row are connected to the card stocker 18.
The card 14A is accommodated in the card 14A at a position facing the magnetic material 15. Further, the first row of electromagnets 19
6 ₁ and 196 ₂ are arranged at positions facing both ends of the magnetic material 15 embedded in the card 14A.

The first row of electromagnets 196₁, 196₂The husband
A coil 202 is wound around a core 200
A yoke 204 is suspended between the upper ends of the core 200.
In addition, iron core 200₁, 202₂At the bottom of the base 19
Head 206 abutting on 3₁, 206₂Is provided
You. Further, the electromagnet 196₁, 196₂Where the
The base 193 is formed of a plate made of a non-magnetic material.
You. Therefore, the electromagnet 196₁, 196₂Coil 20
2₁, 202₂When power is supplied to the ₁, 20
2₂The lines of magnetic force radiated in the axial direction of the₁, 2
00₂And a magnetic circuit passing through the yoke 204, and
Iron core 200₁, 200₂Head 20 provided at the lower end of
6₁, 206₂The magnetic flux penetrating through the base 193 is formed between
Is done.

On the other hand, the card 14A accommodated in the card stocker 180 is placed on a card placing member 208 supported by the above-mentioned lifting mechanism (not shown) so as to be able to move up and down. Then, the card 14A positioned at the top of the plurality of cards 14A placed on the card placement member 208
The height position is adjusted so as to always face the lower surface of the base 193. That is, the card placing member 208
The height position is adjusted so that the magnetic material 15 of the card 14A positioned at the top is located in the magnetic field of the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ .

The card stocker 182 on the right side has the same structure as the card stocker 180, and supports the card 14B placed on the card placing member 210 in a vertically movable manner. Further, the card placing member 210 is provided on the uppermost card 14B accommodated in the card stocker 182.
Electromagnet ₁₉₆ of the magnetic member 15 of the seventh row 13, _{196 1 4}
The height position is adjusted so that the card 14B faces the lower surface of the base 193 in the same manner as the card 14A.

A magnetic sensor 205 for detecting the strength of the magnetic field is provided at the lower end of each of the electromagnets 196 _{1 to} 196 _14.
Is provided. The magnetic sensor 205 includes, for example, a Hall element that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field, or a magnetoresistive element. The magnetic sensor 20
5, since provided in close proximity to the card 14 sucked, when the above each electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 ₁₄ is card 14, the electromagnets 196 ₁ as described above
Flux from ～196 ₁₄ passes through the iron piece 15 embedded in the card 14. Therefore, the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic sensor 205 decreases, and the detection signal (voltage) output from the magnetic sensor 205 changes. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 205
It is possible to determine the presence or absence of the card 14 based on a change in the detection signal output from.

Here, the operation when the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ attract only the uppermost card 14A stored in the card stocker 180 will be described.

FIG. 23 shows the first row of electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196.
FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a state in which the magnetic field No. ₂ is excited. FIG. 24 is a side view for explaining the attracting operation when the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row are excited. FIG. 25 is a front view showing a state where the card 14A is sucked.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ are excited so that their polarities are opposite. That is, one of the electromagnets 196 ₁ becomes N pole bottom end of the core 200 _1, other electromagnet 196 ₂
The lower end of the core 200 ₂ becomes S pole. Therefore, the magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) 212 radiated from _one electromagnet 196 ₁
Penetrates the base 193 returns to other electromagnet 196 _2. Therefore, one of the electromagnets 196 ₁ of the opposing portions S pole at the lower end, is a portion facing the lower end of the other electromagnet 196 ₂ becomes the N pole.

[0105] Then, since the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1, 196 cards 14A magnetic material 15 of the lower end opposite to the position between the ₂ is situated, the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1, 196 flux 212 formed between the _two is housed in the card stocker 180 Through the magnetic material 15 of the uppermost card 14A. Therefore, the uppermost card 14A stored in the card stocker 180 is
As shown in FIG. 25, the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ attract and ascend the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ , and are attracted to the lower surface of the base 193.

