JP4496391B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and relates to a technique for preventing overheating of a driving body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some pachinko machines that are one type of gaming machine include an accessory device having a display device and a fourth reel, for example. The fourth reel is rotationally driven by a motor, and the rotational driving is performed when a reach action for rotating the fourth reel is selected by random number lottery performed when the pachinko ball wins the start opening. Therefore, the fourth reel is driven based on an accidental element.
[0003]
Even if it is performed based on an accidental element, the rotation drive of the fourth reel may be concentrated in a short period of time. In this case, since it is necessary to drive the motor almost continuously, there is a possibility that the motor is overheated by heat generated by the driving. In order to prevent overheating of the motor, it is better to attach a metal heat sink to the motor to dissipate heat.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the space that can be stored in the accessory device is limited, even if the heat sink can be stored, it is often necessary to reduce the size of the heat sink. If the size of the heat sink is small, it will not be possible to sufficiently dissipate heat, and there is still a possibility that the motor will overheat. On the other hand, a method of enlarging the accessory device itself is conceivable, but there is a strong tendency to increase the size of the fourth reel in order to produce an impact. Therefore, even if the heat sink can be made larger, the load on the motor increases as the weight of the fourth reel increases, so that there is still a possibility that the motor will overheat after all.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which driving of a driving body (such as a motor) is suppressed to prevent overheating of the driving body.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problem 1]
Means 1 for solving the problem is: A movable member provided in the accessory device, a drive body that moves the movable member, a drive control means that can control the drive of the drive body based on a lottery result, and the drive of the drive body based on temperature Gaming machine having temperature control means to suppress It is. here, Solution The terms described in 1 are interpreted as follows. The interpretation is other Solution The same applies to the detailed description of the invention. (1) “Moving member” means a member that can be actuated entirely or partially. For example, an annular member formed in a drum shape, a cylindrical shape, a belt shape, a motion member that can move within a predetermined range, a sorting member that can distribute game balls, an opening and closing member that opens and closes a portion through which the game balls can pass, A rotating member or the like that can rotate in one direction or forward / reverse direction at a constant period (or indefinite period) is applicable. (2) “Driver” corresponds to, for example, a motor or a solenoid.
[0006]
According to the means 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the movable member 1 provided in the accessory device 3, the drive body 2 that moves the movable member 1, and the drive of the drive body 2 based on the lottery result Drive control means 4 capable of controlling the temperature, and temperature management means 5 for suppressing the drive of the drive body 2 based on the temperature. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a reel (rotating drum) representing a symbol 1 a on the outer peripheral portion 1 b is used as the movable member 1, and a motor that rotates the reel is used as the driving body 2. The temperature management means 5 drives the drive body 2 based on the temperature (that is, the room temperature, the measured temperature measured using the temperature sensor 6, the estimated temperature estimated by the temperature estimation means 7, etc.) before the drive body 2 is overheated. Suppress. Thus, since the driving force of the driving body 2 is reduced or stopped, the overheating of the driving body 2 can be prevented.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problem 2]
Means 2 for solving the problem is: A movable member that is not involved in the flow path of the game medium and that is provided in the accessory device, a drive body that moves the movable member, a drive control means that can control the drive of the drive body, and Game machine having temperature management means for suppressing drive of driving body It is. According to the means 2, the movable member 1 provided in the accessory device 3, the driving body 2 for moving the movable member 1, and the driving of the driving body 2 can be controlled without being involved in the flow path of the game medium. It has drive control means 4 and temperature management means 5 that suppresses driving of the drive body 2 based on temperature. The game media includes game balls (for example, pachinko balls), medals, coins, tokens, and the like. Since the movable member 1 is not involved in the flow path of the game medium, the movement of the game medium is not affected. Therefore, for example, overheating of the driving body 2 in the movable member 1 for production can be prevented. The temperature management means 5 suppresses the driving of the driving body 2 based on the temperature before the driving body 2 reaches a temperature at which it is overheated. If the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed, the movement of the movable member 1 is suppressed. However, since the movable member 1 does not affect the flow path of the game medium, the function of the gaming machine is not hindered.
[0008]
[Means 3 for Solving the Problems]
Means 3 for solving the problem is: A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine includes a measuring unit capable of measuring a predetermined event and a temperature estimating unit that estimates a temperature based on a measurement result obtained by the measuring unit. It is. here, Solution The term “predetermined event” described in 3 corresponds to the detection of a game ball that has passed or won a predetermined area such as a gate or a winning opening, the operating time of a gaming machine, the driving time of a driver, etc. . The interpretation is other Solution The same applies to the detailed description of the invention.
