JP2003305217A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the overheat of a driver such as a motor by suppressing driving of the relevant driver on fixed conditions. <P>SOLUTION: A game machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrange ball machine is equipped with a movable member 1 provided within a role object apparatus 3, a driver 2 for moving the movable member 1, a drive control means 4 capable of controlling driving of the driver 2 on the basis of the result of lottery, and a temperature management means 5 for suppressing driving of the driver 2 on the basis of a temperature. In the represented example, a reel showing a pattern 1a on its outer circumferential portion 1b is used as the movable member 1, and the motor for rotating the relevant reel is used as the driver 2. Before the driver 2 overheats, the temperature management means 5 suppresses driving of the motor 2 on the basis of the temperature (namely, a temperature measured by using a temperature sensor 6 or estimated by using a temperature estimating means 7). Thereby, the driving force of the driver 2 is lowered or stopped to prevent the overheat of the relevant driver 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, and relates to a technique for preventing overheating of a driving body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko machine which is one of game machines includes, for example, an accessory device having a display device and a fourth reel. The fourth reel is rotationally driven by a motor, and the rotational driving is when a reach action for rotating the fourth reel is selected by a random number lottery performed when a pachinko ball wins the starting opening. Therefore, the rotational drive of the fourth reel is accidentally performed based on the element.

Even if it is performed by chance, the rotational drive of the fourth reel may be concentrated in a short period of time.
In this case, since the motor needs to be driven almost continuously, the motor may overheat due to the heat generated by the driving. In order to prevent overheating of the motor, it is advisable to attach a metal heat dissipation plate to the motor for heat dissipation.

[0004]

However, since the space that can be stored in the accessory device is limited, even if the heat sink can be stored, the size of the heat sink must be reduced. There are many. If the size of the heat sink is small, the heat cannot be sufficiently dissipated, and the motor may still overheat. On the other hand, a method of enlarging the accessory device itself can be considered, but there is a strong tendency to increase the size of the fourth reel in order to produce an impactful effect. Therefore, even if the heat dissipation plate can be made large, the load on the motor increases as the weight of the fourth reel increases, and the possibility of overheating of the motor still remains. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the driving of a driving body (motor or the like) is suppressed to prevent the driving body from overheating.

[0005]

Means 1 for solving the problems Means 1 for solving the problems are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) "Movable member" means a member that can operate in whole or in part. For example, an annular member formed in a drum shape, a cylindrical shape, or a belt shape, a movement member that can move within a predetermined range, a distribution member that can distribute game balls, an opening / closing member that opens and closes a portion through which the game balls can pass,
A rotating member or the like that can rotate in one direction or in the forward and reverse directions at a constant cycle (or an indefinite cycle) corresponds to it. (2) "Drive"
Corresponds to, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

According to the means 1, as shown schematically in FIG. 1, the movable member 1 provided in the accessory device 3, and the movable member 1
It has a driving body 2 for moving, a drive control means 4 capable of controlling the driving of the driving body 2 based on the result of the lottery, and a temperature management means 5 for suppressing the driving of the driving body 2 based on the temperature. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a reel (revolving barrel) having a symbol 1a on the outer peripheral portion 1b is used as the movable member 1 and a motor for rotating the reel is used as the driving body 2. The temperature management means 5 drives the driving body 2 based on the temperature (that is, the room temperature, the measured temperature measured using the temperature sensor 6, the estimated temperature estimated by the temperature estimating means 7, etc.) before the driving body 2 overheats. Suppress. In this way, the driving force of the driving body 2 is reduced or stopped, so that overheating of the driving body 2 can be prevented.

[0007]

Means 2 for solving the problems Means 2 for solving the problems are as described in claim 2. The means 2
According to this, the movable member 1 which is not involved in the flow path of the game medium and is provided in the accessory device 3, the drive body 2 for moving the movable member 1, and the drive control means capable of controlling the drive of the drive body 2. Four
And temperature management means 5 that suppresses the drive of the driving body 2 based on the temperature. Game balls include game balls (for example, pachinko balls), medals, coins, tokens, and the like. Since the movable member 1 does not participate in the flow-down path of the game medium, it does not affect the movement of the game medium. Therefore, for example, the overheating of the driving body 2 in the movable member 1 for performance can be prevented. The temperature management means 5 suppresses the driving of the driving body 2 based on the temperature before the driving body 2 reaches a temperature at which it overheats. If the drive of the driving body 2 is suppressed, the movement of the movable member 1 is suppressed, but since the movable member 1 does not affect the flow path of the game medium, it does not affect the function of the game machine.

