JP6232298B2 - Steel ball detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steel ball detector that detects the passage of a steel ball.

  A plurality of steel ball detectors for detecting that a steel ball (pachinko ball) has passed a winning opening or the like are attached to a game machine using a steel ball, for example, a pachinko machine. As such a steel ball detector, there are known one that optically detects the passage of a steel ball (optical type), one that is detected by a combination of a permanent magnet and a magnetic detection sensor (magnetic type), and the like. .

  The optical steel ball detector detects the passage of the steel ball by utilizing the fact that the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting unit and reaching the light receiving unit changes due to the passage of the steel ball. However, in an optical steel ball detector, the intensity of light reaching the light receiving unit may change due to dirt attached to the light emitting unit or deterioration of the light emitting element. That is, the detection accuracy may decrease with time.

  The magnetic steel ball detector detects that a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet (bias magnet) changes due to the passage of a steel ball, which is a magnetic body, using a magnetic detection sensor. Unlike the optical type, such a magnetic steel ball detector is relatively less likely to cause a decrease in detection accuracy with the passage of time, and can operate stably over a long period of time.

  Patent Document 1 below describes an example of a magnetic steel ball detector. This steel ball detector has a case in which a through-hole that is a passage for the steel ball is formed, and a permanent magnet and a magnetic detection sensor are arranged in the case so as to sandwich the through-hole. It has become.

  The steel ball detector described in the following Patent Document 1 has a magnetoresistive element as a magnetic sensor, and the midpoint voltage of the magnetoresistive element (may be referred to as the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetoresistive element). A passing signal (rectangular wave) indicating the passing of the steel ball is output based on whether or not has changed beyond a predetermined threshold. Further, in Patent Document 1 below, even when a plurality of steel balls pass in a continuous state, the result is that the midpoint voltage of the magnetoresistive element changes beyond a predetermined threshold each time each steel ball passes. It is shown that the same number of passing signals as the number of passing steel balls are output. The state in which the plurality of steel balls are “connected” refers to a state in which the plurality of steel balls are arranged in a line and are in contact (or close to each other).

  The output of the passing signal by the conventional steel ball detector as described above will be described with reference to FIG. That is, a method for generating and outputting a passage signal based on whether or not the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor has changed beyond a predetermined threshold will be described. The upper graph in FIG. 6A shows the change over time in the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor of the steel ball detector when a single steel ball passes in the vicinity of the conventional steel ball detector. Show. Further, the lower graph of FIG. 6A shows the change with time of the voltage between the output terminals of the steel ball detector at this time.

  The “magnetic field strength” detected by the magnetic detection sensor can be expressed by using various indexes such as magnetic flux density, magnetic field, and resistance value of the magnetoresistive element, but in FIG. The vertical axis indicates the magnitude of the magnetic flux density at the position of the magnetic detection sensor as “the strength of the magnetic field” detected by the magnetic detection sensor. Also in the following description, the magnetic flux density is used as an example of an index indicating the “magnetic field strength” detected by the magnetic detection sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the steel ball passes through the vicinity (detection region) of the steel ball detector, a part of the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet is attracted to the steel ball, which is a magnetic material. The magnitude of the magnetic flux density in the sensor is temporarily reduced from the initial initial value B0. Thereafter, when the steel ball moves away, the magnetic flux density increases and returns to the initial value B0.

In the steel ball detector, a threshold value Bt is set as a threshold value for the magnetic flux density. The steel ball detector has a configuration in which the voltage between the output terminals of the steel ball detector changes from the voltage V _L to the voltage V _{H when the} magnetic flux density falls below the threshold value Bt as the steel ball passes. In other words, when the steel ball passes through the detection region, the voltage between the output terminals is set to the voltage V _H and is output to the outside. That is, by changing the voltage between the output terminals from the voltage V _L to the voltage V _H , a signal indicating the passage of the steel ball (pass signal) is output to the outside.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the magnetic flux density falls below the threshold value Bt at time t1 due to the approach of the steel ball, the voltage between the output terminals is changed from the voltage V _L to the voltage at this time. Change to V _H. That is, the output of the passage signal is started. Thereafter, when the steel ball moves away and the magnetic flux density exceeds the threshold value Bt at time t2, the voltage between the output terminals returns from the voltage V _H to the voltage V _L at this time. That is, the output of the passage signal is stopped.

JP-A-9-290044

  Incidentally, in the conventional steel ball detector, in order to limit the path through which the steel ball passes, for example, a ring-shaped guide member (in the above-mentioned patent document 1, “passage cylinder portion 51” of “holding frame 5”. In general, the guide member protrudes toward the player side from the board surface of the pachinko machine. However, in consideration of the aesthetic appearance of the board surface of the pachinko machine, it may be preferable that a part of the steel ball detector (guide member) is not visually recognized by the player. For this reason, it is considered that there is no guide member for limiting the path through which the steel ball passes and that the entire steel ball detector is arranged behind the board surface of the pachinko machine.

