JP3637601B2 - Detection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a detection device that detects the presence of a detection object made of a magnetic material or a metal in a non-contact manner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a detection unit of this type of detection device, there is known a detection unit that changes the circuit constant of an oscillation circuit using the conductivity of a metal body that is a detection target and detects the proximity thereof. As shown in FIG. 10, when the detection object K enters the magnetic field generated from the oscillation coil L in the high-frequency oscillation circuit of several tens of kHz, an eddy current flows in the detection object K. The generation of the eddy current causes a current loss and consumes the oscillation energy of the high-frequency oscillation circuit. Therefore, the oscillation normally stops, and the presence of the detection target K is detected from this oscillation state. Further, even when the detected body K is a magnetic body, when the detected body K enters the magnetic field of the oscillation coil L, the interlinkage magnetic flux Φ of the oscillation coil L changes to change the self-inductance value of the oscillation coil L. Changes, the high-frequency oscillation condition collapses and the oscillation stops, so that the presence of the detection object K can be detected in the same manner.
[0003]
Such a detection device needs to generate a magnetic field of the oscillation coil L at the entire detection position in order to increase detection sensitivity. For this reason, the number of turns of the oscillation coil L and the installation position of the oscillation coil L are determined by the size of the detection object K, the range of the detection position, the installation space allowed for the detection device in the system using the detection device, and the like. Actually, a member that supports the oscillation coil L is provided in the vicinity of the passage so as to substantially contact the passage of the detection object K, and the oscillation coil L and the oscillation circuit are attached to the member.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the detection unit of the detection device shown in FIG. 10 uses only one side of the magnetic flux, the efficiency of the detection device is low. Since it is necessary to provide an oscillation coil L having a relatively large size by the side, there has been a problem that the entire apparatus cannot be designed compactly. Since the entire apparatus becomes large, there is a problem in that a dedicated attachment member is required to install the oscillation coil L and the oscillation circuit in the vicinity of the passage of the detection object K, and it cannot be easily attached.
[0005]
The detection device of the present invention is intended to solve such problems, detect a detected object with high efficiency and high accuracy while suppressing power consumption, and can be easily installed in a passage of the detected object. Adopted composition.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The detection device of the present invention comprises:
A detection device for detecting the presence / absence of a pachinko ball or coin in the detection path due to a difference in oscillation state of an oscillation circuit that oscillates using an inductance component of a coil arranged across the detection path,
A housing member having a body portion for housing the oscillation circuit and an arm portion for housing the coil, and forming a substantially U-shaped opening for holding the detection path between the body portion and the arm portion;
By narrowing the width of the opening in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion, in contact with the detection passage that the racking, and a presser member for preventing detachment from the opening of the detection passage,
The gist is that a flexible printed circuit board on which the coil is formed is accommodated in the arm portion and the body portion along the opening .
[0007]
[Action]
In the detection device of the present invention configured as described above, the storage member stores the oscillation circuit in the trunk portion and the coil in the arm portion. In addition, the storage member holds the detection passage in a substantially U-shaped opening formed by the trunk portion and the arm portion. The holding member makes contact with the detection passage held by the storage member by narrowing the width of the opening in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion, and prevents the detection passage from being removed from the opening.
[0008]
Specifically, the pressing member can be realized by an arm portion formed of an elastic material or a protrusion formed on the arm portion on the side holding the detection passage. Moreover, it is also possible to implement | achieve said pressing member with the latching member latched by the storage member so that the opening part which carried the detection channel | path may be obstruct | occluded. Here, in the detection apparatus of the present invention, the storage member and the pressing member may be configured as separate members or may be configured as an integral member.
[0009]
【Example】
In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, preferred embodiments of the detection apparatus of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko ball detecting device 1 as an embodiment in which the detected object is a pachinko ball, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the pachinko ball detecting device 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a coil formed on the flexible printed circuit board 40, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state of magnetic flux formed by the coil, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the pachinko ball. 1 is a circuit diagram of a ball detection device 1. FIG.
[0010]
In the present embodiment, the pachinko ball detection device 1 is used for detection of a safe ball dropped into a winning opening, a payout ball on a pachinko machine, and the like in a passage 15 that is a synthetic resin pipe through which the pachinko ball passes. Used by attaching. The pachinko ball detection device 1 is connected to an input port IP of a known control circuit 70 that performs various processes using the output signal (see FIG. 6).
