JPH07102247B2 - Sensor failure determination method for pachinko machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a failure determination method for determining a failure of a prize ball sensor or a safe ball sensor in a pachinko machine.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, all prize ball payout processing of a pachinko machine is performed by a mechanical interlocking mechanism such as a link, and when a safe ball enters a winning opening during a game, the ball is transferred by the weight of the safe ball. The stopper of the cutting device is released, and a predetermined number of prize balls stored in the ball cutting device are dispensed to the prize ball plate.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the diversification of game contents, it has been desired to arbitrarily change the number of prize balls to be paid out.
However, in the above-mentioned mechanical ball cutting device, the number of payouts cannot be changed and the demand cannot be met.

Therefore, a pachinko machine has been proposed in which the ball cutting device is operated by a solenoid, and an arbitrary number of prize balls are paid out to a prize ball plate according to the number of times of excitation of the solenoid. A prize ball sensor is provided on the downstream side of the ball cutting device, the prize balls paid out to the ball cutting device are detected by the prize ball sensor, and the number of prize balls detected by the prize ball sensor is a predetermined number. When it reaches, the payout will be completed.

Further, in this pachinko machine, in order to operate the above-mentioned ball cutting device, the safe ball sensor detects a safe ball that has entered the winning opening during the game. More specifically, the safe balls that have entered the winning opening are sequentially moved to the downstream side one by one by the safe ball sending device, and the safe balls that have been moved are detected by the safe ball sensor. Then, every time the safe ball sensor detects one safe ball, the ball cutting device pays out a predetermined number of prize balls as described above.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, if the prize ball sensor or the safe ball sensor fails in the above-mentioned pachinko machine, the paid prize ball cannot be detected, or the safe ball entered in the winning opening cannot be detected. become. As a result, prize balls may be paid out indefinitely or not at all.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor failure determination method in a pachinko machine that can reliably determine a failure of the prize ball sensor or the safe ball sensor and prevent a trouble caused by the failure.

[Means for Solving the Problem] A first invention is a safe ball sending device capable of performing release processing after detecting safe balls one by one using an electric detention releasing means for safe balls and a sensor, and an award. An electric stop release means for stopping and releasing the sprocket for rotation delivery facing the ball supply path for balls and a prize ball sensor for detecting the count of prize balls discharged during rotation of the sprocket are used to make one safe. A ball cutting device capable of paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by a payout operation for each ball, an input control of a detection signal of the safe ball sensor, a payout operation control of the ball cutting device, and a failure determination of each sensor. CPU that can control
(Central processing unit) and is paid out when the sensor for the prize ball changes to the ball presence detection condition before the prize ball payout operation of the ball cutting device, or during the normal prize ball payout operation. The gist is that, when the prize ball sensor does not change to the ball presence detection condition within a predetermined time with respect to the prize ball, the failure determination control unit of the CPU determines that the prize ball sensor has failed.

A second aspect of the present invention faces a safe ball sending device capable of performing an opening process after detecting the safe balls one by one by using an electric detention releasing means for safe balls and a sensor, and a ball supply path for prize balls. One unit for one safe ball by using an electric stop release means capable of stopping and releasing the sprocket for rotational delivery and a predetermined number of prize ball sensors for detecting the count of prize balls discharged when the sprocket rotates. A ball cutting device capable of paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the paying-out operation, input control of a detection signal of the safe ball sensor, payout operation control of the ball cutting device, and failure determination control of each sensor CPU ( In the central processing unit), after the completion of the prize ball paying-out operation of the ball-slicing device, the safe ball sensor is at a predetermined time from the time when the electrically-operated detention releasing means is operated to the safe ball releasing side. If no change in the sphere without detection condition for safe sphere within, and summarized in that the set to malfunction determining process of the sensor by the failure determination control unit of the CPU.

[Operation] In the first invention, the prize ball sensor detects the prize ball according to the payout process of the ball cutting device, but there is a contradiction between the payout process of the ball cutting device and the detection result of the prize ball sensor. When it occurs, that is, when the ball cutting device does not perform the prize ball payout process, the prize ball sensor changes to the detection condition with a ball, or the ball cutter device performs the prize ball payout process. Nevertheless, when the prize ball sensor does not detect the prize ball within the predetermined time, it is determined that the prize ball sensor is not operating normally and a failure is determined.