Note that the electromagnet 196₁, 196₂Magnetic force
Becomes too strong, the two cards 14A suck at the same time.
Since there is a risk of being worn, the electromagnet 196₁, 1
96 ₂The magnetic force of the card according to the weight of the card 14A
Need to be

In this embodiment, a plurality of cards 14A are stacked on the card stocker 180.
The magnetic flux (lines of magnetic force) formed between 6 ₁ and 196 ₂ concentrates on the magnetic material 15 embedded in the uppermost card 14A, so that the force for attracting the second and subsequent cards 14A is weakened, and the uppermost card 14A is attracted. Only the card 14A is sucked upward. Also, since the magnetic material 15 of the uppermost card 14A and the magnetic material 15 of the second card 14A magnetically repel each other, the uppermost card 14A and the second card 14A are not simultaneously attracted. It has become.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring the attractive force by the magnetic force of the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ .
(A) shows a measurement state when only the card 14A is used,
(B) shows a measurement state when another card 14A is interposed between the card 14A and the base 193. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the attraction forces F and F ′ due to the magnetic force of the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ .

As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B,
Electromagnet 196 acting on the node 14A ₁, 196₂Magnetic force
Suction force F is measured by force gauge 214
Is done. The force gauge 214 is calibrated by magnetic force.
This is a measuring instrument for measuring the suction force F acting on the blade 14A.
You.

The card 14A is placed horizontally on the table 214a of the force gauge 214 while the electromagnet 1
Is adjusted to 96 _1, 196 ₂ of the head ₂₀₆ 1, 206 distance to ₂ (gap L). And the electromagnet 196
_1, 196 suction force F corresponding to the current value supplied to ₂ is measured by the force gauge 214.

As shown in FIG. 27, the suction force F when one card 14A is placed on the table 214a of the force gauge 214 and the card 14A placed on the table 214a of the force gauge 214 are different from each other. Base 1
In comparison with the suction force F 'when another card 14A is interposed between the suction force F and the second card 93, the suction force F increases as the gap L decreases, whereas the suction force F' increases when the other card 14A intervenes. It can be understood that the suction force F 'of the above becomes smaller.

This is because the electromagnets 196 ₁ ,
The magnetic flux (lines of magnetic force) formed between the first and _second cards 196 and 196 passes through the magnetic material 15 embedded in the uppermost card 14A of the card stocker 180, so that the second and subsequent cards 1
The force for sucking the 4A is weakened, and only the suction force for the uppermost card 14A acts strongly. As a result, even if a plurality of cards 14A are stacked, the uppermost card 1
Only 4A is sucked upward by one sheet.

Next, each electromagnet 1 of the card moving mechanism 194
96 _{1-196 14} is excited card stocker 180,
FIG. 25 and FIG. 2 show the shuffling operation when the cards 14A and 14B stored in
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart for exciting each of the electromagnets 196 _{1 to} 196 ₁₄ of the card moving mechanism 194.

The card 14 of the first card stocker 180
As a procedure 1 for transporting A to the card supply unit 184, first, as shown in FIG. 28A, the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row are energized and excited for 100 msec. As a result, the uppermost card 14A of the card stocker 180 is sucked and adsorbed on the lower surface of the base 193 (see FIGS. 29A and 25).

In the next step 2, as shown in FIG. 28B, the power supply to the first row of electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ is turned off, and at the same time, the second row of electromagnets 196 ₃ and 196 ₄ are turned off.
To excite for only 100 msec. Thereby, the card 14A adsorbed on the lower surface of the base 193 is
The electromagnets 196 ₃ and 196 ₄ in the second row are attracted and move in the Yb direction, and pass through the gap 189 formed between the upper end of the partition 186 and the base 193 (see FIGS. 29B and 30). .

[0117] In the next step 3, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the second column of the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 3, 196 ₄ electromagnets ₁₉₆ 5 energization of the third column at the same time turned off to, 196 ₆
To excite for only 100 msec. As a result, the card 14A is attracted to the third row of electromagnets 196 ₅ and 196 _{6 while} being attracted to the lower surface of the base 193, and Y is drawn.
It moves in the direction b (see FIGS. 29C and 31).

In the next step 4, as shown in FIG. 28 (d), the energization to the third row of electromagnets 196 ₅ and 196 ₆ is turned off, and at the same time, the fourth row of electromagnets 196 ₇ and 196 ₈ are turned off.
To excite for only 100 msec. As a result, the card 14A is attracted to the fourth row of electromagnets 196 ₇ and 196 _{8 while} being attracted to the lower surface of the base 193, and Y is drawn.
It moves in the direction b (see FIGS. 29D and 32).