  In such a configuration, the passing path of the steel ball is not limited by the guide member. The steel balls pass relatively freely through the interior of the space sandwiched between the pachinko board surface and the glass plate. For this reason, the trajectory when the steel ball passes through the vicinity of the steel ball detector installed on the back side of the board surface may be a track near the board surface, or a track far from the board surface (close to the glass plate) Sometimes it becomes.

When a steel ball passes through a track far from the board surface (which can be said to be a track far from the permanent magnet of the steel ball detector), the magnetic flux attracted to the steel ball is reduced. Decrease amount decreases. As a result, as shown in the upper graph of FIG. 6B, there may be a case where the magnetic flux density that starts decreasing after time t1 returns to the initial value B0 without falling below the threshold value Bt. In this case, as shown in the lower graph of FIG. 6B, the voltage between the output terminals remains at the voltage V _L , and the passing signal indicating the passing is the same even though the steel ball has passed. It is not output externally.

  In addition, a single steel ball may not be passed, but a plurality of steel balls may pass in a continuous state. In this case, an accurate pass signal may be output to the outside. It becomes difficult. This point will be described with reference to FIG. The upper graph in FIG. 7 (A) shows the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor of the steel ball detector when passing through the vicinity of the conventional steel ball detector in a state where three steel balls are connected. The change with time is shown. Further, the lower graph of FIG. 7A shows the change with time of the voltage between the output terminals of the steel ball detector at this time.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when each steel ball in a continuous state passes, the waveform does not become such that the magnetic flux density returns to the initial value B0 each time each steel ball passes. . The waveform of the magnetic flux density during the passage of the steel ball becomes a waveform that undulates the range shown between the dotted line DL1 and the dotted line DL2 in FIG. 7A, and after all of the continuous steel balls have passed. Only, the magnetic flux density returns to the initial value B0. Therefore, as shown in the lower graph of FIG. 7A, in order to output three passage signals corresponding to the passage of the three steel balls, the threshold Bt is between the dotted line DL1 and the dotted line DL2. Must be set to That is, the threshold value Bt must be set in a relatively narrow range so that the value is included in the amplitude of the magnetic flux density waveform during the passage of the steel ball. In other words, the threshold value Bt must be set as a value that penetrates all the waveforms of the magnetic flux density corresponding to the passage of each steel ball.

  In such a narrow range, the threshold value Bt is set in a steel ball detector having a configuration in which the passage path of the steel ball is limited by the guide member (even if the range is narrow, the upper and lower limit values thereof are always constant. From) is relatively easy. However, in the steel ball detector having a configuration in which the guide path is not limited and the steel ball passage route is not limited, the range in which the threshold value Bt should be set is narrow and fluctuates. Is very difficult (or impossible) to set. For example, when three steel balls pass through a track far from the board surface, the threshold value Bt must be set between the dotted line DL3 and the dotted line DL4 in the upper graph of FIG. The range in which the threshold value Bt is to be set is shifted upward in FIG. 7B than in the case of FIG.

For this reason, when the threshold value Bt is set between the dotted line DL1 and the dotted line DL2 in FIG. 7A, the magnetic flux density returns to the initial value B0 without falling below the threshold value Bt. As a result, similarly to the case shown in the lower graph of FIG. 6B, the voltage between the output terminals remains at the voltage V _L , and the passage indicating the passage is passed even though three steel balls have passed. The signal is never output to the outside.

  The range between the dotted line DL3 and the dotted line DL4 does not overlap with the range between the dotted line DL1 and the dotted line DL2 shown in FIG. Even if they overlap, the overlapping range is very narrow. As is clear from this, a steel ball in a state where a plurality of steel balls are connected can reliably output a passing signal both when passing through a track close to the board surface and when passing through a track far from the board surface. It is very difficult or impossible to set the threshold value Bt.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the magnetic detection sensor 40 and the permanent magnet 30 are arranged along the passing trajectory VW of the steel ball SB, the plurality of steel balls SB pass in a connected state. When the trajectory VW is passed, the entire magnetic flux density waveform in the magnetic detection sensor 40 is a tilted graph. When three steel balls SB approach and pass from the magnetic detection sensor 40 side as shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic flux density when the third steel ball SB passes is the first steel ball SB. Since the value decreases to a value lower than the magnetic flux density at the time of passing through, the entire graph falls to the right.

  In this case, no matter what value the threshold value Bt is set, it is impossible to output a passing signal corresponding to the number of steel balls SB. In other words, it is impossible to set the threshold value Bt as a value that penetrates all the magnetic flux density waveforms corresponding to the passage of each steel ball. For example, as shown in the lowermost graph of FIG. 8, when the threshold value Bt is set so as to penetrate the waveform of the magnetic flux density corresponding to the passage of the third steel ball SB (the last waveform), 3 Despite the passage of the individual steel balls SB, the passage signal is output to the outside only once.

