JP2013162850A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine achieving the smooth putout operation of game balls by a putout device.SOLUTION: A pinball game machine includes: a front frame 2 holding a game board formed with a prescribed game region on the front face side; a winning ball putout unit 100 provided at the rear face side of the front frame 2, and putting out game balls; and a main control board 1000 and a putout control board 2000 controlling the putout of the game balls by the winning ball putout unit 100. The winning ball putout unit 100 includes: a unit case having a guide passage making the game balls received from a ball reception port pass toward a ball putout port; a ball feeding member rotatably disposed in the guide passage, and feeding the game balls inside the guide passage to the ball putout port by rotation movement; and a drive source rotationally driving the ball feeding member. When the winning ball putout unit 100 is installed at the rear face side of the front frame 2, the guide passage extends in the up-and-down direction nearly orthogonal to the installation direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with a payout device for paying out a prize ball or the like.

  A pachinko machine, which is a typical example of a ball game machine, is located behind the front frame that houses and holds the game board that forms the game area in a standing posture, and the mechanism set board called the back set board can be opened and closed freely It is configured to be attached, and is configured to play a game in which a winning tool provided in the game area is won in the process of dropping the game ball guided to the game area by the launch mechanism in accordance with the turning operation of the launch handle. The back set board has a prize ball payout unit (payout device) for paying out a predetermined number of game balls to the ball tray as a prize ball according to a winning state on the game board or when a lending operation is performed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In general, a prize ball payout unit is provided with a ball receiving port for receiving a game ball and a ball payout port for paying out a game ball on the upper and lower surfaces of the unit, and a ball receiving port and a ball payout port inside the unit. A guide passage that is connected is formed, and a ball feeding member that is rotationally driven in a vertical plane by a driving source such as a motor is disposed in the middle of the guide passage, and a game ball guided from the ball receiving port through the guide passage Is discharged from the ball discharge outlet at the lower end of the passage by rotation of the ball feeding member.

  In the prize ball payout control process, the payout control board pays out the game balls one by one by controlling the rotation of the ball feeding member based on the prize ball payout command according to the winning conditions inputted from the main control board. The number of prize balls to be paid out to the player is controlled based on a detection signal from a count sensor that detects a game ball that is arranged in the middle of the passage and is paid out by the ball feeding member.

JP 2003-205146 A

  By the way, in recent ball game machines, it is required to realize a smooth payout operation of a prize ball by a prize ball payout unit so as not to disturb the progress of the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a ball game machine capable of realizing a smooth payout operation of a game ball by a payout device.

  In order to achieve such an object, a bullet ball game machine according to the present invention includes a frame member for holding a game board having a predetermined game area formed on the front side, and a game ball provided on the rear side of the frame member. A ball game machine comprising: a payout device for paying out a game ball; and a control device for controlling the payout of a game ball by the payout device, wherein the payout device has an upstream ball receiving port and a downstream ball payout port. A case member having a guide passage through which a game ball formed by connecting and received from the ball receiving port passes toward the ball payout exit, and a game member in the guide passage are rotatably disposed on the guide passage. A ball feeding member that feeds the ball to the ball paying outlet, and a drive source that rotationally drives the ball feeding member, and the guide passage is substantially orthogonal to the mounting direction when the dispensing device is attached to the rear surface side of the frame member. It is comprised so that it may extend in the up-down direction.

  According to the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, it is possible to realize a smooth payout operation of the game ball by the payout device.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is an electrical schematic block diagram of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the main control board of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the supply voltage at the time of a power failure, and time in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the content of the command and information which are transmitted / received between the main control board and payout control board of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the prize ball payout unit from the front in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the prize ball payout unit from the back in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the front sectional view which looked at the circumference of the screw of a prize ball payout unit from the upper part in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the front sectional view which looked at the circumference of the lower passage of a prize ball paying unit from the upper part in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the gear mechanism of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the state in which the screw of a prize ball payout unit exists in an initial position in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the state in which the screw of a prize ball payout unit exists in a payout position in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a table | surface for demonstrating the outline of the excitation sequence of a 1 phase excitation system in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a table | surface for demonstrating the outline of the excitation sequence of a two-phase excitation system in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a table | surface for demonstrating the outline of the excitation sequence of a 1-2 phase excitation system in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is an effect | action figure regarding prize ball payout in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the timing chart regarding prize ball payout in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment, and a transition diagram of a screw. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a payout control board in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process performed in the main control board side in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the 1st process performed in the payout control board side in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is the timing chart which showed the mode of the surplus payout resulting from the rotation by the inertia of the payout apparatus at the time of a power failure in a prior art. It is the timing chart which showed the mode of the excessive payout prevention resulting from the inertial rotation of the screw at the time of a power failure in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the motor forced stop process execution in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment when the screw has not reached the paying-out position when the power is turned off. It is a timing chart at the time of the motor forced stop process execution in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment in case a screw has reached the paying-out position at the time of a power failure. It is a flowchart of the 2nd process performed in the payout control board side in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw rotating normally by the 2nd processing in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw | thread not rotating normally by the 2nd process in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment (stepping out). It is a flowchart of the 3rd process performed in the payout control board side in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw rotating normally by the 3rd processing in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw | thread not rotating normally by the 3rd process in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment (stepping out). It is a timing chart at the time of a screw returning to normal rotation by the 3rd processing in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the 4th process performed in the payout control board side in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw rotating normally by the 4th processing in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart at the time of the screw | thread not rotating normally by the 4th process in the pachinko machine which concerns on this embodiment (stepping out). It is a timing chart at the time of a screw returning to normal rotation in the 4th processing in the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment, when the rotation position of a screw has not reached the payout position at the time of rotation error generating. In the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment, it is a timing chart at the time of a screw returning to normal rotation, when the rotation position of a screw has reached the discharge position at the time of rotation error generation in the 4th processing.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, in order to make the technical significance of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, the configuration requirements / features of aspects illustrating the present invention are listed, and problems and effects are described based on the present embodiment described below. .

<Issues>
As a drive source for paying out game balls in the prize ball payout unit, a stepping motor that is driven to rotate in units of steps determined by giving pulse signals is preferably used. Here, the stepping motor is controlled so that the rotor is rotationally driven by a certain angle each time a pulse current is input. More specifically, since the rotation angle and rotation speed of this motor are determined by the number and frequency of pulse signals to be applied, if the motor is within the rated load, it moves as expected without feedback control. There is merit to give. Furthermore, when the supply of the pulse is stopped, it stops immediately on the spot, which is suitable for accurate rotation angle control. In addition, if a signal is continuously applied to a specific stator in an energized state (excited state), a relatively large static torque can be obtained.

  A ball feeding member for paying out a game ball is fixed to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor via a gear or directly. When the rotation shaft is driven to rotate, the ball feeding member follows and rotates. As a result, the game balls waiting on the upstream side of the ball feeding member are paid out one by one by the ball feeding member. In addition, the stepping motor is provided with a rotation detection sensor for detecting the initial position of the ball feeding member and detecting whether or not rotation problems such as step-out have occurred. When an abnormality is detected by the detection sensor, a rotation retry operation (retry operation) of the stepping motor is executed in order to remove the cause of the rotation failure. Here, the cause of the rotation failure is that the game ball held by the ball feeding member comes into contact with the subsequent game ball, the ball passage wall, etc., and the rotation operation of the ball feeding member itself is hindered. (So-called “ball biting”). When such a retry operation is executed, conventionally, the stepping motor excitation is interrupted and stopped (in a non-excited state) so that the ball feeding member is loosened to release the ball-engaged state, and then the winning ball payout process is performed. Had returned to However, when such a retry process is applied, it is necessary to stop the excitation of the stepping motor and to return the stepping motor (ball feed member) to the initial position when the ball engagement state is resolved. There is a problem that the operation of the stepping motor when the normal state is restored may delay the payout of the winning ball.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality is detected during the rotation operation of the stepping motor, it is possible to quickly respond to the abnormality, and to provide means that can quickly return to the prize ball payout process after the abnormal state is resolved. Objective.

<Configuration requirements / features>
The ball game machine (pachinko machine PM) of the embodiment illustrating the present invention (1)
A frame member (front frame 2) for holding a game board having a predetermined game area formed on the front side;
A payout device (prize ball payout unit 100) provided on the rear side of the frame member for paying out game balls;
A ball game machine comprising a control device (main control board 1000 and payout control board 2000) for controlling the payout of game balls by the payout device,
The dispensing device is
A case member (unit case 110) having a guide passage formed by connecting an upstream ball receiving port and a downstream ball paying port and allowing a game ball received from the ball receiving port to pass toward the ball paying port When,
A spiral projection is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion serving as the center of rotation, and is disposed on the guide passage so as to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. A ball feed member (screw 150) that feeds to the ball payout exit by
A stepping motor (stepping motor 170) that rotates the ball feeding member by rotating the rotor once in a number of steps n.
The controller is
In order to rotate the rotor of the stepping motor, a rotation control means (dispensing control means 2300) for controlling the operation of the stepping motor by executing a stator excitation position switching process for sequentially switching the positions of the excited stators at predetermined time intervals. )When,
Rotation detection means (rotation detection sensor 114) for detecting rotation of the stepping motor;
Normal rotation determining means (error control means 2200) for determining whether or not the stepping motor is rotating normally based on detection information from the rotation detecting means;
A rotation forced stop control means (dispensing control means 2300) for controlling to forcibly stop the rotation of the stepping motor when the normal rotation determination means determines that the rotation is not normally performed;
Rotation retry control means (retry operation control means 2400) for retrying rotation of the stepping motor after forcibly stopping the rotation of the stepping motor by the rotation forced stop control means,
The rotation control means drives the stepping motor by a first excitation method during normal operation,
When the rotation retry control means retrying the rotation of the stepping motor, the stepping motor excitation torque can be reduced by comparing the stepping motor excitation method with the first excitation method. Excitation method switching control means (excitation method switching control means 2410) for switching to the excitation method,
When the rotation of the stepping motor is retried, forward / reverse rotation switching control means (normal / reverse rotation switching control means (normal / reverse rotation switching control means) for returning the ball feeding member to a predetermined rotation reference position where the game ball is not paid out while switching the rotation direction of the stepping motor. Reverse rotation switching control means 2420),
It is a bullet ball game machine configured to have.

The ball game machine (pachinko machine PM) of the aspect illustrating the present invention (2)
The bullet ball game machine according to the invention (1), wherein an excitation switching speed of the stator in the second excitation method is slower than an excitation switching speed of the stator in the first excitation method.

The ball game machine (pachinko machine PM) of the aspect illustrating the present invention (3)
The controller is
When the rotation of the stepping motor is retried, the ball feeding member is rotated forward to the position immediately before the payout position where the game ball can be paid out from the guide passage to the payout outlet, and then reversed to the nearest rotation reference position. The ball game machine according to the invention (1) or (2), wherein the stepping motor is rotationally controlled to return.

The ball game machine (pachinko machine PM) of the aspect illustrating the present invention (4) is
The controller is
When the rotation of the stepping motor is retried, the stepping motor is controlled to rotate so that the ball feeding member is once reversed by a predetermined angle and then forwardly rotated to a position immediately before the payout position. ).

<Effect>
According to the present invention, when an abnormality is detected during the rotation operation of the stepping motor, it is possible to quickly cope with the abnormality and to quickly return to the winning ball payout process after the abnormal state is resolved.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine]
As a representative example of the ball game machine according to the present invention, a front view and a rear view of a pachinko machine PM are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overview of the overall configuration of the pachinko machine PM will be described with reference to this figure. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine PM has a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertically fixed holding frame that is configured to have an outer rectangular frame size. The front frame 2 that forms the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 disposed on the front left edge of each other is attached so as to be openable and closable and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. 4 is always kept in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front side of the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 that fits the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so that it can be opened and closed laterally and removably using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and the locking device 4 is used. Thus, it is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. On the front side of the front frame 2 located behind the glass frame 5, a storage frame for detachably storing the game board 10 is provided, and the game board 10 is detachable from the rear in an upper region of the storage frame. The game area PA on the front side of the game board 10 can be viewed through the multilayer glass of the glass frame 5 which is held in a set and is always closed.

  An upper ball tray 6 and a lower ball tray 7 which are dish members for storing game balls are provided at the lower part of the glass frame 5, and a launch handle 8 for performing a game ball launch operation is provided on the right side of the lower ball dish 7. It has been. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an electric decoration device such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a lamp, a speaker for generating a sound effect according to the development state of the game, etc. are appropriately provided on the front side of the glass frame 5. Provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a card unit C is provided adjacent to the pachinko machine PM for accepting rental of game balls by a prepaid card. Here, since the card unit C is the same as a well-known structure, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The game board 10 is configured by using a decorative board 11 formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the decorative board 11, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in a circular arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined, and a large number of game nails are provided in the game area PA. Various prize-winning devices (also referred to as “winning holes”) 14, 15, 16 and the like are arranged, and an image display device (design display) that displays images and symbols of various effect patterns in the vicinity of the center of the game area PA. (Device) 18 is attached. Further, at the lower end of the game area PA, an out port 19 is formed through the decorative board 11 in the front-rear direction for discharging a game ball that has fallen without winning each winning tool to the back side of the game board 10. Here, there are various types of prizes provided on the game board, including appearance design and actions at the time of winning, and any type of prizes is used depending on the gauge setting or the like. However, for example, the game board illustrated in FIG. 1 shows an example in which three types of prizes including a general prize 14, a start prize 15, and a big prize 16 are provided. A big prize tool 16 is provided in each of the game area for right-hand use and the game area for right-handed use. The game balls dropped into each winning opening are discharged to the back side of the decorative board 11, and a winning is detected by passing through winning detection sensors (pass-type sensors) 14s, 15s, 16s provided on the back side. .

  On the back side of the front frame 2, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a back that is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame that is somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 and has a window that communicates with the front and rear. A set panel 30 is connected to the rear of the front frame 2 via an upper and lower hinge mechanism 3 so as to be openable and closable and detachable. A protective cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed so as to cover the back side of the game board 10 attached to the front frame 2. (Thus, a main control board 1000 and a sub control board 3000 described later are covered by the protective cover 30C). Each part of the back set board 30 includes a ball storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the ball storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a right end portion of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage member 33 that extends downward and a game ball guided by the ball supply passage member 33 is paid out under a predetermined condition (for example, in response to a winning at each winning opening or a request from the card unit C). A prize ball passage member 34 and the like for guiding the game balls paid out from the ball payout unit 100 and the prize ball payout unit 40 to the upper ball tray 6 are provided.

  The prize ball payout unit 100 is controlled by a payout control board 2000, which will be described later, and in response to a request for a game ball to enter the various winning ports 14 to 16 and a game ball rental request from a player, The game balls are paid out to supply the game balls to the player. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of the award ball payout process based on the game balls entering the various winning ports 14 to 16. The specific configuration of the prize ball payout unit 100 will be described later in detail.

  On the back side of the game board 10, there is a main control board 1000 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine PM, and a sub-control that controls the game effect according to the model (including version) of the pachinko machine PM and the game development. A substrate 3000 or the like is attached. On the other hand, the back side portion of the back set board 30 has a payout control board 2000 that performs control related to the launch and payout of game balls, and receives power from the game facility side and supplies power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A power supply board 4000 to be supplied is attached. These control boards are disposed on the back side of the game board 10 or the back set board 30 in a state of being accommodated in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure to prevent unauthorized modification.

[Basic operation of pachinko machine]
The pachinko machine PM configured as described above is used for gaming in a state where the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island (installation frame base) of the game facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 6 and rotating the launch handle 8. When the firing handle 8 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 are sent to the launching mechanism one by one by the ball feeding mechanism disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5, and the launching mechanism 8 After being launched into the game area PA, a pachinko game is developed thereafter.

  For example, when a game ball rolling down the game area PA falls into the general winning opening 14, a winning is detected when the entered game ball passes the winning detection sensor 14s, and the detection signal is input to the main control board 1000. Is done. Based on this detection signal, the main control board 1000 detects that the game ball has won the prize-winning tool and that the prize-winning slot is the general prize-winning slot 14, and responds to the payout control board 2000 according to the winning conditions. The prize ball payout command 100 is output to operate the prize ball payout unit 100, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls set in advance as prizes when winning in the general winning opening 14 are placed in the upper ball tray 6. Let them pay out.

  When the game ball falls into the start winning opening 15 and a detection signal is output from the winning detection sensor 15s, the main control board 1000 recognizes that the game ball has won from the detection signal and the winning winning opening. Is detected as a start winning opening 15, and a game program corresponding to the winning conditions is called and executed. Specifically, the symbol combination lottery is performed in the main control board 1000, the lottery result is output to the sub-control board 3000, and the symbol displayed on the image display device 18 is controlled to be varied and stopped, so that the combination of stop symbols is obtained. The corresponding operation, for example, blinking display of LED, generation of sound effect by the speaker, etc. is performed. Further, the main control board 1000 outputs a prize ball payout command corresponding to the winning conditions to the payout control board 2000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 100 and is set in advance as a reward when winning at the start winning opening 15. A predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out to the upper ball tray 6.

  When the lottery result by the main control board 1000 is a jackpot (when the symbol at the time of fluctuation stop is a jackpot symbol), the image display device 18 is made to match, for example, a decorative symbol imitating the symbol display of the slot machine. Such a display mode is displayed and a special game is executed. In the special game, the special winning opening 16 is opened. Then, for example, after the grand prize opening 16 is opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls have won the grand prize opening 16, the special prize opening 16 is temporarily closed, and such an opening / closing operation is performed in a predetermined manner. Repeated continuously (for example, 15 times). Also, the main control board 1000 outputs a prize ball payout command according to the winning conditions to the payout control board 2000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 100, and is set in advance as a reward when winning the big prize opening 16 The predetermined number (for example, 12) of the award balls is paid out to the upper ball tray 6.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine PM will be described with additional reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, and the sub-control board 3000 include a CPU as an arithmetic unit that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores in advance a program that defines the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and data handled by the CPU ( A RAM for temporarily storing various data generated during the game and a computer program read from the ROM is mounted.

  The main control board 1000 mainly receives a big hit lottery triggered by a game ball entering the start winning tool 15, a symbol change display process on the image display device 18, and a game ball entering each winning port 14-16. Execute a prize ball payout determination process, etc. as an opportunity. In addition, each control board such as the payout control board 2000 and the sub control board 3000 is connected to the main control board 1000 by a harness (connector cable), and various commands and information are transmitted to these control boards to each control board. By performing distributed control, the overall operation of the pachinko machine PM is comprehensively controlled.

  The payout control board 2000 is connected to the main control board 1000 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and controls the payout and launch of the game ball based on commands from the main control board 1000. The payout control board 2000 is connected with a prize ball payout unit 40 and a card unit C is connected via a connection terminal board (not shown) so as to be capable of serial communication.

  The sub-control board 3000 is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 1000, and controls overall effects such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects based on commands from the main control board 1000. Is. The sub-control board 3000 is configured by dividing the function into a plurality of control boards (for example, an effect control board that controls the overall effects and an image control board that mainly controls various effects on the image display device 18). Alternatively, the functions performed by these control boards may be integrally configured as a single control board.