[0008]

Means 3 for solving the problems Means 3 for solving the problems are as described in claim 3. Here, the term "predetermined event" described in claim 3 means, for example, detection of a game ball that has passed or won a predetermined area such as a gate or a winning opening, operating time of a gaming machine, driving of a driving body. The time is applicable. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 3, the measuring means 8 is capable of measuring a predetermined event, and the temperature estimating means 7 for estimating the temperature based on the measurement result obtained by the measuring means 8.
The measuring means 8 is, for example, a sensor capable of detecting a game medium,
A timer or the like that can measure the operating time and the driving time is applicable. The room temperature and the temperature of the driving body 2 can be measured by the temperature sensor 6, but the room temperature and the driving body 2 can be measured by measuring a predetermined event even when the temperature sensor 6 is not used.
Estimate the temperature of. The temperature sensor 6 is unnecessary by using the measuring means 8 also as a sensor used during the game, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be kept low.

[0010]

Means 4 for solving the problems Means 4 for solving the problems are as described in claim 4. The means 4
According to the above, the temperature control means 5 controls the driving body 2 when the temperature applied to one or both of the room temperature and the driving body 2 reaches a predetermined temperature.
Suppress driving. Since the room temperature and the temperature of the driving body 2 influence the overheating of the driving body 2, the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed when these temperatures reach a predetermined temperature. Therefore, overheating of the driving body 2 can be prevented more reliably.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine, which is one of the gaming machines, and will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine 10. On the game board 12 of the pachinko machine 10, as will be described later, a compound accessory device 14 having a liquid crystal display 64, holding number indicators 20, 28, etc., passage openings 24, 62 through which a pachinko ball can pass, and a winning pachinko machine. A starting opening 30 having a starting opening sensor 60 for detecting a ball, a gate 32 having a gate sensor 58 for detecting a passing pachinko ball, a big winning opening 34 having an opening / closing lid 78 which can be opened and closed by a solenoid 54, and the big winning opening 34. In addition, a starting opening 50 having a starting opening sensor 68 for detecting a pachinko ball and a movable piece 72 that can be opened and closed, a general winning opening, a windmill, an obstacle nail, and the like are appropriately arranged. Of these, the starting opening 30 and the starting opening 50 have the same functions, and when a pachinko ball wins a prize, the prize ball is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning opening.

In the composite accessory device 14 corresponding to the accessory device 3, the number of ordinary reservations (the number of reservations of the symbol variation related to the ordinary symbols)
Hold number indicator 20 for displaying, liquid crystal display 64 capable of displaying symbol variation, decoration display, etc., reel 22 rotatably provided with a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, special reserve number (symbol relating to special symbol It has a holding number display 28 or the like for displaying the number of changes held). The reel 22 corresponds to the movable member 1 and constitutes a part of a reel device 80 described later {see FIG. 3}. Each of the number-of-holds display 20 and the number-of-holds display 28 is, for example, a predetermined number (for example, 4 or 9) of L.
It consists of ED. A light bulb (lamp), a plasma display, or the like may be used instead of the segment element or LED described above.

In the vicinity of the passage opening 24, there is provided a normal symbol display 26 which can change the symbol of the ordinary symbol by using, for example, an LED emitting green or red. The normal symbol display 2
6, when the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32, symbol fluctuations such as blinking start and stop, and when a required period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, 6 stops. Normally, when the design becomes a specific display mode (for example, a specific LED lights in red), the movable piece 72 provided in the starting port 50 is opened for a fixed period (for example, 4 seconds) by a solenoid or the like.

In addition to the above-mentioned opening / closing lid 78, the special winning opening 34 has a V zone 56 (where a round can be continued up to the required number of times (eg 16 times) if a pachinko ball wins within the opening period (eg 20 seconds). It has a special area) and a general winning opening (normal area) that merely pays out prize balls. In order to detect each pachinko ball, V zone 56
The sensor 52 is provided, and a prize winning sensor 74 is provided at the general winning opening.

A front plate 36 provided below the game board 12 can be opened and closed independently of a glass frame 18 (so-called metal frame) to which a transparent member (eg, plate-shaped quartz glass or plastic) can be attached. There is. On the front plate 36, an upper plate 38 which is a tray for prize balls, a speaker 48 which is provided inside the upper plate 38 and outputs a sound (voice, music, sound effect, etc.), and a ball lender for instructing ball lending. A switch 66, an information display 70 for displaying the balance of cards (for example, a prepaid card or an IC card), a return switch 76 for instructing the return of the prepaid card, and the like are provided. Cards are inserted into a card unit installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 10. Since the configuration and functions of the card unit are well known, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

Further, below the front plate 36, there is provided an ashtray 46 for storing cigarette butts, a lower plate 44 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, and a touch sensor 42 for detecting a contact state of a player. And a handle 40 and the like. In addition, the game board 12 and its vicinity are provided with lamps 16 using light-emitting bodies such as lamps and LEDs at appropriate positions according to the game content of the pachinko machine 10.