  As described above, in the steel ball detector having a configuration in which the guide member is not provided and the whole is disposed on the back side of the board surface of the pachinko machine, the path through which the steel ball passes is not limited. It has been difficult to appropriately set a threshold value for accurately outputting. In particular, when a plurality of steel balls pass in succession, it has been almost impossible to appropriately set a threshold value for accurately outputting a passage signal corresponding to the number of balls.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and its purpose is to accurately detect the passage of a steel ball even when the whole is arranged on the back side of the board surface of the pachinko machine, and to pass the signal. Is to provide a steel ball detector that can output to the outside.

  In order to solve the above problems, a steel ball detector according to the present invention is a steel ball detector that detects the passage of a steel ball, a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic detection sensor that detects the magnetic field; A signal processing unit that generates a passing signal indicating the passage of the steel ball based on a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor, and outputs the passing signal to the outside, the signal processing unit comprising: When the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor changes from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency, the output of the passing signal is started, and the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor is not increasing. The output of the passing signal is stopped.

  The steel ball detector according to the present invention includes a permanent magnet, a magnetic detection sensor, and a signal processing unit. The permanent magnet is a so-called bias magnet, and generates a magnetic field around it. The magnetic detection sensor is, for example, a magnetoresistive element, and is a sensor for detecting a magnetic field (for example, magnetic flux density) by a permanent magnet and converting it into an electric signal. In the steel ball detector according to the present invention, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (the magnetic field at the position of the magnetic detection sensor) is caused by the passage of the steel ball, which is a magnetic body, in the same manner as a general magnetic steel ball detector. A change is detected by a magnetic detection sensor.

  The signal processing unit is a part that generates a passing signal indicating the passing of the steel ball based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor and outputs the passing signal to the outside. The form of the passing signal is not particularly limited. For example, a rectangular wave electric signal can be considered.

  The signal processing unit is configured to start outputting a passing signal when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor changes from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency. Further, when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor is not increasing, the output of the passing signal is stopped.

  As described above, the steel ball detector according to the present invention is not based on the comparison result between the detected magnetic field strength and the predetermined threshold value, but the tendency (decreasing tendency or increasing tendency) of the detected magnetic field strength. Is configured to start and stop the output of the passage signal. For this reason, for example, even if the distance between the trajectory through which the steel ball passes and the steel ball detector is increased, and the amount of change in the detected magnetic field strength is reduced due to the distance, the passing signal is reliably generated. And output to the outside. Moreover, even when a plurality of steel balls pass in succession, it is possible to generate an accurate passing signal according to the number of passing balls and output it to the outside.

  In the steel ball detector according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the magnetic detection sensor and the permanent magnet are arranged in a line along a direction in which the steel ball passes.

  In this preferred embodiment, the magnetic detection sensor and the permanent magnet are arranged in a line along the direction in which the steel ball passes. Since it is not necessary to sandwich the trajectory of the steel ball between the magnetic detection sensor and the permanent magnet, the entire steel ball detector can be disposed on the back side of the board surface of the pachinko machine.

  As a result of such an arrangement, the passing trajectory of the steel ball on the front side of the board surface is not limited, and the distance between the passing trajectory and the steel ball detector can be changed. However, even in such a state, the passing signal can be reliably generated and output to the outside as described above.

  In the steel ball detector according to the present invention, the magnetic detection sensor includes a first magnetic detection sensor and a second magnetic detection sensor that are arranged apart from each other, and the first magnetic detection sensor and the permanent magnet. The second magnetic detection sensors are arranged in order along the direction in which the steel balls pass, and the signal processing unit is the passing signal based on the detection of the first magnetic detection sensor. It is also preferable that the first passage signal and the second passage signal that is the passage signal based on the detection of the second magnetic detection sensor are generated and output, respectively.

  In this preferred embodiment, the magnetic detection sensor includes a first magnetic detection sensor and a second magnetic detection sensor that are arranged apart from each other, and the first magnetic detection sensor, the permanent magnet, and the second magnetic detection sensor are made of steel. They are arranged in order along the direction in which the sphere passes. The signal processing unit generates a passage signal (first passage signal) based on detection by the first magnetic detection sensor and a passage signal (second passage signal) based on detection by the second magnetic detection sensor, respectively. It is configured to output. When each passing signal is an electrical signal, the steel ball detector includes, for example, four terminals for outputting the passing signal.

  In this way, two magnetic detection sensors (first magnetic detection sensor, second magnetic detection sensor) are arranged at different positions along the direction in which the steel ball passes, and each magnetic detection sensor is used for detection. Based on this, two passing signals (first passing signal and second passing signal) are output. For this reason, based on the difference in timing between the first passing signal and the second passing signal, it is possible not only to detect whether the steel ball has passed, but also to identify the passing direction of the steel ball. .