  Here, transmission / reception of commands and information between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 and transmission of commands and information from the main control board 1000 to the sub-control board 3000 may be performed by parallel communication or serial communication. In addition, a single line for transmitting a prize ball payout status is arranged between the payout control board 2000 and the main control board 1000, and when a prize ball payout command is transmitted from the main control board 1000, a payout signal is generated. Turns on and the payout signal is turned off when the payout is completed.

[Hardware configuration of main control board]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration in the main control board 1000. The processing unit 1010 of the main control board 1000 is an electronic circuit that operates by receiving a voltage supply from the power supply 1020 connected to the power supply board 4000. The processing unit 1010 is a one-chip microcomputer that includes a CPU 1011, a ROM 1012, and a RAM (backup RAM) 1013.

  The supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 is detected by the voltage monitoring unit 1610 periodically, for example, at intervals of 0.01 seconds. The voltage monitoring unit 1610 monitors the supply voltage supplied from the power source 1020 to the processing unit 1010. When the power supply monitoring means 1610 detects a decrease in the supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 based on a predetermined threshold, the power supply monitoring means 1610 determines that the power supply 1020 has been cut off, and sends a power interruption signal (also referred to as “NMI signal”) to the processing unit 1010. Send. The CPU 1011 reads out the program stored in the ROM 1012 and executes the below-described power interruption process on condition that the power interruption signal is received from the voltage monitoring unit 1610.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the supply voltage and time when the power is shut off. The CPU 1011 is an electronic circuit that operates normally at the voltage V0. For example, if the power supply is cut off at time T0, the supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 gradually decreases. The circuit may be configured so that the falling of the supply voltage is delayed by a smoothing action of a capacitor or the like.

  When the supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold voltage V1, the voltage monitoring unit 1610 transmits an NMI signal to the processing unit 1010. Here, the NMI signal is transmitted at the timing of time T1. At time T2, the supply voltage falls below V2, which is the lowest voltage at which the CPU 1011 can operate, and the CPU 1011 stops due to physical restrictions. The time from time T1 to T2 is a grace time ΔT for executing the power interruption process. Therefore, the CPU 1011 executes the power interruption process until the supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage V1 to the voltage V2.

  Although not shown, the payout control board 2000 also includes a processing unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (backup RAM), and the like, and since there is a certain amount of power storage even when the power is cut off, the time T1 to the time T2 During the grace period ΔT, a stepping motor of the prize ball payout unit 100, which will be described later in detail, is driven, a detection signal from a count sensor is input, and various information and commands are exchanged with the main control board 1000. It is possible to send and receive.

[Contents of commands and information transmitted / received between main control board / payout control board]
Next, the contents of commands and information transmitted / received between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. The command from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 includes specific information indicating that it is a prize ball payout command, upper ball tray full, and information on the number of prize balls. Specifically, bits 7 to 5 are fixed to “100” (identification information indicating that the command is a prize ball payout command). Bit 4 relates to the upper ball dish full state, “0” means that the upper ball dish is not full, and “1” means that the upper ball dish is full. Next, bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of prize balls. For example, 0 (B = “0000”) means 0 prize balls and 15 (B = “1111”) is a prize ball. It means 15 pieces.

  Next, payout related information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side will be described. The first payout related information (prize ball payout related information or payout abnormality related information) includes a fixed value, payout device abnormality information, and prize ball payout completion information. Specifically, bits 7 to 2 are fixed to “010101”. Next, bit 1 relates to a payout device abnormality (payout related error), “0” means that the payout device is not abnormal, and “1” means that the payout device is abnormal. Finally, bit 0 relates to the completion of a prize ball payout, “0” means that the prize ball has been paid out, and “1” means that the prize ball has not been paid out. Next, the second payout-related information (information indicating that one ball has been paid out) has a fixed value of “11011011”. The main control board 1000 that has received the second payout-related information recognizes that one ball has been paid out.

[Basic configuration of prize ball payout unit]
The basic configuration of the prize ball payout unit 100 will be described below with additional reference to FIGS. 7 is a perspective view of the winning ball paying unit 100 as viewed from the front, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the winning ball paying unit 100 as viewed from the rear, FIG. 9 is a side view of the winning ball paying unit 100, and FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of the periphery of the screw of the winning ball paying unit 100 as viewed from above, FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of the periphery of the lower passage of the winning ball paying unit 100 as viewed from above, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state in which the screw in the prize ball paying unit 100 is in the initial position, and FIG. FIG. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the front, rear, left, and right and up and down directions are defined as directions in the state of attachment to the pachinko machine PM with reference to the states of FIGS. The directions of the arrows shown in FIG. Further, in each figure, the game ball is appropriately marked with a symbol “B”.

  The prize ball payout unit 100 includes a vertical rectangular box-shaped unit case 110 serving as a base of the unit 100, a screw 150 that receives and pays out game balls one by one, and a drive source that rotates the screw 150 in both forward and reverse directions. As a stepping motor 170, a gear mechanism 180 that transmits the rotational driving force of the stepping motor 170 to the screw 150, and a ball removal mechanism 190 that discharges the game ball to the outside of the machine. The winning ball payout unit 100 is detachably attached to the back side of the pachinko machine PM by being locked by two fixing levers 35 and 36 provided slidably or rotatably on the back set board 30. It has become. The prize ball payout unit 100 may be attached by other fixing means such as screw fixing.

  The unit case 110 is formed of a case main body 120 that serves as an attachment base for the screw 150, the stepping motor 170, the gear mechanism 180, and the like, and a case cover 130 that is superposed on the right side surface of the case main body 120. The case main body 120 is formed of a base wall 120a formed in a vertically long rectangular plate shape, and a peripheral wall 120b that surrounds the base wall 120a and extends laterally from the peripheral edge of the base wall 120a. As a whole, it has a box shape whose side facing the case cover 130 is open. The case cover 130 has a thin box shape that can close the side opening of the case body 120 using a transparent resin material. The case main body 120 and the case cover 130 are fixed by screws in a superposed state in the left-right direction using a plurality of screws (not shown).

  The unit case 110 includes a ball receiving port 111 for receiving a game ball in contact with the lower end of the ball supply passage member 33 and the prize ball passage member 34 when the prize ball dispensing unit 100 is attached to the back set board 30. A ball payout outlet 112 is formed for communicating with the upper end and paying out game balls. The main surface of the base wall 120a of the case main body 120 is provided with first to fifth passage walls 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 that are erected with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball. A single guide passage 140 is defined on the main surface side of the base wall 120a by being surrounded by the five passage walls 121-125.

  The guide passage 140 is formed in the shape of a passage having an S-shaped curve connecting the ball receiving port 111 at the upper end and the ball payout outlet 112 at the lower end. Further, a screw 150 as a ball feeding member is disposed in a posture in which the axial direction thereof is substantially coincident with the front-rear direction. The guide passage 140 is formed to be continuous with the side passage 141 that extends downward while meandering from the ball receiving port 111 and allows the game ball to flow downward at one axial end of the screw 150. And a lower passage 145 that extends to the other end side in the axial direction and allows the game ball to flow down to the ball discharge outlet 112 at a position below the screw 150.

  The side passage 141 is formed to be surrounded by the first, second, and third passage walls 121, 122, and 123, and guides the game balls introduced from the ball receiving port 111 to the screw 150 in a single line alignment state. At the same time, when the operation of the screw 150 is stopped, the game balls are put on standby in the aligned state. The side passage 141 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down the side passage 141, and is caused by the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). A part of the ball pressure is dispersed in the ball pressure in the horizontal direction.

  The lower passage 145 is formed so as to be surrounded by the fourth and fifth passage walls 124 and 125, and extends gently downward from the lower end of the side passage 141, and then bends vertically downward toward the ball outlet 112. doing. The fourth passage wall 124 that forms a part of the lower passage 145 is formed as an inclined surface that inclines downward from one end side in the axial direction of the screw 150 toward the other end side. By forming the fourth passage wall 124 as an inclined surface in this way, a force for flowing down the game ball located in the lower passage 145 by its own weight is applied, and the screw 150 for sending the game ball to the ball payout port 112 is provided. The propulsive force can be kept small.

  Of the pair of side wall portions 126, 136 facing in the left-right direction in the lower passage 145, the side wall 126 formed on the case body 120 side is connected to the upstream side wall surface 126a and the downstream side wall surface 126c via the inclined wall surface 126b. The downstream side wall surface 126c is formed to be deviated in the direction away from the screw 150 (left direction) with respect to the upstream side wall surface 126a. On the other hand, in the side wall 136 formed on the case cover 130 side, the upstream side wall surface 136a and the downstream side wall surface 136c are connected via the inclined wall surface 136b, and the downstream side wall surface 136c is connected to the upstream side wall surface 136a. Is biased in the direction approaching the screw 150 (right direction). That is, the passage portion 145a sandwiched between the upstream side wall surfaces 126a and 136a in the lower passage 145 is formed to be biased toward the case cover 130 with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and is sandwiched between the downstream side wall surfaces 126c and 136c in the lower passage 145. The passage portion 145 b is formed at a substantially central position in the left-right direction and directly below the screw 150. At this time, the formation of the inclined wall surfaces 126b and 136b allows the game ball delivered by the screw 150 to be smoothly guided from the upstream side to the downstream side of the lower passage 145.

  On the downstream side of the lower passage 145, a count sensor (passing type sensor) 113 for detecting a game ball paid out by the rotation operation of the screw 150 is disposed in the vicinity of the ball payout outlet 112. In addition, you may provide the electromagnetic wave detection sensor which detects the improper electromagnetic wave emitted toward the prize ball paying unit 100 (mainly count sensor 113) as the countermeasure against what is called an electric wave goto near the count sensor 113.

  The screw 150 includes a rotating shaft 151 having a shaft portion 152 formed in a tapered truncated cone shape, and a spiral protrusion 153 formed in a spiral shape around the outer periphery of the shaft portion 152 of the rotating shaft 151. . The screw 150 has an upstream end pivotally supported by the second passage wall 122 and a downstream end fixed to the output end of the gear mechanism 180, and rotates to the unit case 110 in a substantially horizontal posture extending in the front-rear direction. It is attached freely. The lowermost ridgeline 152L of the shaft portion 152 extends substantially parallel to the inclination direction of the fourth passage wall (inclined surface) 124 of the lower passage 145, and the inclined surface of the shaft portion 152 of the screw 150 and the fourth passage wall 124. Are formed at intervals slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (that is, formed so as to be able to receive one game ball). Then, the spiral protrusion 152 of the screw 150 is arranged such that the rotation trajectory enters the lower passage 145.

  The spiral projection 153 includes a main projection 154 formed by gradually increasing the radius from the axial center X of the rotating shaft 151 toward the downstream end 154b from the upstream end 154a. And a sub-projection 155 that is continuously connected to the downstream end 154b of the portion 154 and has a radius from the axial center X that gradually decreases from the downstream end 154b. The main projection 154 is formed between the upstream end portion 154a and the downstream end portion 154b so that the outer periphery of the shaft portion 152 is made approximately one circumference in the circumferential direction, and the upstream end portion 154a and the downstream end portion are formed. A spiral groove 156 that can receive one game ball is defined between the 154b and 154b.

The downstream end 154b of the main projection 154 is formed with a ball receiving surface 154c that faces the upstream side and extends substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 150, and is aligned or flows down in the guide passage 140. The first game ball (the most downstream game ball) B ₁ is brought into contact with the ball receiving surface 154c, so that the flow of the game ball to the ball payout outlet 112 is stopped. Further, in the state where the leading game ball B ₁ is restrained by the ball receiving surface 154c of the screw 150, the leading game ball B ₁ receives the subsequent game ball B (B ₂ ) connected in a daisy chain. It has become. Further, when the screw 150 is rotated from this state and the restrained state of the leading game ball B ₁ is released, the upstream end 154a of the main projection 154 pushes the leading game ball B ₁ downstream. An adjacent succeeding game ball B ₂ is received.

The screw 150 is positioned below the ball receiving surface 154c with respect to the shaft portion 152 at the time of payout waiting to stop paying out the game ball (at the time of stoppage), and is the leading game ball B in the guide passage 140. ₁ is configured to stop at a predetermined initial position (position where the rotation angle of the screw 150 is 0 °) in contact with the ball receiving surface 154c.

  The stepping motor 170 can drive the screw 150 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions (clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction). A rotation shaft 171 of the motor 170 is connected to the input end side of the gear mechanism 180. The rotational driving force is transmitted to the screw 150 by the gear mechanism 180. As will be described in detail later, the stepping motor 170 operates by switching the excitation pattern of the drive pulse, and gives a drive signal of a predetermined number of steps (in this embodiment, 20 steps during normal operation) to rotate the screw 150 once. It is supposed to let you. That is, the screw 150 is rotated by a rotation amount corresponding to the number of drive signals such that the screw 150 is rotated and rotated 360 ° by a drive signal of 20 steps, and one game ball is paid out in the meantime. In this way, the number of game balls to be paid out is controlled by controlling the amount of rotation of the stepping motor 170.

  The gear mechanism 180 includes a drive gear 181 directly connected to the rotation shaft 171 of the stepping motor 170, an intermediate gear 182 that is externally meshed with the drive gear 181, and a direct connection to the rotary shaft 151 of the screw 150 and is externally meshed with the intermediate gear 182. The drive gear 181, the intermediate gear 182, and the driven gear 183 are arranged in the vertical direction in the unit case 110 in order from above. The gears 181 to 183 are formed with the same number of teeth (that is, with a gear ratio of 1: 1: 1), and the number of rotations of the stepping motor 170 and the number of rotations of the screw 150 are set to be the same. Yes.

  The driven gear 183 has a single detection hole 184 that can detect the initial position of the screw 150 by the rotation detection sensor 114. The rotation detection sensor 114 has a pair of measurement units, and is a photosensor that detects an object between the measurement units by projecting and receiving light. Here, the pair of measuring units includes a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light projecting unit, and is arranged in a substantially U shape with the driven gear 183 interposed therebetween. The position of the detection hole 184 of the driven gear 183 corresponds to the initial position (rotation stop position) of the screw 150, and when the detection hole 184 is not interposed between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit (when light is blocked). ) Is turned off, and when the detection hole 184 of the driven gear 183 is interposed between the light projecting part and the light receiving part (when the light is not shielded), it is turned on to detect the initial position of the screw 150. is there. As described above, the rotation detection sensor 114 detects the rotation of the driven gear 183, that is, the rotation of the screw 150 directly connected to the driven gear 183 for each initial position by one rotation (360 °).

  In the unit case 110, behind the screw 150, a ball outlet 144 for discharging the game ball flowing down the side passage 141 to the outside of the pachinko machine PM is formed. The ball removal mechanism 190 includes a ball removal valve 191 that opens and closes a ball removal opening 144 and an operation member 193 that opens and closes the ball removal valve. The ball removal valve 191 is configured to be swingable between a closing position for closing the ball removal opening 144 and an opening position for opening the ball removal opening 144, with a swing shaft 192 pivotally supported by the case body as a center. ing. The ball release valve 191 has a curved wall (that is, the third passage wall 123) that is formed in a gently curved shape and defines a part of the side passage 141, and is aligned along the side passage 141. The game ball to be applied can come into contact with the curved wall (third passage wall 123) under the action of gravity. In a state where the ball removal valve 191 is in the closed position, the downstream end 191a of the curved wall (third passage wall 123) in the ball removal valve 191 is more than the upstream end 124a of the fourth passage wall 124 in the lower passage 145. However, since it protrudes somewhat upward, a small step is formed in the downward direction between the downstream end 191a and the upstream end 124a. By forming this step, the speed of the game ball when moving from the side passage 141 to the lower passage 145 is increased, so that the subsequent game ball that flows down to the head game ball more stably is the head game. The ball flows down following the sphere, whereby the occurrence of clogging of the sphere can be suppressed. In addition, when a game ball flows down from the ball removal valve 191 to the lower passage 145, it is possible to prevent clogging from occurring near the downstream end 191a of the ball removal valve 191.

  An operation member 193 is provided on the side of the ball removal valve 191 to engage the ball removal valve 191 so that the ball removal valve 191 can swing from the closed position to the open position. The operation member 193 is attached to the case body 120 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The operation member 193 includes a plate-like main body portion 193a extending in the vertical direction, an operation portion 193b that is formed to protrude from the main body portion 193a and operated by an operator, and is formed in a bowl shape on the main body portion 193a to be a ball release valve 191. And a spring portion 193d that biases the main body portion 193a downward.

  The ball release valve 191 has a locked portion 191c that is locked to the locking portion 193c of the operation member 193. In a normal state in which a game ball can be paid out to the upper ball tray 6, the operation member The locked portion 191c is locked by the locking portion 193c of 193, and is held at the closed position where the ball outlet 144 is closed. At this time, the operating member 193 is held at a position where the locking portion 193c locks the locked portion 191c of the ball removal valve 191 by the biasing force of the spring portion 193d.

  On the other hand, when the operation member 193 is slid upward and the locked state by the locking portion 193c is released, the ball removal valve 191 receives the ball pressure flowing down the game ball in the side passage 141 and removes the ball. The game ball that swings to the open position that opens the opening 144 and flows down in the side passage 141 is discharged from the ball discharge opening 144 and extracted outside the pachinko machine PM. When the ball removal is completed and the upward sliding operation of the operation member 193 is released, the operation member 193 slides downward by the urging force of the spring portion 193d, and the ball removal valve 191 returns to the closed position by its own weight. When the locked portion 191c and the locking portion 193c of the operation member 193 return to the locked state again, the ball removal valve 191 is held in the closed position.

Next, a game ball payout operation by the prize ball payout unit 100 will be described. FIG. 13 shows a state where the screw 150 is in the initial position (rotation stop position). In the initial position of the screw 150, the ball supporting surface 154c of the spiral projection 153 abuts the top of the game ball B ₁ in the guide channel 140, thereby stopping the flow-down of the recreation sphere B _1. At this time, the succeeding game ball B ₂ is received by the head game ball and is waiting in an aligned state. Here, since the ball receiving surface 154 c is formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 150, the ball pressure applied to the ball receiving surface 154 c from the leading game ball B ₁ is increased. This acts in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the screw 150, not the circumferential direction in which the screw is rotated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screw 150 from being accidentally rotated from the initial position by the ball pressure of the game ball B. Further, at the initial position where the ball receiving surface 154c stops the flow of the game ball B in this way, the gap C formed between the head game ball B ₁ and the subsequent game ball B ₂ adjacent thereto is formed. On the other hand, the upstream end 154a of the spiral protrusion 153 is located at a position shifted in the front-rear direction.

When the screw 150 is slightly rotated from the initial position, the upstream end 154a of the spiral protrusion 153 is moved to the leading game ball B ₁ and the succeeding game ball B ₂ adjacent thereto with the rotation of the screw 150. It enters the gap C without contact. After thus upstream end 154a becomes possible to receive the subsequent game ball B ₂ enters into the gap C, spherical supporting surface 154c is retracted from the head of the game ball B _1.