In the second invention, the safe sphere sensor detects the safe sphere according to the operation of the safe sphere sending device, but there is a contradiction between the operation of the safe sphere sending device and the detection result of the safe sphere sensor. When the safe sphere sensor does not change to the no-sphere detection condition within a predetermined time after the safe sphere sending device moves the safe sphere, the safe sphere sensor operates normally. Failure judgment is made as not doing.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a rear view schematically showing the whole of the pachinko machine, a set plate 2 made of synthetic resin is attached to the back side of the front frame 1, and a prize ball tank 3 is provided above the set plate 2. Has been. One end of the gutter 4 is connected to the prize ball tank 3, and the other end of the gutter 4 is connected to a ball supply path 5 extending vertically. The downstream side of the ball supply path 5 branches into a ball removal path 7 of the payout path 6, and the payout path 6 communicates with a prize ball plate (not shown) provided on the front surface of the front frame 1 through a supply hole 8 to provide a ball. The extraction passage 7 communicates with a ball collection unit (not shown).

The prize balls that rectify the inside of the gutter 4 in two rows are sent to the ball supply path 5 side in one row by the prize ball aligning and sending tool 50 (see FIG. 2).

FIGS. 1 and 3 are front views showing the details of the ball supply path 5, and a ball cutting device 9 for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the prize ball plate is installed on one side of the ball supply path 5. Has been done. A large number of engaging recesses 10a are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 10 of the ball cutting device 9, and one side of the sprocket 10 projects into the ball supply path 5 through a through hole 5a. A ball cutting solenoid 11 of a ball cutting device 9 is installed near the sprocket 10, and a movable iron piece 12 for a stopper for the sprocket 10 is rotatably attached to a bracket 11a of the solenoid 11.

When the ball cutting solenoid 11 is not excited, the movable iron piece 12 is urged by the tension spring 13 as shown in FIG.
The leading end of the sprocket is locked in the engaging recess 10a of the sprocket 10 to make the sprocket 10 unrotatable. As a result, the prize balls in the ball supply path 5 are prevented from falling by the sprockets 10. When the ball cutting solenoid 11 is excited, the third
As shown in the figure, the movable iron piece 12 is the core 11b of the solenoid 11.
And the sprocket 10 is unlocked and becomes rotatable. As a result, the prize balls in the ball supply path 5 drop as the sprocket 10 rotates. Since the ball cutting solenoid 11 is in a non-excited state and restrains the sprocket 10 in a normal state, the prize ball is prevented from falling.

Upper and lower prize ball sensors 14 and 15 are provided vertically at positions near the sprocket 10 in the ball supply path 5. Both prize ball sensors 14 and 15 output an ON signal (no ball signal) because the light from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit when there is no prize ball at each installation location, and when there is a prize ball. Since the light from the light emitting unit is blocked by the prize ball and does not reach the light receiving unit, an off signal (sphere presence signal) is output. The upper prize ball sensor 14 is connected to the sprocket 10
It is designed to detect the lowest prize ball that is prevented from falling by the lower prize ball sensor 15
It is designed to detect prize balls that fall with the rotation of 10.

A switching lever 16 is rotatably attached to a location where the ball supply path 5 branches into a payout path 6 and a ball removal path 7. This switching lever 16 is driven by a ball-removing solenoid 17, and is moved to a position where the ball-removing passage 7 side shown in FIG.
A switching operation is performed between two positions, that is, a position for closing the dispensing passage 6 side shown in the figure. Incidentally, the switching lever 16 in the normal state is in a position to close the ball removing passage 7 side, and at this time, the ball removing solenoid 17 is in a non-excited state. Therefore, the prize balls paid out from the ball cutting device 9 are supplied to the prize ball dish through the payout passage 6.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the game surface 1a of the front frame 1 is provided with a specific winning opening 19a and a large number of winning openings 19b. A board surface sensor 1 as a means for detecting a prize category is provided at the specific winning opening 19a.
8 is provided to detect the entry of a safe ball into the specific winning opening 19a. In addition, the safe balls that have entered the winning holes 19a, 19b are designed to flow into the safe ball passage 20, and one safe ball is detected on one side of the safe ball passage 20 and released. A safe ball sending device 21 is installed to do this.

4 and 5 are front views showing the details of the safe sphere sending device 21. A bracket 22a is fixed to the safe ball solenoid 22 of the safe ball sending device 21, and a movable iron piece 23 is rotatably attached to the bracket 22a. A semicircular turning piece 24 is rotatably mounted above the safe ball solenoid 22, and a weight 25 is fixed to the outer circumference of the turning piece 24 so that the turning piece 24 is always clockwise. I am biased. As a result, the turning piece
The lower operation corner 24a of 24 is always in contact with the tip of the movable iron piece 23.