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko ball detection device 1 includes an upper lid 11 and a lower box 12 formed of a resin (for example, a phenol resin or an epoxy resin), and a circuit board 13 is provided inside the combination of both members. Prepare. When the upper lid 11 and the lower box 12 are combined, the overall shape is provided with U-shaped arm portions 51 and 52, and the arm portions 51 and 52 sandwich a passage 15 such as a pachinko ball P or a pipe through which coins pass. Installed as follows. In order to form the arm portions 51 and 52, the upper lid 11 has a pair of substantially L-shaped pieces 21 and 22, and the lower box 12 has a pair of arms 31 that engage with the L-shaped pieces 21 and 22. , 32 are provided. The arms 31 and 32 have grooves 16 and 18 for accommodating the flexible printed circuit board 40 therein. Protruding pieces 41 and 42 are provided at the tips of the arms 31 and 32. When the upper lid 11 is attached to the lower box 12 from above, the bent tip portions 21a and 22a of the L-shaped pieces 21 and 22 are the protruding pieces. The projecting pieces 41 and 42 are fitted into recesses (not shown) that pass over the inclined portions 41 and 42.
[0012]
Guides 25, 26 that form slopes on the arm portions 51, 52 are provided on the side of the top lid 21 that sandwiches the passage 15 of the distal ends 21 a, 22 a. Also, smooth curved presser portions 43 and 44 are formed at the tip portions of the arms 31 and 32 on the side where the passage 15 is sandwiched. The guides 25 and 26 and the presser portions 43 and 44 are integrated when the upper lid 11 and the lower box 12 are assembled to form protrusions 53 and 54 (see FIG. 2).
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 3, since the width of the arm portion 51 and the arm portion 52 is the same as the width of the passage 15, the protrusions 53 and 54 are formed on the arm portions 51 and 52. The width of the portion 53 and the protrusion 54 is narrower than the width of the passage 15. For this reason, when attaching the box which consists of the upper cover 11 and the lower box 12 to the channel | path 15, the arm parts 51 and 52 are spread outward by the channel | path 15 pushing the guide surfaces 53a and 54a of the protrusions 53 and 54. (See FIG. 3B). After the box is attached to the passage 15, the spread arm portions 51 and 52 return to their original state due to their own elasticity, and the pressing surfaces 53 b and 54 b of the protrusions 53 and 54 are brought into close contact with the passage 15. The positions of the box and the passage 15 are determined so that the box and the passage 15 are not separated by a slight force (see FIG. 3C).
[0014]
A pair of substantially T-shaped T-shaped pieces 23, 24 are provided on the side surface of the main body of the upper lid 11. Concave portions 33 and 34 are provided. The recesses 33 and 34 are provided with locking pieces 35 and 36. When the upper lid 11 is assembled to the lower box 12 from above, the T-shaped pieces 23 and 24 are locked by their own elasticity. To fit into the recesses 33 and 34. When the L-shaped pieces 21 and 22 and the T-shaped pieces 23 and 24 are engaged with each other, the upper lid 11 and the lower box 12 are combined with one touch to form a box body having two arm portions 51 and 52. Form.
[0015]
When the upper lid 11 and the lower box 12 are assembled, the circuit board 13 is housed inside the circuit board 13, but the flexible printed board 40 soldered to one end of the circuit board 13 uses its flexibility. And it will be in the state accommodated in the inside along the groove parts 16 and 18 of the arms 31 and 32 of the lower box 12. FIG. Divided coils 46 and 48 are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 40 by circuit patterns. As shown in FIG. 4, the divided coils 46 and 48 are respectively formed at both ends of the flexible printed circuit board 40. In the embodiment, the coils are formed on both surfaces at both ends by approximately 2.5 turns. . The coils on both sides are connected by a via hole (through hole to which no component is attached) VH provided in the center, and the winding direction of the coils on both sides is the same when seen through from one side. One end of the coil 46 is connected to the coil 48 on the opposite side across the flexible printed circuit board 40. The coil 48 is similarly provided with a coil of approximately 2.5 turns on both sides, and its winding The direction is the same as that of the coil 46. Since both the coils 46 and 48 are connected in series, a total of 10 turns of the 5-turn divided coils 46 and 48 are treated as a single coil L1 on the circuit. .
[0016]
In other words, the single coil L1 is electrically divided into five turns 46 and 48, and the coils 46 and 48 are positioned so as to sandwich the detection position. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram depicting the state of the magnetic flux Φ generated by the split coils 46 and 48 from the direction of the white arrow in FIG. As shown in the figure, since the current i flowing through each of the split coils 46 and 48 is in the same direction with respect to the passage 15, the generated magnetic flux Φ of each of the split coils 46 and 48 is in the same direction. A combined magnetic field (two-dot chain line in the figure) of the coils 46 and 48 is formed. Considering the case where the split coil 46 or the split coil 48 of the embodiment is present alone, the split coils 46 and 48 are several turns, and the generated magnetic flux density may be low. As shown by, most of the magnetic flux Ψ generated by each divided coil 46 or divided coil 48 does not cross the passage 15. That is, the magnetic flux Ψ generated from the split coil 46 or the split coil 48 is merely linked to itself.