[0009]
According to the means 3, the measuring means 8 capable of measuring a predetermined event and the temperature estimating means 7 for estimating the temperature based on the measurement result obtained by the measuring means 8 are provided. The measuring means 8 corresponds to, for example, a sensor that can detect a game medium, a timer that can measure operating time, driving time, and the like. Although the room temperature and the temperature of the drive body 2 can be measured by the temperature sensor 6, the room temperature and the temperature of the drive body 2 are estimated by measuring a predetermined event even when the temperature sensor 6 is not used. The temperature sensor 6 can be omitted by using the measuring means 8 as a sensor used during the game, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be kept low.
[0010]
[Means 4 for Solving the Problems]
Means 4 for solving the problem is: In the gaming machine described in any one of the solving means 1 to 3, the temperature management means is a gaming machine that suppresses driving of the driving body when the temperature applied to one or both of the room temperature and the driving body reaches a predetermined temperature. It is. According to the means 4, the temperature management means 5 suppresses the driving of the driving body 2 when the temperature applied to one or both of the room temperature and the driving body 2 reaches a predetermined temperature. Since overheating of the driving body 2 is affected by the room temperature and the temperature of the driving body 2, the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed when these temperatures reach a predetermined temperature. Therefore, overheating of the drive body 2 can be prevented more reliably.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines, and will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0012]
First, FIG. 2 shows an external view of the pachinko machine 10 in a front view. As will be described later, the game board 12 of the pachinko machine 10 includes a composite accessory device 14 having a liquid crystal display 64, a holding number display 20, 28, etc., passage ports 24 and 62 through which pachinko balls can pass, and a winning pachinko. A start opening 30 having a start opening sensor 60 for detecting a ball, a gate 32 having a gate sensor 58 for detecting a passing pachinko ball, a big winning opening 34 having an open / close lid 78 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid 54, and the big winning opening 34 A start opening 50 having a start opening sensor 68 that can detect a pachinko ball and a movable piece 72 that can be opened and closed, as well as a general winning opening, a windmill, an obstacle nail, and the like are appropriately arranged. Of these, the start port 30 and the start port 50 have the same functions, and when a pachinko ball wins, the payout ball is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning port.
[0013]
The composite accessory device 14 corresponding to the accessory device 3 has a number-of-holds indicator 20 that displays the number of ordinary reservations (the number of symbols that are subject to change in normal symbols), a liquid crystal display that can display symbol changes, decoration displays, and the like. 64, a reel 22 configured to be rotatable with a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, a reserved number indicator 28 for displaying a special reserved number (the number of reserved symbols for the special symbol). The reel 22 corresponds to the movable member 1 and constitutes a part of a reel device 80 described later (see FIG. 3). The number-of-holds indicator 20 and the number-of-holds indicator 28 are constituted by LEDs each having a predetermined number (for example, four, nine, etc.), for example. Instead of the segment elements and LEDs described above, a light bulb (lamp), a plasma display, or the like may be used.
[0014]
In the vicinity of the passage opening 24, there is provided a normal symbol display 26 capable of changing the symbol of a normal symbol using, for example, an LED emitting green or red. When the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32, the normal symbol display 26 starts to fluctuate due to blinking or the like, and stops when a required period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses. When the normal symbol is in a specific display mode (for example, a state in which a specific LED is lit in red), the movable piece 72 provided in the start port 50 is opened for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds) by a solenoid or the like.
[0015]
In addition to the above-described open / close lid 78, the special winning opening 34 is a V zone 56 (special area) in which a round can be continued up to the required number of times (for example, 16 times) when a pachinko ball wins in an open period (for example, 20 seconds). And a general winning opening (normal area) that only pays out a prize ball. In order to detect pachinko balls, the V zone 56 is provided with a V sensor 52, and the general winning opening is provided with a winning sensor 74.
[0016]
The front plate 36 provided below the game board 12 can be opened and closed independently of a glass frame 18 (so-called metal frame) to which a transmission member (for example, plate-like quartz glass or plastic) can be attached. The front plate 36 includes an upper plate 38 that is a receiving tray for prize balls, a speaker 48 that is provided inside the upper plate 38 and outputs sound (sound, music, sound effects, etc.), and a ball rental that instructs ball rental. A switch 66, an information display 70 for displaying the balance of cards (for example, a prepaid card or an IC card), a return switch 76 for instructing the return of the prepaid card, and the like are provided. The cards are inserted into a card unit installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 10. Since the configuration, function, and the like of the card unit are well known, illustration and description are omitted.