Next, the structure of the reel device 80 is shown in FIG.
Will be described with reference to. Since the backlight (light-emitting body that illuminates from the inside of the reel) and the like provided in the reel device 80 are well known, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.
3A shows a schematic configuration of the reel device 80 in a perspective view, and FIG. 3B shows a vertical cross section of FIG. 3A.

The reel device 80 receives a drive signal from a control board (for example, a main control board 120 or a pattern control board 130 described later) and drives the motor 82 or the motor 8.
It has a reel 22 which is fixed to the second rotating shaft 82a and is configured to be rotatable, and an optical sensor 86 which transmits a reference signal to the control board when the index 84 is detected. As the motor 82, for example, a pulse motor capable of two-phase excitation (that is, a stepping motor) is used, but a servo motor or the like may be used. The reel 22 has symbols 22b, 2 on the outer peripheral surface 22a.
A plurality of symbols such as 2c, 22d, 22e, 22f are provided, and an index 84 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 22g. The index 84 in this example is realized by a small piece formed on the inner peripheral surface 22g, but may be realized by a mark (for example, ● or ■) represented by sticking or printing if it can be detected by the optical sensor 86. When the index 84 is made of a magnetic material, a proximity sensor may be used instead of the optical sensor 86.
The control board drives and controls the motor 82 (that is, rotational movement, braking, etc.) to realize rotation and stop of the reel 22. When the control board receives the reference signal from the optical sensor 86, the attitude of the reel 22 (that is, the reference position, the reference pattern, etc.)
Figure out.

Although the motor 82 and the reel 22 are directly driven in this example, they are indirectly driven by a power transmission member (gear, belt, torque converter, etc.) interposed between the motor 82 and the reel 22. You may comprise. In this way, not only the drum-shaped reel 22 but also a belt-shaped reel or the like can be applied.
Further, a temperature sensor 88 for measuring the temperature of the motor 82 and transmitting it to the control board may be provided, and in this case, the temperature sensor 88 corresponds to the temperature sensor 6.

Next, an example of various boards having a connection structure for realizing a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Still simply "connect"
In that case, it means to be electrically connected unless otherwise specified.

A main control board 120 mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 122 is a temporary storage such as a ROM 124 storing a game control program and required data, a random number, a special reserved number, an ordinary reserved number and an upper limit value. A RAM 126 or the like capable of storing data is provided. The ROM 124
The RAM 126 and the RAM 126 correspond to a storage unit. CPU122
Executes a game control program to realize a pachinko game. The game control program includes a program for realizing each procedure such as a starting opening process and a symbol display process described later. For example, the ROM 124 has an EP
Although ROM is used and RAM126 is DRAM,
Other storage media (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, magnetic card, IC card, etc.) may be used. The other components are similar to the well-known configurations, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

The main control board 120 receives signals from the touch sensor 42 and the payout control board 112, and controls the driving of the firing motor 100. Signals from the drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, and the like. In response to this, a payout control board 112 that drives and controls the payout motor 102, and an interface board 114 that is connected to the card unit and the payout control board 112 to control data transmission / reception, display of the information display 70, etc. I / F board "
Symbol), a symbol control board 130 for controlling symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display 64 and the reel device 80, and a speaker 48.
Voice control board 132 for controlling the sound emitted from the lamp 1
The lamp control board 134 for controlling the display of 6 and the like is connected. Each of these boards is the main control board 12
As in the case of 0, it is mainly composed of a CPU. Drive sensor 104
Monitors the driving state of the motor 102, a payout device for paying out pachinko balls, and the like. The counting sensor 106 counts the number of pachinko balls actually paid out. The above-mentioned drive sensor 104, counting sensor 106, gate sensor 58,
The starting port sensor 60, the V sensor 52, and the like include a contact type sensor (for example, a reed switch, a micro switch, a pressure sensor, etc.) or a non-contact type sensor (for example, a proximity sensor,
Optical sensor, infrared sensor, etc.) is used.