When the safe ball solenoid 22 is not excited,
As shown in FIG. 4, the movable iron piece is biased by the tension spring 26.
The tip of 23 projects into the safe ball passage 20 through the through hole 20a, and the blocking corner portion 24b of the turning piece 24 withdraws from the safe ball passage 20. As a result, the safe ball in the safe ball passage 20 is prevented from falling by the tip of the movable iron piece 23.
When the safe ball solenoid 22 is excited in this state, the movable iron piece 23 is attracted to the core 22b of the solenoid 22 and the tip of the movable iron piece 23 is withdrawn from the safe ball passage 20 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the rotating iron piece 23 is pushed by the tip of the movable iron piece 23.
24 rotates counterclockwise, and the blocking corner 24b moves the movable iron piece 2
Safe ball passage 20 one safe ball above projecting point 3
It projects inside through the through hole 20a.

As a result, the safe sphere located upstream of the blocking corner 24b is prevented from falling, and only one safe sphere located between the blocking corner 24b and the tip of the movable iron piece 23 falls to drop the sphere. It is collected in the collection unit. When the safe ball solenoid 22 is demagnetized, the next safe ball released by the return of the turning piece 24 for the second stopper to its original state descends as shown in FIG. Movable iron piece 23 for 1 stopper
It is stopped at and is prevented from falling.

A safe ball sensor 27 is provided between the movable iron piece 23 and the blocking corner portion 24b, and the sensor 27 outputs an ON signal (no ball signal) when there is no safe ball in the detection opening, and the movable ball sensor 27 moves. When there is a safe ball stopped by the iron piece 23, an off signal (ball presence signal) is output.

A cover (not shown) is detachably attached to the back surface of the front frame 1 so as to close the side surfaces of the ball supply path 5, the payout passage 6, the ball removal passage 7, and the safe ball passage 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the ball removing solenoid 17 is provided on the right side of the back surface of the front frame 1 in order to collect all the prize balls in the prize ball tank 3 in the ball collecting section when the pachinko parlor is closed. A ball-removing switch 28 for driving input is provided. Further, a control box 29 is installed on the lower side of the back surface of the front frame 1, and the box 29 is provided with a reset switch 30 for reactivating the pachinko machine once the dispensing operation is stopped.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, first and second display lamps 31, 32 are provided on the front surface of the front frame 1, and both display lamps 31, 32 are provided.
The numeral 32 is adapted to be lit or blinked at the time of paying out a prize ball, which will be described later, when a ball is removed, when each sensor or solenoid is out of order, or when a player makes an illegal act.

In the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, the original prize-ball payout for the safe balls is performed as follows based on the electrical configuration and the setting of the control process described later. That is, in the safe sphere sending device 21, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the board sensor 18 is input on the basis of the time when the safe spheres are detected one by one. And sensor 18
On the basis of the payout control command in response to the conditions of "input" and "no input" of the detection signal of No. 1, the first set prize ball described later in the payout operation permitted by the ball cutting device 9 for each time. The number and the second set number of prize balls can be separately discharged. After the payout of the prize balls is completed (after the count detection of the lower prize ball sensor 15 is completed), the safe ball sending device 21 releases and discharges the safe balls to restore the original state.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A central processing unit 35 (hereinafter referred to as CPU) and drive circuits 36 to 40 are housed inside the control box 29 (electronic control circuit device for discharging prize balls). Also, CPU35
A game board 33 (an electronic control circuit device for games) is connected to the input side of, and a board surface sensor 18 is connected to the game board 33. In addition, the input side of the CPU35 has 1st to 4th
The prize ball number setting devices 42 to 45, the safe ball sensor 27, the upper and lower prize ball sensors 14 and 15, the ball removing switch 28, and the reset switch 30 are connected. On the output side of the CPU 35, the ball cutting solenoid 11, the ball removing solenoid 17, the safe ball solenoid 22, the first and second display lamps 31, 32 are provided.
Are connected via the drive circuits 36 to 40, respectively. Although the game board 33 is installed outside the control box 29 in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, it may be installed inside the box 29.

The first to fourth prize ball number setting devices 42 to 45 are the number of prize balls paid out by the ball cutting device 9 (basically a decimal number) corresponding to the safe ball classification detection condition set in the game content. And two or more) to set in advance, CP
Two types of level signals are selectively input to the input side of U35.

The configurations related to the respective prize ball number setting devices 42 to 45, the prize ball number selection setting conditions, and the like are the same as the technical contents specified in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-249974 filed at the same time as the present application.

Further, the CPU 35 has a random access memory (RAM) 46 and a read only memory (ROM) 47 built therein. ROM
In 47, the first and second set award balls are the award ball number setting devices.
A plurality of sets are stored according to combinations of input states of 42 to 45. Further, various programs are stored in the ROM 47, and the CPU 35 executes various processes in accordance with these programs. The RAM 46 is adapted to temporarily store the data of the processing performed by the CPU 35.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine configured as described above
~ It demonstrates according to FIG.