14 is screw 150 reaches the dispensing position (release point), shows a state where the upstream end portion 154a of the spiral projection 153 sends out the beginning of the game ball B ₁ to the ball dispensing opening 112. At this time, the leading game ball B ₁ is pushed downstream by the upstream end 154 a of the spiral protrusion 153 and flows down toward the ball payout port 112. At the same time as the leading game ball B ₁ is no longer in contact with the upstream end 154 a of the spiral protrusion 153, the subsequent game ball B ₂ is received by the upstream end 154 a. The leading game ball B ₁ released to the ball payout outlet 112 by the screw 150 is detected by the count sensor 113, and the detection signal is transmitted toward the payout control board 2000.

[Excitation method of stepping motor]
Next, the excitation method of the stepping motor 170 in this embodiment will be described. Although not shown in the drawings, the basic structure of the stepping motor 170 is constituted by a rotor (rotor) attached to a rotating shaft and a stator (stator) which is a winding coil fixed to the outer side, as is well known. Is done. In the present embodiment, for example, a four-phase 20-pole stepping motor 170 will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a magnetic current is generated by applying a pulse current to the winding coil of the stator, the rotor is attracted to rotate by a certain angle. The stepping motor 170 in this embodiment has a plurality of excitation phases (four excitation phases including A phase, B phase, C phase, and D phase), and excitation to these four excitation phases is performed a plurality of times. It is configured to repeat one rotation. As described above, the gear ratio (gear ratio) between the drive gear 181 and the driven gear 183 engaged through the intermediate gear 182 is 1: 1, and the rotational position of the stepping motor 170 and the rotation of the screw 150 are the same. The position corresponds to 1: 1.

  The excitation method of the stepping motor 170 in this embodiment may be, for example, any one of the one-phase excitation method, the two-phase excitation method, and the 1-2 phase excitation method. Here, FIGS. 15 to 17 show tables for explaining the outline of each excitation method (excitation sequence).

  First, FIG. 15 shows a one-phase excitation method. In this excitation method, excitation is performed according to a sequence of A phase → B phase → C phase → D phase → A phase → B phase →. In this way, the rotation is performed by a predetermined step angle every time one pulse is applied. When the excitation sequence is reversed and excitation is performed according to the sequence of A phase → D phase → C phase → B phase → A phase → D phase, the motor rotates in the reverse direction.

  Subsequently, FIG. 16 shows a two-phase excitation method. In this excitation method, the pulse width of each phase is set to twice the width of one-phase excitation, and excitation is performed simultaneously while shifting the next phase by one pulse. A phase / B phase → B phase / C phase → C Excitation is performed according to the sequence of phase / D phase → D phase / A phase → A phase / B phase →. This excitation method has a merit that rotation is stable and a large torque can be obtained as compared with one-phase excitation, but there is a demerit that power consumption increases.

  Finally, FIG. 17 shows the 1-2 phase excitation method. In this excitation method, the pulse width of each phase is set to 3, and the next phase is excited by shifting by two pulses. A phase / B phase → B phase → B phase / C phase → C phase → C phase Excitation is performed according to the sequence D phase → D phase → D phase / A phase → A phase → A phase / B phase →. In this excitation method, the angle of rotation for each pulse width is halved compared to one-phase excitation or two-phase excitation, so that finer motor control is possible.

  In this embodiment, in principle, the two-phase excitation method is adopted during normal operation (details will be described later, but during the retry operation, switching from the two-phase excitation method to the 1-2 phase excitation method or the one-phase excitation method is performed. Is possible).

  Next, the relationship between the rotation of the stepping motor 170 and the prize ball payout will be described with additional reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 18 is a time chart relating to award ball payout. First, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 171 of the stepping motor 170 rotates once in 20 steps in the two-phase excitation method during normal operation, and has four excitation phases (A phase, B phase, C phase, D). The excitation to phase) is repeated 5 times to rotate 360 °. That is, the rotating shaft 171 of the stepping motor 170 rotates by an angle (360 °) at which one game ball is paid out in 20 steps. When the rotating shaft 171 of the stepping motor 170 rotates, the screw 150 fixed to the rotating shaft 172 via the gear mechanism 180 also rotates following. Here, when the rotation shaft 172 of the stepping motor 170 makes one rotation (360 ° rotation), only one game ball is paid out by the screw 150. More specifically, if the memorized ball number is not 0, during normal operation, the stepping motor 170 is rotated at a speed of 1 ms for 3 steps, and one game ball is paid out by being driven for 20 steps. That is, the interrupt processing timing during normal operation is set to 3 ms. In addition, the rotation detection sensor 114 determines the initial position of the stepping motor 170 to detect whether or not it is rotating normally. In the prize ball payout, in principle, the stepping motor 170 is driven in the normal rotation direction (in this example, the rotation in the arrow F (forward rotation) direction of the screw 150 in FIG. 7 is defined as normal rotation). The game balls that have been paid out are counted by the count sensor 113 and it is confirmed that they have been paid out normally. Note that in one continuous payout operation, the number of prize balls to be paid out (for example, a maximum of 15 balls) specified by one command is paid out. Tell them that they are paying out. In addition, after one continuous payout operation (three in this embodiment), a motor pause time of a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) is set. Here, when three prize balls are paid out at a time, pulses of 3 × 20 = 60 steps are transmitted. In the present embodiment, the motor pause time is set after one (three balls) continuous payout operation. However, the number of prize balls paid out by one command is continuously set without setting the motor pause time. It may be configured to pay out automatically.

  Next, FIG. 19 is a transition diagram showing a game ball payout operation with respect to the rotation angle θ of the screw 150 and the excitation stator position j of the stepping motor 170. Here, as for the rotation angle θ of the screw 150, the case where the initial position is 0 ° and the screw 150 is rotated 360 ° in the forward rotation direction is illustrated. The excitation stator position j (j = 1, 2, 3,..., 20) corresponds to the number of drive pulse steps in the table of FIG. 16 (two-phase excitation), and both the A phase and the D phase are excited. Among the excited stator positions j = 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, the excited stator position j = 20 excited at the fifth time corresponds to the initial position.

The screw 150 is rotationally displaced in the order of A1 → A2 → A3 in the payout operation for one game ball. As shown in FIG. 19A1, when the screw 150 is stopped at the initial position (θ = 0 °: j = 20), the leading game ball B ₁ contacts the ball receiving surface 154c of the screw 150. Thus, the flow of the game ball in the guide passage 140 is blocked.

As shown in FIG. 19A2, at the payout position (release point) where the screw 150 is rotated by a predetermined angle (θ = 108 °: j = 6) in the forward rotation direction from the initial position, the top game ball B ₁ is separated from the ball receiving surface 154c of the spiral protrusion 153 and is sent downstream by the upstream end 154a of the spiral protrusion 153. That is, the leading game ball B ₁ is paid out by the spiral protrusion 153 of the screw 150. At the same time, the subsequent game ball (second game ball) B ₂ comes into contact with and is received by the upstream end 154 a of the spiral protrusion 153.

As shown in (A3) of FIG. 19, when the screw 150 is rotated once from the initial position (θ = 360 °: j = 20), the subsequent game ball (the second game ball) is moved along with the rotational displacement of the spiral protrusion 153. game balls) B ₂ of is received by the ball supporting surface 154c of the spiral projection 153 to move in the axial direction while sliding in a spiral protrusion 153, as a result, the relative positions of the screw 150 and the lower passage 145 The relationship is returned to its original initial position. Thus, each time the screw 150 rotates 360 ° with 360 ° as one cycle, one game ball is paid out.

  As described above, the screw 150 holds the leading game ball at the ball receiving surface 154c of the spiral protrusion 153 at the excitation stator position j = 1 to 5, and discharges the game ball at the excitation stator position j = 6. It is displaced to the position, and the subsequent (second) game ball is received and replenished by the spiral protrusion 153 at the excitation stator position j = 7 to 19, and is returned to the initial position at the excitation stator position j = 20. To do.

[Function configuration]
Next, functions of the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The functions mainly shown here are functions between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 that are particularly related to the present invention.

<Main control board>
First, the main control board 1000 includes a game control means 1100 for controlling the game progress and winning ball payout determination, a transmission / reception control means 1200 for controlling the transmission / reception of commands and information with the payout control board 2000, and the like. The remaining prize ball related control means 1300 for controlling the remaining prize balls for the prize balls currently being paid out on the control board 2000 side, and the processing related information temporary storage means 1400 for temporarily storing information related to the payout related processes, , An error control means 1500 for controlling an error relating to award ball payout, and a process control means 1600 at the time of power-off / power-on to control processing executed when the power is cut off or when the power is turned on. The game control means 1100 has a well-known configuration that conventional machines have. Specifically, the game control means 1100, as a process related to the progress of the game, for example, taking the case of the conventional type 1 gaming machine as an example, random number generation and random number acquisition triggered by the starting entrance ball , Well-known, such as lottery using the random numbers obtained, fluctuations in the symbol (special symbol) based on the lottery result, execution of a special game that opens the variable prize opening that is normally closed when the lottery is won Processing is executed, and when a game ball enters each winning opening, a payout determination process for the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is executed. Hereinafter, each characteristic means of the present invention will be described in detail.

  The transmission / reception control means 1200 includes transmission control means 1210 that controls transmission from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 and information (signals are also sent from various peripheral devices (for example, the payout control board 2000 and various signal output devices). Receiving control means 1220 for receiving (including).

  Here, the transmission control means 1210 has a payout control side transmission control means 1211 for transmitting commands and information to the payout control board 2000 side. The payout control side transmission control means 1211 includes a transmission command temporary storage means 1211a in which a prize ball payout command to be transmitted to the payout control board 2000 is set when a prize ball is paid out.

  The reception control means 1220 includes a game-side reception control means 1221 for receiving information (signals) from a signal output device (for example, a winning detection sensor) provided in the pachinko machine PM, and a payout control board 2000 side. Payout control side reception control means 1222 for receiving information. Here, the game side reception control means 1221 has a game side reception information temporary storage means 1221a for temporarily storing the information received from the signal output device until the processing related to the information is executed. Further, the payout control side reception control means 1222 has a payout control side reception information temporary storage means 1222a for temporarily storing information received from the payout control board 2000 until processing related to the information is executed. .

  The remaining award ball related control means 1300 has a remaining award ball number temporary storage means 1310 for temporarily storing the remaining award ball numbers of the award balls currently paid out on the payout control board 2000 side while sequentially updating. .

  The processing-related information temporary storage means 1400 includes unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 for temporarily storing unpaid prize ball information (standby prize ball payout information) that has not reached the prize ball payout order, and main control. Main control side processing state temporary storage means 1420 for temporarily storing information necessary for processing executed on the substrate 1000 side, and a payout processing status and state executed on the payout control substrate 2000 side are temporarily stored. A payout control side processing state temporary storage unit 1430.

  The error control unit 1500 monitors game-related errors including errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 (for example, door opening errors other than errors related to transmission / reception), and a predetermined error has occurred. In this case, an abnormality notification control unit 1510 that controls the notification of the abnormality to the outside is provided. Here, the abnormality notification control means 1510 has an error flag temporary storage means 1511 for temporarily storing the on / off state of the game related error flag.

  The processing control means 1600 at the time of power-off / power-up is from a voltage monitoring means 1610 that outputs an NMI signal (power interruption signal) when the supply voltage from the power supply board 4000 falls below a predetermined threshold, and the voltage monitoring means 1610 Whether or not an NMI signal has been received, that is, whether or not a power failure has occurred due to the occurrence of a power failure, etc. Backup information temporary storage means (backup RAM) 1630 for storing data temporarily stored on the main control board 1000 side when the power is turned off, and backup information even after the gaming machine is turned off. Backup power supply means 1640 for supplying data to the temporary storage means 1630 and holding data. As will be described in detail later, writing to the backup information temporary storage unit 1630 is executed when the power is turned off by normal processing, and conversely, restoration of each information written to the backup information temporary storage unit 1630 is performed when the power is turned on. It is executed in the main process.

《Discharge control board》
The payout control board 2000 controls transmission / reception control means 2100 that controls transmission / reception of commands / information with the main control board 1000 side, the card unit C side, etc., and controls errors related to payout on the payout control board 2000 side. An error control means 2200 to be executed, a payout control means 2300 for executing a payout process for a predetermined number of game balls in response to a prize ball payout command or a lending command, and an abnormal operation of the stepping motor 170 is detected due to factors such as ball biting. And retry operation control means 2400 for executing a retry operation (retry operation) for resolving the abnormal operation. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  The transmission / reception control means 2100 controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C, and transmission control of information to the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. And transmission control means 2120 for controlling.

  The transmission control means 2120 is a first line via-information transmission control means 2121 for controlling transmission of prize ball payout command reception confirmation information, error information, prize ball payout completion information, etc. to the main control board 1000 via the first line. And second-line via-signal transmission control means 2122 for transmitting a pulse signal to the main control board 1000 side through the second line under a predetermined condition. Here, the signal transmission control means 2122 via the second line sends a prize ball payout signal (a signal that is turned ON when the prize ball is being paid out) during the prize ball payout via the second line to the main control board 1000 side. During-payout signal transmission control means 2122a that controls to transmit to the main control board 1000 side when the power is turned off, and to control that the remaining payout number is transmitted as a pulse signal to the main control board 1000 side via the second line. And have.

  The error control means 2200 has error flag temporary storage means 2221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag such as payout on the payout control board 2000 side.

  The payout control means 2300 has payout process related information temporary storage means 2310 for temporarily storing information necessary for the payout process. Here, the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2310 is a payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 for temporarily storing a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is in progress or whether a payout abnormality has occurred); A payout counter 2312 in which the number of game balls to be paid out at the time of payout processing is set, a step counter temporary storage means 2313 for temporarily storing the number of steps to be driven by the stepping motor 170 at the time of payout processing, and a stepping motor 170 Excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 for temporarily storing position information of the stator that is excited while being driven, and excitation output when the stator position to be excited is switched to a specific stator position To ensure that the excitation time is longer than usual. Time extension counter 2315, a ball passage waiting timer 2316 for measuring a predetermined time (ball passage waiting time / motor suspension time) after one continuous payout operation, and an excitation method (excitation method) of the stepping motor 170 Excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317 for temporarily storing setting information, and a part or all of each storage means, counter, and timers 2311 to 2317 according to a mode of payout control processing described later in detail. To work. Here, the ball passage waiting timer 2316 is a decrement timer, and is configured to stop when the timer value reaches 0, but is not limited thereto, and is configured using an increment timer. May be.

  The retry operation control means 2400 includes an excitation method switching control means 2410 that executes switching control of the excitation method of the stepping motor 170 during the retry operation, and a forward / reverse operation that performs switching control of forward / reverse rotation of the stepping motor 170 during the retry operation. Rotation switching control means 2420.

[Control processing]
Next, four control processes executed by the pachinko machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described.

<Control processing (1)>
In the following, a specific aspect related to the first control process will be described. 21 is a flowchart showing processing on the main control board 1000 side, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side.

<Processing on the main control board side (common)>
First, processing in the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, FIG. 21 (left) is a timer interrupt process activated every predetermined time, and FIG. 21 (right) is a backup of the CPU register value triggered by an NMI signal generated when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. This is processing when the power is turned off, such as.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (left), in the timer interrupt process, first, in step S1100, the main control board 1000 executes a power-on process. Next, in step S1200, the main control board 1000 executes unpaid prize ball management processing. Next, in step S1300, the main control board 1000 executes a command transmission control process to the payout control board 2000 side. Next, in step S1400, the main control board 1000 executes information reception control processing from the payout control board 2000 side. In step S1500, the main control board 1000 executes an error handling control process, and proceeds to step S1200.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (right), in power-off processing triggered by reception of an NMI signal, first, in step S1600, the main control board 1000 executes basic processing at power-off. Next, in step S1700, the main control board 1000 executes a payout unit forced stop command transmission control process for transmitting a 0 ball command to the payout control board 2000 side. Next, in step S1800, the main control board 1000 executes an unpaid prize ball management process for managing the number of unpaid prize balls when the power is cut off during the payout, and then loops the process to execute another process. The interrupt process is prohibited from being executed, and waits until the power supply voltage drops and the CPU becomes inoperative. Hereinafter, the processing of the subroutine will be described in order.

  In the power-on processing according to the subroutine of step S1100 of FIG. 21, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 is configured to store each temporary storage means based on the information temporarily stored in the backup information temporary storage means 1630. (Register) or the like is set to the state before power-off (this process is referred to as “step S1110”). For example, if the power is cut off during payout of the winning ball and the winning ball payout operation is executed only halfway, the remaining number of winning balls is set in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage means 1310. Next, in step S1120, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 determines whether or not the remaining prize ball number in the remaining prize ball number temporary storage means 1310 is not 0 (this process is referred to as “step”). S1120 "). In the case of Yes in step S1120, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 sends a prize ball payout command corresponding to the remaining prize ball number so that the remaining prize ball number in the remaining prize ball number temporary storage means 1310 is paid out. The temporary storage means 1211a is set (this process is referred to as “step S1125”). Then, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 (this process is referred to as “step S1130”), and the next process (step (S1200 unpaid prize ball management process). Then, on the payout control board 2000 side that has received this, the remaining prize balls that have not been paid out when the power is turned off are paid out after the power is turned off. In addition, also in the case of No in step S1120, the process proceeds to the next process (unpaid prize ball management process in step S1200).

  Next, in the unpaid prize ball management process according to the subroutine of step S1200 in FIG. 21, the game side reception control means 1221 refers to the game side reception information temporary storage means 1221a, and any one of the winning detection sensors 14s, 15s. , 16s to determine whether or not a winning signal has been received (this process is referred to as “step S1205”). In the case of Yes in step S1205, the game-side reception control means 1221 temporarily stores the unpaid prize ball information related to the received winning signal in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 (this process is referred to as “step S1210”). The process proceeds to the next process (the payout control board transmission control process in step S1300). Note that, also in the case of No in step S1205, the process proceeds to the next process (anti-payout control board transmission control process in step S1300).

  Next, in the payout control board transmission control process according to the subroutine of step S1300 of FIG. 21, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits an ON / OFF signal relating to whether or not a prize ball is being paid out. Referring to the input port of the communication line), it is determined whether or not the payout signal is OFF, that is, whether or not payout is not currently being executed (this process is referred to as “step S1305”). In the case of Yes in step S1305, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410, and has not yet sent an unpaid prize ball (the prize ball payout command has not yet been sent to the payout control board 2000 side). It is determined whether or not a prize ball exists (this process is referred to as “step S1310”). In the case of Yes in step S1310, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 1511, and an error relating to prize ball payout (for example, an error relating to a failure of the stepping motor 170, an upper ball pan full, etc.). It is determined whether or not it has occurred (this process is referred to as “step S1315”). In the case of Yes in step S1315, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 receives the award corresponding to the unpaid prize ball information in the order in which the current payout process is executed, which is temporarily stored in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410. Prize ball payout commands for the number of balls are set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1211a (this process is referred to as “step S1320”). Then, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 deletes the remaining prize ball information corresponding to the currently set prize ball payout command from the remaining prize ball information temporary storage means 1310, and executes a process of shifting the subsequent information ( This process is referred to as “step S1325”). Next, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 (this process is referred to as “step S1330”). Then, the remaining prize ball related control means 1300 sets the number of prize balls related to the currently set prize ball payout command as the number of remaining prize balls in the remaining prize ball number temporary storage means 1310 (this process is referred to as “step S1335”). The process proceeds to the next process (the payout control board reception control process in step S1400). In addition, also when it is No in step S1305, step S1310, and step S1315, it transfers to the following process (contrast payout control board reception control process of step S1400).