Further, on the main control board 120, in addition to the above-mentioned starting opening sensor 60, etc.
Alternatively, an external terminal board 108 or the like capable of transmitting a signal (including game information such as jackpot, symbol determination, probability change, etc.) is directly connected to an external device of the pachinko machine 10. Further, devices (for example, the solenoid 54, the gate sensor 58, the V sensor 52, etc.) provided at a position distant from the main control board 120 are connected via a relay terminal plate 136 for signal relay. By controlling the operation of the solenoid 54,
The opening / closing lid 78 of the special winning opening 34 can be opened and closed by reciprocating in the direction of arrow D2.

The symbol control board 130 is mainly composed of a CPU 140, and is provided with a ROM 142 for storing a display control program and required data, a RAM 144 for storing temporary data such as received data and lottery data. The symbol control board 130 stores a symbol in advance and generates a character by receiving a display command or the like, and the CPU 1
It has a VDP (Video Display Processor) or the like for displaying symbols on the liquid crystal display 64 in response to the display information sent from 40. It is desirable that the VDP can independently control display / non-display in two or more layers. The CPU 140 executes the display control program stored in the ROM 142 to display the design on the liquid crystal display 64. ROM 142 has E
Although a PROM is used and a DRAM is used as the RAM 144, other types of memories described above may be arbitrarily used. The other components are similar to the well-known configurations, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

One or both of the main control board 120 and the pattern control board 130 described above correspond to the drive control means 4. In the example of FIG. 3, the symbol control board 130, the voice control board 132, and the lamp control board 134 are each controlled directly from the main control board 120, but the voice control board 132 from the main control board 120 through the pattern control board 130. The lamp control board 134 may be indirectly controlled.

In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, the procedure executed by the main control board 120 to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 shows the procedure of the starting opening process for realizing the winning judgment of the pachinko ball to the starting opening 30, and FIG. 6 shows the procedure of the symbol display processing for realizing the display from the start of changing the symbol group to the stop thereof. FIG. 7 shows a reach processing procedure for realizing the reach display and the variation based on the reach pattern.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of temperature estimation processing for estimating the current temperature of the motor 82. Among these procedures, steps S52, S54, S5 of FIG.
6, S62 corresponds to the temperature management means 5, steps S16 of FIG. 5 and steps S70, S76 of FIG. 8 correspond to the measurement means 8, respectively, and the temperature estimation processing shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the temperature estimation means 7. In the following, the special reserved number will be simply referred to as the “reserved number”. The current temperature and the upper limit temperature are, for example, relative temperatures with the room temperature as a reference temperature (that is, 0 degrees).

In the starting port process shown in FIG. 5, first, the starting port 3
It is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won 0 (step S10). For example, if there is a detection signal from the starting port sensor 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if there is no detection signal, it is determined that a prize has not been won (NO). If a pachinko ball wins the starting opening 30 (YE
S), read various random numbers corresponding to each prize and R
It is stored in the AM 126 [step S12]. Step S
As the random number read in 12, either one or both of a software random number using a counter and a hardware random number using an oscillator or the like is used. The random number stored in the RAM 126 is, for example, a winning determination random number RA that determines whether or not it is a big hit, a winning symbol random number RB that specifies the winning symbol that is confirmed and displayed after stopping the symbol variation, and stops from the start of the symbol variation. The symbol display random number RC that specifies the display pattern and the like, the random number RD for probability variation that determines whether or not to perform probability variation, and the like are applicable. The winning symbol corresponds to a jackpot symbol such as the symbol patterns [333] and [777], and symbols other than the winning symbol are lost symbols.

When various random numbers are stored in the RAM 126, the payout control board 1 for paying out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning.
The payout command is transmitted to 12 [step S1
4], the number of holdings is increased, and the starting opening 30 is provided as necessary.
The number of winning prizes is increased [step S16]. Step S
After executing step 16, or when the pachinko ball does not enter the starting opening 30 in step S10 (NO),
It is determined whether it is impossible to change or whether the number of holdings is 0 or less [step S18]. That is, when the current game state is changing the symbol or during the big hit game, it is determined that it cannot be changed, and when it is not in any of the states, it is determined that it is variable. If the number of reservations is 0 or less, all the symbol variations related to the reservation have already been completed.