  In the steel ball detector according to the present invention, it is also preferable that a distance from the first magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet and a distance from the second magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet are equal to each other.

  In this preferable aspect, the distance from the first magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet and the distance from the second magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet are equal to each other. With such a configuration, the change amount of the magnetic field detected by the first magnetic detection sensor and the change amount of the magnetic field detected by the second magnetic detection sensor are substantially the same. As a result, a processing circuit (such as a bridge circuit or a noise removal filter) for generating a first passage signal based on the detection of the first magnetic detection sensor, and a second passage signal based on the detection of the second magnetic detection sensor The processing circuit for generating can be designed as circuits having substantially the same configuration, and the manufacturing cost of the steel ball detector can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a steel ball detector capable of accurately detecting the passing of a steel ball and outputting a passing signal to the outside even when the entirety of the pachinko machine is disposed behind the board surface. can do.

It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the steel ball detector which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state by which the steel ball detector shown in FIG. 1 was attached to the pachinko machine. In the steel ball detector shown in FIG. 1, it is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of the single steel ball passing. In the steel ball detector shown in FIG. 1, it is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of a some steel ball passing. In the steel ball detector shown in FIG. 1, it is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of a some steel ball passing. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of the single steel ball passing in the conventional steel ball detector. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of the several steel ball passing in the conventional steel ball detector. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to produce | generate and output the passage signal at the time of the several steel ball passing in the conventional steel ball detector.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a steel ball detector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The steel ball detector 10 is a magnetic steel ball detector that is attached to a pachinko machine and detects that a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as “steel ball SB”) has passed through a winning opening or the like. It is. The steel ball detector 10 is attached in the vicinity of a winning opening such as a tulip in the pachinko machine or in the middle of the launch rail. When the steel ball SB passes in the vicinity of the steel ball detector 10, the steel ball detector 10 detects this, and sends a passage signal described later to the outside (for example, a control device for controlling the operation of the entire pachinko machine). Output to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the steel ball detector 10 has a configuration in which a substrate 20 and the like described later are housed in a rectangular case CS, and has four terminals (power input terminals) extending outward from the case CS. 61, a ground terminal 62, a first signal output terminal 63, and a second signal output terminal 64). The passage signal output when the passage of the steel ball SB is detected is output to the outside through the ground terminal 62, the first signal output terminal 63, and the second signal output terminal 64.

  The steel ball detector 10 includes a permanent magnet 30, a first magnetic detection sensor 41, a second magnetic detection sensor 42, and a processing circuit 50, which are provided on one surface of the rectangular substrate 20 (see FIG. 1 is mounted on the upper surface). In addition, since these permanent magnets 30 etc. are accommodated in the case CS, they cannot actually be visually recognized from the outside. However, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. A permanent magnet 30 and the like are illustrated.

  In FIG. 1, the normal direction of the surface of the substrate 20 on which the permanent magnet 30 or the like is mounted (the upward direction in FIG. 1 is equal to the normal direction of the upper surface of the case CS) is z. An axis is set. Further, the y-axis is set with the direction from the permanent magnet 30 toward the terminal (the first signal output terminal 63 or the like) side along the long side of the substrate 20 as the y direction. Furthermore, the x-axis is set with the direction from the first magnetic detection sensor 41 toward the second magnetic detection sensor 42 along the short side of the substrate 20 being the x direction. In the subsequent drawings, the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis are similarly set.

  In the steel ball detector 10, a z-direction side surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the rectangular case CS is a detection surface, and detects that the steel ball has passed along the detection surface. . As will be described later, the steel ball detector 10 is attached in a state where the detection surface is in contact with the back side of the board surface of the pachinko machine.

  The permanent magnet 30 is a so-called bias magnet and generates a magnetic field (magnetic flux) around it. In the present embodiment, the magnetization direction (magnetization direction) of the permanent magnet 30 is the z direction. That is, the upper surface side (z direction side) of the permanent magnet 30 is an N pole, and the lower surface side (−z direction side) is an S pole. The magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 30 extends from the N pole of the permanent magnet 30 along the z direction toward the front side of the board surface of the pachinko machine, and passes through the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the like which will be described later along the substantially -z direction. After that, it returns to the S pole of the permanent magnet 30 from the −z direction side of the substrate 20. When the steel ball SB, which is a magnetic body, passes near the permanent magnet 30, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 30, that is, the distribution of magnetic flux, changes.

  The first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are both magnetoresistive elements, and are elements that change the magnitude of electrical resistance in accordance with the magnetic flux density. As a result, the fact that the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) has changed due to the passage of the steel ball SB can be converted into an electrical signal in the processing circuit 50 described later and output as a passing signal from the first signal output terminal 63 or the like. ing. Specifically, a passing signal (hereinafter also referred to as “first passing signal”) based on the magnetic flux density detected by the first magnetic detection sensor 41 is used to change the voltage between the first signal output terminal 63 and the ground terminal 62. And a passing signal (hereinafter also referred to as “second passing signal”) based on the magnetic flux density detected by the second magnetic detection sensor 42 is output as a change in the voltage between the second signal output terminal 64 and the ground terminal 62. It is the composition to do.