[0017]
Further, below the front plate 36, an ashtray 46 for storing cigarette butts, a lower tray 44 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, and a handle 40 having a touch sensor 42 for detecting the contact state of the player. Etc. In addition, the game board 12 and its vicinity are provided with lamps 16 using light emitters such as lamps and LEDs at appropriate positions in accordance with the game contents of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.
[0018]
Next, the configuration of the reel device 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the backlight (light emitting body that illuminates from the inside of the reel) and the like provided in the reel device 80 are well known, illustration and description thereof are omitted. FIG. 3A shows a schematic configuration of the reel device 80 in a perspective view, and FIG. 3B shows a longitudinal section of FIG.
[0019]
The reel device 80 is configured to be rotatable by being fixed to a motor 82 that receives a drive signal from a control board (for example, a main control board 120 or a symbol control board 130 described later) and a rotating shaft 82a of the motor 82. When the reel 22 and the index 84 are detected, an optical sensor 86 for transmitting a reference signal to the control board is provided. For example, a pulse motor (that is, a stepping motor) capable of two-phase excitation is used as the motor 82, but a servo motor or the like may be used. The reel 22 includes a plurality of symbols such as symbols 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, and 22f on the outer peripheral surface 22a, and includes an index 84 on the inner peripheral surface 22g. The index 84 in this example is realized by a small piece formed on the inner peripheral surface 22g. However, as long as it can be detected by the optical sensor 86, it may be realized by a mark (for example, ●, ■, etc.) expressed by pasting or printing. When the index 84 is formed of a magnetic material, a proximity sensor may be used instead of the optical sensor 86. The control board drives and controls the motor 82 (that is, rotational movement, braking, etc.), thereby realizing rotation and stop of the reel 22. When receiving the reference signal from the optical sensor 86, the control board grasps the posture of the reel 22 (that is, the reference position, the reference symbol, etc.).
[0020]
In this example, the motor 82 and the reel 22 are configured in a direct drive format. However, the motor 82 and the reel 22 are configured in an indirect drive format in which a power transmission member (gear, belt, torque converter, etc.) is interposed between the motor 82 and the reel 22. Also good. In this way, the present invention can be applied not only to the reel 22 formed in a drum shape but also to a reel formed in a belt shape. Further, a temperature sensor 88 that measures the temperature of the motor 82 and transmits it to the control board may be provided. In this case, the temperature sensor 88 corresponds to the temperature sensor 6.
[0021]
Next, an example of various substrates that are connected to realize a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, when simply “connecting”, it means that it is electrically connected unless otherwise specified.
[0022]
A main control board 120 mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 122 stores a temporary data such as a ROM 124 storing a game control program and required data, a random number, a special holding number, a normal holding number, an upper limit value, and the like. A possible RAM 126 and the like are provided. The ROM 124 and RAM 126 correspond to a storage unit. The CPU 122 executes a game control program to realize a pachinko game. The game control program includes a program for realizing each procedure such as a start port process and a symbol display process as described later. For example, an EPROM is used for the ROM 124 and a DRAM is used for the RAM 126, but other storage media (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, magnetic card, IC card, etc.) may be used. Other components are the same as the well-known configuration, and illustration and description are omitted.
[0023]
The main control board 120 receives signals from the firing control board 110 that receives signals from the touch sensor 42 and the payout control board 112 and controls driving of the firing motor 100, the drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, and the like. A payout control board 112 that drives and controls the payout motor 102, and an interface board 114 that is connected to the card unit and the payout control board 112 to control data transmission and reception, display on the information display 70, and the like (in FIG. 4, "I / F" Lamps for controlling the display of the symbol control board 130 for controlling the symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display 64 and the reel device 80, the voice control board 132 for controlling the sound emitted from the speaker 48, the lamps 16 and the like. A control board 134 or the like is connected. Each of these boards is configured around the CPU as in the main control board 120. The driving sensor 104 monitors the driving state of the motor 102 and a payout device that pays out pachinko balls. The counting sensor 106 counts the number of pachinko balls actually paid out. The drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, the gate sensor 58, the start sensor 60, the V sensor 52, etc. described above may be contact type sensors (for example, reed switches, micro switches, pressure sensors), or non-contact type sensors (for example, proximity sensors). Sensor, optical sensor, infrared sensor, etc.).