7 and 8 show a flowchart of the "main routine". When the power of the pachinko machine is turned on, the CPU 35 clears the RAM 46 in step 1, performs the port initial in step 2, and executes the timer initial in step 3. .
Further, in step 4, the CPU 35 inputs a signal from the first to fourth award ball number setting devices 42 to 45 and sets the first and second set award ball numbers corresponding to the combination of the signal levels to the RO.
Elected from M47. Then, in the subsequent pachinko game, one of the set number of prize balls will be paid out. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that "7" is selected as the first set prize ball number and "13" is selected as the second set prize ball number.

Next, the CPU 35 sets the number of set prize balls selected in step 5 to the above-mentioned R.
At the same time as writing to AM46, the states of the sensors 14, 15, 18, 27 and switches 28, 30 are also written to RAM46. Furthermore, CPU3
In step 6, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is input from the board surface sensor 18 (whether or not a safe ball has entered the specific winning opening 19a), and if the detection signal is input, it is built in the RAM 46. "1" is added to the prize ball number selection counter N and the process proceeds to step 7. In this way, the count value of the prize ball number selection counter N is added every time the safe ball enters the specific winning opening 19a.

Next, based on the detection signal read in step 5 in step 7, the CPU 35 determines whether or not a signal with a ball is input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 twice or more (whether or not two or more prize balls are detected). ) Is determined. When the ball presence signal is input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 more than once, it is determined that the prize ball has leaked from the sprocket 10 of the ball cutting device 9, and the CPU 35 proceeds to step 8 to set the ball removing solenoid 17 via the drive circuit 37. Excite,
The switching lever 16 is switched to open the ball removing passage 7 side and close the payout passage 6 side. As a result, the prize balls leaked from the sprocket 10 are guided to the side of the ball removing passage 7 and the player is prevented from being improperly paid out. At the same time, the CPU 35 notifies the manager of this situation by blinking the second display lamp 32 at 4 Hz via the drive circuit 40 in step 8, and stops the loads of the solenoids and the like to play the pachinko game. Discontinue.

When the prize ball leaks from the sprocket 10 in this way, the ball cutting solenoid 11 cannot prevent the sprocket 10 from rotating due to breakage of the tension spring 13 of the ball cutting solenoid 11 or intrusion of foreign matter, or wear of the sprocket 10 It can be inferred that the fall of prize balls cannot be prevented by this. Therefore, when such a problem occurs, the pachinko game is stopped as described above, and it is possible to prevent the prize balls from being paid out to the player.

Then, in order to restart the pachinko game, it is necessary to turn off the power of the pachinko machine and then turn it on again, or operate the reset switch 30, and when either of them is performed, the CPU 35 executes the processing from step 1 above. Try again. Incidentally, after that, there are some cases where the pachinko game is stopped by stopping each load such as the solenoid in this way, but at any time, the pachinko game is restarted by turning on the power again or operating the reset switch 30.

It should be noted that, in the text, "stop of pachinko game" specifically means stop or stop (inability) of payout operation of prize balls.

As described above, the number of times the lower prize ball sensor 15 detects a prize ball is twice. Even if the ball cutting solenoid 11 and the sprocket 10 are normal, the prize balls are not detected due to other factors such as vibration. This is because only one sprocket may leak from the sprocket 10, and this leakage due to vibration or the like is eliminated.

On the other hand, when the lower prize ball sensor 15 does not detect two or more prize balls in step 7, the CPU 35 determines that the ball cutting device 9 is normal, and in step 9, the lower prize ball sensor 15 outputs a signal indicating that there is a ball for 10 seconds or more. It is determined whether or not is input. Under the condition that the sensor 15 should not continue to detect the falling prize balls for more than 10 seconds under the condition that the discharge of the prize balls is stopped one by one due to the normal operation of the ball cutting device 9,
When the ball presence signal is input for 10 s or more, the CPU 35 determines that the lower prize ball sensor 15 is damaged in the ball presence direction (the ball presence signal is output although the prize ball is not detected). In this case, the CPU 35 notifies the manager of this situation by blinking the second display lamp 32 at 4 Hz via the drive circuit 40 in step 10 and stops the loads of the solenoids and the like to play the pachinko game. Discontinue.

Even if the lower prize ball sensor 15 detects only one prize ball in step 7 and the process proceeds to step 9, the lower prize ball sensor 15 continues to detect the prize ball that is falling for 10 seconds or more. There is no such thing. Therefore, in this case as well, the lower prize ball sensor
The process of step 10 is executed assuming that 15 is damaged in the direction of the ball.