  Next, in the payout control board reception control process according to the subroutine of step S1400 of FIG. 21, the payout control side reception control means 1122 refers to the payout control side reception information temporary storage means 1122a, and the first payout related information Is received (this process is referred to as “step S1405”). If YES in step S1405, the error control unit 1500 determines whether error information (payout-related error) exists in the received first payout-related information (this process is referred to as “step S1410”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S1410, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns on the error flag related to the corresponding error, thereby converting the error information on the payout control board 2000 side into the main control board. Management is also performed on the 1000 side (unified management) (this process is referred to as “step S1415”). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S1410, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns off the error flag related to the error on the payout control board 2000 side (this process is referred to as “step S1420”). ). Next, the abnormality notification control means 1510 determines whether or not prize ball payout completion information exists in the received first payout related information (this process is referred to as “step S1425”). In the case of Yes in step S1425, the abnormality notification control means 1510 is temporarily stored in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage means 1310 despite the fact that the payout control board 2000 has received information indicating that payout has been completed. It is determined whether or not the remaining number of remaining balls is not 0 (this process is referred to as “step S1430”). In the case of Yes in step S1430, the abnormality notification control unit 1510 executes a process of notifying the outside of the abnormality (for example, output of abnormality information to the hall computer, blinking of the side lamp, etc.) (this process is referred to as “step S1435”). Called). In the case of No in step S1430, the transmission / reception control unit 1200 clears the prize ball payout command (the prize ball payout command related to the completion of the current payout) set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1211a (this process is referred to as “step S1440”). "). In the case of No in step S1405, the process proceeds to the next process (step S1445), and also in the case of No in step S1425, the process proceeds to the next process (step S1445). Thereby, the process related to the reception of the first payout related information is completed. Next, the payout control side reception control means 1122 refers to the payout control side received information temporary storage means 1122a and determines whether or not the second payout related information has been received (this process is referred to as “step S1445”). ). Here, in the case of Yes in step S1445, the remaining winning ball related control unit 1300 subtracts 1 from the remaining winning ball number in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage unit 1310 (this process is referred to as “step S1450”), and the next The process shifts to (the error-time response control process in step S1500). Even in the case of No in step S1445, the process proceeds to the next process (control process for handling an error in step S1500).

  Next, in the error handling control process according to the subroutine of step S1500 in FIG. 21, first, the error control unit 1500 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 to determine whether an error has occurred. (This process is referred to as “step S1505”). In the case of Yes in step S1505, the error control unit 1500 determines whether or not the error that has occurred is an important error (for example, an upper bowl full tank error with a high risk of fraud) (the process is referred to as “step S1510”). "). In the case of Yes in step S1510, the error control unit 1500 transmits error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the hall computer (this process is referred to as “step S1515”). Then, the error control unit 1500 transmits an error notification command corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the sub-control board 1300 side (this process is referred to as “step S1520”), and the next process (unpaid prize ball in step S1200). Management process). In the case of No in step S1505, the process proceeds to the next process (unpaid prize ball management process in step S1200), and in the case of No in step S1510, the process proceeds to step S1520.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21 (right), power-off processing (steps S1600 to S1800) such as backup of register values of the CPU and the like is triggered by an NMI signal generated when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. explain.

  First, in the power-off basic procedure according to the subroutine of step S1600 of FIG. 21, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 temporarily stores the current gaming state in the backup information temporary storage means 1620 (this The process is referred to as “step S1605”), and the process proceeds to the next process (payout unit forced stop command transmission control process in step S1700). Here, as the current game state, the contents of each register at the present time, for example, a prize ball payout state when a prize ball is being paid out, and the data etc. when there is unpaid ball payout data can be mentioned. .

  Next, in the payout unit forcible stop command transmission control process according to the subroutine of step S1700 in FIG. 21, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits a prize ball payout command with 0 winning balls as a command temporary storage means. 1211a (this process is referred to as “step S1705”). As will be described later, on the payout control board 2000 side that has received this, if a prize ball payout operation is in progress, a process for forcibly stopping the operation is executed. Then, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 (this process is referred to as “step S1710”), and the next process (step The process proceeds to S1800 unpaid prize ball management processing.

  Next, in the unpaid prize ball (award ball payout command transmission completed) management process according to the subroutine of step S1800 in FIG. 21, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 provides information indicating that a power interruption has occurred. The data is transmitted to the 2000 side (this process is referred to as “step S1805”). Next, the payout control side reception control means 1222 refers to the input port of the second line and determines whether or not the remaining prize ball information has been received from the payout control board 2000 (this process is referred to as “step S1810”). ). In addition, as an information reception mode, it is executed by a method of receiving a pulse related to the remaining prize ball information via the second line. Here, in the case of No in step S1810, this process is looped until the information is received. In the case of Yes in step S1810, the remaining ball related control unit 1300 stores the remaining ball information received from the payout control board 2000 and the remaining number of balls temporarily stored on the main control board 1000 side 1310. Is compared with the remaining award ball information temporarily stored in (step S1815). Then, the remaining ball related control means 1300 determines whether or not the comparison results in step S1815 are the same (this process is referred to as “step S1820”). In the case of Yes in step S1820, it is assumed that there is no abnormality in the prize ball payout, and as shown in FIG. 21, it is prohibited to execute other interrupt processing by looping the processing, Wait for the voltage to drop and the CPU to become inactive. On the other hand, if No in step S1820, that is, if the remaining prize ball information does not match between the main control unit 1000 and the payout control board 2000, the remaining ball related control means 1300 is managed on the main control board 1000 side. The remaining award ball information temporarily stored in the remaining award ball number temporary storage means 1310 is cleared (this process is referred to as “step S1825”), and, similarly to the above, other processes can be performed by looping the process. The interrupt process is prohibited from being executed, and waits for the power supply voltage to drop and the CPU to become inoperative.

<< Processing on Dispensing Control Board (1) >>
Next, the processing on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board 2000. First, in step S2100, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process with the main control board 1000. Next, in step S2200, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, in the prize ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step S2100 of FIG. 22, the main-side reception control means 2111 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, and the motor drive flag Is determined to be off (this process is referred to as “step S2105”). Here, the “motor driving flag” is a flag that is turned on during the driving operation of the stepping motor 170 of the winning ball payout unit 100. In the case of Yes in step S2105, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main reception information temporary storage unit 2111a to determine whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received (this process is referred to as “step S2110”). . In the case of Yes in step S2110, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag (this process is referred to as “step S2115”). Next, the payout control means 2300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111a, and uses the payout counter 2312 for the prize ball number information. (This process is referred to as “step S2120”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2130). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2105, a forced payout stop process when the power is turned off is executed. Specifically, in the case of No in step S2105, that is, when the stepping motor 170 is being driven, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a, and the number of payouts = 0 It is determined whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received (this process is referred to as “step S2125”). Here, as can be understood from the above-described processing on the main control board 1000 side, in the present embodiment, in principle, when a prize ball is being paid out on the payout control board 2000 side, from the main control board 1000 side, The next prize ball payout command is not transmitted. However, if a prize ball is being paid out on the payout control board 2000 side when the power is turned off, the main control board 1000 transmits a 0 ball prize ball payout command in response to the prize ball payout command to force the payout operation. Is configured to stop. Under such a configuration, in the case of Yes in step S2125, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2120). That is, in step S2120, 0 is overwritten on the current payout counter 2312. As a result, as will be described later, the screw 150 is forcibly stopped by reversely rotating to the original initial position or forwardly rotating to the next initial position according to the rotational position when the power is turned off, and rotating due to inertia of the screw 150 when the power is turned off To prevent. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2125, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2130). Also in the case of No in step S2110, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2130). This completes the 0-ball prize ball payout setting process when a 0-ball prize ball payout command is received from the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off.

  Next, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a, and determines whether or not power-off occurrence information (see step S1805) has been received (this process is referred to as “step S2130”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S2130, the second-line via-signal transmission control unit 2122 (particularly the power-off signal transmission control unit 2122b) refers to the payout counter 2312 to obtain information regarding the remaining number of remaining balls, and then A pulse signal corresponding to the number of balls is transmitted to the main control board 1000 via the second line (this process is referred to as “step S2135”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2140). In addition, also when it is No in step S2130, it transfers to the following process (step S2140). This completes the process of transmitting the number of remaining prize balls to the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off.

  Next, the first line route information transmission control means 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not one payout confirmation flag is ON (this process is referred to as “step S2140”). ). Here, the “single payout confirmation flag” is a flag that is turned on when one game ball is detected by the count sensor 113 of the prize ball payout unit 100. In the case of Yes in step S2140, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns off one payout confirmation flag (this process is referred to as “step S2145”). Called). Then, the first-line-routed information transmission control means 2121 transmits information (fixed value “11011011” in FIG. 6) indicating that one prize ball has been paid out to the main control board 1000 side (this processing). Is referred to as “step S2150”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2155). This completes the transmission process of one piece payout confirmation information.

  Next, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and determines whether any one of the payout-related error notification flags is on (refer to “Step S2155”). Called). Here, the “payout-related error notification flag” is a flag that is turned on when a payout-related error (for example, an upper bowl full tank error, a ball runout error, a motor failure error, etc.) occurs. In the case of Yes in step S2155, the error control unit 2200 turns off the payout-related error notification flag corresponding to the error that has occurred this time in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S2160”). In step S2165, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 transmits payout-related error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S2165”). The process proceeds to (S2170). In addition, also when it is No in step S2155, it transfers to the following process (step S2170). This completes the payout-related error information transmission process.

  Next, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 to determine whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S2170”). ). Here, the “prize ball payout completion flag” is a flag that is turned on when it is determined by the payout control means 2300 that the prize ball payout has been completed. In the case of Yes in step S2170, the first line route information transmission control means 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag (this process is referred to as “step S2175”). Called). Then, the first line via information transmission control unit 2121 transmits information indicating that the prize ball payout has been completed to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S2180”), and the next process (step S2180). The process proceeds to (S2200 prize ball payout control process). In addition, also when it is No in step S2170, it transfers to the following process (a prize ball payout control process of step S2200). The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, in the prize ball payout control process according to the subroutine of step S2200 in FIG. 22, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, and the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step S2115). It is determined whether or not it is ON (this process is referred to as “step S2205”). In the case of Yes in step S2205, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the prize ball payout flag (this process is referred to as “step S2210”), and starts the payout of the prize ball. The permission flag is turned off (this process is referred to as “step S2215”). Then, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the number of award balls set in the payout counter 2312 is a predetermined number (for example, 3) or more (this process is referred to as “step S2220”). In the case of Yes in step S2220, the payout control means 2300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so that a predetermined number of payouts are paid out (this process is referred to as “step S2225”). The process proceeds to processing (step S2230). The counter value (n) temporarily stored here is the number of steps of the stepping motor 170. Here, in this embodiment, 20 steps (corresponding to a rotation angle of 360 ° for paying out one game ball) from the state where the rotation detection sensor 114 is ON (initial position) to the same state (next initial position) again. ) And the number of steps corresponding to the predetermined number is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 as a count value (n). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2220, that is, when the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is less than the predetermined number, the payout control means 2300 pays out the prize balls set in the payout counter 2312. The counter value (n) is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out the number (the process is referred to as “step S2227”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2230). Then, the payout control means 2300 sets an initial value 0 as the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) (this process is referred to as “step S2230”). Here, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) indicates the relative position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and “20” corresponds to the initial position at the time of waiting for dispensing (when stopped). During motor operation, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) cycles between 1 ≦ j ≦ 20 (see FIGS. 16 and 19). Then, the payout control unit 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns on the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S2235”). This completes the motor drive start process.

  Subsequently, the motor drive is actually executed based on the number of steps set in the previous process (step S2225 or step S2227). Specifically, the payout control unit 2300 subtracts 1 from the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S2240”). Next, the payout control means 2300 updates (increments by 1) the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 (this process is referred to as “step S2242”).

  Next, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 and determines whether or not the counter value (n) is 0, that is, the number of steps set in step S2225 or step S2227. Is determined (whether the scheduled motor drive is completed) (this process is referred to as “step S2245”). In the case of Yes in step S2245, the payout control means 2300 stops the screw 150 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S2247”), and the next process (step The process proceeds to S2250). On the other hand, if No in step S2245, that is, if the motor drive scheduled in step S2225 or step S2227 has not been completed, the payout control means 2300 indicates that the payout counter value of the payout counter 2312 is 0. In other words, it is determined whether or not a power-off forced stop command has been received from the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S2290”).

In the case of Yes in step S2290, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the screw 150 is in the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S2292”). . If Yes in step S2292, that is, if the screw 150 is in the initial position, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2298). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2292, that is, when the screw 150 is not in the initial position, the payout control means 2300 has the excitation stator position specification counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 set to the first value. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1 (j _SP1 = 6), that is, whether or not the rotational position of the screw 150 has reached the payout position (this process is referred to as “step S2295”). Here, the first specific value j _SP1 is set to the sixth step (j _SP1 = 6) as the excitation stator position when the game ball is paid out as described above. In the case of Yes in step S2295, that is, when the rotational position of the screw 150 has reached the payout position (6 ≦ j ≦ 19), in step S2296, the payout control means 2300 drives and controls the stepping motor, Based on the ON / OFF signal of the rotation detection sensor 114, the screw 150 is forwardly moved to the next initial position and then forcibly stopped (this process is referred to as “step S2296”). Here, the next initial position refers to an initial position that is reached first when the screw 150 is rotated forward. On the other hand, if No in step S2295, that is, if the rotational position of the screw 150 has not reached the payout position (1 ≦ j ≦ 5), the payout control means 2300 drives the stepping motor 170 in step S2297. Based on the ON / OFF signal of the rotation detection sensor 114, the screw 150 is reversely returned to the original initial position and then forcibly stopped (this process is referred to as “step S2297”). Here, the original initial position refers to an initial position that is reached first when the screw 150 is reversed. Then, the payout control means 2300 excites the stator (A phase) corresponding to the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 with an excitation output (for example, 100% output) higher than the normal excitation output, and the screw 150 is excited. Hold at the initial position (this process is referred to as "step S2298"). This completes the payout forced stop process when the power is turned off. Then, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 to turn off the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S2250”), and proceeds to the next process (step S2255). This completes the motor stop process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal is received from the count sensor 113 (this process is referred to as “step S2255”). In the case of Yes in step S2255, the payout control means 2300 subtracts 1 from the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 2312 (this process is referred to as “step S2260”). Then, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on one payout confirmation flag (this process is referred to as “step S2262”), and proceeds to the next process (step S2265). In addition, also when it is No at step S2255, it transfers to the following process (step S2265). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout counter 2312 and determines whether or not the count value is 0 (this process is referred to as “step S2265”). In the case of Yes in step S2265, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the prize ball paying-in flag (this process is referred to as “step S2270”), and the prize ball payout is completed. The flag is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S2275”), and the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process in step S2100).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2205, that is, when the prize ball payout start permission flag is off, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and the motor driving flag is on. (This process is referred to as “step S2280”). Here, in the case of Yes in step S2280, the process proceeds to step S2240 and the prize ball payout operation is continued. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2280, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the prize ball paying flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S2285”). In the case of No in step S2285, it is determined that there is still a prize ball to be paid out, and the process proceeds to step S2220. On the other hand, in the case of Yes in step S2285 and in the case of No in step S2265, the processing shifts to the next processing (prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing in step S2100).

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine PM in the present embodiment (first control process) will be described with additional reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the state of surplus payout resulting from rotation due to inertia of the payout device in the prior art. Here, the “prize ball payout command” at the top in the figure shows the timing and content of the command for sending out the prize ball payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side. Is. The second-stage “payout line (payout signal)” is an ON signal from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side via the second line during the payout operation, and an OFF signal during the payout non-operation. It shows how it is transmitted. The third stage “dispensing motor” indicates whether or not the stepping motor 170 is being driven. In the figure, “S” indicates an initial position, and “H” indicates a payout position of the screw 150. The fourth “count sensor” indicates whether or not a prize ball is detected by the count sensor 113.

Therefore, the figure will be described in time series. First, a prize ball payout command of “three balls” is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side. In response to this, an “ON signal” indicating that a prize ball is being paid out is transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side through the second line, and rotation of the stepping motor 170 of the prize ball payout unit 100 is started. To do. Here, in response to the prize ball payout command, as a result of the stepping motor 170 being continuously driven, the three balls are continuously paid out without stopping the screw 150 (“S ₁ ” → “S ₂ ” → “S ₃ "). After the arrival of the _third payout position “S ₃ ” is confirmed, the driving of the stepping motor 170 is stopped when the rotation stop position of the screw 150 reaches the initial position (“S ₄ ”). In this prize ball payout operation, the prize ball payout of three balls has been confirmed (see the “count sensor” column), and the prize ball payout process corresponding to the current prize ball payout command is completed.

  Thereafter, a prize ball payout command of “three balls” is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side. In response to this, a prize ball payout process similar to the above is executed. However, in the present prize ball payout process, a power interruption occurs as shown in the figure. As described above, since there is a certain amount of power storage on the payout control board 2000 side, the driving of the stepping motor 170 is continued for a while, but the power storage is wasted before the driving for three balls is executed. Therefore, as a result of the fact that the power storage is not performed without executing the stop process, the screw 150 continues to rotate by inertia (dotted line portion in the figure), and rotates more than the originally planned rotation drive of the three balls 150. End up. Due to such excessive rotation, more prize balls than the original (four balls in total) are paid out.

  After the power is restored, the initial position of the screw 150 (stepping motor 170) is set. Here, when the power is cut off, the screw 150 rotates due to inertia and stops at a position where the rotational energy is lost without being able to control the position. Therefore, when the power is turned off, it does not stop at the initial position as in normal operation. . Therefore, when the power is restored, the operation for returning the screw 150 to the initial position must be executed, which causes a situation in which the payout operation is delayed.

  Next, FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing a state of preventing excessive payout due to inertial rotation of the screw 150 of the prize ball payout unit 100 in the present embodiment. Here, the difference from the above-described prior art is that the screw 150 is selectively forward / reverse in accordance with the rotational position of the screw 150 at the time of occurrence of power interruption within a period in which it can be operated by power storage on the payout control board 2000 side. It is in the point of rotating and forcibly stopping at the initial position.