[0017]
In this embodiment, the two split coils 46 and 48 interact with each other, so that the resultant magnetic flux Φ crosses the passage 15 at right angles and uniformly. In other words, the combined magnetic field of the two split coils 46 and 48 has a uniform density in a predetermined range of the passage 15, and is perpendicular to the passing direction of the pachinko ball P that is a detected object in the passage 15. Magnetic flux in the direction.
[0018]
The coil L1 configured and arranged in this manner is soldered directly to the end of the circuit board 13, and is connected to the detection circuit 60 shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. The detection circuit 60 includes electronic components such as a coil L1 and transistors Tr1 and Tr2, and is connected to a control circuit 70 that determines an oscillation / non-oscillation state via connection terminals T1 and T2. Here, the connection terminal T1 is a 12-volt power supply terminal, and the connection terminal T2 is a detection terminal also serving as a ground level of the circuit, and is grounded via the resistor RD on the control circuit 70 side. The detection circuit 60 includes an oscillation circuit CO and a switching circuit SW that is turned on / off based on the oscillation state of the oscillation circuit CO.
[0019]
A voltage of 12 volts is applied to the switching circuit SW from the power supply terminal T1, but the detection terminal T2 is grounded by the resistor RD (resistance value of 680Ω in this embodiment). The voltage (voltage between terminals T1 and T2) varies depending on the on / off state of the transistor Tr2 of the switching circuit SW. On the other hand, the oscillation circuit CO has a Zener voltage Vz (mainly stabilized by a resistor R1 (in this embodiment, a resistance value of 27 KΩ) interposed between the power supply terminal T1 and the detection terminal T2 and a Zener diode D1. In the embodiment, approximately 5.5 volts) is supplied.
[0020]
The oscillation circuit CO includes a double transistor Tr1 in which two transistors having the same characteristics are formed in the same chip, and capacitors C2 and C1 and a coil interposed between one emitter of the double transistor Tr1 and the ground line. L1 and the other emitter of the double transistor Tr1 and the resistor R3 interposed between the connection point of the capacitors C2-C1 and the ground line constitute a Colpitts-type high-frequency oscillation circuit. Note that the base of the double transistor Tr1 is connected to the power supply line via the resistor R2. The oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit CO is determined by the inductance of the coil L1 and the capacitances of the capacitors C1 and C2, and is about 300 KHz in this embodiment.
[0021]
One of the collectors of the double transistor Tr1 is not used, but the other is connected to the base terminal of the transistor Tr2 of the switching circuit SW. A capacitor C3 is connected between the base terminal of the transistor Tr2 and the ground line. A resistor R5 (220Ω in this embodiment) is connected to the emitter terminal. The collector terminal of the transistor Tr2 is connected to the power supply line. In the state in which the oscillation circuit CO is oscillating, the double transistor Tr1 is repeatedly turned on and off at about 300 KHz. When the double transistor Tr1 is on, its collector current flows from the base of the transistor Tr2 of the switching circuit SW. Turn on Tr2. On the other hand, while the double transistor Tr1 is turned off for a short time due to the oscillation of the oscillation circuit CO, the base current of the transistor Tr2 is continued by discharging / charging the capacitor C3, and the transistor Tr2 is kept on.
[0022]
When the pachinko ball P, which is a metal detection object, passes between the coils L1 of the detection circuit 60, that is, between the split coils 46 and 48, in a state where the oscillation circuit CO is oscillating, The pachinko ball P passes through the synthesized magnetic field, and an eddy current flows in the pachinko ball P to cause a current loss. The pachinko ball P is usually made of metal, but even if it is made of a material other than metal and plated on the surface, a thin film such as plating has a small eddy current loss due to its small cross-sectional area. Since the generation of eddy current consumes the oscillation energy of the oscillation circuit CO, the high-frequency oscillation is significantly attenuated and almost stopped.