In the next step 5, as shown in FIG. 28 (e), the energization of the fourth row of electromagnets 196 ₇ and 196 ₈ is turned off, and at the same time, the fifth row of electromagnets 196 ₉ and 196 are turned off.
₁₀ is energized to excite only for 100 msec. Thus, the card 14A is attracted by the fifth row of electromagnets 196 ₉ and 196 ₁₀ while being attracted to the lower surface of the base 193, moves in the Yb direction, and reaches above the card supply unit 184 (FIG. 29E ) And FIG. 33).

In the next step 6, as shown in FIG. 28 (f), the energization to the fifth row of electromagnets 196 ₉ and 196 ₁₀ is turned off, and at the same time, as shown in FIG. Electric power is supplied to the electromagnets 196 ₁₃ and 196 ₁₄ in the seventh column to excite them for 100 msec. As a result, the card 14A drops to the card supply unit 184 without the attraction by the electromagnets 196 ₉ and 196 ₁₀ (FIG. 29).
(E) and FIG. 34).

At the same time, the electromagnets 19 in the seventh row
For 6 _{13, 196 14} is energized, the uppermost card 14B of the second card stocker 182 is attracted to the lower surface of the suction base 193.

Thus, the first card stocker 180
When the transport of the removed card 14A is completed,
Card 1 removed from second card stocker 182
The transport of 4B is started. Note that the card 14B is
Similarly, the transfer operation of the mode 14A is performed in the seventh row, the sixth row, and the fifth row.
Each electromagnet 196 in the order of row, fourth row, third row₁₄~ 196
₅Are sequentially excited and conveyed above the card supply unit 184.
It is.

As described above, the first card moving mechanism 1
The card 14A accommodated in the first card stocker 180 and the card 14B accommodated in the second card stocker 182 are alternately operated by the alternate operation of the 94A and the second card moving mechanism 194B. It is conveyed to 184 and shuffled. In this embodiment, the cards 14A and 14B of the card stockers 180 and 182 are taken out by sequentially exciting the electromagnets 196 _{1 to} 196 ₁₄ of the card moving mechanism 194, and the steps of transport and drop can be performed continuously. 14A and 14B can be shuffled at a high speed, and a silencing structure with extremely low operation noise can be achieved.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 35 is a front vertical sectional view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the fourth
The card shuffling device 220 of the embodiment is the same as the third card shuffling device described above.
The configuration is substantially the same as that of the card shuffle device 176 of the embodiment, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in the card shuffling device 220 of the fourth embodiment, each electromagnet 19 of the card moving mechanism 194 is used.
6 _1-196 fourth column of electromagnets ₁₉₆ 7, 19 out of ₁₄
6 ₈ has been removed, the other structure is the same as the card shuffling device 176 of the third embodiment.

Next, the card transport operation of the card moving mechanism 194 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0129] Figure 37 is a timing chart for exciting the electromagnets ₁₉₆ 1-196 _{6, 196} 9-196 ₁₄ of card moving mechanism 194.

The card 14 of the first card stocker 180
As a procedure 1 for transporting A to the card supply unit 184, first, as shown in FIG. 37A, the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row are energized and excited for 100 msec. As a result, the uppermost card 14A of the card stocker 180 is sucked and adsorbed on the lower surface of the base 193 (see FIGS. 38A and 25).

In the next step 2, as shown in FIG. 37B, the power supply to the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row is turned off and at the same time, the electromagnets 196 ₃ and 196 _{4 in} the second row are simultaneously turned off.
To excite for only 40 msec. Thereby, the card 14A adsorbed on the lower surface of the base 193 is
The second row of electromagnets 196 ₃ and 196 ₄ attracts and moves in the Yb direction, and passes through a gap 189 formed between the upper end of the partition 186 and the base 193 (see FIGS. 38B and 39). .

In the next step 3, the electromagnets 19 in the second row
6 _3, 196 power supply to the ₄ to excitation only during the 30msec by energizing the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 5, 196 ₆ of the third column at the same time turned off. Thereby, the card 14A is attached to the base 1
The third row of electromagnets 196 ₅ ,
196 ₆ is sucked in moves further Yb direction (FIG. 3
8 (C) and FIG. 40).