Since both the step 8 and step 10 blink the second indicator lamp 32 at 4 Hz, whether the blinking indicates the failure of the ball cutting device 9 or the damage of the lower prize ball sensor 15. Indistinguishable. However, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the ball cutting device 9 and the lower prize ball sensor are used.
Since 15 and 15 are unitized, both will be replaced in any case, and there is no particular harm even if the failure location cannot be specified. When the ball cutting device 9 and the lower prize ball sensor 15 are embodied so that they can be replaced independently, a display lamp for indicating a failure may be separately provided.

On the other hand, if the lower prize ball sensor 15 does not output a ball presence signal for 10 seconds or more in step 9, the CPU 35 determines that the lower prize ball sensor 15
Is determined to be normal, and it is determined in step 11 whether or not the sphere presence signal is input from the safe sphere sensor 27. Then, when the ball presence signal is not input, the CPU 35 determines that the player has not started the pachinko game, or that the safe ball has not entered any of the winning openings 19a, 19b even if the game has started. Transition to 12. Then, in step 12, the CPU 35 determines whether or not the ball removing switch 28 has been operated for 0.5 s or more, and if it has not been operated, the process returns to step 4.

On the other hand, if the ball removal switch 28 is operated for 0.5 s or more in step 12, is the CPU 35 operating this ball removal switch 28 in step 13 only after turning on the power of the pachinko machine? If it is the switch operation for the first time, it is determined in step 14 that a ball removing process to be described later is executed. If the ball removal switch 28 has been operated before, the CPU 35 invalidates the detection of the ball removal switch 28 and returns to step 4. In this case, the ball removal process of step 14 is not executed no matter how many times the ball removal switch 28 is operated in step 12.

The ball removal processing in step 14 described above is performed based on the "ball removal routine" shown in FIG. First, in step 15, the CPU 35 alternately blinks the first and second display lamps 31 and 32 at 4 Hz via the drive circuits 39 and 40 to notify the administrator that the ball removal processing is executed. Next, in step 16, the CPU 35 excites the ball removal solenoid 17 to switch the switching lever 16 to close the payout passage 6 side and open the ball removal passage 7 side. Further, the CPU 35 executes step 17
0.2s until the switching operation of the switching lever 16 is completely completed with
After waiting, the ball cutting solenoid 11 is excited in step 18 to make the sprocket 10 rotatable. As a result, the prize balls stored in the prize ball tank 3 are sequentially collected in the ball collecting section through the ball removing passage 7.

Further, the CPU 35 waits for 45 seconds in step 19 (after collecting all the prize balls in the prize ball tank 3 in the ball collecting section)
At 20, the ball cutting solenoid 11 is demagnetized to make the sprocket 10 unrotatable. Next, the CPU 35 waits for 0.2 s until the operation of the ball cutting solenoid 11 is completely completed in step 21,
In step 22, de-bulge solenoid 17 is demagnetized to switch lever
16 is switched to open the payout passage 6 side and close the ball removing passage 7 side to return to the initial state. Then, the CPU 35 turns off both display lamps 31 and 32 which are alternately blinking in step 23.

On the other hand, when the ball presence signal is input from the safe ball sensor 27 in step 11, the CPU 35 assumes that the player has started the pachinko game and the safe ball has entered one of the winning openings 19a, 19b, and will be described below. The payout process for the safe ball is executed. First, in step 24, the CPU 35 determines whether or not the sphere presence signal from the safe sphere sensor 27 has been connected for 50 ms or more. When the ball presence signal continues for 50 ms or longer, the CPU 35 sets the bound counter C, which will be described later, to "0" in step 25.

Next, in step 26, the CPU 35 determines the prize ball number selection counter N.
It is determined whether or not the count value of "0" is "0", and if the count value is not "0", "13" set as the second set number of prize balls in step 27 is paid out in the RAM 46. Write to M. Further, the CPU 35 subtracts “1” from the prize ball number selection counter N in step 28,
At 29, the second display lamp 32 is turned on and the process proceeds to step 32.

On the other hand, when the count value of the prize ball number selection counter N is “0” in step 26, the CPU 35 writes “7” set as the first set prize ball number in step 30 into the payout counter M. Further, the CPU 35 turns on the first display lamp 31 in step 31, and proceeds to step 32.

Therefore, when the safe ball enters the specific winning opening 19a, the second set prize ball number "13" is written in the payout counter M, and when the safe ball enters the other winning opening 19b, the payout counter M is The set prize ball number “7” of 1 will be written.

Further, in step 32, the CPU 35 determines whether or not a ball-existing signal is input from the upper prize ball sensor 14 (whether or not a prize ball to be paid out to the player is secured), and inputs the ball-existing signal. If so, the ball cutting solenoid flag F is set to 0 in step 33, and the ball cutting solenoid timer is cleared and started in step 34. In addition, this ball-cutting solenoid timer is designed to time up in 128 ms.