[0023]
In a state where the pachinko ball P does not pass between the coils L1 and is not close to the coil L1, that is, in a state where the oscillation circuit CO is oscillating, the transistor Tr2 is on, while the oscillation circuit CO When the oscillation is almost stopped, the transistor Tr2 of the switching circuit SW is turned off. Since the resistance value of the resistor R5 is smaller than that of the resistor R1 (220Ω: 27KΩ in this embodiment), when the transistor Tr2 is turned on, a current flows from the power supply terminal T1 to the Zener diode D1 through the transistor Tr2 and the resistor R5. Increases from the current flowing through the resistor R1 (approximately 130 times in this embodiment). Since this current eventually flows to the ground side via the resistor RD connected to the detection terminal T2, the voltage across the resistor RD, that is, the voltage at the input port IP of the control circuit 70 is turned off by the transistor Tr2. It is about 0.2 volts in the on state and about 4.9 volts in the on state. Therefore, the control circuit 70 monitors the state of the input port IP, so that it is easy for the detection circuit 60 using the coil L1 to detect the pachinko ball P (low level) and not (high level). Can know.
[0024]
According to the detection apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, the box containing the detection unit can be easily attached to the passage 15. In addition, other mounting brackets are unnecessary. In addition, since the protrusions 53 and 54 are in close contact with the passage 15 after being attached to the passage 15, the pachinko ball P passing through the passage 15 can be accurately detected without the passage 15 and the box being displaced. Can do.
[0025]
Further, since the two split coils 46 and 48 interact with each other to create a combined magnetic field across the passage 15, most of the magnetic flux Φ created by the current i flowing through the coil L1 is linked to the pachinko ball P. Thus, the pachinko ball P can be detected with a small amount of electric power.
[0026]
In addition, according to the detection apparatus of the present embodiment, the combined magnetic flux generated by the divided coils 46 and 48 crosses the passage 15 uniformly and at a right angle. Therefore, even when the pachinko ball P passes through the passage 15, even if the pachinko ball P is shifted toward the center or the left or right side wall of the passage 15, the resultant magnetic flux in this portion is uniform and perpendicular to the passage 15. The magnitude of the eddy current generated in the ball P is substantially constant, and the influence on the detection circuit 60 is also constant. That is, the detection apparatus of the present embodiment can reliably detect the presence of the pachinko ball P in a detection range with the detection accuracy kept substantially constant regardless of the state. In other words, the detection apparatus of the present embodiment has high detection sensitivity and substantially uniform over the entire detection range, and the detection accuracy is greatly improved.
[0027]
Further, in the detection device of this embodiment, the coils 46 and 48 of 5 turns on one side are formed on the flexible printed board 40 by the conductive pattern, so that the divided coils 46 and 48 are very easy to manufacture. Wiring for connecting the split coils 46 and 48 on both sides is not required, and connection to the oscillation circuit CO is easy. The storage of the arms 31 and 32 in the grooves 16 and 18 only uses the flexibility of the flexible printed circuit board 40, and no special mold formation or special bending treatment is required. As a result, a shape that can be easily attached to the passage 15 is easily realized.
[0028]
In the embodiment, the upper lid 11 and the lower box 12 are made of resin, but any material may be used as long as the arms 51 and 52 are elastic enough to be expanded by the passage 15. In the embodiment, the protrusions 53 and 54 are formed by the guide surfaces 53a and 54a and the pressing surfaces 53b and 54b. However, the pressing surfaces 53b and 54b may be omitted or may be formed by protrusions. Further, in the embodiment, the coils 46 and 48 are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 40 by a conductive pattern, but a configuration using a winding coil by a conductive line may be used.
[0029]
In the embodiment, the box is provided with the two arm portions 51 and 52, but a configuration including one arm portion 90 having a substantially L shape as shown in FIG. 7 is also suitable. In this case, the arm portion 90 and the trunk portion 80 are attached so as to sandwich the passage 15 therebetween. Protrusions 92 and 92 having the same shape as the protrusions 53 and 54 of the embodiment are formed at portions facing the distal end portion of the arm portion 90 and the distal end portion of the arm portion 90 of the trunk portion 80. The flexible printed circuit board 40 is installed along a U-shaped opening formed by the L-shaped arm 90 and the body 80.
[0030]
Next, a pachinko ball detecting apparatus 100 as a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the pachinko ball detection device 100 of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the pachinko ball detection device 100 is composed of a box body 105 formed of a resin (for example, a phenol resin or an epoxy resin) and a locking member 200 formed of the same resin as the box body 105. The The box 105 includes arm portions 110 and 120, in which the same circuit board and flexible printed circuit board as the circuit board 13 and the flexible printed circuit board 40 housed in the pachinko ball detecting device 1 of the first embodiment are provided. Contains the board. Therefore, the description about the same structure as the pachinko ball detection apparatus 1 of 1st Example, such as the circuit board 13 and the flexible printed circuit board 40, is abbreviate | omitted.