[0024]
In addition to the above-described start port sensor 60 and the like, the main control board 120 also provides signals (for example, big hits, symbol determination, during probability change, etc.) to the hold number indicators 20 and 28 and the external device of the pachinko machine 10. The external terminal board 108 and the like capable of transmitting (including) are directly connected. Further, devices (for example, a solenoid 54, a gate sensor 58, and a V sensor 52) provided at a position away from the main control board 120 are connected via a relay terminal plate 136 for signal relay. By controlling the operation of the solenoid 54, the open / close lid 78 of the big prize opening 34 can be opened and closed by reciprocating in the direction of arrow D2.
[0025]
The symbol control board 130 is mainly composed of a CPU 140, and includes a ROM 142 for storing a display control program, required data, and the like, and a RAM 144 for storing temporary data such as reception data and lottery data. The symbol control board 130 stores a symbol in advance and generates a character generator upon receiving a display command or the like, or a VDP (Video Display Processor) that receives a display information sent from the CPU 140 and displays the symbol on the liquid crystal display 64. ) Etc. The VDP is preferably one that can control display / non-display independently in two or more layers.
The CPU 140 executes a display control program stored in the ROM 142 and displays a symbol on the liquid crystal display 64. An EPROM is used for the ROM 142 and a DRAM is used for the RAM 144, but the above-described other types of memories may be arbitrarily used. Other components are the same as the well-known configuration, and illustration and description are omitted.
[0026]
One or both of the main control board 120 and the symbol control board 130 described above correspond to the drive control means 4. In the example of FIG. 3, the symbol control board 130, the voice control board 132, and the lamp control board 134 are directly controlled from the main control board 120, but the voice control board 132 is transmitted from the main control board 120 through the symbol control board 130. The lamp control board 134 may be indirectly controlled.
[0027]
In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, a procedure executed by the main control board 120 to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 shows a procedure for starting port processing for realizing the determination of winning of a pachinko ball to the starting port 30, and FIG. 6 shows a procedure for symbol display processing for realizing display from the start of change of the symbol group until it stops. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reach processing procedure for realizing fluctuations based on reach display and reach patterns, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a temperature estimation processing procedure for estimating the current temperature of the motor 82. Among these procedures, steps S52, S54, S56, and S62 in FIG. 7 correspond to the temperature management means 5, and steps S16 in FIG. 5 and steps S70 and S76 in FIG. 8 correspond to the measurement means 8, respectively. The temperature estimation process shown in 8 corresponds to the temperature estimation means 7. Hereinafter, the special hold number is simply referred to as “hold number”. The current temperature and the upper limit temperature are, for example, relative temperatures with room temperature as a reference temperature (that is, 0 degrees).
[0028]
In the starting port process shown in FIG. 5, it is first determined whether or not a pachinko ball has been won at the starting port 30 [step S10]. For example, if there is a detection signal from the start port sensor 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if there is no detection signal, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). If a pachinko ball wins at the start port 30 (YES), various random numbers are read and stored in the RAM 126 corresponding to each win [step S12]. As the random number read in step S12, one or both of a software random number using a counter or the like and a hardware random number using an oscillator or the like is used. The random numbers stored in the RAM 126 are, for example, a winning determination random number RA for determining whether or not a big hit, a winning symbol random number RB for specifying a winning symbol to be confirmed and displayed after the symbol variation is stopped, and stop from the start of symbol variation The random number RC for designating the display pattern and the like up to the above, the random number RD for the probability variation for determining whether or not the probability variation is performed, and the like are applicable. The winning symbols are, for example, jackpot symbols such as symbol patterns [333] and [777], and symbols other than the winning symbol are lost symbols.
[0029]
When various random numbers are stored in the RAM 126, a payout command is transmitted to the payout control board 112 in order to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the win [Step S14]. The number of winnings is increased [step S16]. After executing the step S16 or when the pachinko ball has not won the start opening 30 in the step S10 (NO), it is determined whether or not the change is impossible or whether or not the holding number is 0 or less [step. S18]. In other words, when the current game state is changing the symbol or when the game is a big hit game, it is determined that it cannot be changed, and when it is not in any state, it is determined that it can be changed. If the number of reservations is 0 or less, all the symbol variations related to the reservation have already been completed.
[0030]
If it is the time when the symbol can be changed and the number of holdings is 1 or more (NO in step S18), the number of holdings is reduced for future processing [step S20]. Then, the symbol variation process is executed so that the symbol variation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 64 with the digestion of the hold [step S22]. Here, a specific procedure of the symbol display process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0031]
In the symbol display process of FIG. 6, first, if the lottery result is a big hit (YES in step S30), a display command is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 to change the symbol of the first half [step S32], and reach symbol display and reach are performed. Reach processing is executed to realize the fluctuation [step S34].