  25 and 26 are timing charts when the motor forced stop process is executed when the power is turned off. FIG. 25 shows a case where the screw 150 has not reached the payout position when the power is turned off (j <6). Is the case where the screw 150 has reached the payout position when the power is turned off (6 ≦ j ≦ 19). First, as shown in FIG. 25, during the prize ball payout, when the power interruption occurs when the excitation stator position j = 5, that is, the screw 150 does not reach the payout position (j = 6) and spirals. When the game ball held in the groove 156 is not paid out, the stepping motor 170 is reversely returned to the original initial position (j = 20) and then forcibly stopped. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, when the power interruption occurs when the excitation stator position j = 8, that is, the screw 150 has reached the discharge position (j = 6) and is held in the spiral groove 156. If the game ball has already been paid out, the stepping motor 170 continues to rotate forward as it is and is forcibly stopped at the next initial position (j = 20). As a result, unscheduled prize ball payout due to excessive rotation of the screw 150 when the power is turned off is prevented. Furthermore, since the screw 150 is selectively rotated forward and backward to return to the initial position in accordance with the rotational position of the screw 150 at the time of the power interruption, the prize ball is in a situation where the power supply is unstable due to the occurrence of the power interruption. Can be prevented, and since it is not necessary to set the initial position again after the power is restored, the possibility of delaying the operation (payout operation) of the gaming machine after the return is eliminated.

  According to the first control process in the present embodiment, the screw 150 is correctly adjusted under the situation where there is power storage on the payout control board 2000 side even when a power failure such as a power failure occurs during the game ball payout operation. Since it is configured to rotate in the rolling direction or the reverse direction and forcibly stop at the initial position, even if the power is cut off while the screw 150 is rotating, the screw 150 continues to rotate by inertia and the game ball It is possible to avoid the situation where the surplus is paid out.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above effect, if the rotational position of the screw 150 does not reach the payout position when the power is cut off, the screw 150 is reversely rotated to return to the original initial position. When it reaches the position, it is configured to rotate forward and move to the next initial position, so that it is possible to prevent the prize ball from being paid out under unstable power supply conditions such as power interruption. Since it is not necessary to set the initial position again after returning from the disconnection, there is an effect that the payout operation is not delayed after the power supply is recovered and a smooth winning ball payout can be realized.

  Next, an example of changing the motor forced stop process when the power is turned off will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the main control board 1000 side is configured to transmit the power cutoff occurrence information from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side after the NMI signal is received when the power is turned off, but the present invention is not limited to this. . If the payout control board 2000 is configured to receive an NMI signal when the power is cut off, that is, if the payout control board 2000 employs a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The transmission process of the power interruption occurrence information from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side as in S1705 is not necessary. If it is determined that a power interruption has occurred on the payout control board 2000 side, the counter value of the payout counter 2312 is set to 0, and the screw 150 is rotated forward or reverse to forcibly stop at the initial position. It is possible to execute a process and a process of transmitting the remaining prize ball number information to the main control board 1000 side.

<Control processing (2)>
Now, a specific aspect related to the second control process will be described below. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Since the process executed on the main control board 1000 side is the same as the first control process described above, the description thereof is omitted here, and the process mainly on the payout control board 2000 side will be mainly described.

<Processing on the payout control board side (2)>
The processing on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board 2000. First, in step S3100, the payout control board 2000 executes prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing with the main control board 1000. Next, in step S3200, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of starting a prize ball payout / starting motor driving). Next, in step S3300, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution). Next, in step S3400, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the end of the prize ball payout or at the end of motor driving). In step S3500, the dispensing control board 2000 executes a motor error process described later, and proceeds to step S3100. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, in the prize ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step S3100 in FIG. Is determined to be off (this process is referred to as “step S3105”). If YES in step S3105, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main reception information temporary storage unit 2111a to determine whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received (this process is referred to as “step S3110”). . In the case of Yes in step S3110, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag (this process is referred to as “step S3115”). Next, the payout control means 2300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid out this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111a, and uses the payout counter 2312 as the prize ball number information. (This process is referred to as “step S3120”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S3125). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed. In addition, also when it is No in step S3105 and step S3110, it transfers to the following process (step S3125). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed.

  Next, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and determines whether any one of the payout-related error notification flags is on (refer to “Step S3125”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S3125, in step S3130, the error control means 2200 turns off the payout related error notification flag corresponding to the error that has occurred this time in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S3130”). Called). Then, the first line via information transmission control unit 2121 transmits the payout related error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S3135”), and the next process (step S3135). The process proceeds to S3140). In addition, also when it is No at step S3125, it transfers to the following process (step S3140). This completes the payout-related error information transmission process.

  Next, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S3140”). ). In the case of Yes in step S3140, the first line route information transmission control means 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag (this process is referred to as “step S3145”). Called). Then, the first line via information transmission control means 2121 transmits information indicating that the prize ball payout has been completed to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S3150”), and the next process {step The process proceeds to S3200 prize ball payout control processing (when prize ball payout starts / motor driving starts)}. Even in the case of No in step S3140, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S3200 (at the start of payout ball payout / motor driving start)}. The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the start of prize ball payout / at the start of motor drive) according to the subroutine of step S3200 in FIG. 27 is a process before the execution of the motor drive process in the next step S3300. This is processing for setting the number of steps for driving the motor in response to receiving a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 to determine whether or not the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step S3115) is on (this process is referred to as “step S3205”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S3205, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the prize ball payout flag (this process is referred to as “step S3210”), and starts to pay out the prize ball. The permission flag is turned off (this process is referred to as “step S3215”). Then, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 3) (this process is referred to as “step S3220”). In the case of Yes in step S3220, the payout control means 2300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out a predetermined number (this process is referred to as “step S3225”). The process proceeds to processing (step S3235). The counter value (n) temporarily stored here is the number of steps of the stepping motor 170. Here, in this embodiment, 20 steps (corresponding to a rotation angle of 360 ° for paying out one game ball) from the state in which the rotation detection sensor is ON (initial position) to the same state (next initial position) again. The number of steps corresponding to the predetermined number is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 as a count value (n). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3220, that is, when the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is less than the predetermined number, the payout control means 2300 pays out the prize balls set in the payout counter 2312. The counter value (n) is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out the number (this process is referred to as “step S3230”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S3235). Then, the payout control means 2300 sets an initial value 0 as the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) (this process is referred to as “step S3235”). Here, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) indicates the relative position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and “20” corresponds to the initial position at the time of waiting for dispensing (when stopped). During motor operation, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) cycles between 1 ≦ j ≦ 20 (see FIGS. 16 and 19). Then, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S3240”), and performs the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step S3300. (When motor drive is executed)}.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3205, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S3245”). ). In the case of Yes in step S3245, since the motor has already been driven, the process proceeds to the next process (when the prize ball payout control process / motor drive is executed in step S3300). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3245, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the award ball paying out flag is off, that is, no prize ball payout processing at the present time. Is determined (this process is referred to as “step S3250”). In the case of Yes in step S3250, the process proceeds to the next process (when prize ball payout control process / motor driving is executed in step S3300). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3250, it is determined that there are still prize balls to be paid out, and the process proceeds to step S3220. This completes the motor drive start process.

Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution) according to the subroutine of step S3300 in FIG. 27 is a process of actually executing motor drive based on the number of steps set in the previous process (step S3200). is there. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S3305”). Here, the “motor driving flag” is a flag that is turned on when a predetermined step counter number is set in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 (see step S3240), and corresponds to the predetermined step counter number. This flag is turned off when all excited excitations are executed. In the case of Yes in step S3305, the payout control means 2300 decrements the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 by 1 (this process is referred to as “step S3310”). Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout process related information temporary storage means 2310 to determine whether or not the output decreasing flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S3315”). Here, the “output decreasing flag” is a period during which the excitation stator position specific counter value (j) is the second specific value (j _SP2 ) (in the present embodiment, during the period of j value = 10 or 20). ) Is a flag that is turned on under such a situation that the excitation output is reduced. In the case of Yes in step S3315, the payout control means 2300 updates (increments by 1) the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 (this process is “step”). S3320 "). Next, the dispensing control means 2300 excites the stator corresponding to the excitation stator position specification counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 with X% (for example, 100%) output (this processing is performed). (Referred to as “step S3325”). Then, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the excitation stator position identification counter value (j) in the excitation stator position identification counter value temporary storage means 2314 is the second identification value (j _SP2 ) (j value in this embodiment). = 10 or 20) (this process is referred to as “step S3330”). In the case of Yes in step S3330, in step S3335, the payout control means 2300 sets the stator corresponding to the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 to Y% smaller than X%. Excitation is performed with an output of (for example, 66%) (this process is referred to as “step S3335”). Then, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout process related information temporary storage means 2310 and turns on the output decreasing flag (this process is referred to as “step S3340”). Next, the payout control unit 2300 sets an initial value 0 as the time extension counter value (L) in the time extension counter 2315 (this process is referred to as “step S3345”). Here, the “time extension counter value” is for time extension (extension of the transition timing to the next step) under the condition of excitation with a lower excitation output (Y) than the normal excitation output (X). It is a parameter counted in This is because the rotor rotation speed (torque) is expected to decrease when excited with a low excitation output, but even if the rotor rotation speed decreases, the timing to move to the next step is delayed. This is to prevent step-out. Then, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S3350”). Here, when j value = 10, it is normal to be OFF, and when j value = 20, it is normal to be ON. Then, based on the presence or absence of the detection signal in step S3350, the error control means 2200 determines whether or not the rotor is not rotating correctly, that is, whether or not a motor error has occurred (this process is referred to as “step”). S3 "). In the case of Yes in step S3355, the error control means 2200 turns on the motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S3360”), and the next process {award ball payout control process in step S3400 (At the end of paying out a prize ball / at the end of driving the motor)}.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3315, that is, when the output decreasing flag is on (specifically, j value = 10 or 20), the payout control means 2300 counts the counter value of the time extension counter 2315 ( L) is incremented by 1 (this process is referred to as “step S3365”). Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the time extension counter 2315 and determines whether or not L = _Lfin (final value) {L = 2 in this embodiment, that is, this interrupt process is executed every 3 ms. Then, it is determined whether or not this interrupt process has been executed three times (that is, whether or not the reduced excitation output Y is continued for 9 ms) (this process is referred to as “step S3370”). In the case of Yes in step S3370, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout process related information temporary storage means 2310, turns off the output decreasing flag (this process is referred to as “step S3375”), and performs the next process. The process proceeds to {award ball payout control process (at the end of the award ball payout / at the end of motor drive)} in step S3400. Even in the case of No in step S3370, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S3400 (at the end of the prize ball payout / motor driving end)}.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the end of the prize ball payout control / at the end of motor driving) according to the subroutine of step S3400 in FIG. 27 is the driving of all motors scheduled in the previous process (step S3300). This is an end process when the end is executed or when all the prize ball payouts are executed. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S3405”). Next, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the counter value (n) of the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 and determines whether or not the counter value (n) is 0, that is, the number of steps set in step S3225 or step S3230. Is determined (this process is referred to as “step S3410”). In the case of Yes in step S3410, the payout control means 2300 stops the screw 150 of the prize ball payout unit 100 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S3412”). ). Next, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S3415”), and proceeds to the next process (step S3420). Transition. In addition, also when it is No in step S3405 or step S3410, it transfers to step S3420. This completes the motor drive end process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal is received from the count sensor 113 (this process is referred to as “step S3420”). In the case of Yes in step S3420, the payout control means 2300 subtracts 1 from the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 2312 (this process is referred to as “step S3425”), and proceeds to the next process (step S3430). . In addition, also when it is No by step S3420, it transfers to the following process (step S3430). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout counter 2312 and determines whether or not the count value is 0 (this process is referred to as “step S3430”). In the case of Yes in step S3430, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the winning ball payout flag (this process is referred to as “step S3435”), and the winning ball payout completion flag. Is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S3440”), and the process proceeds to the next process (motor error determination / error time response control process in step S3500). Even in the case of No in step S3430, the process proceeds to the next process (motor error determination / error response control process in step S3500).

Next, in the motor error processing according to the subroutine of step S3500 of FIG. 27, the error control means 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 2221 and determines whether or not the motor error flag is on (this The process is referred to as “step S3505”). Here, as described in the previous step S3360, it is detected whether or not the motor is present at the predetermined rotational position at a predetermined detection timing. This motor error flag is turned on. If YES in step S3505, the error control unit 2200 turns off the motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S3510”). Next, the payout control means 2300 continuously energizes the stator of j value = j _SP2 (in this embodiment, j value = 10 or 20) (this process is referred to as “step S3515”). As can be seen from the above-described step S3300 {prize ball payout control process (during motor drive execution)}, the timing at which this error is notified (the timing at which the error flag is turned on) is j value = j _SP2 status. Immediately after being excited (step S3330 and thereafter). Therefore, this process is a process for forcibly stopping the stepped out rotor at the stator position where j value = j _SP2 . Immediately after being excited by the stator of j value = j _SP2 , the excitation output is reduced to Y% (for example, 66%) lower than X% in the above-described step S3335. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor as compared with the case where the excitation output is forcibly stopped and maintained under the situation where the excitation output is X% (for example, 100%). Then, the payout control unit 2300 clears the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S3520”). This is because the number of steps set this time is not executed due to the occurrence of a motor error. Next, the error control means 2200 refers to, for example, the excitation stator position specification counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 and the ON / OFF signal of the rotation detection sensor 114, etc. Is present at a predetermined position, that is, whether or not it has recovered from the step-out state (this process is referred to as “step S3525”). Here, if the step-out is caused by the fact that the rotation of the stator cannot follow the excitation switching speed of the stator, the rotor itself is rotating at a low speed but with inertia. In step S3515, the stator of j value = j _SP2 is excited. By continuing to do so, the rotor reaches the stator of j value = j _SP2 , and the step-out is eliminated. On the other hand, there may be a step-out due to a situation where the game ball is bitten and the screw 150 cannot rotate. In such a case, that is, in the case of No in step S3525, the error control means 2200 performs a step-out recovery process such as reverse rotation of the stepping motor 170 (this process is referred to as “step S3535”). The process moves to step S3525. In this embodiment, the step-out recovery process is repeatedly executed until the step-out state is recovered. After recovering from the step-out state in this way, the dispensing control means 2300 determines whether or not the current rotor in the stepping motor 170 is in the initial position, specifically, the j value is j _fin (in this embodiment, j = 20) is determined (this process is referred to as “step S3527”). Here, in the case of Yes in step S3527, the payout control unit 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2331, turns off the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S3530”), and then (S3100 prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process). Even in the case of No in step S3505, the processing shifts to the next processing (prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing in S3100). On the other hand, in the case of No in step S3527, in step S3528, the payout control means 2300 sets a minimum step counter value necessary for the rotor to reach the initial position (this process is referred to as “step S3528”). For example, if j value = 10 continues to be excited in the previous step S3515, n = 10 is set so that j value = 20 is reached. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (award ball payout related information transmission / reception process of S3100).

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine PM in the present embodiment (second control process) will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 additionally.

  FIG. 28 is an operation diagram when the screw 150 is rotating normally (one screw rotation), and FIG. 29 is an operation diagram when the screw 150 is not rotating normally (for example, stepping out). (One screw rotation). First, when the winning ball payout is not executed, the screw 150 is stopped at the initial position (the rotor of the stepping motor 170 is θ = 0, j = 20 in FIG. 19). At this time, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 28, the A-phase stator outputs a predetermined output (excitation output X, Y% at the time of rotation and sensor confirmation so that the rotor does not rotate due to vibration or the like generated in the pachinko machine PM. Lower Z%, eg 33%). Under such circumstances, when a command to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls (that is, prize ball payout command) is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side, the stepping motor 170 is driven to rotate. Will be. As described above, in this embodiment, when the stepping motor 170 makes one rotation (rotor has 20 steps), only one game ball is paid out as a prize ball. For example, when it is necessary to pay out three prize balls. Will rotate the rotor 3 × 20 steps = 60 steps. In FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the operation for only one rotation of the stepping motor (for 20 steps) is extracted. Accordingly, the timing chart will be described by paying attention to the payout operation for one ball. From the initial position (j = 20), j = 1, j = 2, j = 3,. The stator excited at 3 ms) is switched and the excitation output is increased to X% (for example, 100%). Then, following this switching, the rotor of the stepping motor 170 starts to rotate. Here, in the present embodiment, the switching process of the excited stator is executed as an interrupt process executed every 3 ms. It should be noted that at the time of interruption from j = 1 to j = 9 and j = 11 to j = 19, the confirmation process of whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is not executed. This prevents an increase in processing load of executing confirmation processing every interrupt processing. That is, by comparing the position of the currently excited stator and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114, the normal rotation of the stepping motor 170 can be confirmed every interruption processing. , J = 1 to j = 9 and j = 11 to j = 19, it can be said that there is one feature.

  In each interrupt (j = 10, 20) immediately before the end of the half-rotation and one-rotation processing, first, motors that are not executed at j = 1 to j = 9 and j = 11 to j = 19. Perform error judgment. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the rotation detection sensor 114 is ON. When j = 10, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally when it is OFF, and when j = 20, it is ON. Here, the determination of the motor error in the interrupt process at the initial position of j = 20 has the following meaning. That is, if the motor error determination is performed at this timing and the motor error is found, the stepping motor 170 (screw 150) can be forcibly stopped at the initial position by continuing excitation at j = 20. .

  By the way, at the time of such a motor error, if the stator excitation output remains at X% (for example, 100%) and is forcibly stopped and maintained in this state, the stepping motor 170 will be overheated, and if this happens, flame will be generated. Cause motor failure. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, at the time of motor error determination processing, that is, at the timing when the motor forced stop processing may be executed, the excitation output of the stator is Y% (for example, from the excitation output X% during rotation). Is also reduced to 66%). More specifically, the magnetic force generated by reducing the exciting current is reduced. With this configuration, even if it is determined that a motor error has occurred and the stepping motor 170 is forcibly stopped and maintained in that state, it is possible to avoid a motor failure caused by the stepping motor 170 accumulating heat. . In the present embodiment, the excitation output Y% (66%) at the time of lowering is applied to the excitation output X% (100%) when the motor rotates and to keep the motor stopped at the initial position when the motor is not rotating. The excitation output is set to an intermediate value between Z% (33%). It should be noted that the excitation output Y% when it is once reduced and the excitation output Z% applied to keep the motor stopped at the initial position when the motor is not rotating are set to the same value (for example, 33%). Further, the process of reducing the excitation output Y% when the stepping motor 170 is forcibly stopped due to a motor error or the like to the excitation output Z% may be omitted.