Next, in step 35, the CPU 35 determines whether or not the ball-cutting solenoid timer has timed out. If not, in step 36, the ball-cutting solenoid flag F is determined.
= 0 is determined. Since this solenoid flag is set to F = 0 in step 33, the CPU 35 determines in step 3
Moving to 7, the ball cutting solenoid 11 is excited to make the sprocket 10 rotatable.

Then, when the CPU 35 inputs the no-sphere signal (ON signal) from the upper prize ball sensor 14 in step 38, the prize ball located on the upper prize ball sensor 14 falls as the sprocket 10 rotates, The upper prize ball sensor 14 is turned on (no ball is present) due to the gap between the prize ball and the prize ball above the prize ball, and thus it is determined that the prize ball has normally dropped. Then, the CPU 35 proceeds to step 40 and moves the ball cutting solenoid 11
Degauss. Therefore, with the above operation, only one prize ball is paid out to the prize ball plate.

If the no-sphere signal is not input from the upper prize ball sensor 14 in step 38, the CPU 35 proceeds to step 39. Then, when a ball presence signal (OFF signal) is input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 in this step 39, the CPU 35 causes the prize ball located on the upper sensor 14 to move to the lower prize ball sensor 15 as the sprocket 10 rotates. After passing the position, it is determined that the lower prize ball sensor 15 is turned off by this prize ball, that is, the prize ball is normally dropped. Then, the CPU 35 proceeds to step 40 to demagnetize the ball cutting solenoid 11. Therefore, even in this case, only one prize ball is paid out.

Further, if the no-sphere signal is not input from the upper prize ball sensor 14 in step 38, and the ball-present signal is not input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 in step 39, the CPU 35 indicates that the prize ball has fallen normally. If not, the process returns to step 35.

It should be noted that it is possible to confirm that the prize balls have fallen normally in this way by using only the lower prize ball sensor 15, but
In the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, the upper prize ball sensor 14 detects the prize balls discharged as described above in order to detect the dropped prize balls early and execute the next process faster. .

On the other hand, when the CPU 35 determines in step 35 that the ball-cutting solenoid timer has timed out (128 ms has elapsed), it clears the solenoid timer in step 41 and inverts the ball-cutting solenoid flag in step 42 (in this case, flag F). = 0 is inverted to F = 1), and the process proceeds to step 36. The CPU 35 proceeds to step 43 because the ball-cutting solenoid flag is F = 1 in step 36. Then, the CPU 35 degausses the ball cutting solenoid 11 in step 43, and then determines in step 38 and step 39 whether or not the prize ball has normally dropped. When the CPU 35 determines that the prize ball has dropped normally, the CPU 35 proceeds to step 40 and continues the demagnetization of the ball cutting solenoid 11. If the CPU 35 determines that it has not fallen normally, the CPU 35 returns to step 35 and executes the processing from step 35 to step 39 again.

Therefore, the CPU 35 inverts the flag F in step 42 every time the ball-cutting solenoid timer times out in step 35 (every 128 ms), and executes either step 37 or step 43 accordingly. Then, when step 37 is executed, the ball cutting solenoid 11 is excited, and when step 43 is executed, the ball cutting solenoid 11 is demagnetized. As a result, the ball cutting solenoid 11 repeats excitation and demagnetization every 128 ms.

Therefore, for example, when foreign matter such as polylon for pachinko ball polishing (trademark) or the like prevents the falling of the prize ball, the ball cutting solenoid 11 intermittently operates every 128 ms to apply vibration to the sprocket 10, It is possible to drop the foreign matter and drop the prize ball normally.

Next, after the excitation of the ball-cutting solenoid 11 is stopped in step 40, the CUP 35 determines in step 44 whether a ball presence signal is input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 within 100 ms. Then, when the ball presence signal is not input, the CPU 35 determines that the prize ball does not drop normally from the sprocket 10.
At 45, "1" is added to the bound counter C which has been "0" until now, and at step 46, it is determined whether the count value is 3 or more.

When the count value of the bound counter C is 3 or more,
The CPU 35 shifts to the step 10, notifies the manager of this situation by blinking the second display lamp 32 at 4 Hz, and stops the load of each solenoid and stops the pachinko game. If the count value of the bound counter C is less than 3, the CPU 35 returns to step 32 and executes the prize ball payout process from step 32 to step 44 again.

As described above, the reason why the prize ball does not drop to the position of the lower prize ball sensor 15 without inputting the ball presence signal from the lower prize ball sensor 15 in step 44 is that the prize ball from the prize ball tank 3 is a sprocket. Despite bouncing on 10 and out of the detection area of the upper prize ball sensor 14, the upper prize ball sensor 14 comes first in step 38, even though the prize ball has not actually dropped (is not paid out). The sphere-free signal may be output from the sphere-containing signal that was being output.