Whether or not the lottery result is a big hit is determined based on whether or not the random number stored in step S12 of FIG. 5 (for example, the winning determination random number RA) matches the winning value. The number of winning values (for example, 5, 77, 123, etc.) stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the like is one or more. The display command transmitted in step S32 is based on a symbol pattern that is finally stopped and displayed based on a random number (for example, a winning symbol random number RB), a random number (for example, a symbol random number for symbol display RC), or the like. The contents of symbol variation to be displayed before reaching reach, that is, the variation pattern for reach, etc. are included. Here, a specific procedure of the reach process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032]
In the reach process of FIG. 7, first, the reach symbol (first symbol, second symbol) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 64 by the symbol variation performed in accordance with the display command transmitted in step S32 of FIG. 6 [step S50]. The reach symbol corresponds to a symbol pattern such as a symbol pattern [7 ↓ 7] or [55 ↓]. Note that “↓” in the symbol pattern means that it is changing.
[0033]
When the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature (current temperature ≧ upper limit temperature; YES in step S52), a plurality of reach patterns that perform symbol variation without including the drive of the reel 22 corresponding to the fourth reel. One or more reach patterns are determined from among [Step S62]. In step S52, it may be determined whether the room temperature reaches the upper limit temperature instead of the current temperature of the motor 82. The current temperature and room temperature of the motor 82 are estimated by executing a temperature estimation process shown in FIG. 8 to be described later. However, when the temperature sensor 88 is provided, the temperature may be measured by the temperature sensor 88. Although the upper limit temperature is a constant value (for example, 70 degrees), it is desirable to set (including changes during game) according to the installation location, date and season, etc. of the pachinko machine 10. The reach pattern corresponds to the latter half of the symbol variation from the reach to the stop of the variation, and the number, code, etc. corresponding to each reach pattern are stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the like.
[0034]
On the other hand, when the current temperature of the motor 82 has not reached the upper limit temperature (current temperature <upper limit temperature; NO in step S52), one or more reach patterns out of a plurality of reach patterns that perform symbol variation including driving of the reel 22 are selected. A reach pattern is determined [step S54]. However, in the reach pattern determined in step S54, there is a reach pattern in which the current temperature of the motor 82 exceeds the upper limit temperature depending on the time for driving the reel 22 during the symbol fluctuation after the reach (that is, the drive time). Can do.
Therefore, when it is predicted that the upper limit temperature will be reached based on the driving time of the reel 22 during the symbol variation (YES in step S56), a plurality of reach patterns that perform symbol variation without including the reel 22 driving are selected. One or more reach patterns are determined [step S62]. On the other hand, when it is predicted in step S56 that the upper limit temperature is not reached from the relationship between the current temperature of the motor 82 and the drive time (NO), the reach pattern determined in step S54 is used as it is.
[0035]
In this way, a display command including the reach pattern determined in steps S54 and S62 is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 to perform symbol variation in the latter half [step S58], and finally the symbol variation is stopped to determine the symbol. [3rd symbol display; step S60], and the reach process is terminated.
[0036]
Returning to FIG. 6, when the reach process of step S <b> 34 is completed, when a probability change is performed (YES in step S <b> 36), a display command including a probability change pattern for realizing the probability change is transmitted to the symbol control board 130. The symbol variation of the probability variation is performed [step S38]. Finally, the symbol variation of the probability variation is stopped to determine the symbol [step S40], and the symbol display process is finished. Whether or not the probability variation is performed is determined by whether or not a random number (for example, a random number RD for probability variation) matches the probability variation value. The number of probability variation values (for example, 77, 123, etc.) stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the like is one or more. On the other hand, when the probability variation is not performed (YES in step S36), the symbol display process is finished without doing anything.
Depending on the symbols stopped due to the probability variation, the probability that the lottery result will be a big hit from the end of the current jackpot game until the next big hit is increased, and the symbol variation period for the normal symbols is shortened. In addition, the probability of stopping at the winning symbol after the change and increasing the chance of winning is increased, and the period of symbol variation related to the normal symbol is shortened.