  The first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are both arranged such that the magnetic sensitive axis direction is the x direction. The embodiment for carrying out the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment, and the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic sensor 41 are arranged so that the respective magnetosensitive axis directions are, for example, the z direction. A detection sensor 42 may be arranged.

  The processing circuit 50 is an electric circuit for realizing the conversion to the passing signal as described above, and a circuit in which the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the like are incorporated as a resistance element in part or all of the bridge circuit; The analog signal output from the circuit (a signal based on the detected magnetic flux density) is combined with a circuit for converting it into a rectangular wave-like passing signal by a method described later. The processing circuit 50 corresponds to the signal processing unit in the present invention.

  As the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42, a magnetoresistive element may be used as described above, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. For example, any element that can convert a change in magnetic flux density into an electric signal, such as a Hall element or a magnetic impedance element, can be used as the first magnetic detection sensor 41 or the like.

  The first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 have the same type and shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the first magnetic detection sensor 41, the permanent magnet 30, and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are arranged in a straight line on the substrate 20. Specifically, when viewed along the z direction, the respective center positions (center positions in the y direction) of the first magnetic detection sensor 41, the permanent magnet 30, and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are in the x direction. It is arranged in a straight line along.

  As described above, the steel ball detector 10 detects that the steel ball SB has passed along the detection surface, but the entire surface on the z direction side of the rectangular case CS is the detection surface. Instead, only the vicinity of the permanent magnet 30 is a detection surface. The steel ball detector 10 is configured as a sensor that detects that the steel ball SB has passed along the x direction or the −x direction immediately above the permanent magnet 30 (near the z direction side). That is, the sensor is configured to detect that the steel ball SB has passed along the arrow AR shown in FIG. 1 (or in the opposite direction). The arrow AR is an arrow passing through the center positions (center positions in the y direction) of the first magnetic detection sensor 41, the permanent magnet 30, and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 when viewed along the z direction.

  Therefore, when the steel ball detector 10 is attached to the pachinko machine, the path (passage trajectory) through which the steel ball SB passes along the front side of the board surface and the arrow AR shown in FIG. The steel ball detectors 10 are attached so as to overlap each other when viewed. Note that the steel ball detector 10 does not detect the steel ball only when the center of the steel ball SB passes along the arrow AR shown in FIG. 1 (exactly), but in the vicinity of the arrow AR (for example, It is possible to detect even when passing a trajectory shifted along the y direction or the z direction. In other words, the range of the trajectory in which the steel ball detector 10 can detect the passage of the steel ball SB has a certain width.

  As apparent from the above description, the steel ball detector 10 indicates that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux reaching the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the like from the permanent magnet 30 changes due to the passage of the steel ball SB that is a magnetic body. The first magnetic sensor 41 is used for detection. It should be noted that only one of the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 needs to be provided if it is only determined whether or not the steel ball SB has passed. As will be described later, the steel ball detector 10 includes only two magnetic detection sensors (the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42), thereby only determining whether or not the steel ball SB has passed. In addition, it is possible to determine the passing direction of the steel ball SB.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the steel ball detector 10 is attached to the pachinko machine PC. The pachinko machine PC is configured such that the steel ball SB moves substantially along the board surface BD in a thin plate-like space sandwiched between the board surface BD and the glass plate GL. A plurality of winning openings (not shown) are formed in the pachinko machine PC. When the steel ball SB is guided by a nail or the like and passes through the winning opening, an additional steel ball SB is paid out as a prize. The steel ball detector 10 is attached to a position corresponding to each winning hole on the back side of the board surface BD in order to detect that the steel ball SB has passed through the winning hole.

  Specifically, there is a path through which the steel ball SB passes toward the prize opening (a path indicated by a reference sign VW in FIG. 2, hereinafter referred to as a passing trajectory VW) and an arrow AR shown in FIG. The steel ball detector 10 is fixed to the back surface of the board surface BD so as to be substantially overlapped when viewed along the z direction. The detection surface of the steel ball detector 10 is in contact with a portion corresponding to the passing track VW on the back surface of the board surface BD.

  Therefore, the steel ball SB passes through the first magnetic detection sensor 41 in the z direction, the permanent magnet 30 in the z direction, and the second magnetic detection sensor 42 in the z direction. In FIG. 2, a virtual plane that is a plane including the passing trajectory VW and is parallel to the board surface BD is indicated by a symbol VS. Hereinafter, the plane is referred to as a track surface VS.