[0031]
Slopes 114 and 124 are formed at the ends of the arm portions 110 and 120 of the box body 105, and locking portions 112 and 122 that fit into the locking member 200 are formed at the distal end portion. On the other hand, the locking member 200 is substantially U-shaped, and the recessed portions into which the slopes 214 and 224 and the locking portions 112 and 122 of the box body 105 are fitted inside the bent side portions 212 and 222. 216 and 226 are formed. When a force in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 is applied to the locking member 200, the slopes 214 and 224 get over the locking portions 112 and 122 of the box 105 and engage with the slopes 114 and 124, and the locking portions 112 and 122. Fits into the recesses 216, 226.
[0032]
The pachinko ball detection device 100 of the second embodiment described above can easily attach the box 105 to the passage 15. Moreover, it is not necessary to use other mounting brackets. Of course, it is possible to detect the pachinko ball P passing through the passage 15 by the two divided coils 46 and 48 with a small amount of electric power. In addition, the same effect as the pachinko ball detecting apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is obtained.
[0033]
In the second embodiment, the pachinko ball detection device 100 is constituted by the box body 105 and the locking member 200. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the pachinko ball detection device 100A is engaged with the arm portion 110A of the box body 105A. A configuration in which the stop member 200A is integrally formed by a hinge portion 150 that is freely rotatable (in the direction of the arrow in the drawing) is also suitable. With this configuration, when attaching the pachinko ball detection device 100A, there is no inconvenience that the locking member 200 is lost, and the attachment can be further facilitated.
[0034]
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the divided coils 46 and 48 may have any number of turns, and the coils may be formed only on one side. Further, the connection between the flexible printed circuit board 40 and the circuit board 13 does not have to be performed at the center of the flexible printed circuit board 40, and may be performed by any one end portion where the divided coils 46 and 48 are provided. Furthermore, both may be connected via an electric wire.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the detection device of the present invention can be easily attached to the detection passage. Moreover, no special mounting hardware is required for installation. Moreover, after attaching to a detection channel | path, it can prevent that a detection apparatus deviates from a detection channel | path, and the to-be-detected body which passes a detection channel | path can be detected correctly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko ball detection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an arrangement state of the pachinko ball detection device 1 according to the embodiment in a passage.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the pachinko ball detection device 1 is attached to the pachinko ball passage 15;
4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of split coils 46 and 48 on a flexible printed circuit board 40. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a magnetic field generated by a coil L1.
6 is an electric circuit diagram of the detection circuit 60. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a modification of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a pachinko ball detection device 100 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a modification of the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of detection of a conventional detected object using eddy current.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko ball detection apparatus 11 ... Upper cover 12 ... Lower box 13 ... Circuit board 15 ... Passage | path 16, 18 ... Groove part 21,22 ... L-shaped piece 21a, 22a ... Tip part 23, 24 ... T-shaped piece 25, 26 ... Guide 31, 32 ... arms 33, 34 ... concave portions 35, 36 ... locking pieces 40 ... flexible printed circuit boards 41, 42 ... projecting pieces 43, 44 ... presser portions 46, 48 ... split coils 51, 52 ... arm portions 53, 54 ... Projections 53a, 54a ... guide surfaces 53b, 54b ... pressing surface 60 ... detection circuit 70 ... control circuit 80 ... body 90 ... arm 100 ... pachinko ball detection device 105 ... box 110, 120 ... arms 112, 122 ... Locking portion 114, 124 ... Slope 150 ... Hinge portion 200 ... Locking member 212, 222 ... Side portion 214, 224 ... Slope 216, 226 ... Recess

Claims (4)

A detection device for detecting the presence / absence of a pachinko ball or coin in the detection path due to a difference in oscillation state of an oscillation circuit that oscillates using an inductance component of a coil arranged across the detection path,
A housing member having a body portion for housing the oscillation circuit and an arm portion for housing the coil, and forming a substantially U-shaped opening for holding the detection path between the body portion and the arm portion;
By narrowing the width of the opening in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion, in contact with the detection passage that the racking, and a presser member for preventing detachment from the opening of the detection passage,
A detection device in which a flexible printed circuit board on which the coil is formed is accommodated in the arm portion and the body portion along the opening . The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is the arm portion formed of an elastic material. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a protrusion formed on a side of the arm portion that holds the detection passage. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a locking member that is locked to the storage member so as to close the opening that holds the detection passage.

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