[0037]
If the lottery result is a losing in step S30 (NO in step S30), the symbol data for losing is read in order to display the losing symbol on the liquid crystal display 64 [step S42], and whether or not the losing symbol includes the reach symbol. [Step S44]. If the reach pattern is included (YES), the reach will be reached in the middle of the fluctuation although it will eventually be lost, so the above steps S32 and S34 are executed, but the probability fluctuation does not occur (NO in step S36). The symbol display process ends. On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not included in step S44 (NO), a display command is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 in the same manner as in step S32 [step S46], the symbol is changed in accordance with the display command, and then stopped at the lost symbol. [Step S48], the symbol display process ends.
[0038]
Returning to FIG. 5, when the symbol display process of step S22 is completed, it is determined whether or not the current lottery result is a big hit [step S24]. In the pachinko machine 10 which is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit in the same manner as in step S30 in FIG. If it is a big hit (YES), a big hit process is executed to give the player an opportunity to realize the big hit game and obtain a prize ball [step S26]. In the jackpot process, for example, the opening / closing lid 78 of the big prize opening 34 is opened only for a required period (for example, 30 seconds), and the prize balls are paid out according to the number of pachinko balls won in the big prize opening 34 or the like. Do. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot processing is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, when it is impossible to change in step S18 or the number of holds is 0 or less (YES), or when the lottery result is lost in step S24 (NO), the start port process is finished at that time. The pachinko game is continued by executing the start port process again.
[0039]
Next, in parallel with the start port process of FIG. 5, a procedure of a temperature estimation process executed every predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds or 5 milliseconds) using an interrupt function or the like will be described. Steps S70, S76, and S78 may be executed as necessary.
[0040]
In the temperature estimation process of FIG. 8, first, the operating time of the pachinko machine 10 is increased by the predetermined period [step S70]. This operating time corresponds to the time that has elapsed since the power was turned on, and is used to take into account the influence of heat generated by a substrate, a display, etc. disposed near the motor 82. If the motor 82 is being driven (YES in step S72), a temperature corresponding to the driving state of the motor 82 is selected [step S74], and the driving time of the motor 82 is increased by the predetermined period [step S76]. Then, the temperature selected in step S74 is corrected based on the operation time obtained in step S70, the driving time obtained in step S76, etc. [step S78], and the temperature selected in step S74 or the temperature corrected in step S78 is currently set. The temperature is added to the temperature [step S80], and the temperature estimation process ends. In this case, the temperature obtained by executing step S80 is the estimated temperature of the motor 82.
[0041]
FIG. 9 shows an example of the relationship between the driving state and the rising temperature when selecting the temperature according to the driving state of the motor 82. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a temperature change when the motor 82 is rotated and then stopped by braking. First, when the motor 82 is activated by 2-2 phase excitation from time t10 to time t12 (for example, several tens of milliseconds), the temperature rises from the temperature θ10 to the temperature θ12 at a rate of the temperature increase rate θa. When the rotation of the motor 82 is accelerated by 1-2 phase excitation between time t12 and time t14 (for example, several tens of seconds), the temperature rises from temperature θ12 to temperature θ14 at a rate of temperature rise rate θb. Further, when the motor 82 is rotated at a constant speed by the 1-1 phase excitation from time t14 to time t16 (for example, ten seconds or more), the temperature rises from the temperature θ14 to the temperature θ16 at a rate of the temperature increase rate θc. When the motor 82 is braked by all-phase excitation between time t16 and time t18, the temperature rises from the temperature θ16 to the temperature θ18 at a rate of the temperature increase rate θd. Since the motor 82 is stopped between the time t16 and the time t18, the motor 82 is dropped at a rate of the temperature drop rate θe due to heat radiation. Since the amount of heat generated by copper loss differs depending on which phase is excited, the rate of temperature rise is different. Step S74 in FIG. 8 selects a temperature corresponding to any one of θa, θb, and θc according to this example.
[0042]
Returning to FIG. 8, in the correction performed in step S <b> 78, for example, the coefficient Ka relating to the temperature rise due to the influence of the ambient temperature of the motor 82 is multiplied by the operation time or the temperature rise caused by the heat generated by operating the motor 82. After multiplying the coefficient Kb by the driving time, one or both of the calculation results are added to the temperature selected in step S74. By this correction, the temperature of the motor 82 can be grasped more accurately. In the case of a pachinko machine having a movable member that transports pachinko balls using a motor, the load applied to the motor varies depending on the number of pachinko balls to be transported. Therefore, for example, the number of pachinko balls transported by a winning sensor provided at the winning opening is counted, and the result obtained by multiplying the coefficient Kc for the temperature rise accompanying the increase in load by the number of pachinko balls is added to the temperature selected in step S74. do it. In addition, as a winning sensor, for example, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or the like provided in a big winning opening, a starting opening, or the like is applicable.