  FIG. 2 shows two passing tracks VW and track surfaces VS corresponding to the passing tracks VW. Even when the steel ball SB passes along the passing track VW close to the glass plate GL (upper side in FIG. 2), the steel ball detector 10 is close to the board surface BD (lower side in FIG. 2). Even when the steel ball SB passes along the VW, the passage of the steel ball SB can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distance from the first magnetic detection sensor 41 to the permanent magnet 30 and the distance from the permanent magnet 30 to the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are equal to each other (L1). Further, the distance from the z-direction side surface of the permanent magnet 30 to the z-direction side surface of the first magnetic detection sensor 41, and the z-direction side surface of the second magnetism detection sensor 42 from the z-direction side surface of the permanent magnet 30. The distance to the surface is the same distance (L2).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steel ball detector 10 is not configured to sandwich the passage orbit VW between the permanent magnet 30 and the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the like, but the permanent magnet 30 and the first magnetic detection sensor. 41 etc. are arranged so as to be aligned along the track surface VS. For this reason, instead of projecting a part of the steel ball detector 10 (for example, a ring-shaped guide member) to the front side of the board surface BD, the steel ball detector 10 is disposed on the back side of the board surface BD. It is possible to detect the passage of the sphere SB.

  An operation in which the steel ball detector 10 generates and outputs a passage signal will be described with reference to FIG. The graph shown in the upper part of FIG. 3 shows the change over time in the magnetic flux density (the strength of the magnetic field) detected by the first magnetic detection sensor 41 when the single steel ball SB passes through the passing trajectory VW. . Also, the graph shown in the lower part of FIG. 3 shows the time-lapse of the voltage between the first signal output terminal 63 and the ground terminal 62 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “voltage of the first signal output terminal 63”) at this time. It shows a change.

  As shown in the upper graph of FIG. 3, when the steel ball SB passes through the passing track VW, a part of the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 30 is attracted to the steel ball SB which is a magnetic body. The magnitude of the magnetic flux density at 41 temporarily decreases from the initial initial value B0. Thereafter, when the steel ball SB moves away, the magnetic flux density increases and returns to the initial value B0.

  Since the upper graph in FIG. 3 is schematically drawn, the waveform of the change in the magnetic flux density is symmetric, but actually, the waveform is asymmetric. Specifically, the slope when the magnetic flux density is decreased becomes steeper, and the slope when the magnetic flux density is increased becomes gentler. This is because the steel ball SB approaches from the first magnetic detection sensor 41 side and then moves away to the permanent magnet 30 side.

  When the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 changes as shown in FIG. 3 as the steel ball SB passes, the electric resistance value of the first magnetic detection sensor 41 also changes. The processing circuit 50 measures the change in the electrical resistance value of the first magnetic detection sensor 41 as described above as a change in voltage at a predetermined location in the bridge circuit, and constantly samples the change.

Based on the sampled voltage, the processing circuit 50 repeatedly determines whether the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 is decreasing or increasing in a predetermined cycle. If it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency, the voltage at the first signal output terminal 63 is changed from V _L (Low) to V _H (High) at that time (time t3 in FIG. 3). . That is, a signal (first passing signal) obtained by setting the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 to V _H is generated and output to the outside.

Thereafter, when it is determined that the steel ball SB has moved away and the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 has returned to the initial value B0, in other words, when it is determined that the magnetic flux density has ceased to increase, the time (in FIG. 3) At time t4), the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 is changed from V _H (High) to V _L (Low). That is, the output of the first passage signal to the outside is stopped.

  Thus, in the steel ball detector 10 according to the present embodiment, the detection is not based on whether the magnetic flux density (the strength of the magnetic field) in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 has changed beyond a predetermined threshold. Based on the change tendency (decrease tendency or increase tendency) of magnetic flux density, it is comprised so that the output of a 1st passage signal may be started and stopped. For this reason, for example, even if the distance between the trajectory VL through which the steel ball SB passes and the steel ball detector 10 is increased and the amount of change in the magnetic flux density is reduced due to the influence, the first passing signal is reliably transmitted. It can be generated and output to the outside.

  In addition, as a structure which changes the voltage of the 1st signal output terminal 63 based on the tendency of the change of the magnetic flux density in the 1st magnetic detection sensor 41, it is set as various aspects, without being limited to the structure of a present Example. be able to. For example, the voltage sampling in the processing circuit 50 may sample the entire voltage waveform when the steel ball SB passes, or may sample only the waveform of the latest extremely short time. Further, instead of housing the processing circuit 50 in the case CS, the processing circuit 50 may be configured as a signal processing unit arranged outside the case CS.

  The processing circuit 50 samples the voltage at a predetermined location in the bridge circuit as described above. However, the processing circuit 50 may be configured to perform various filter processes on the waveform of the sampled voltage. Examples of the filter process include a process that performs a moving average process, a DC component cut, a high-pass filter, and the like. By performing such filter processing, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection and erroneous determination due to disturbance noise or the like.