If it is possible to change the design and the number of holdings is 1 or more (NO in step S18), the number of holdings is reduced in preparation for future processing [step S20]. Then, as the holding is exhausted, a symbol variation process is executed to display the symbol variation on the liquid crystal display 64 [step S2.
2]. Here, a specific procedure of the symbol display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the symbol display process of FIG. 6, if the lottery result is a big hit (YES in step S30), a display command is sent to the symbol control board 130 to change the symbols in the first half [step S32], and the reach symbol is reached. Reach processing is executed to realize display and reach variation [step S34]. Whether or not the lottery result is a big hit is determined by the random number stored in step S12 of FIG.
It is determined by whether or not A) matches the winning value. ROM12
The winning value stored in advance in 4 etc. (eg 5,77,123
Etc.) is one or more. Step S3
In the display command transmitted in 2, the symbol pattern which is scheduled to be finally stopped and displayed based on a random number (for example, a random number RB for winning symbols) or the like, or a random number (for example, a random number R for symbol display)
The contents of the symbol variation displayed until reaching the reach based on C) or the like, that is, the variation pattern for the reach is included.
Here, a specific procedure of the reach process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In the reach process of FIG. 7, the reach symbol (first symbol, second symbol) is first displayed on the liquid crystal display 64 by the symbol variation performed according to the display command transmitted in step S32 of FIG. 6 (step S50). The reach symbol corresponds to a zigzag pattern pattern such as the symbol pattern [7 ↓ 7] or [55 ↓]. In addition, "↓" in the symbol pattern means that it is changing.

When the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature (current temperature ≧ upper limit temperature; step S52
YES), one or more reach patterns are determined from among a plurality of reach patterns in which the symbols are changed without driving the reel 22 corresponding to the fourth reel [step S6.
2]. In step S52, it may be determined whether or not the room temperature reaches the upper limit temperature, instead of the current temperature of the motor 82.
The current temperature and room temperature of the motor 82 are estimated by executing the temperature estimation process of FIG. 8 which will be described later.
When equipped with 8, the temperature sensor 88 may be used for measurement. The upper limit temperature is set to a constant value (for example, 70 degrees), but it is desirable to set (including changes during the game) according to the installation location of the pachinko machine 10, date and time, season and the like. The reach pattern corresponds to the pattern variation in the latter half of the period from the reach to the stop of variation, and the numbers and codes corresponding to each reach pattern are stored in the ROM 124 or the like in advance.

On the other hand, when the current temperature of the motor 82 has not reached the upper limit temperature (current temperature <upper limit temperature; step S
(NO of 52), one or more reach patterns are determined from a plurality of reach patterns in which the symbol variation including the drive of the reel 22 is performed [step S54]. But step S5
In the reach pattern determined in 4, there may be a reach pattern in which the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature or more depending on the time (that is, the drive time) for driving the reel 22 during the symbol variation after the reach. . Therefore, when it is expected that the upper limit temperature will be reached based on the drive time of the reel 22 during the symbol change (Y in step S56).
ES), one or more reach patterns are determined from among a plurality of reach patterns in which the design is changed without including the drive of the reel 22 (step S62). On the other hand, step S
At 56, when it is expected that the upper limit temperature will not be reached from the relationship between the current temperature of the motor 82 and the driving time (N
O), the reach pattern determined in step S54 is used as it is.

In this way, the display command including the reach pattern determined in steps S54 and S62 is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 to change the symbols in the latter half of the pattern [step S58], and finally the symbol variation is stopped. The symbol is confirmed [display of the third symbol; step S60], and the reach process is ended.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the reach process of step S34 is completed, when the probability variation is performed (step S36).
YES), the display command including the probability variation pattern for realizing the probability variation is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 to perform the symbol variation of the probability variation [step S38], and finally the symbol variation of the probability variation is stopped. Then, the symbol is fixed [step S40], and the symbol display process is finished. Whether or not to perform probability fluctuation is determined by whether or not a random number (for example, random number RD for probability fluctuation) matches the probability variation value. The number of probability variation values (for example, 77, 123, etc.) stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the like is
One or more. On the other hand, when the probability change is not performed (YES in step S36), the symbol display process is ended without doing anything. Depending on the symbols stopped due to probability fluctuations, the probability that the lottery result will be a big hit after the end of the big hit game this time increases to the next big hit, and the period of the symbol fluctuation related to the normal symbols is shortened. In addition, the probability of stopping and winning with a winning symbol after the variation is increased, and the period of the symbol variation related to the regular symbol is shortened.