  On the other hand, if the excitation output is reduced during motor rotation, the magnetic force pulling the rotor at the position of the stator corresponding to j = 9 or j = 19 will decrease, so j = 10 or j = 20. It is assumed that it takes a longer time than usual to reach the corresponding stator position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 29, the excitation time is set longer than the normal time (for example, when j = 1 to 9 and j = 11 to 19, 3 ms, and when j = 10 and j = 20, 9 ms). Further, j = 1 to 9 and j = 11 to 11 are avoided in order to avoid the trouble of time management separately for j = 1 to 9 and j = 11 to 19 and j = 10 and j = 20. 19 and j = 10 and j = 20 are also executed at the same interrupt time (every 3 ms). However, when j = 10 and j = 20, the position of the excited stator is not changed. In addition, a parameter called L value is provided so that the output is also maintained at Y%, and processing for changing the stator position and the excitation output is not executed until the L value reaches a predetermined value (L = 2 in this example). It is configured as follows. For j = 10 and j = 20, the interrupt process is executed n times (three times in this example), so that a longer time than normal time (j = 1 to 9 and j = 11 to 19), Y Even if the excitation output is as low as%, stepping out will not interfere with rotation. As described above, when the excitation pattern changes from j = 1 to 20, one prize ball is paid out. Then, after the scheduled time (ie, 9 ms), excitation is performed again in the order of j = 1, j = 2, j = 3.

  Next, FIG. 29 shows a case where it is determined that the stepping motor 170 does not rotate normally (step out) during the process at j = 20. As shown in FIG. 29, if the rotation detection sensor 114 is OFF in spite of the fact that the rotation detection sensor 114 should be ON (the dotted line portion in the “rotation detection sensor” column in FIG. 29), It is determined that the motor is abnormal. In this case, unlike FIG. 28, excitation is continued at j = 20 (that is, j = 1 is not shifted after 9 ms as shown in FIG. 29).

  According to the second control process in the present embodiment, whether or not the rotation abnormality of the stepping motor 170 is detected only at a predetermined step in which the detection process of whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is executed. Since it is configured to temporarily drop from a predetermined operating force (excitation output) to an operating force smaller than the predetermined operating force, first, even if a rotation abnormality is detected, the operating force has already dropped. As a result, it is not necessary to perform a separate process to reduce the operating power after receiving the abnormality detection. As a result, the program capacity can be reduced and the operating power is reduced after the abnormality is detected. Compared to the above, since the operating power is reduced at an earlier stage, the heat generation of the stepping motor 170 can be further suppressed, so that the destruction of the motor can be effectively prevented. Achieve the. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the operating force (excitation output) is periodically reduced, but is temporarily reduced only during a predetermined step in which the process of detecting whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is executed. Since it is configured and can move to the next position by inertia, there is also an effect that almost no adverse effect (adverse effect on normal rotation) caused by temporarily reducing the excitation output is required.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above effect, when the excitation output is lowered, the time until the next step is shifted is increased. Therefore, the time required for the rotor to move to the excited stator due to the decrease in the excitation output As a result of ensuring that the rotor reaches the energized stator within a predetermined time even if it becomes longer than usual, the effect of reducing the step-out risk associated with a decrease in the excitation output can be achieved. .

  Furthermore, in addition to the above effect, the interrupt timing (stator excitation position switching process) is executed at regular intervals until the timing for switching to the next stator excitation position switching process after the special stator excitation position switching process is executed. However, since it is configured not to execute the next stator excitation position switching process, it is not necessary to separately measure the interruption time in the normal stator excitation position switching process and the interruption time in the special stator excitation position switching process. There is an effect.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above effects, the excitation output when the special stator excitation position switching process is executed and the excitation output when the stepping motor 170 is stopped are substantially the same. Therefore, there is an effect that it is not necessary to execute the process of making the excitation output at the time of stopping again.

<Control processing (3)>
Now, a specific aspect related to the third control process will be described below. Here, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Since the process executed on the main control board 1000 side is the same as the first control process described above, the description thereof is omitted here, and the process mainly on the payout control board 2000 side will be mainly described.

<Processing on the payout control board side (3)>
The process on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board 2000. First, in step S4100, the payout control board 2000 executes prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing with the main control board 1000. Next, in step S4200, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of starting a prize ball payout / starting motor driving). Next, in step S4300, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (when the prize ball payout ends or when the motor drive ends). Next, in step S4400, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution). In step S4500, the dispensing control board 2000 executes a motor error process described later, and proceeds to step S4100. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, in the prize ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step S4100 in FIG. 30, the main-side reception control means 2111 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and is paying out a prize ball. It is determined whether or not the flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S4105”). Here, the “Prize ball paying out flag” means that the prize ball paying process on the payout control board 2000 side is being executed (when the stepping motor 170 of the prize ball paying unit 100 is being driven or waiting for passing the ball). It is a flag that is turned on during the time / motor stop time). In the case of Yes in step S4105, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a and determines whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received (this process is referred to as “step S4110”). ). In the case of Yes in step S4110, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag (this process is referred to as “step S4115”). Next, the payout control means 2300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111a, and uses the payout counter 2312 for the prize ball number information. (This process is referred to as “step S4120”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S4125). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed. In addition, also when it is No in step S4105 and step S4110, it transfers to the following process (step S4125).

  Next, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and determines whether any one of the payout-related error notification flags is on (this process is referred to as “step S4125”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S4125, the error control means 2200 turns off the payout related error notification flag corresponding to the error that has occurred this time in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S4130”). Then, the first line via information transmission control means 2121 transmits the payout related error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S4135”), and the next process (step S4135). The process proceeds to S4140. In addition, also when it is No at step S4125, it transfers to the following process (step S4140). This completes the payout-related error information transmission process.

  Next, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4140”). ). In the case of Yes in step S4140, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag (this process is referred to as “step S4145”). Called). Then, the first line via information transmission control means 2121 transmits information indicating that the prize ball payout has been completed to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S4150”), and the next process {step The process proceeds to S4200 prize ball payout control processing (when prize ball payout starts / motor driving starts)}. Even in the case of No in step S4140, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4200 (at the start of award ball payout / motor start)}. The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the start of prize ball payout / at the start of motor driving) according to the subroutine of step S4200 in FIG. 30 is a process in the previous stage of executing the motor driving process in the next step S4400. This is processing for setting the number of steps for driving the motor in response to receiving a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step S4115) is on (this process is referred to as “step S4205”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S4205, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the prize ball payout flag (this process is referred to as “step S4210”) and permits the start of prize ball payout. The flag is turned off (this process is referred to as “step S4215”). Then, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 3) (this process is referred to as “step S4220”). In the case of Yes in step S4220, the payout control means 2300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so that a predetermined number of payouts are paid out (this process is referred to as “step S4225”). The process proceeds to processing (step S4235). The counter value (n) temporarily stored here is the number of steps of the stepping motor 170. Here, in this embodiment, from the state where the rotation detection sensor is ON (initial position) to the same state (next initial position) again, in the case of the two-phase excitation method, 20 steps (one game ball is paid). The rotation angle is 360 °), and in the case of the 1-2 phase excitation method, 40 steps (corresponding to the rotation angle of 360 ° for paying out one game ball) are set to a predetermined number according to the excitation method of the stepping motor 170. The corresponding number of steps is temporarily stored as a count value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4220, that is, when the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is less than the predetermined number, the payout control means 2300 pays out the prize balls set in the payout counter 2312. The counter value (n) is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out the number (this process is referred to as “step S4230”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S4235). Then, the payout control means 2300 sets an initial value 0 as the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) (this process is referred to as “step S4235”). Here, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) indicates the relative position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and “20” corresponds to the initial position at the time of waiting for dispensing (when stopped). During motor operation, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) cycles between 1 ≦ j ≦ 20 (see FIGS. 16 and 19). Next, the payout control means 2300 sets the excitation method for normal operation related to the stepping motor operation (two-phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step for normal operation (3 ms in this example) to the excitation method setting. The information is temporarily stored in the information temporary storage unit 2316 (this process is referred to as “step S4237”). Next, the payout control means 2300 sets a predetermined value (500 ms in this example) as a ball passage waiting time / motor suspension time related to the stepping motor operation in the ball passage waiting timer 2316 (this process is referred to as “step S4238”). Called). Next, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the retry operation execution flag (this process is referred to as “step S4239”). Here, the retry operation execution flag is a flag that is turned on while a retry operation related to a stepping motor operation described later is being executed. Then, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S4240”), and performs the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step S4300. (At the end of motor drive / end of prize ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4205, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4245”). ). In the case of Yes in step S4245, since the motor has already been driven, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4300 (at the end of motor driving / end of award ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4245, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout continuation flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S4250”). "). Here, the winning ball payout continuation flag is after the stepping motor operation for a predetermined number of steps and when the winning ball payout operation should be continued when the ball passing waiting time / motor stop time has elapsed (detailed conditions) Is a flag that is turned on. In the case of Yes in step S4250, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4300 (at the end of motor drive / end of a prize ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4250, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the prize ball payout continuation flag (this process is referred to as “step S4252”), and step The process shifts to S4220. That is, when the winning ball payout continuation flag is on, the process of setting the number of steps for driving the motor and the like is executed again without receiving the winning ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. It becomes. This completes the motor drive start process.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the end of motor drive / at the end of prize ball payout) related to the subroutine of step S4300 in FIG. 30 is the drive end of all motors scheduled in the previous process (step S4200). Or completion processing when all scheduled prize ball payouts are executed. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, and determines whether or not the prize ball payout flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4302”). In the case of Yes in step S4302, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 to determine whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4305”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S4305, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the counter value (n) of the step counter temporary storage unit 2313, and determines whether or not the counter value (n) is 0, that is, the above-described step S4225 or step It is determined whether or not all the steps set in S4230 have been executed (this process is referred to as “step S4310”). In the case of Yes in step S4310, the payout control means 2300 stops the screw 150 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S4312”). Next, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S4315”). Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4316”). In the case of Yes in step S4316, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the retry operation execution flag (this process is referred to as “step S4317”), and performs the following. The process proceeds to processing (step S4318). On the other hand, also in the case of No in step S4316, the process proceeds to the next process (step S4318). Next, the payout control means 2300 maintains the resting state of the stepping motor 170 (in this example, the excitation output is reduced and the current excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) is continuously excited) (this processing) (Referred to as “step S4318”). Next, the payout control means 2300 starts the ball passage waiting timer 2316 (this process is referred to as “step S4319”), and proceeds to the next process (step S4320). In addition, also when it is No in step S4305 or step S4310, it transfers to the following process (step S4320). This completes the motor drive end process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal has been received from the count sensor 113 (this process is referred to as “step S4320”). In the case of Yes in step S4320, the payout control unit 2300 decrements the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 2312 (this process is referred to as “step S4325”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S4330). . In addition, also when it is No in step S4320, it transfers to the following process (step S4330). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout counter 2312 and determines whether or not the count value is 0 (this process is referred to as “step S4330”). In the case of Yes in step S4330, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the winning ball paying-in flag (this process is referred to as “step S4335”), and the winning ball payout is completed. The flag is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S4340”), and the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4400 (during motor drive execution)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4330, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the timer value of the ball passage waiting timer 2316 and determines whether or not the timer value is 0 (this process is referred to as “step S4345”). ). In the case of Yes in step S4345, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution standby flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S4347”). . Here, the retry operation execution waiting flag is a flag that is turned on when a motor error described later occurs during motor driving. In the case of Yes in step S4347, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the prize ball payout continuation flag (this process is referred to as “step S4350”), and the next process {step S4400 To the prize ball payout control process (when the motor is driven)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4347, the payout control unit 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311, turns off the retry operation execution standby flag (this process is referred to as “step S4360”), and the retry operation. The execution permission flag is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S4362”), and the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4400 (during motor drive execution)}. Even in the case of No in step S4302 or step S4345, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S4400 (during motor drive)}.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution) according to the subroutine of step S4400 in FIG. 30 is a process of actually executing motor drive based on the number of steps set in the previous process (step S4200). It is. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4405”). The motor driving flag is a flag that is turned on when a predetermined step counter number is set in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 (see step S4240), and excitation corresponding to the predetermined step counter number is performed. This flag is turned off when all executions have been executed. If YES in step S4405, the payout control unit 2300 subtracts 1 from the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S4410”). Next, the payout control means 2300 updates (increments by 1) the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter temporary storage means 2314 (this process is referred to as “step S4420”). Next, the payout control means 2300 determines the excitation stator position specification counter value (j in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 based on the excitation method and switching speed temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317. ) Is excited (this process is referred to as “step S4425”). Next, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution flag is off (this process is referred to as “step S4430”). In the case of Yes in step S4430, the payout control means 2300 indicates that the counter value (j) of the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2313 is the confirmation timing of the rotation detection sensor 114 during normal operation (j value = 10 in this example). Or 20) (this process is referred to as “step S4432”). Here, the confirmation of the rotation detection sensor 114 during the normal operation is performed for the purpose of confirming whether or not an abnormal operation related to the motor operation (a step-out phenomenon due to ball biting or the like) has occurred. During the payout operation for one game ball, at least two confirmation timings are required. For example, at the first confirmation timing, the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from ON to OFF, so that the normal operation is performed. At the second confirmation timing, the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 is turned off. There is a method of normal operation by switching from ON to ON. Thus, by providing two confirmation timings during the execution of the payout operation for one game ball, it is possible to detect an abnormal operation related to the motor operation. In addition, when performing a one-ball payout operation in 20 steps in the two-phase excitation method, it is preferable to provide a confirmation timing for the first time when motor driving for 10 steps is performed and for the second time when motor driving for 20 steps is performed. It is. Returning to the description of the winning ball payout control process, in the case of Yes in step S4432, the payout control means 2300 refers to the presence or absence of a detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as "step S4450"). At this time, when j value = 10, it is normal to be OFF, and when j value = 20, it is normal to be ON. Then, the error control means 2200 determines whether or not the rotor is not rotating correctly based on the detection signal in step S4450, that is, whether or not a motor error has occurred (this process is referred to as “step S4455”). "). In the case of Yes in step S4455, the error control means 2200 turns on the motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S4460”), and the next process (motor error process in step S4500). Migrate to

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S4430, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the count value (j) of the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 is the confirmation timing of the rotation detection sensor 114 during the retry operation. Determination is made (this process is referred to as “step S4434”). Here, the confirmation of the rotation detection sensor 114 at the time of the retry operation refers to whether or not the abnormal operation has been resolved by executing the retry operation described later after the abnormal operation related to the motor operation, and the rotor position returns to the normal position. This is performed for the purpose of confirming whether or not, for example, a plurality of confirmation timings are required during execution of a payout operation for one game ball. Here, when an abnormal operation is detected at the first confirmation timing in normal operation (in this example, the detection signal is kept ON), retry is performed until the detection signal is turned OFF. On the other hand, if an abnormal operation is detected at the second confirmation timing in normal operation (in this example, the detection signal is kept OFF), the detection signal is It is necessary to repeat the retry operation until it is turned ON. That is, in order to complete such a check operation efficiently, a motor that does not continuously change the detection signal from ON to OFF to ON (or from OFF to ON to OFF) by one retry operation. It is preferable to provide a confirmation timing for each drive. Note that the confirmation timing during execution of the payout operation for one game ball depends on the shape of the detection hole 184 of the screw 150 and the drive gear 183, and is not particularly limited. For example, 1/5 to 1/10 ball It is preferable to provide a confirmation timing once for every minute of motor driving. Here, in this embodiment, as will be described later, during the retry operation, the two-phase excitation method is switched to the 1-2 phase excitation method (that is, the number of steps required for the payout operation for one game ball is doubled). Therefore, a confirmation timing is provided every time motor driving is executed for 5 steps (1/8 ball). Returning to the description of the winning ball payout control process, if Yes in step S4434, the process proceeds to step S4450, and it is determined whether or not the rotor is not rotating correctly based on the presence or absence of a detection signal in step S4550. Will be executed. On the other hand, if NO in step S4434, the process proceeds to the next process (motor error process in step S4500). In addition, also when it is No in step S4405, step S4432, and step S4455, it transfers to the following process (process at the time of a motor error of step S4500).

  Next, in the motor error process according to the subroutine of step S4500 of FIG. 30, the purpose of this process is to forcibly shift the motor drive to a rest state when a motor error is detected, and to perform a retry operation. Switching control processing (steps S4505 to S4522 below) and excitation control switching control processing (steps S4525 to S4540 below) related to motor driving when executing the retry operation. . The error control means 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 2221 and determines whether or not the motor error flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S4505”). Here, as described in step S4460 described above, it is detected whether or not the motor is present at the predetermined rotational position at a predetermined detection timing. This motor error flag is turned on. In the case of Yes in step S4505, the error control unit 2200 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and turns off the motor error flag (this process is referred to as “step S4510”). Next, the error control means 2200 clears the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 to 0 (this process is referred to as “step S4520”). This is because the number of steps set this time is no longer executed due to the occurrence of a motor error, and after the count value is cleared, the motor drive shifts to a pause state (steps S4310, S4312 and steps described above). (See S4315). Next, the error control means 2200 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the retry operation execution standby flag (this process is referred to as “step S4522”), and proceeds to the next process (step S4525). To do. In addition, also when it is No at step S4505, it transfers to the following process (step S4525).

  Next, the retry operation control unit 4400 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 4311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution permission flag is ON (this process is referred to as “step S4525”). In the case of Yes in step S4525, the retry operation control unit 2400 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns off the retry operation execution permission flag (this process is referred to as “step S4530”). Next, the retry operation control unit 2400 sets a predetermined number of steps during the retry operation as the step counter value (n) of the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S4532”). Here, the predetermined number of steps at the time of the retry operation is not particularly limited, but an example of setting the same number as the confirmation timing of the rotation detection sensor 114 at the time of the retry operation (see step S4434 described above) can be given. Next, the retry operation control means 2400 sets 0 as the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 (this process is referred to as “step S4534”). Next, the retry operation control means 2400 has an excitation method for the retry operation related to the stepping motor operation (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and a switching speed of one step for the retry operation (6 ms in this example). Is temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage unit 2316 (this process is referred to as “step S4536”). Here, in this embodiment, the excitation method for the normal operation related to the stepping motor operation is set to the two-phase excitation method, whereas the excitation method for the retry operation is set to the 1-2 phase excitation method. . Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail. First, as described above, among the excitation methods (one-phase excitation method, two-phase excitation method, and 1-2 phase excitation method) listed in this example, the generated torque is one-phase excitation method <1-2. On the other hand, in the order of the phase excitation method <two-phase excitation method, the load on the motor increases in the same order under the situation where the motor drive is hindered by an external force such as ball engagement. That is, as in this example, when a retry operation is executed due to the occurrence of a ball bite or the like, by switching from the two-phase excitation method to the 1-2 phase excitation method (or the one-phase excitation method) The load on the motor can be suppressed, and the probability that the motor will be damaged can be reduced. In addition to switching the excitation method, the switching speed of one step is reduced {the stator excitation timing is changed from once in X (for example, 3 ms) to once in Y (Y> X, for example, 6 ms)}. Thus, the load on the motor can be further suppressed, and the interval at which the stator is not excited can be secured relatively long. In other words, since the power per unit time supplied to the screw 150 is relatively lowered, it is possible to increase the probability that an abnormal operation such as ball biting is eliminated. Returning to the description of the prize ball payout control process, the retry operation control means 2400 then sets a predetermined value (500 ms in this example) as the ball passage waiting time / motor suspension time related to the stepping motor operation, and the ball passage waiting timer 2316. (This process is referred to as “step S4538”). Next, the retry operation control means 2400 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the retry operation execution flag (this process is referred to as “step S4539”). Then, the retry operation control means 2400 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S4540”), and performs the next process (the prize ball payout in step S4100). Related information transmission / reception processing (for main control board)}

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine PM in the present embodiment (third control process) will be described with additional reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 31 is an operation diagram when the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally (dispensing operation for one ball), and FIG. FIG. 33 is an operation diagram when the stepping motor 170 returns from a state where it does not normally rotate to a state where it normally rotates.