The generation of the first passing signal by the processing circuit 50 is a process of converting an analog waveform of the sampled voltage into a digital waveform, and can be performed by, for example, a combination of differentiation processing and filter processing. However, if V _H (High) and V _L (Low) can be switched as described above, the necessary configuration is not particularly limited.

  In the above description, the method of generating the first passage signal based on the detection of the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and outputting it to the outside from the first signal output terminal 63 and the ground terminal 62 has been described. The generation and output of are performed in a similar manner.

That is, when it is determined that the magnetic flux density detected by the second magnetic detection sensor 42 has changed from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency, the processing circuit 50 at that time, the voltage between the second signal output terminal 64 and the ground terminal 62 ( Hereinafter, the voltage is also simply expressed as “voltage of the second signal output terminal 64” from V _L (Low) to V _H (High). That is, a signal (second passing signal) based on the voltage V _{H of} the second signal output terminal 64 is generated and output to the outside.

After that, when it is determined that the steel ball SB has moved away and the magnetic flux density in the second magnetic detection sensor 42 has returned to the initial value B0, in other words, when it is determined that the magnetic flux density is no longer increasing, the processing circuit 50 is at that time. Changes the voltage of the second signal output terminal 64 from V _H (High) to V _L (Low). That is, the output of the second passage signal to the outside is stopped.

  When the steel ball SB passes while moving in the x direction as shown in FIG. 2, first the first passing signal is output from the first signal output terminal 63 and the ground terminal 62, and after this, A two-pass signal is output from the second signal output terminal 64 and the ground terminal 62.

  Subsequently, instead of passing a single steel ball SB, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, when a plurality of steel balls SB pass in a connected state, the steel ball detector 10 receives a passing signal. An operation for generating and outputting the data will be described. The graph shown in the middle part of FIG. 4 shows the change over time in the magnetic flux density (the strength of the magnetic field) detected by the first magnetic detection sensor 41 when passing through the passing track VW in a state where three steel balls SB are connected. Is shown. Further, the graph shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 shows the change with time of the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 at this time.

  As shown in the middle graph of FIG. 4, when each steel ball SB in a continuous state passes, a waveform such that the magnetic flux density returns to the initial value B0 each time each steel ball SB passes. It will not be. The waveform of the magnetic flux density during the passage of the steel ball SB becomes a waveform that undulates the range shown between the dotted line DL5 and the dotted line DL7 in FIG. 4, and after all of the continuous steel balls SB have passed. Only, the magnetic flux density returns to the initial value B0.

  As already described, the processing circuit 50 repeatedly determines whether the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 is decreasing or increasing based on the sampled voltage at a predetermined cycle. Yes.

If it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency based on the passage of the first steel ball SB, the processing circuit 50 at the time (time t10 in FIG. 4) of the first signal output terminal 63 The voltage is changed from V _L (Low) to V _H (High). That is, a signal (first passing signal) obtained by setting the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 to V _H is generated and output to the outside.

Subsequently, based on the fact that the first steel ball SB moves away and the second steel ball SB starts to pass, it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency. If it is determined that the tendency is not increased, the processing circuit 50 changes the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 from V _H (High) to V _L (Low) at that time (time t11 in FIG. 4). That is, the output of the first passage signal to the outside is stopped.

When it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency based on the passage of the second steel ball SB, the processing circuit 50 at that time (time t12 in FIG. 4) The voltage is changed from V _L (Low) to V _H (High). That is, a signal (first passing signal) based on the voltage V _{H at} the first signal output terminal 63 is generated and output to the outside.

Subsequently, based on the fact that the second steel ball SB moves away and the third steel ball SB starts to pass, it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency. If it is determined that the tendency is not increased, the processing circuit 50 changes the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 from V _H (High) to V _L (Low) at that time (time t13 in FIG. 4). That is, the output of the first passage signal to the outside is stopped.

If it is determined that the magnetic flux density has changed from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency based on the passage of the third steel ball SB, in other words, if it is determined that the magnetic flux density is no longer increasing, the processing circuit 50 In FIG. 4, at time t14), the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 is changed from V _L (Low) to V _H (High). That is, a signal (first passing signal) based on the voltage V _{H of} the first signal output terminal 63 is generated and output to the outside.

Subsequently, when it is determined that the third steel ball SB has moved away and the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 has returned to the initial value B0, in other words, when it is determined that the magnetic flux density has ceased to increase, the processing circuit 50 changes the voltage of the first signal output terminal 63 from V _H (High) to V _L (Low) at that time (time t4 in FIG. 3). That is, the output of the first passage signal to the outside is stopped.

  As described above, even when the plurality of steel balls SB pass in a continuous state, three first passage signals are output from the first signal output terminal 63 according to the number of the steel balls SB. Similarly, three second passage signals are output from the second signal output terminal 64 (at a timing delayed from the first passage signal).