In the next step 4, the electromagnets 19 in the third row
6 _5, 196 energization to ₆ by energizing the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 13, _{196 14} of the seventh column at the same time turned off 100mse
Excite only during c. As a result, the card 14A is caused to fly in the Yb direction by the inertial force, and the leading end of the card 14A descends to contact the partition 188 formed on the side surface of the card supply unit 184. Therefore, the card 14A is
After coming into contact with 88, it falls into card supply section 184.
(See FIG. 38D and FIG. 41).

The seventh row of electromagnets 196 ₁₃ and 196
_{When the 14} is excited, the uppermost card 14 </ b> B of the second card stocker 182 is sucked and sucked on the lower surface of the base 193.

Thus, the transport of the card 14A taken out of the first card stocker 180 is completed, and
Card 1 removed from second card stocker 182
The transport of 4B is started. The card 14B is the seventh column in the same manner the transport operation of the card 14A, the sixth column, the electromagnet ₁₉₆ in the order of the fifth column from 14 to 196 ₉ while it is conveyed are sequentially excited in the Ya direction card supply section 184 And falls into the card supply unit 184 while being in contact with the side surface of the partition wall 186.

As described above, the first card moving mechanism 1
The card 14A accommodated in the first card stocker 180 and the card 14B accommodated in the second card stocker 182 are alternately operated by the alternate operation of the 94A and the second card moving mechanism 194B. It is skipped by 184 and shuffled. In the present embodiment, the fourth row of electromagnets 196 ₇ and 196 ₈ are removed, so that the configuration can be simplified and the control processing of the card moving mechanism 194 can be simplified.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the card 14A,
Since the card 14A is blown toward the card supply unit 184, the cards 14A and 14B can be shuffled at a higher speed than in the case of the above-described third embodiment, and the muffling structure having an extremely low operation sound can be obtained. it can.

It is needless to say that the card shuffle device having the above configuration can be used in a game facility other than the casino.

In the above embodiment, the case where the cards accommodated in the pair of card stockers are alternately taken out and mixed is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of card stockers may be one, or It is good also as a structure provided with two or more.

[0140]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic force generating member for magnetically attracting one card housed in a card stocker, wherein the magnetic force generating member includes the card stocker and the card. The card conveyed from the card stocker is moved to the card supply unit to drop the card conveyed from the card stocker to the card supply unit, so that the card stored in the card stocker can be pulled out with low friction to supply the card to the card supply unit. Therefore, the card is less likely to be damaged, and the life of the card can be extended.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the pair of card stockers facing each other are arranged such that the respective card outlets are at alternate positions.
The card drawn by the movement of the magnetic force generating member can be prevented from being inserted into the opposing card stocker, and the cards stored in the pair of card stockers can be alternately supplied.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the card stocker is provided with the card pressing mechanism for pressing the card toward the card outlet with a constant pressure, the magnetic force is generated even when the number of cards changes. The cards stored in the card stocker can be smoothly pulled out as the members move.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the magnetic force generating member can be reciprocated between the card stocker and the card supply unit, the card stored in the card stocker can be efficiently and smoothly pulled out. be able to.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the card accommodated in the card stocker is pressed horizontally at a constant pressure, and the card is kept in a vertical state with the movement of the magnetic force generating member. Since the card is ejected from the card stocker, the resistance of the card drawn out from the card stocker becomes constant, the card can be smoothly drawn out, and the damage to the card can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the pair of card stockers is disposed above both sides of the card supply section, the cards accommodated in the pair of card stockers as the magnetic force generating member moves. Can be extracted efficiently and alternately.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, while the magnetic force generating member reciprocates between the pair of card stockers, the card sucked from one card stocker and the card sucked from the other card stocker alternately. Since the card is dropped into the card supply unit, the cards stored in the pair of card stockers can be smoothly supplied, and damage to the cards can be reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a card stocker accommodating a card in which a thin plate-shaped magnetic material is integrally provided, and a card stocker and a card supply unit are provided. A plurality of electromagnets for magnetically attracting one card housed in the stocker, moving the sucked card, and then dropping the card to the card supply unit. Can be attracted by magnetic force and transported to the card supply unit. Further, the speed of the shuffle operation of the card can be increased, and the sound at the time of the shuffle operation can be reduced to enhance the muffling effect. Also, maintenance can be facilitated by reducing the number of mechanical operation units, and failures in operation units can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the electromagnetic force of the plurality of electromagnets is adjusted so that only the card located at the uppermost position of the card stocker is attracted. Can be sucked by magnetic force, and suction of two or more cards can be prevented. Therefore, the shuffling operation can be performed quickly and reliably.