[0043]
If the motor 82 is stopped in step S72 (NO in step S72) and the current temperature of the motor 82 is 0 degrees or less (YES in step S82), it can be determined that the temperature of the motor 82 is substantially the same as the room temperature. Therefore, the temperature estimation process is finished without doing anything.
[0044]
On the other hand, even if the motor 82 is stopped in step S72 (NO in step S72) and if the current temperature of the motor 82 exceeds 0 degree (NO in step S82), the heat is released due to the stop. Subtract from the current temperature [step S84]. In the example of FIG. 9, the temperature corresponding to the temperature drop rate θe is subtracted from the current temperature. The temperature thus obtained is the estimated temperature of the motor 82, but is usually 0 degrees or more (YES in step S86), so the temperature estimation process is finished as it is. However, the current temperature may become a negative value due to subtraction (NO in step S86). Since this state is inappropriate because it means that the temperature of the motor 82 is lower than the room temperature, the current temperature is set to 0 degrees to match the room temperature [Step S88], and the temperature estimation process is finished. If the temperature of the motor 82 is substantially equal to the room temperature, it is not necessary to consider the heat generated by the rotational movement or braking of the motor 82, so the driving time of the motor 82 is set to 0 in step S88. In this example, the current temperature of the motor 82 is estimated, but the room temperature may be estimated.
[0045]
An example in which each process shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is executed to realize symbol variation by the reel 22 in relation to the current temperature of the motor 82 will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, for the sake of simplicity, an example in which the motor 82 is rotated and stopped after the excitation procedure shown in FIG. 9 will be described. Note that the current temperature of the motor 82 at the first time t30 is the temperature θ30, and the upper limit temperature is the temperature θL (illustrated by a one-dot chain line).
[0046]
When the current temperature of the motor 82 is lower than the upper limit temperature, the symbol 22 is changed using the reel 22, so that the motor 82 is driven (steps S52 and S54 in FIG. 7). That is, since the motor 82 is driven from the time t30 to the time t32, the current temperature of the motor 82 also rises from the temperature θ30 to the temperature θ36 (steps S72 to S80 in FIG. 8). However, since the motor 82 is stopped from the time t32 to the time t34, the temperature is decreased from the temperature θ36 to the temperature θ34 by heat radiation (steps S72, S82, and S84 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, since the motor 82 is driven from time t34 to time t36, the current temperature of the motor 82 also increases from the temperature θ34 to the temperature θ40 (steps S72 to S80 in FIG. 8). Since the motor 82 is stopped again from the time t36 to the time t38, the temperature falls from the temperature θ40 to the temperature θ38 due to heat radiation (steps S72, S82, and S84 in FIG. 8).
[0047]
However, in the driving of the motor 82 performed from the time t38, the current temperature of the motor 82 at the time t38 is the temperature θ38. Therefore, considering the driving time, the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the temperature θ42 and the upper limit temperature (temperature It can be predicted that θL) will be exceeded. In this case, the pattern is changed only by the liquid crystal display 64, and the motor 82 is cooled by heat radiation (steps S56 and S62 in FIG. 7). Similarly, when the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature at the time t34 or t38, the motor 82 is cooled by heat radiation (steps S52 and S62 in FIG. 7). Due to this cooling, the current temperature of the motor 82, which was at the temperature θ40 at time t36, drops to the temperature θ32 at time t40. Therefore, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented.
[0048]
According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(A1) A reel 22 provided in the composite accessory device 14, a motor 82 for moving the reel 22, and a main control board 120 (or a symbol control board 130) capable of controlling the driving of the motor 82 based on the lottery result. And temperature management means 5 for suppressing the driving of the motor 82 based on the temperature {see FIGS. 7 and 8}. Since driving of the motor 82 is suppressed, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented. In addition, since it is not necessary to enlarge the heat sink or increase the number of the heat sinks, the composite accessory device 14 can be made compact.
In this example, the driving / non-driving of the motor 82 is controlled for each symbol variation {see steps S52, S54, S56, and S62 in FIG. 7}, but the maximum rotational speed of the motor 82 is reduced or the symbol is varying. Even if the maximum driving time of the motor 82 is shortened and the driving force is controlled to be suppressed, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented.