  When the distance between the passing track VW and the steel ball detector 10 varies, the height of the waveform of the graph shown in the middle part of FIG. 4 also changes. That is, the height of the wavy portion changes between the dotted line DL5 and the dotted line DL6. However, the processing circuit 50 of the steel ball detector 10 is not based on whether or not the magnetic flux density (the strength of the magnetic field) in the first magnetic detection sensor 41 has changed beyond a predetermined threshold value, but instead of the detected magnetic flux density. Based on the change tendency (decreasing tendency or increasing tendency), the output of the first passage signal is started and stopped. For this reason, even if the height of the waveform of the graph shown in the middle of FIG. 4 changes with the variation of the passage trajectory VW, the first passage signal is generated reliably according to the number of the steel balls SB. And output to the outside.

  In the graph shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, in order to simplify the explanation, a plurality of peaks of a waveform (waveform between dotted lines DL5 and DL6) of a portion that undulates as a plurality of steel balls SB pass. The values (and bottom values) are schematically drawn so that they are all the same. However, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the magnetic flux density does not actually have such a waveform, and as a result, as shown in the upper part of FIG. This is because each steel ball SB approaches from the first magnetic detection sensor 41 side and then moves away to the permanent magnet 30 side.

  Thus, even if the bottom value of the change in magnetic flux density when each steel ball SB passes is different from each other, according to the steel ball detector 10 according to the present embodiment, the bottom of FIG. As shown, a first passage signal corresponding to the number of steel balls SB can be output to the outside. 4 and 5, the times t20 and t21 in FIG. 5 correspond to the times t10 and t11 in FIG. 4, respectively.

  As described above, the steel ball detector 10 includes two magnetic detection sensors (a first magnetic detection sensor 41 and a second magnetic detection sensor 42). When the steel ball SB passes, the first passage signal and the second passage signal are output at different timings based on detection by the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42, respectively. According to the steel ball detector 10, not only the passage of the steel ball SB but also the passage direction can be identified by the time difference between the two outputs.

  For example, if the steel ball detector 10 is attached in the middle of the launch rail of the pachinko machine PC, only the number of the steel balls SB that have passed through the launch rail in the correct direction is measured, and the steel balls SB that have passed through the launch rail in the opposite direction are measured. Usage that does not measure the number is also possible.

  Note that a configuration in which two permanent magnets are provided so as to correspond to each of the two magnetic detection sensors (the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the second magnetic detection sensor 42) is also possible. However, if it is set as the structure provided with only one permanent magnet 30 like this embodiment, a component can be reduced and cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the distance from the first magnetic detection sensor 41 to the permanent magnet 30 and the distance from the permanent magnet 30 to the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are equal to each other (L1). With such a configuration, the change amount of the magnetic flux density detected by the first magnetic detection sensor 41 and the change amount of the magnetic flux density detected by the second magnetic detection sensor 42 are substantially the same. as a result. In designing the processing circuit 50, based on the detection of the first magnetic detection sensor 41, a circuit for generating a first passage signal (such as a bridge circuit or a noise removal filter) and the detection of the second magnetic detection sensor. Thus, the circuit for generating the second passing signal is designed as a circuit having substantially the same configuration, and as a result, the manufacturing cost of the steel ball detector 10 is reduced.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10: Steel ball detector 20: Substrate 30: Permanent magnet 41: First magnetic sensor 42: Second magnetic sensor 50: Processing circuit 61: Power input terminal 62: Ground terminal 63: First signal output terminal 64: First Two-signal output terminal BD: Board surface PC: Pachinko machine CS: Case GL: Glass plate SB: Steel ball VW: Passing track VS: Track surface

Claims (4)

A steel ball detector for detecting the passage of a steel ball,
A permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field;
A magnetic detection sensor for detecting the magnetic field;
Based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor, a signal processing unit that generates a passing signal indicating the passing of the steel ball and outputs the passing signal to the outside, and
The signal processing unit
When the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor changes from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency, the output of the passing signal is started,
The steel ball detector, wherein the output of the passing signal is stopped when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection sensor is not increased.   The steel ball detector according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic detection sensor and the permanent magnet are arranged in a line along a direction in which the steel ball passes. The magnetic detection sensor is composed of a first magnetic detection sensor and a second magnetic detection sensor that are arranged apart from each other,
The first magnetic detection sensor, the permanent magnet, and the second magnetic detection sensor are arranged in order along the direction in which the steel ball passes,
The signal processing unit includes a first passage signal that is the passage signal based on detection by the first magnetic detection sensor and a second passage signal that is the passage signal based on detection by the second magnetic detection sensor, respectively. The steel ball detector according to claim 2, wherein the steel ball detector is configured to generate and output.   The steel ball detector according to claim 3, wherein a distance from the first magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet and a distance from the second magnetic detection sensor to the permanent magnet are equal to each other.

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