If the lottery result is lost in step S30 (NO in step S30), the symbol data for the loss is read in order to display the lost symbol on the liquid crystal display 64 [step S42], and the reach symbol is assigned to the lost symbol. It is determined whether or not it is included [step S44]. If the reach pattern is included (YES), the reach will be reached in the middle of the change although it will eventually be lost, so steps S32 and S34 described above are executed, but the probability change does not occur (NO in step S36), The symbol display processing ends. On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not included in step S44 (N
O), similarly to step S32, the display command is transmitted to the symbol control board 130 [step S46], and after the symbol is changed according to the display command, the symbol is stopped with a lost symbol [step S48], and the symbol display processing is finished.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the symbol display processing of step S22 is finished, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery this time is a big hit [step S24]. In the pachinko machine 10 that is not easily affected by external noises and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, as in step S30 of FIG. If it is a big hit (YES), a big hit process is executed to give the player a chance to achieve a big hit game and obtain a prize ball [step S26]. In the jackpot process, for example, the opening / closing lid 78 of the special winning opening 34 is opened for a required period (for example, 30 seconds), and the prize balls are paid out according to the number of the pachinko balls that have won the big winning opening 34 or the like. To do. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot process is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, when it is impossible to change or the number of holdings is 0 or less in step S18 (YES), or when the lottery result is lost in step S24 (N
O), at that point, the starting opening process is finished. Then, the pachinko game is continued by executing the starting opening process again.

Next, in parallel with the starting port process shown in FIG. 5, an interrupt function or the like is used for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds or 5 milliseconds).
The procedure of the temperature estimation process executed for each will be described. Note that steps S70, S76, and S78 may be executed as needed.

In the temperature estimation processing of FIG. 8, first, the operating time of the pachinko machine 10 is increased by the above-mentioned predetermined period [step S70]. This operating time corresponds to the time that has passed since the power was turned on, and is used to consider the influence of heat generated by the substrate, display, etc. arranged near the motor 82.
If the motor 82 is being driven (Y in step S72)
ES), a temperature corresponding to the drive state of the motor 82 is selected [step S74], and the drive time of the motor 82 is increased by the above-mentioned predetermined period [step S76]. Then, the temperature selected in step S74 is corrected based on the operating time obtained in step S70 and the driving time obtained in step S76 [step S78], and the temperature selected in step S74 or the temperature corrected in step S78 is now calculated. The temperature is added to the temperature [step S80], and the temperature estimation process ends. In this case, the temperature obtained by executing step S80 is the estimated temperature of the motor 82.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the relationship between the drive state and the rising temperature in selecting the temperature according to the drive state of the motor 82. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a temperature change when the motor 82 is rotated and then stopped by braking.
First, when the motor 82 is started by 2-2 phase excitation from time t10 to time t12 (for example, for several tens of milliseconds), the temperature θ1 is increased at a rate of the temperature θ10 to the temperature increase rate θa.
Rise to 2. When the rotation of the motor 82 is accelerated by the 1-2 phase excitation between the time t12 and the time t14 (for example, for several tens of seconds), the temperature rises from the temperature θ12 to the temperature θ14 at a rate of the temperature increase rate θb. Furthermore, from time t14 to time t
When the motor 82 is rotated at a constant speed by the 1-1 phase excitation for up to 16 (for example, ten and several seconds), the temperature rises from the temperature θ14 to the temperature θ16 at a rate of the temperature increase rate θc. Then, when the motor 82 is braked by the all-phase excitation from the time t16 to the time t18, the temperature rise rate θd changes from the temperature θ16.
The temperature rises to the temperature θ18. From time t16 to time t
Since the motor 82 is stopped up to 18, the temperature drops by the temperature decrease rate θe due to heat radiation. Since the amount of heat generated by copper loss varies depending on which phase is excited, the rate of temperature rise varies. In step S74 of FIG. 8, according to this example, the temperature corresponding to any one of θa, θb, and θc is selected.

Returning to FIG. 8, in the correction performed in step S78, for example, the coefficient Ka required for the temperature rise due to the influence of the ambient temperature of the motor 82 is multiplied by the operating time, or the motor 8 is operated.
The coefficient Kb required for the temperature rise due to the heat generated by driving No. 2 is multiplied by the driving time, and one or both calculation results are added to the temperature selected in step S74.
By this correction, the temperature of the motor 82 can be grasped more accurately. In the case of a pachinko machine including a movable member that conveys a pachinko ball using a motor, the load applied to the motor changes depending on the number of pachinko balls that are conveyed. Therefore, for example, the number of pachinko balls conveyed by a prize sensor provided at the winning opening is counted, and the result of multiplying the coefficient Kc required for temperature increase with load increase by the number of pachinko balls is added to the temperature selected in step S74. do it.
It should be noted that the winning sensor corresponds to, for example, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or the like provided in a special winning opening or a starting opening.

If the motor 82 is stopped in step S72 (NO in step S72) and the current temperature of the motor 82 is 0 ° C. or lower (YES in step S82),
Since it can be determined that the temperature of the motor 82 is almost the same as room temperature,
The temperature estimation process ends without doing anything.