[0049]
(A2) The reel 22 provided in the composite accessory device 14 is not involved in the flow path of the pachinko balls. Therefore, even when the main control board 120 (or the symbol control board 130) controls the driving of the motor 82 regardless of the lottery result, the temperature management means 5 suppresses the driving of the motor 82 based on the temperature {FIG. , See FIG. Therefore, overheating of the motor 82 that rotates the reel 22 provided for production can be prevented. If the driving of the motor 82 is suppressed, the movement of the reel 22 is suppressed. However, the reel 22 does not affect the flow path of the pachinko balls, and therefore the function of the pachinko machine 10 is not hindered.
[0050]
(A3) The operating time of the pachinko machine 10 is measured (step S70 in FIG. 8), the driving time of the motor 82 is measured (step S76 in FIG. 8), or the pachinko ball is measured by a winning sensor provided at the winning opening. The number was counted. Then, the temperature is corrected based on these measurement results, and the current temperature of the motor 82 is estimated (steps S78 and S80 in FIG. 8). The temperature estimation process of FIG. 8 not only estimates the current temperature according to the driving state of the motor 82 but also functions to measure the operating time and driving time. The winning sensor is not only responsible for detecting the winning, but also used for predicting a temperature rise from a load applied to the motor. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be kept low while preventing the motor 82 from overheating.
[0051]
(A4) When the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature (temperature θL in the example of FIG. 10), the driving of the motor 82 is suppressed (step S62 in FIG. 7). The overheating of the motor 82 is often affected not only by the current temperature of the motor 82 but also by the room temperature. Therefore, the driving of the motor 82 may be suppressed based on the room temperature. By doing so, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented more reliably.
[0052]
[Other Embodiments]
In the pachinko machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.
(B1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, it is a game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.), and includes a movable member 1, a drive body 2, and a drive control means 4. The present invention can be similarly applied to the above. Even in the other game machines, the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed under a certain condition, so that the driving body 2 can be prevented from being overheated.
[0053]
(B2) In the above embodiment, the reel 22 formed of a member formed in a drum shape or a belt shape, that is, an annular member is applied as the movable member 1 (see FIG. 3). As described above, a member provided in the accessory device and partially or entirely configured to be movable may be applied as the movable member 1. For example, a character member for performance, a rotating member formed by imitating a roulette, a rocking member formed by imitating a seesaw, a sliding member capable of reciprocating in a slidable manner, and the like are applicable. These movable members 1 may be disposed at positions that do not participate in the flow path of the pachinko sphere, or may be disposed on the flow path that changes the trend by transferring or distributing the pachinko sphere. In particular, with respect to the movable member 1 arranged at a position not involved in the flow path of the pachinko ball, the movement of the movable member 1 is also suppressed when the driving of the driving body 2 such as the motor 82 is suppressed. Since the member 1 does not affect the flow path of the pachinko balls, the function of the pachinko machine 10 is not hindered.
[0054]
(B3) In the above-described embodiment, the motor 82 is applied as the driving body 2 (see FIG. 3). However, even if a device that generates heat upon driving, such as a solenoid or a piezoelectric element, is applied as the driving body 2. Good. Also in this case, overheating of the driving body 2 can be prevented.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since it is configured to suppress driving of the driving body under a certain condition, overheating of the driving body can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a reel device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of various substrates and apparatuses.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a start port process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of symbol display processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reach processing.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a timer processing procedure;
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a temperature change of a motor and an excitation state.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temperature that changes over time.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Movable member
1a design
1b Outer periphery
2 Driving body
3 Equipment
4 Drive control means
5 Temperature control means
6 Temperature sensor
7 Temperature estimation means
8 Measuring means
10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
14 Compound equipment device
22 reel (movable member)
22a Outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral part)
22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f
64 Liquid crystal display (display unit)
68 Start sensor (measuring means)
74 Winning sensor (measuring means)
80 reel device
82 Motor (Driver)
88 Temperature sensor
120 Main control board (drive control means, temperature management means, temperature estimation means)
122,140 CPU
124, 142 ROM (storage unit)
126,144 RAM (storage unit)
130 Symbol control board (drive control means)

Claims (1)

A fourth reel for performance that is provided in the accessory device and is rotated only when a specific reach action is selected by random number lottery ;
A motor for moving the fourth reel;
Drive control means capable of controlling the drive of the motor;
Temperature estimating means for estimating the temperature of the motor based on the driving state and driving time of the motor;
When the current temperature of the motor estimated by the temperature estimation means reaches a preset upper limit temperature, one or more reach among a plurality of reach patterns that change symbols without driving the fourth reel. A gaming machine having temperature management means for suppressing driving of the motor by determining a pattern.

Images