  First, referring to FIG. 31, when the prize ball payout is not executed, the rotor of the stepping motor 170 does not rotate from the initial position (stopped at j = 20 in FIG. 19) due to vibrations or the like generated in the pachinko machine PM. The A-phase stator is excited at a predetermined output Y% (excitation output lower than that during rotation, for example, about 33% during rotation). Under such circumstances, when a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls (that is, a prize ball payout command) is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side, an excitation method during normal operation ( The stepping motor 170 is driven to rotate based on the two-phase excitation method.

  Here, as described above, in this embodiment, when the stepping motor 170 makes one rotation (rotor has 20 steps), only one game ball is paid out. For example, when it is necessary to pay out three prize balls. Will rotate the rotor 3 × 20 steps = 60 steps. Accordingly, the timing chart will be described by paying attention to the payout operation for one ball. From the initial position (j = 20), j = 1, j = 2, j = 3,. The stator that is excited every 3 ms) is switched and the excitation output is increased to X% (for example, 100%). Then, following this switching, the rotor of the stepping motor 170 starts to rotate. Here, in the present embodiment, the switching process of the excited stator is executed as an interrupt process executed every 3 ms. It should be noted that during the interrupt process from j = 1 to 9 and j = 11 to 19, the process for confirming whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is not executed. This reduces the processing burden of executing the confirmation process every interrupt process. That is, by comparing the position of the currently excited stator and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114, the normal rotation of the stepping motor 170 can be confirmed every interruption processing. , J = 1 to j = 9 and j = 11 to j = 19, it can be said that there is one feature.

  In each interrupt (j = 10, 20) immediately before the end of the half-rotation and one-rotation processing, first, motors that are not executed at j = 1 to j = 9 and j = 11 to j = 19. Error determination is executed (boxes 1 and 4 in the figure). Specifically, the rotation detection sensor 114 is referred to determine whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally (boxes 2 and 5 in the figure). If j = 10 is OFF (box 3 in the figure), and j = 20 is ON (box 6 in the figure), it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally. To do. When the stepping motor 170 rotates normally, after the 20-step rotation operation is completed, the game ball released from the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150 is detected by the count sensor 113, so that the ball One payout operation is completed (box 7 in the figure). By repeating the above operations, a game ball payout operation is executed, and all payouts are completed when a predetermined number of prize ball payout operations based on a command transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side are completed. The operation will be completed.

  Next, FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing a case where it is determined that the stepping motor 170 does not rotate normally (step out) during the interrupt process at j = 10. As shown in FIG. 32, first, during the first rotation operation of the stepping motor 170, a situation occurs in which the rotation operation of the screw 150 is hindered due to factors such as ball engagement, and the rotation operation of the screw 150 is obstructed. Due to the external force, a situation occurs in which the rotational operation of the stepping motor 170 is also obstructed (box 1 in the figure). At this time, as the rotational operation of the screw 150 is inhibited, the rotational operation of the rotation detection driven gear 183 is also inhibited, so that the rotation detection sensor 114 is maintained in the ON state. Next, whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally with reference to the position of the currently excited stator and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114 at the time of interrupt processing at j = 10 (box 2 in the figure). The confirmation process of whether or not is executed (box 3 in the figure). As a result of referring to the rotation detection sensor 114, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is performing an abnormal operation because the rotation detection sensor 114 is ON even though the rotation detection sensor 114 is originally OFF. (Box 4 in the figure). In this case, the motor error flag is turned on (box 4 in the figure), and the stepping motor 170 is forcibly shifted to the rest state before completing the payout operation (box 5 in the figure). Thus, the time when the stepping motor 170 is in a resting state is started as a ball passage waiting time (box 6 in the figure). Thereafter, if the counting sensor 113 cannot detect the passing of the game ball during counting of the ball passing waiting time (box 7 in the figure), the retry operation is performed after a predetermined time of the ball passing waiting time has elapsed. It will be executed (box 8 in the figure). Then, when the retry operation is executed, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed based on the excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation ( Box 9) in the figure. Although not shown, if the passing of the game ball can be detected by the count sensor 113 in box 7 in the figure, the retry operation may not be executed. However, as long as the factor that hinders the rotational operation of the screw 150 has not disappeared, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is performing an abnormal operation again at the timing 4 shown in the figure when the next payout operation is executed. It is.

  Next, FIG. 33 is a continuation from the timing chart of FIG. 32, and is a timing chart showing a case where the abnormal operation is resolved after the retry operation is executed. As shown in FIG. 33, first, during the retry operation, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is started based on the excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation. In the present embodiment, during the retry operation, the switching speed of one step is set lower than that in the normal operation (6 ms in this example), so the frequency is once every two 3 ms interrupt processes. The stepping motor 170 is excited (box 1 in the figure). Next, when the stepping motor 170 rotates at the third step, the factor that hinders the rotating operation of the screw 150 disappears, so that the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated (box 2 in the figure). Here, as the reason for the disappearance of the factor, the power per unit time supplied to the screw 150 is reduced by changing the excitation method and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation, and abnormal operation such as ball engagement It is mentioned that the probability of eliminating is increasing. As the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated, the rotation operation of the driven gear is also demodulated, and the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from ON to OFF (box 3 in the figure). Next, at the time of interrupt processing for j = 4 (4 in the figure), the rotation detection sensor 114 is referred to and a process for confirming whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is executed (see the box in the figure). 5). As a result of referring to the rotation detection sensor 114, since the rotation detection sensor 114 is OFF, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is operating normally (box 6 in the figure). In this case, the motor error flag is kept off, and the stepping motor 170 shifts to a resting state due to the completion of the motor driving for the predetermined number of steps during the retry operation, and the ball passing waiting time is counted. Is started (box 7 in the figure). Thereafter, while the ball passage waiting time is being measured, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is operating normally although the count sensor 113 cannot detect the passing of the game ball. After the predetermined time elapses, the retry operation is canceled (box 8 in the figure). Then, when the retry operation is released, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed based on the excitation method during normal operation (two-phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step (in the figure). Box 9). Further, when the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed, the predetermined number of steps is reset based on the number of unpaid prize balls, so that the operation returns to the operation shown in FIG. It becomes.

  According to the third control process in the present embodiment, even when it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is not rotating normally, the rotation of the stepping motor 170 is stopped after the rotation of the stepping motor 170 is forcibly stopped. Is configured to be able to switch to an excitation method that can reduce the torque generated by the stepping motor 170, so that the cause of rotation failure (such as ball engagement) can be effectively removed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on the stepping motor 170 and prevent the stepping motor 170 from being damaged. In addition, since it is a simple process of switching the excitation method, the program capacity can be reduced.

  Further, in addition to the above effect, when a ball bite occurs, the period during which no external force is applied to the game ball sandwiched between the spiral protrusion 153 of the screw 150 and the passage wall of the guide passage 140 is longer than that during normal rotation. Therefore, it is possible to effectively eliminate the state where the game ball is sandwiched between both walls.

<Control processing (4)>
Now, a specific aspect related to the fourth control process will be described below. Here, FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Since the process executed on the main control board 1000 side is the same as the first control process described above, the description thereof is omitted here, and the process mainly on the payout control board 2000 side will be mainly described.

<Processing on the payout control board side (4)>
The process on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board 2000. First, in step S5100, the payout control board 2000 executes prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing with the main control board 1000. Next, in step S5200, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of starting a prize ball payout / starting motor driving). Next, in step S5300, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the end of motor driving and at the end of prize ball payout). Next, in step S5400, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution). In step S5500, the dispensing control board 2000 executes a motor error process described later, and proceeds to step S5100. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described in detail. In the second and third control processes described above, the normal motor rotation confirmation process is performed by comparing the stator position and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114 only at each step of j = 10 and 20. Although this fourth control process is characterized by the forward / reverse rotation process during the retry operation, the motor normal rotation confirmation process is executed in each step of j = 5, 10, 15, 20 ( It is assumed that the motor normal rotation confirmation process is executed twice as many times as the second and third control processes.

  First, in the prize ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step S5100 in FIG. Is determined to be off (this process is referred to as “step S5105”). Here, the “motor driving flag” is a flag that is turned on while the stepping motor 170 of the winning ball payout unit 100 is driving. In the case of Yes in step 5105, the main side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a and determines whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received (this process is referred to as “step S5110”). ). In the case of Yes in step S5110, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag (this process is referred to as “step S5115”). Next, the payout control means 2300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid out this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111a, and uses the payout counter 2312 as the prize ball number information. (This process is referred to as “step S5120”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S5125). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed. In addition, also when it is No in step S5105 and step S5110, it transfers to the following process (step S5125).

  Next, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and determines whether any one of the payout-related error notification flags is on (this process is referred to as “step S5125”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S5125, the error control means 2200 turns off the payout related error notification flag corresponding to the error that has occurred this time in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as "step S5130"). Then, the first line via information transmission control unit 2121 transmits the payout related error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S5135”), and the next process (step S5135). The process proceeds to S5140. In addition, also when it is No in step S5125, it transfers to the following process (step S5140). This completes the payout-related error information transmission process.

  Next, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S5140”). ). In the case of Yes in step S5140, the first line route information transmission control means 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag (this process is referred to as “step S5145”). Called). Then, the first line via information transmission control means 2121 transmits information indicating that the prize ball payout has been completed to the main control board 1000 (this process is referred to as “step S5150”), and the next process {step The process proceeds to S5200 prize ball payout control processing (when prize ball payout starts / motor driving starts)}. Even in the case of No in step S5140, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S5200 (at the start of payout ball payout / motor drive start)}. The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the start of prize ball payout / at the start of motor driving) according to the subroutine of step S5200 in FIG. 34 is a process before the execution of the motor driving process in the next step S5400, This is processing for setting the number of steps for driving the motor in response to receiving a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step S5115) is on (this process is referred to as “step S5205”). Called). In the case of Yes in step S5205, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the prize ball payout flag (this process is referred to as “step S5210”), and starts the prize ball payout. The permission flag is turned off (this process is referred to as “step S5215”). Then, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the number of award balls set in the payout counter 2312 is a predetermined number (for example, 3) or more (this process is referred to as “step S5220”). In the case of Yes in step S5220, the payout control means 2300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out a predetermined number (this process is referred to as “step S5225”). The process proceeds to processing (step S5235). The counter value (n) temporarily stored here is the number of steps of the stepping motor 170. Here, in this embodiment, from the state where the rotation detection sensor is ON (initial position) to the same state (next initial position) again, in the case of the two-phase excitation method, 20 steps (one game ball is paid). The rotation angle is 360 °), and in the case of the 1-2 phase excitation method, 40 steps (corresponding to the rotation angle of 360 ° for paying out one game ball) are set to a predetermined number according to the excitation method of the stepping motor 170. The corresponding number of steps is temporarily stored as a count value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 2313. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S5220, that is, when the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is less than the predetermined number, the payout control means 2300 pays out the prize balls set in the payout counter 2312. The counter value (n) is temporarily stored in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 so as to pay out the number (this process is referred to as “step S5230”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S5235). Then, the dispensing control means 2300 sets an initial value 0 as the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) (this process is referred to as “step S5235”). Here, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) indicates the relative position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and “20” corresponds to the initial position at the time of waiting for dispensing (when stopped). During motor operation, the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) cycles between 1 ≦ j ≦ 20 (see FIGS. 16 and 19). Next, the payout control means 2300 sets the excitation method for normal operation related to the stepping motor operation (two-phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step for normal operation (3 ms in this example) to the excitation method setting. Temporary storage is performed in the information temporary storage unit 2316 (this process is referred to as “step S5237”). Then, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S5240”), and performs the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step S5300. (At the end of motor drive / end of prize ball payout)}.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S5205, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as "step S5245"). ). In the case of Yes in step S5245, since the motor has already been driven, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S5300 (at the end of motor driving / end of award ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S5245, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 to determine whether or not the winning ball paying-in flag is off, that is, no prize ball payout processing at the present time. Is determined (this process is referred to as “step S5250”). In the case of Yes in step S5250, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S5300 (at the end of motor driving / end of a prize ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S5250, it is determined that there is still a prize ball to be paid out, and the process proceeds to step S5220. This completes the motor drive start process.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (at the end of motor drive / at the end of prize ball payout) related to the subroutine of step S5300 in FIG. Or completion processing when all scheduled prize ball payouts are executed. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S5305”). In the case of Yes in step S5305, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313, and determines whether or not the counter value (n) is 0, that is, in step S5225 or step described above It is determined whether or not all the number of steps set in S5230 have been executed (this process is referred to as “step S5310”). In the case of Yes in step S5310, the payout control means 2300 stops the screw 150 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as “step S5312”). Next, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off the motor driving flag (this process is referred to as “step S5315”). Next, the payout control means 2300 maintains the resting state of the stepping motor 170 (in this example, the excitation output is reduced and the current excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) is continuously excited) The process is referred to as “step S5318”), and the process proceeds to the next process (step S5320). In addition, also when it is No in step S5305 or step S5310, it transfers to the following process (step S5320). This completes the motor drive end process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal has been received from the count sensor 113 (this process is referred to as “step S5320”). In the case of Yes in step S5320, the payout control means 2300 decrements the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 2312 (this process is referred to as “step S5325”), and proceeds to the next process (step S5330). . In addition, also when it is No at step S5320, it transfers to the next process (step S5330). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout counter 2312 and determines whether or not the count value is 0 (this process is referred to as “step S5330”). In the case of Yes in step S5330, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the prize ball paying-in flag (this process is referred to as “step S5335”), and the prize ball payout is completed. The flag is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S5340”), and the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S5400 (during motor drive)}. Even in the case of No in step S5330, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step S5400 (during motor drive)}.

  Next, the prize ball payout control process (during motor drive) according to the subroutine of step S5400 in FIG. 34 is a process for actually executing motor drive based on the number of steps set in the previous process (step S5200). It is. First, the payout control means 2300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S5405”). The motor driving flag is a flag that is turned on when a predetermined number of step counters is set in the step counter temporary storage means 2313 (see step S5240), and excitation corresponding to the predetermined number of step counters is performed. This flag is turned off when all executions have been executed. Here, in the case of Yes in step S5405, the payout control unit 2300 subtracts 1 from the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S5410”). Next, the payout control means 2300 updates (increments by 1) the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter temporary storage means 2314 (this process is referred to as “step S5420”). Next, the payout control means 2300 determines the excitation stator position specification counter value (j in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 based on the excitation method and switching speed temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317. ) Is excited (this process is referred to as “step S5425”). Next, the payout control means 2300 indicates that the counter value (j) of the excitation stator position specific counter value temporary storage means 2313 is the confirmation timing of the rotation detection sensor 114 during normal operation (j value = 5, 10, 15 in this example). , 20 steps) (this process is referred to as “step S5432”). Here, the confirmation of the rotation detection sensor 114 during the normal operation is performed for the purpose of confirming whether or not an abnormal operation related to the motor operation (mainly a step-out phenomenon due to ball biting or the like) has occurred. For example, a plurality of confirmation timings are required during the execution of a payout operation for one game ball. For example, at the confirmation timing other than the initial position of the stepping motor 170 (j = 5, 10, 15), the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from ON to OFF so that the normal operation is performed. In the confirmation timing at the initial position (j = 20), there is a method of normal operation by the fact that the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from OFF to ON. As described above, by providing four confirmation timings during execution of the payout operation for one game ball, it is possible to detect an abnormal operation related to the motor operation. Returning to the description of the winning ball payout control process, in the case of Yes in step S5432, the payout control means 2300 refers to the presence or absence of a detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 (this process is referred to as "step S5450"). For example, when j value at half rotation = 10, it is normal to be OFF, and when j value at one rotation = 20, it is normal to be ON. Then, the error control means 2200 determines whether or not the rotor is not rotating correctly, that is, whether or not a motor error has occurred based on the detection signal in step S5450 (this process is referred to as “step S5455”). "). If YES in step S5455, the error control means 2200 turns on the motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (this process is referred to as “step S5460”), and the next process (motor error process in step S5500). Migrate to In addition, also when it is No in step S5405, step S5432, and step S5455, it transfers to the following process (process at the time of motor error of step S5500).

Next, in the motor error processing according to the subroutine of step S5500 in FIG. 34, the purpose of this processing is to perform excitation method switching control processing related to motor driving at the time of retry operation when a motor error is detected. And executing forward / reverse rotation control processing for alternately rotating the stepping motor 170 in the forward / reverse direction according to the excitation stator position (rotational position of the screw 150) at the time of error detection. First, the error control means 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 2221 and determines whether or not the motor error flag is on (this process is referred to as “step S5505”). Here, as described in step S5460 described above, whether or not the stepping motor 170 is present at the predetermined rotational position is detected at a predetermined detection timing. This motor error flag is turned on. In the case of Yes in step S5505, the error control unit 2200 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 and turns off the motor error flag (this process is referred to as “step S5510”). Next, the error control unit 2200 clears the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 2313 (this process is referred to as “step S5520”). This is because the number of steps set this time is no longer executed due to the occurrence of a motor error, and after the count value is cleared, the operation proceeds to a retry operation. Although the step counter value (n) is cleared to zero in this way, the current excitation stator position (j) of the stepping motor 170 is held in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 2314 as it is. A retry operation (details will be described later) can be executed without stopping the rotation of the motor from the stop position due to the biting. Next, the error control means 2200 refers to, for example, an ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 114 to determine whether or not the rotor (screw 150) exists at the initial position. Is recovered from the step-out state based on whether or not is j _fin (in this example, j = 20 for the two-phase excitation method, j = 40 for the 1-2 phase excitation method). (This process is referred to as “step S5525”). In the case of No in step S5525, that is, when the step-out state has not recovered, the retry operation control means 2400 has the excitation stator position specification counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specification counter value temporary storage means 2314 set to the first value. 3 is determined to be equal to or greater than a specific value (j _SP3 = 6), that is, whether or not the rotational position of the screw 150 has reached the payout position (this process is referred to as “step S5528”). Here, as described above, the sixth specific value j _SP3 is set to the sixth step (j _SP3 = 6) as the excitation stator position j when the game ball is paid out (release point). In the case of Yes in step S5528, that is, when the rotational position of the screw 150 has reached the payout position (6 ≦ j ≦ 20), the excitation method switching control means 2410 is for retry operation related to the stepping motor operation. The excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step for retry operation (6 ms in this example) are temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317 (this process is referred to as “ Step S5536 "). Here, in this embodiment, the excitation method for the normal operation related to the stepping motor operation is set to the two-phase excitation method, whereas the excitation method for the retry operation is set to the 1-2 phase excitation method. . Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail. First, as described above, among the excitation methods (one-phase excitation method, two-phase excitation method, and 1-2 phase excitation method) listed in this example, the generated torque is one-phase excitation method <1-2. On the other hand, in the order of the phase excitation method <two-phase excitation method, the load on the motor increases in the same order under the situation where the motor drive is hindered by an external force such as ball engagement. That is, as in this example, when a retry operation is executed due to the occurrence of a ball bite or the like, by switching from the two-phase excitation method to the 1-2 phase excitation method (or the one-phase excitation method) The load on the motor can be suppressed, and the probability that the motor will be damaged can be reduced. In addition to switching the excitation method, the switching speed of one step is reduced {the stator excitation timing is changed from once in X (for example, 3 ms) to once in Y (Y> X, for example, 6 ms)}. Thus, the load on the stepping motor 170 can be further suppressed, and the interval at which the stator is not excited can be secured relatively long. In other words, since the power per unit time supplied to the screw 150 is relatively lowered, it is possible to increase the probability that an abnormal operation such as ball engagement is eliminated.