In addition, when the lower prize ball sensor 15 is damaged in the direction without the ball (the ball absence signal is output even though the prize ball is detected), the CPU 35 outputs from the lower prize ball sensor 15 in step 44. Since the signal with a sphere is not input, the process of step 46 is finally executed from step 46.

However, it is unlikely that such a bouncing will be repeated three times for the same ball, and if it is within that range, it is judged as a normal bouncing and the ball-cutting solenoid 11 is re-energized, but three times. In the above case, it is determined that the lower prize ball sensor 15 is defective on the side where the ball cannot be detected, and the pachinko game is stopped by the processing from step 44 to step 46.

Incidentally, the count value of the bound counter C added in step 46 becomes "0" by re-entering the power source or the operation of the reset switch 30 after shifting to step 10, and again when shifting to step 32. When the safe ball has entered one of the winning openings 19a, 19b, the above step 2
It becomes "0" at 5.

On the other hand, in step 44, the lower prize ball sensor 15
When the ball presence signal is input from the CPU 35, the CPU 35 confirms in step 47 that the ball absence signal is input from the lower prize ball sensor 15 (the dropped prize ball has passed the detection area of the lower prize ball sensor 15). Then, in step 48, "1" is subtracted from the payout counter M. Then, when the payout counter M is not "0" at the step 49, the CPU 35 returns to the step 32 and repeats the award ball payout process. When the payout counter M reaches 0 as a result of paying out the predetermined number of prize balls, the CPU 35 turns off the first or second display lamp 31, 32 which is turned on to display the payout process in step 50. Let

Therefore, the prize ball payout processing from step 32 to step 48 is repeated by the number written in the payout counter M (in this case, "13" or "7"), and the number of prize balls is paid out to the prize ball plate. Will be done. As described above, the prize ball payout process for the safe ball detected in step 11 is completed, and then the CPU 35 executes the safe ball drop process for collecting the safe ball in the ball collecting unit.

First, in step 51, the CPU 35 drops the safe ball drop flag E = 0.
Then, in step 52, it is determined whether or not a sphere presence signal is input from the safe sphere sensor 27. When the sphere presence signal is input, the CPU 35 energizes the safe sphere solenoid 22 in step 53 so that the safe sphere confirmed in step 11 remains and the safe sphere is dropped.

Next, the CPU 35 determines in step 54 and step 55 whether or not the no-sphere signal is input from the safe sphere sensor 27 within 100 ms. When the no ball signal is input, the safe ball solenoid 22 operates normally and the safe ball is dropped, and the CPU 35 sets the flag E to 1 in step 56,
Degauss the safe ball solenoid 22 with 7. If the CPU 35 does not input the no-sphere signal from the safe ball sensor 27 within 100 ms in steps 54 and 55, the safe ball sending device 21 does not operate normally and the safe ball is not dropped, or the safe ball is safe. If the sphere sensor 27 is damaged in the sphere presence direction (a sphere presence signal is output despite not detecting the safe sphere), the safe sphere solenoid 22 is demagnetized in step 57 without changing the flag E.

Then, in step 58, the CPU 35 drops the safe ball drop flag E =
If the flag E = 1, it is determined that the safe ball has fallen normally, and after waiting 0.2 s in step 59, the process returns to step 7. Then, the CPU 35 waits for the safe ball to enter the winning openings 19a and 19b again. If the flag E = 0 in step 58, the safe ball does not fall normally, and the CPU 35 blinks the second display lamp 32 at 1 Hz in step 60 to notify the administrator of this situation, and Pachinko game is stopped by stopping the load of each solenoid.

Therefore, the failure of the safe sphere sending device 21 and the safe sphere sensor
When 27 damages occur, the pachinko game is stopped by the processing from step 54 to step 58.

Further, when the safe ball sensor 27 fails, the second display lamp 32 blinks at 4 Hz (step 60), and 1H when the lower prize ball sensor 15 described above fails.
The blinking cycle is different from the blinking of z (step 10).
Therefore, the manager of the pachinko parlor can surely determine which of the sensors 15 and 27 has failed based on the blinking period of the second display lamp 32.

On the other hand, if the sphere presence signal is not input from the safe sphere sensor 27 in step 52, the safe sphere sensor 27
The CPU 35 proceeds to step 58 and determines that the flag E = 0 in step 58 because the output of the ball presence signal in 11 is due to an illegal act of the player. Then, as described above, in step 60, the second display lamp 32 is blinked at 1 Hz to notify the manager of this situation, and the load of each solenoid is stopped to stop the pachinko game.