According to the tenth aspect, a plurality of electromagnets are provided between the card stocker and the card supply section.
Since they are arranged in rows, the magnetic material embedded in the card can be transported by being attracted between the two rows of electromagnets.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first electromagnet includes a plurality of electromagnets facing the card stocker;
A second card disposed between the card stocker and the card supply unit;
An electromagnet, a third electromagnet facing the card supply unit,
After exciting the first electromagnet, in order to sequentially excite the second electromagnet and the third electromagnet, only the uppermost card stored in the card stocker is attracted by the electromagnetic force of the first electromagnet, and then the second electromagnet and the The card can be smoothly and efficiently conveyed to the card supply unit by the electromagnetic force of the three electromagnets.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a card shuffle device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are process diagrams for explaining an outline of a card shuffling operation of the card shuffling device, wherein FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a state in which a magnet is moved above a right card stocker, and FIG. (C) showing a process of moving from the card stocker to the left card stocker.
FIG. 3D shows a state in which the magnet has moved above the left card stocker, and FIG.
6 is a diagram showing a process of moving from No. 6 to a card stocker 18. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the card shuffle device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the card shuffle device taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the card shuffle device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the card shuffle device taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the card 14;
(A) is a plan view of the card 14, (B) is a side view of the card 14, and (C) is an enlarged side view showing a side surface of the card 14 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing the card pressing mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a state in which the slider 20 has moved above the right card stocker 18;

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a process in which the slider 20 moves from the right card stocker 18 to the left card stocker 16;

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state where the slider 20 has moved above the left card stocker 16;

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a process in which the slider 20 moves from the card stocker 16 to the card stocker 18.

FIG. 13 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state.

FIG. 15 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state.

FIG. 16 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state.

FIG. 17 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state.

FIG. 18 is a front vertical sectional view showing an operation state.

FIG. 19 is a front vertical sectional view showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a card 1 stored in a card stocker 180.
4A and is a front view showing the positional relationship between the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1-196 _{1 4.}

FIG. 22: Card 1 stored in card stocker 180
4A and a side view showing the positional relationship between the electromagnet ₁₉₆ 1, 196 ₂ of the first row.

FIG. 23 is a side view for explaining a state in which the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row are excited.

FIG. 24 is a side view for explaining the attracting operation when the electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ in the first row are excited.

FIG. 25 is a front view showing a state where the card 14A is sucked.

26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining a method of measuring an attractive force by the magnetic force of electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ , wherein FIG. 26A shows a measurement state when only card 14A is used, and FIG. 19 shows a measurement state when another card 14 </ b> A is interposed between the card 193.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing measurement results of attractive forces F and F ′ due to magnetic forces of electromagnets 196 ₁ and 196 ₂ .

28. Each of the electromagnets 196 ₁ to 196 ₁ of the card moving mechanism 194.
₆ is a timing chart for exciting 1964.

FIG. 29 shows a card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a procedure when the document is conveyed to the card supply unit 184, wherein FIG.
(C) is a plan view of a procedure 3, (D) is a procedure 4 and (E) is a plan view of a procedure 5.

FIG. 30 shows a card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining Procedure 2 when transporting to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 31 shows the card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining a procedure 3 when transferring the image data to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 32 shows the card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining a procedure 4 when transferring to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 33 shows the card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining a procedure 5 when transferring the image data to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 34 shows the card 14A of the first card stocker 180.
FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining a procedure 6 when transferring the image data to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 35 is a front vertical sectional view showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows each of the electromagnets 196 ₁ to 196 ₁ of the card moving mechanism 194.
196 _{6, 196} 9-196 ₁₄ is a timing chart for exciting.

FIGS. 38A and 38B are diagrams for explaining a procedure when the card 14A of the first card stocker 180 of the fourth embodiment is transported to the card supply unit 184, wherein FIG. 38A is a procedure 1 and FIG. 2, (C) is a plan view of procedure 3, and (D) is a plan view of procedure 4.