On the other hand, in step S72, the motor 82
Is stopped (NO in step S72) and the current temperature of the motor 82 exceeds 0 degrees (step S72).
(NO in 82), the temperature is subtracted from the present temperature for heat dissipation due to the stop (step S84). In the example of FIG. 9, the temperature decrease rate θ
The temperature corresponding to e is subtracted from the current temperature. The temperature thus obtained is the estimated temperature of the motor 82, but is usually 0.
Since the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature (YES in step S86), the temperature estimation process ends. However, the current temperature may become a negative value due to the subtraction (N in step S86).
O). This state is inappropriate because it means that the temperature of the motor 82 is lower than the room temperature, so the current temperature is set to 0 degrees to match the room temperature [Step S
88], the temperature estimation process ends. If the temperature of the motor 82 is almost equal to the room temperature, it is not necessary to consider the heat generated by the rotational movement and braking of the motor 82, so the drive time of the motor 82 is set to 0 in step S88. Although the present temperature of the motor 82 is estimated in this example, the room temperature may be estimated.

An example in which each of the processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is executed to realize the symbol variation by the reel 22 in relation to the current temperature of the motor 82 will be described with reference to FIG.
In this example, for the sake of simplicity, the motor 8 is driven by the excitation procedure shown in FIG.
An example will be described in which the mode in which 2 is rotated and then stopped is repeated. Note that the current temperature of the motor 82 at the first time t30 is the temperature θ30, and the upper limit temperature is the temperature θL (shown by the one-dot chain line).

When the current temperature of the motor 82 is lower than the upper limit temperature, the reel 22 is used to change the design, so the motor 82 is driven (steps S52 and S54 in FIG. 7).
That is, the motor 8 is operated from time t30 to time t32.
2 is driven, the current temperature of the motor 82 is also the temperature θ3.
The temperature rises from 0 to θ36 (step S72-
S80). However, since the motor 82 is stopped from the time t32 to the time t34, the temperature falls from the temperature θ36 to the temperature θ34 due to heat radiation (step S7 in FIG. 8).
2, S82, S84). Then, from time t34 to time t3
Since the motor 82 is driven up to 6,
The current temperature of is also increased from the temperature θ34 to the temperature θ40 (steps S72 to S80 in FIG. 8). And time t36
Since the motor 82 is stopped again from to the time t38, the temperature falls from the temperature θ40 to the temperature θ38 due to heat radiation (steps S72, S82, S84 in FIG. 8).

However, in the drive of the motor 82 performed from the time t38, the current temperature of the motor 82 at the time of the time t38 is the temperature θ38. Therefore, considering the drive time, the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the temperature θ42 and the upper limit is reached. It can be predicted that the temperature (temperature θL) will be exceeded. In this case, the pattern is changed only by the liquid crystal display 64, and the motor 82 is cooled by heat radiation (steps S56 and S62 in FIG. 7). Similarly, when the current temperature of the motor 82 has reached the upper limit temperature at time t34 or time t38, the motor 82 is cooled by heat radiation (steps S52 and S6 in FIG. 7).
2). Due to this cooling, the current temperature of the motor 82, which was at the temperature θ40 at the time t36, drops to the temperature θ32 at the time t40. Therefore, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) The reel 22 provided in the complex accessory device 14, the motor 82 for moving the reel 22, and the main control board 120 capable of controlling the drive of the motor 82 based on the result of the lottery.
(Or the pattern control board 130) and the temperature control means 5 that suppresses the drive of the motor 82 based on the temperature (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Since the driving of the motor 82 is suppressed, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented. Moreover, since it is not necessary to increase the size of the heat sink or increase the number of heat sinks, the compound accessory device 14 can be made compact. In this example, the drive / non-drive of the motor 82 is controlled for each symbol variation {see steps S52, S54, S56, S62 in Fig. 7}, but the maximum rotation speed of the motor 82 is lowered, or during symbol variation. Even if the maximum drive time of the motor 82 is shortened and the control for suppressing the driving force is performed, the motor 82 can be prevented from overheating.

(A2) The reel 22 provided in the composite accessory device 14 is not involved in the flow path of the pachinko ball. Therefore, regardless of the result of the lottery, the main control board 120
Even if (or the pattern control board 130) controls the drive of the motor 82, the temperature management means 5 suppresses the drive of the motor 82 based on the temperature {see FIGS. 7 and 8}. Therefore, the motor 82 for rotating the reel 22 provided for production
Can prevent overheating. If the drive of the motor 82 is suppressed, the movement of the reel 22 will be suppressed.
Since 2 does not affect the flow path of the pachinko ball, it does not affect the function of the pachinko machine 10.