As described above, in the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, when the lower prize ball sensor 15 changes to the ball presence detection state in step 9 in spite of the fact that the ball cutting device 9 does not pay out the prize ball, or step 32 From step 40 to 100ms in step 44 even though the ball-slicing device 9 pays out normal prize balls
When the lower prize ball sensor 15 does not detect a prize ball within that time, it is determined that the lower prize ball sensor 15 is not operating normally, and a failure judgment is made to stop the pachinko game in step 10.

In addition, the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, after the safe ball solenoid 22 is actuated to the safe ball release side in step 53,
If the safe sphere sensor 27 does not change to the ball-free detection state for the safe sphere in 54 and step 55 within 100 ms, it is judged that the safe sphere sensor 27 is not operating normally, and a failure judgment is made, and the pachinko machine is operated in step 60. I tried to stop the game.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pachinko game from proceeding normally due to a failure of the lower prize ball sensor 15 or the safe ball sensor 27 and causing various troubles.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and in the above embodiment, for example, when the failure determination of the lower prize ball sensor 15 or the safe ball sensor 27 is made, the prize ball payout operation is stopped. However, the respective display lamps may be lit.

[Advantages of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the sensor failure determination method for a pachinko machine of the present invention, the failure of the prize ball sensor or the safe ball sensor is reliably determined, and the trouble caused by the failure is prevented. It has the excellent effect of being able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a ball cutting device that dispenses prize balls to the payout passage side, FIG. 2 is a rear view schematically showing the entire pachinko machine, and FIG. Fig. 4 is a front view showing a ball cutting device, Fig. 4 is a front view showing a safe ball sending device that prevents the safe ball from falling, and Fig. 5 is a safe ball sending that allows the safe ball to fall. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the device, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine, FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts of a main routine for explaining the action, and FIG. 9 is a ball for explaining the action. It is a flowchart of a removal routine. 9 is a ball cutting device, 10 is a sprocket, 11 and 12 are solenoids as electric stop release means, movable iron pieces, 15 is a lower prize ball sensor, 19a and 19b are winning holes, 21 is a safe ball sending device, 2
2, 23 and 24 are solenoids as electric detention releasing means, movable iron pieces, rotating pieces, 27 is a safe ball sensor, and 35 is a CPU (central processing unit).

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Katsumi Mizugai 3-56 Karasumori-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Newgin Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomi Adachi 3-56 Karasumori-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Inside Newgin Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasushi Ichikawa 3-56 Karasumori-machi, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Inside Newgin Co., Ltd. (72) Nobuaki Mizugai 3-56, Karasumori-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Newgin Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoru Sasaki 3-56 Karasumori-machi, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Newguin Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A safe ball electric stop release means (22,23,24)
And a safe ball sending device (21) capable of releasing processing after detecting safe balls one by one using the sensor (27)
And an electric stop release means (11, 12) capable of stopping and releasing the sprocket (10) for rotation delivery facing the ball supply path (5) for prize balls, and the award discharged when the sprocket (10) rotates. A ball-slicing device (9) for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by a payout operation for each safe ball once, using the prize ball sensor (15) for detecting the number of balls, and the safe ball There is a CPU (central processing unit) (35) capable of controlling the detection signal of the sensor (27), controlling the dispensing operation of the ball cutting device (9), and controlling the failure determination of the respective sensors (27, 15). The prize balls to be paid out when the prize ball sensor (15) has changed to the detection condition with balls before the prize ball payout operation of the ball cutting device (9) or during the normal prize ball payout operation. In contrast, if the prize ball sensor (15) does not change to the ball presence detection condition within the specified time In addition, a failure determination method for a sensor in a pachinko machine is characterized in that the failure determination control section of the CPU (35) is set to perform a determination process as a failure of the prize ball sensor (15). 2. An electric detention releasing means for safe balls (22,23,2)
4) and sensor (27) are used to detect safe balls one by one and then release the safe balls (2)
1) and electric stop release means (11, 12) capable of stopping and releasing the sprocket (10) for rotation delivery facing the ball supply path (5) for prize balls, and is discharged when the sprocket (10) rotates. Using a prize ball sensor (15) for detecting the count of prize balls, a ball cutting device (9) capable of paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by one-time payout operation for one safe ball,
A CPU (central processing unit) (35) capable of controlling input of detection signals of the safe ball sensor (27), payout operation control of the ball cutting device (9), and failure determination control of the respective sensors (27, 15). ), After the completion of the prize ball payout operation of the ball cutting device (9), the safe ball release device (22, 23, 24) is operated for the safe ball from the time when the electric ball retention release means (22, 23, 24) is operated to the safe ball release side. When the sensor (27) does not change to the no-sphere detection condition for the safe sphere within a predetermined time, the failure determination control unit of the CPU (35) is set to determine that the sensor (27) has failed. A method for determining a sensor failure in a pachinko machine.