FIG. 39 is a front view for explaining Procedure 2 when the card 14A of the first card stocker 180 of the fourth embodiment is transported to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 40 is a front view for explaining a procedure 3 when the card 14A of the first card stocker 180 of the fourth embodiment is transported to the card supply unit 184.

FIG. 41 is a front view for explaining Procedure 4 when the card 14A of the first card stocker 180 of the fourth embodiment is transported to the card supply unit 184.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 126, 176, 220 Card shuffle device 12 Frame 14, 14A, 14B Cards 15a to 15f Iron piece 16 First card stocker 16a, 18a Card outlet 18 Second card stocker 20 Slider 22 Moving mechanism 24 Card supply unit 28 , 29 Card pressing mechanism 44, 45 Ball screw 52, 53 Nut 54, 55 Coil spring 56, 57 Card pressing member 58, 59 Detection switch 70 Magnet 74 Motor 76 First arm 78 Second arm 80, 82 Contact plate 84 Card supply Duct 86 card placing member 88 elevating mechanism 90 card pressing mechanism 92 card discharging mechanism 94 elevating motor 96 ball screw 98 nut 118, 120 roller 122 card discharging port 124 card receiving part 128 housing 130 first Card stocker 132 Second card stocker 134 Card supply unit 143 Card movement guide 144 First card movement mechanism 146 Second card movement mechanism 148, 150, 156 Pulley 152, 158 Belt 154, 160 Magnet 162, 164, 166 Card Placement member 180 First card stocker 182 Second card stocker 184 Card supply section 186,188 Partition wall 189,190 Gap 193 Base 194 Card moving mechanism 194A First card moving mechanism 194B Second card moving mechanism 196,196 _{1 to} 196 ₁₄ electromagnet

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (72) Inventor Takao Yamauchi 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside SEGA Enterprises Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Kawano 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Within Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Jiro Yoshida Within Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd. 1-2-2 Haneda 1-2-1 Ota-ku, Tokyo

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A card stocker in which a card in which a thin plate-shaped magnetic material is integrally provided is accommodated, a magnetic force generating member that magnetically attracts one card accommodated in the card stocker, and the magnetic force generating member A moving mechanism that moves the magnetic force generating member between the card stocker and a card supply unit that supplies a card, and the magnetic force generating member is moved by the moving mechanism and is conveyed from the card stocker by the magnetic force of the magnetic force generating member. And a card dropping mechanism for dropping the card into the card supply unit. 2. A pair of card stockers are provided at positions facing each other, and said pair of card stockers is
2. The card shuffling device according to claim 1, wherein the respective card outlets are arranged at alternate positions. 3. The card shuffler according to claim 1, wherein the card stocker includes a card pressing mechanism for pressing a card toward the card outlet with a constant pressure. 4. The card shuffling device according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism reciprocates the magnetic force generating member between the card stocker and the card supply unit. 5. The card stocker has a pressing mechanism that stores the card in a vertical state and presses the card in a horizontal direction with a constant pressure, and moves the card in a vertical state with the movement of the magnetic force generating member. 2. The card shuffling device according to claim 1, wherein the card is discharged to the card outlet side as it is. 6. The card shuffling device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of said card stockers are arranged above both sides of said card supply section. 7. The magnetic force generating member reciprocates between the pair of card stockers by the moving mechanism, and alternately picks up a card sucked from the one card stocker and a card sucked from the other card stocker. 7. The card shuffling device according to claim 6, wherein the device is dropped into a card supply unit. 8. A card stocker containing a card in which a thin plate-shaped magnetic material is integrally provided, and one card placed between the card stocker and a card supply unit and contained in the card stocker. And a plurality of electromagnets for moving the sucked card and dropping it to the card supply section after magnetically attracting the card. 9. The card shuffling device according to claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic force of the plurality of electromagnets is adjusted so as to attract only the card located at the top of the card stocker. 10. The card shuffling device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of electromagnets are arranged in two rows between the card stocker and the card supply unit. 11. The plurality of electromagnets, a first electromagnet facing the card stocker, a second electromagnet arranged between the card stocker and the card supply unit, and a second electromagnet facing the card supply unit. 9. The card shuffling device according to claim 8, comprising three electromagnets, wherein after the first electromagnet is excited, the second electromagnet and the third electromagnet are sequentially excited.