(A3) The operation time of the pachinko machine 10 is measured (step S70 in FIG. 8), the drive time of the motor 82 is measured (step S76 in FIG. 8), or a prize sensor provided at the winning opening is used. The number of pachinko balls was counted. Then, the temperature was corrected based on these measurement results, and the current temperature of the motor 82 was estimated (steps S78 and S80 in FIG. 8). The temperature estimation process of FIG. 8 not only estimates the current temperature according to the driving state of the motor 82, but also functions to measure the operating time and the driving time. The winning sensor is used not only for detecting the winning, but also for predicting the temperature rise from the load applied to the motor.
Thus, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be kept low while preventing the motor 82 from overheating.

(A4) When the current temperature of the motor 82 reaches the upper limit temperature (temperature θL in the example of FIG. 10), the driving of the motor 82 is suppressed (step S62 of FIG. 7). Motor 82
In addition to the current temperature of the motor 82, the overheating of is often affected by room temperature. Therefore, the drive of the motor 82 may be suppressed based on the room temperature. By doing so, overheating of the motor 82 can be prevented more reliably.

[Other Embodiments] The pachinko machine 1 described above
In 0 (game machine), the structure, shape, size, arrangement, operating conditions, etc. of other parts are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, each of the following modes to which the above-described embodiment is applied can be implemented. (B1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, it is a game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.) and is provided with a movable member 1, a driving body 2, and a drive control means 4. The present invention can be similarly applied to other types. Since the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed under a certain condition even with the other gaming machine, the driving body 2
Can prevent overheating.

(B2) In the above embodiment, the reel 22 made of a drum-shaped or belt-shaped member, that is, an annular member is applied as the movable member 1 (see FIG. 3). As can be seen in FIG. 2, a member provided inside the accessory device, and a part or all of which is configured to be movable may be applied as the movable member 1. For example, a character member for performance, a rotating member formed by simulating a roulette wheel, a swinging member formed by simulating a seesaw,
A slide member or the like that can reciprocate slidably corresponds. These movable members 1 may be arranged at positions that are not involved in the flow-down path of the pachinko balls, or may be arranged on the flow-down path that changes the movement by transferring or distributing the pachinko balls. Especially for the movable member 1 arranged at a position not involved in the flow path of the pachinko ball, the motor 82
Although the movement of the movable member 1 is also suppressed when the driving of the driving body 2 is suppressed, the movable member 1 does not affect the flow path of the pachinko ball, so that the function of the pachinko machine 10 is hindered. Never come.

(B3) In the above embodiment, the motor 82
Although the above is applied as the driving body 2 (see FIG. 3), it is also possible to apply as the driving body 2 a device such as a solenoid or a piezoelectric element that generates heat with driving. Also in this case, it is possible to prevent the driving body 2 from overheating.

[0055]

According to the present invention, since the driving of the driving body is suppressed under a certain condition, it is possible to prevent the driving body from overheating.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reel device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of various substrates and devices.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a starting opening process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of symbol display processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reach processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of timer processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a temperature change of a motor and an excited state.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature that changes with the passage of time.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 movable member 1a design 1b outer peripheral part 2 drive body 3 role object device 4 drive control means 5 temperature management means 6 temperature sensor 7 temperature estimation means 8 measuring means 10 pachinko machine (gaming machine) 14 complex accessory device (role object device) 22 reel (movable member) 22a outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral portion) 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f symbol 64 liquid crystal display (display section) 68 starting opening sensor (measuring means) 74 winning sensor (measuring means) 80 reel device 82 Motor (driving body) 88 Temperature sensor 120 Main control board (drive control means, temperature management means, temperature estimation means) 122,140 CPU 124,142 ROM (storage section) 126,144 RAM (storage section) 130 Symbol control board ( Drive control means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A movable member provided in the accessory device, a drive body for moving the movable member, drive control means capable of controlling the drive of the drive body based on a result of a lottery, and the drive unit based on temperature. A gaming machine having a temperature management means for suppressing driving of a driving body. 2. A movable member, which is not involved in the flow path of the game medium and is provided inside the accessory device, a drive body for moving the movable member, and a drive control means capable of controlling the drive of the drive body. A gaming machine having a temperature management unit that suppresses driving of the driving body based on temperature. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring unit capable of measuring a predetermined event, and a temperature estimating unit estimating a temperature based on a measurement result obtained by the measuring unit. Machine. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature management means drives the driving body when a temperature applied to one or both of room temperature and the driving body reaches a predetermined temperature. A game machine to suppress.