Returning to the description of the winning ball payout control process, the forward / reverse rotation switching control means 2420 then makes an excitation method for retry operation (1-2 phase in this example) set in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317. Based on the excitation method) and switching speed (6 ms in this example), as a retry operation in the payout position arrival area, the screw 150 is temporarily reversed by a predetermined angle (for example, 36 degrees for four steps in 1-2 phase excitation). Then, after the rotation direction is switched and the subsequent game ball B ₂ is forwardly rotated to the last position (position just before the payout position) where the subsequent game ball B ₂ is not released from the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150, the rotation direction is further changed. Switching is performed to return the screw 150 to reverse rotation to the nearest initial position (this process is referred to as “step S5537”). In other words, the range in which the screw 150 can move is full by rotating the screw 150 forward and backward in a range in which the subsequent game ball B ₂ received by the spiral protrusion 153 is not paid out (a range not exceeding the payout position). The retry operation used in the above can be executed. Here, the “most recent initial position” refers to an initial position that first reaches (returns) when the screw 150 is reversed.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step S5528, that is, when the rotational position of the screw 150 has not reached the payout position (1 ≦ j ≦ 5), as in step S5536, the excitation method switching control unit 2410 performs stepping. The excitation method for retry operation related to motor operation (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step for retry operation (6 ms in this example) are stored in excitation method setting information temporary storage means 2317. Temporarily store (this process is referred to as “step S5538”). Next, the forward / reverse rotation switching control unit 2420 includes an excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and a switching speed (in this example,) set in the excitation method setting information temporary storage unit 2317. 6 ms), as a retry operation in the area where the payout position has not been reached, the screw 150 is reversed once by a predetermined angle (for example, 36 ° for 4 steps by 1-2 phase excitation), and then the rotation direction is switched to After the game ball B ₁ held by the screw 150 is forwardly rotated to the last position (position just before the payout position) where the game ball B ₁ is not released from the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150, the rotation direction is further switched to change the screw 156. Is reversely returned to the most recent initial position (this process is referred to as “step S5539”). That is, the range in which the screw 150 can move by rotating in the forward and reverse directions in a range in which the leading game ball B ₁ holding the screw 150 in the spiral groove 156 is not paid out (a range not exceeding the payout position). It is possible to execute a retry operation that fully uses.

  In the present embodiment, this retry operation (step-out recovery process) is repeatedly executed until the step-out state is recovered. In the case of Yes in step S5525, that is, when the step-out state is recovered by the retry operation (when returning to the initial position), the retry operation control unit 2400 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311, The motor driving flag is turned on (this process is referred to as “step S5540”), and the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) in step S5100}.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine PM in the present embodiment (fourth control process) will be described with additional reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 35 is an operation diagram when the stepping motor 170 is normally rotated (dispensing operation for one ball), and FIG. 36 is a case where the stepping motor 170 is not normally rotated (for example, step out). 37) FIG. 37 shows the operation when the stepping motor 170 returns to the normal rotation state from the normal rotation state when a motor error occurs before the screw 150 reaches the payout position. FIGS. 38A and 38B are operation diagrams when the stepping motor 170 returns from a state where it does not normally rotate to a state where it normally rotates when a motor error occurs after the screw 150 reaches the payout position.

  First, referring to FIG. 35, when the winning ball payout is not executed, the rotor of the stepping motor 170 does not rotate from the initial position (stopped at the original initial position j = 20) due to vibration generated in the pachinko machine PM or the like. Thus, the A-phase stator is excited with a predetermined output Y% (excitation output lower than that during rotation, for example, about 33% during rotation). Under such circumstances, when a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls (that is, a prize ball payout command) is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side, an excitation method during normal operation ( The stepping motor 170 is driven to rotate based on the two-phase excitation method.

  Here, as described above, in this embodiment, when the stepping motor 170 makes one rotation (rotor has 20 steps), only one game ball is paid out. For example, when it is necessary to pay out three prize balls. Will rotate the rotor 3 × 20 steps = 60 steps. Accordingly, the timing chart will be described by paying attention to the payout operation for one ball. From the initial position (j = 20), j = 1, j = 2, j = 3, etc., at regular intervals (for example, every 3 ms). The excited stator is switched and the excitation output is increased to X% (for example, 100%). Then, following this switching, the rotor of the stepping motor 170 starts to rotate. Here, in the present embodiment, the switching process of the excited stator is executed as an interrupt process executed every 3 ms. It should be noted that during the interrupt process from j = 1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, and 16 to 19, the confirmation process for checking whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally is not executed. This reduces the processing burden of executing the confirmation process every interrupt process. That is, by comparing the position of the currently excited stator and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114, the normal rotation of the stepping motor 170 can be confirmed every interruption processing. It can be said that there is one feature that is not intended.

  Then, in the interrupt process at each step of j = 5, 10, 15, and 20, motor error determination is executed (1 to 4 in the figure). Specifically, the rotation detection sensor 114 is referred to determine whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally (box 5 in the figure). When j = 5, 10, 15 is OFF (box 6 in the figure), and when j = 20 is ON (box 7 in the figure), the stepping motor 170 rotates normally. It is determined that When the stepping motor 170 rotates normally, after the 20-step rotation operation is completed, the game ball released from the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150 is detected by the count sensor 113, so that the ball One payout operation is completed (box 8 in the figure). By repeating the above operations, a game ball payout operation is executed, and all payouts are completed when a predetermined number of prize ball payout operations based on a command transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side are completed. The operation will be completed.

  Next, FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing a case where it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is not normally rotating (step out) during the interrupt process at j = 5. As shown in FIG. 36, first, during the first rotation operation of the stepping motor 170, a situation occurs in which the rotation operation of the screw 150 is hindered due to factors such as ball engagement, and the rotation operation of the screw 150 is obstructed. Due to the external force, a situation occurs in which the rotational operation of the stepping motor 170 is also obstructed (box 1 in the figure). At this time, as the rotational operation of the screw 150 is inhibited, the rotational operation of the rotation detection driven gear 183 is also inhibited, so that the rotation detection sensor 114 is maintained in the ON state. Next, whether or not the stepping motor 170 is rotating normally with reference to the position of the currently excited stator and the ON / OFF state of the rotation detection sensor 114 during interrupt processing at j = 5 (box 2 in the figure). The confirmation process of whether or not is executed (box 3 in the figure). As a result of referring to the rotation detection sensor 114, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is performing an abnormal operation because the rotation detection sensor 114 is ON even though the rotation detection sensor 114 is originally OFF. (Box 4 in the figure). In this case, the motor error flag is turned on (box 4 in the figure) and the retry operation is executed (box 5 in the figure). Then, when the retry operation is executed, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is restarted based on the excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation.

  Next, FIG. 37 is a continuation of the timing chart of FIG. 36, and the abnormal operation is resolved by executing the retry operation when a motor error (ball biting) occurs before the screw 150 pays out the game ball. It is a timing chart showing a process. As shown in FIG. 36, first, during the retry operation, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is started based on the excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation ( Box 1) in the figure. In the present embodiment, during the retry operation, the switching speed of one step is set lower than that in the normal operation (6 ms in this example), so the frequency is once every two 3 ms interrupt processes. The stepping motor 170 is excited. Since the rotational position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 10) of the screw 150 at the start of the retry operation has not reached the delivery position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 12) (box 2 in the figure). As a retry operation in the payout position non-reaching area, the screw 150 is once reversed by a predetermined angle (36 degrees for four steps by 1-2 phase excitation), and then the rotation direction is switched and the screw 150 is currently held. The game ball is not released from the spiral groove 156, and after rotating forward to the last position {position just before the payout position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 10)} (box 3 in the figure), The rotation direction is switched and the screw 150 is reversely returned to the original initial position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 40) (box 4 in the figure).

  At this time, when the stepping motor 170 is rotated at the 10th step (1-2 phase excitation) by the forward / reverse motion of the screw 150, the game ball that is bitten between the screw 150 and the guide passage 140 is free. Thus, the factor that hinders the rotational operation of the screw 150 disappears, so that the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated (box 5 in the figure). Here, as the reason for the disappearance of the factor, the power per unit time supplied to the screw 150 is reduced by changing the excitation method and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation, and abnormal operation such as ball engagement There is also an increase in the probability of being resolved. As the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated, the rotational operation of the driven gear 183 is also demodulated, and the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from ON to OFF (box 6 in the figure). Next, as a confirmation timing at the time of retry operation, the rotation detection sensor 114 is referred to during the interrupt processing of j = 6 (1-2 phase excitation) (7 in the figure), and the stepping motor 170 rotates normally. (8 in the drawing). In order to eliminate motor errors early, the confirmation timing at the retry operation is set to be shorter than the confirmation timing at the normal operation. For example, the confirmation timing is once per motor drive of about 1/10 ball. It is preferable to provide timing. As a result of referring to the rotation detection sensor 114, since the rotation detection sensor 114 is OFF, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is operating normally (box 9 in the figure). In this case, the motor error flag is kept off, and the retry operation is canceled when it is detected that the screw 150 is reversely returned to the initial position (4, 10 in the figure). Inside box 11). Then, when the retry operation is released, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed based on the excitation method during normal operation (two-phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step (in the figure). Box 12). In addition, when the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed, the predetermined number of steps is reset based on the number of unpaid prize balls, so that the operation returns to the operation shown in FIG. It becomes.

  Next, FIG. 38 is a continuation from the timing chart of FIG. 36 (here, it is assumed that a motor error is detected at j = 15), and the motor error (ball biting) after the screw 150 pays out the game ball. Is a timing chart showing a process in which an abnormal operation is resolved by executing a retry operation. As shown in FIG. 38, first, during the retry operation, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is started based on the excitation method (1-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation ( Box 1) in the figure. In the present embodiment, during the retry operation, the switching speed of one step is set lower than that in the normal operation (6 ms in this example), so the frequency is once every two 3 ms interrupt processes. The stepping motor 170 is excited. The rotational position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 30) of the screw 150 at the start of the retry operation has reached the payout position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 12) (box 2 in the figure). As a retry operation in the payout position arrival area, the screw 150 is once reversed by a predetermined angle (36 degrees for four steps by 1-2 phase excitation), and then the rotation direction is changed so that the subsequent game ball is After rotating forward to the last position {position just before the next payout position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 10)} that is not released from the spiral groove 156 (3 in the figure), the rotation direction is further increased. And the screw 150 is reversely returned to the nearest initial position (1-2 phase excitation: j = 40) (box 4 in the figure).

  At this time, when the stepping motor 170 is rotated at the eighth step (1-2 phase excitation) by the forward / reverse motion of the screw 150, the game ball that has been caught between the screw 150 and the guide passage 140 is in a free state. Thus, the factor that hinders the rotational operation of the screw 150 disappears, so that the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated (box 5 in the figure). Here, as the reason for the disappearance of the factor, the power per unit time supplied to the screw 150 is reduced by changing the excitation method and the switching speed of one step during the retry operation, and abnormal operation such as ball engagement There is also an increase in the probability of being resolved. As the operation of the stepping motor 170 is demodulated, the rotational operation of the driven gear 183 is also demodulated, and the rotation detection sensor 114 is switched from ON to OFF (box 6 in the figure). Next, as a confirmation timing at the time of retry operation, the rotation detection sensor 114 is referred to during the interruption processing of j = 5 (1-2 phase excitation) (7 in the figure), and the stepping motor 170 rotates normally. (8 in the drawing). As a result of referring to the rotation detection sensor 114, since the rotation detection sensor 114 is OFF, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is operating normally (box 9 in the figure). In this case, the motor error flag is kept off, and the retry operation is canceled when it is detected that the screw 150 is reversely returned to the initial position (4, 10 in the figure). Inside box 11). Then, when the retry operation is released, the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed based on the excitation method during normal operation (two-phase excitation method in this example) and the switching speed of one step (in the figure). Box 12). In addition, when the rotation operation of the stepping motor 170 is resumed, the predetermined number of steps is reset based on the number of unpaid prize balls, so that the operation returns to the operation shown in FIG. It becomes.

  According to the fourth control process in the present embodiment, it is determined that the stepping motor 170 is not rotating normally, and the torque generated by the stepping motor 170 when the rotation of the stepping motor 170 is retried. After switching to an excitation method that can reduce the rotation, the screw 150 is rotated in the forward direction to the position immediately before the payout position without stopping the excitation to the stepping motor 170, and then switched to the reverse direction. Since the stepping motor 170 is continuously energized so as to return to the position, it is possible to effectively remove the cause of the rotation failure (such as ball biting) and normal from the ball biting state. When returning to the state, it is possible to promptly return to the winning ball payout process without delaying the operation of the stepping motor 170. There is an effect that that.

  Furthermore, when the ball bite occurs, the period during which no external force is applied to the game ball sandwiched between the spiral protrusion 153 of the screw 150 and the passage wall of the guide passage 140 is longer than that during normal rotation. There is an effect that it is possible to effectively eliminate the state where the game ball is sandwiched between the walls.

  Furthermore, since the screw 150 is rotated forward until just before the payout position (the position where the game ball is not paid out from the screw 150), it is reversely rotated to return to the original initial position. There is an effect that it is possible to reliably remove a rotation failure such as a ball biting while securing a larger operation range of the screw 150 and preventing excessive payout due to the retry operation.

  Further, when the rotation of the stepping motor 170 is retried, the screw 150 is once reversed by a predetermined angle and then forwardly rotated to the position immediately before the payout position. There is an effect that it is possible to increase the possibility of releasing the abnormal state caused by the ball biting by releasing the bitten game ball to a free state.

In the forward / reverse operation of the screw 150, when the screw 150 is rotated forward, that is, between the game ball (B ₁ ) held in the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150 and the subsequent game ball (B ₂ ). When the upstream end 154a of the spiral protrusion 153 enters the gap C, the excitation output to the stator is increased to increase the torque. On the other hand, when the screw 150 is reversed, that is, from the gap C between the game ball (B ₁ ) held in the spiral groove 156 of the screw 150 and the subsequent game ball (B ₂ ), the spiral projection 153 When the upstream end 154a is retracted, the excitation output to the stator is lowered to reduce the torque. According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately adjust the contact balance between the screw 150 and the game ball to prevent further induction of ball biting and the like.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The definitions of the terms in this specification will be described. First, the “stepping motor” refers to any stepping motor having a known structure in which the rotor rotates by excitation of the stator, and the number of stators, the excitation method, and the like are not limited at all. The “rotation detection means for detecting the rotation of the stepping motor” may be a means for detecting the position and rotation state of the gear connected to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor, but the means provided directly in the stepping motor or the stepping motor Although not provided, it includes all means for grasping the rotation state of the stepping motor. “Torque can be reduced” means that the average torque value at the time of rotation has only to be reduced, and the torque is always reduced when compared to the case of excitation, such as two-phase excitation and one-phase excitation. This includes not only the case where the torque is present, but also the case where the torque has the same value during certain excitation, such as two-phase excitation and 1-2 phase excitation.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the winning ball payout unit 100 is mounted on the back set board 30 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration for mounting on the front frame or a configuration for mounting directly on the front frame itself may be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gear ratio between the drive gear 181 and the driven gear 183 in the gear mechanism 180 is 1: 1. However, the gear ratio is not limited to this. For example, the torque or rotational speed of the stepping motor For example, the gear ratio can be changed to 1: 2 (the drive gear rotates once and the driven gear rotates half). Further, a screw may be directly connected to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor without using the gear mechanism, or other transmission methods such as a belt method may be used in addition to the transmission method using the gear mechanism.

  In the above-described embodiment, the prize ball payout unit is configured to have only one guide passage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes two or more guide passages. May be. In addition, it does not use a plurality of strips throughout the entire guide passage, only a plurality of side passages on the upstream side and a plurality of side passages on the downstream side and the bottom of the one strip are formed with only one strip on the downstream side. You may employ | adopt the form which joins a channel | path.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a ball presence sensor for detecting whether or not a sufficient number of game balls that can be paid out of the game ball is held in the guide passage (upstream of the screw) is provided. May be adopted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to other ball game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball game machine, and the same effect can be obtained. be able to.

PM Pachinko machine (ball game machine)
B game ball 1 outer frame (frame member)
2 Front frame (frame member)
5 Glass frame (frame member)
6 Upper base plate 7 Lower base plate 10 Game board 30 Back set board 100 Prize ball payout unit (payout device)
110 Unit case (case member)
111 Sphere receiving port 112 Sphere payout port 113 Count sensor 114 Rotation detection sensor (Rotation detection means)
120 Case body 130 Case cover 140 Guide passage 141 Side passage 145 Lower passage 150 Screw (ball feed member)
151 Rotating shaft 152 Shaft 153 Spiral projection 170 Stepping motor (drive source)
171 Rotating shaft 180 Gear mechanism 184 Detection hole 190 Ball removal mechanism 1000 Main control board (control device)
1600 Processing control means 1610 at power-off / power-up time Voltage monitoring means 1620 Power-off / non-power judgment means 2000 Discharge control board (control device)
2200 Error control means (normal rotation judgment means)
2300 Dispensing control means (rotation control means, forced rotation stop control means)
2400 Retry operation control means (rotation retry control means)
2410 Excitation system switching control means 2420 Forward / reverse rotation switching control means 3000 Sub control board 4000 Power supply board (power supply device)

Claims (1)

A frame member for holding a game board in which a predetermined game area is formed on the front side;
A payout device provided on the rear side of the frame member for paying out game balls;
A control device for controlling the payout of the game ball by the payout device,
The dispensing device is
A case member having a guide passage formed by connecting an upstream ball receiving port and a downstream ball paying port and allowing a game ball received from the ball receiving port to pass toward the ball paying port;
A ball feeding member that is rotatably arranged on the guide passage, and sends out the game balls in the guide passage to the ball payout outlet by the rotation operation;
A drive source for rotationally driving the ball feeding member,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the payout device is attached to the rear surface side of the frame member, the guide passage extends in a vertical direction substantially orthogonal to the attachment direction.

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