JP4532867B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a connector used to connect a plurality of boards to each other for electrical connection.

  A pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine, has a main board with a main control means for controlling the entire pachinko machine, and a sub control means with sub-control means for controlling various game effects (display effects, light-emitting effects, sound effects). A plurality of substrates such as a substrate are mounted. Generally, these substrates are electrically connected using a connector. For example, by inserting a male connector connected to the other board via an electric wire or the like into a female connector installed on one board, the connector terminals of both connectors come into contact with each other. Conduction between them is intended.

  By the way, there is a possibility that the male connector is disconnected from the female connector for some reason or is not completely inserted into the female connector (half-inserted).

  However, since a large number of connectors are used in the pachinko machine, it is difficult to instantaneously determine which connector has a problem. In particular, it is extremely difficult to discriminate only by visually observing the half-inserted connector. Therefore, in recent years, various proposals have been made to prevent the connector from being pulled out by a holding structure for holding the connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-270300 A

  However, it may be difficult to provide the holding structure for all connectors due to location restrictions.

  In the case of a pachinko machine that does not have a connector holding structure, when a large number of pachinko machines are installed in a hurry, the connector may be accidentally half-inserted. Or during maintenance of a pachinko machine, the connector may be accidentally pulled out or the connector may be forgotten. Even if the connector is completely connected during maintenance, the connector may gradually be half-inserted due to vibrations and shocks that accompany repeated opening and closing of the middle frame. Furthermore, in pachinko halls where model changes (for example, game board changes) are frequently performed, the frequency of connector insertion / removal increases, and therefore, there is a situation where disconnection and half-insertion are more likely to occur.

  Further, when there is a board that is continuously used even after the model change of the pachinko machine is performed, an empty terminal that does not participate in signal transmission between the boards may occur. Therefore, there is a demand for effective use of the empty terminals.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of notifying a connection state of a connector.

Means for solving the above problems include a first board, a second board, a first connector having a plurality of first connector terminals and provided corresponding to the first board, and a plurality of second boards. And a second connector provided corresponding to the second substrate and having electrical connection between the first substrate and the second substrate by connecting the first connector and the second connector. In the gaming machine, when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state due to contact between the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal, the first connector and the second connector are used to connect the first connector to the second connector terminal. An electric path through which electricity flows between the first board and the second board, and an electric path provided on the electric path and operating when electricity flows through the electric path; Notifying means for notifying that the second connector is in a connected state and notifying that the first connector and the second connector are in a disconnected state by not operating when electricity does not flow through the electrical path. The notification means is operable and the middle frame is in a closed state, provided that a middle frame provided on the electrical path and assembled to the front surface of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is open. with the proviso that it gaming machine have to characterized Ru and having an actuation preventing means for inoperable the notification means.

Therefore, according to the above gaming machine , when the first connector and the second connector are in the connected state, electricity flows through the electrical path and the notification means is activated. Therefore, the connection state of the first connector and the second connector can be immediately notified to the hall manager or the like by the notification means.

  In addition, the operator can immediately recognize the connector connection state during maintenance. In particular, even in a connector where it is difficult to determine whether or not it is completely inserted, the connection state can be easily confirmed.

The invention described in claim 1 includes a first board, a second board, a plurality of first connector terminals, a first connector provided corresponding to the first board, and a plurality of second connector terminals. And a second connector provided to correspond to the second board, and a connection between the first connector and the second connector allows connection between the first board and the second board. And when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state due to contact between the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal, the first substrate is interposed via the first connector and the second connector. And an electrical path through which electricity flows between the second substrates, and the first connector and the second connector provided on the electrical path and operating when electricity flows through the electrical path. An informing means for informing that the first connector and the second connector are in a non-connected state by notifying that the first connector and the second connector are in a non-connected state by notifying when the electricity is not flowing through the electrical path; The gist of the invention is that it includes an operation preventing means for making the informing means inoperable on condition that the inner frame assembled to the front face so as to be freely opened and closed is locked by a cylinder lock and is in an unopenable state.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 1, when the first connector and the second connector is in the connected state, the notification unit power is removed from the electrical path is activated. Therefore, the connection state of the first connector and the second connector can be immediately notified to the hall manager or the like by the notification means.

  Here, “when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state” means a plurality of first connector terminals included in the first connector and a plurality of second connectors corresponding to the first connector terminals. The second connector terminals are all in contact with each other, and electricity is allowed to flow between the first connector and the second connector. In addition, “when the first connector and the second connector are not connected” means that at least a part of the plurality of first connector terminals and the plurality of second connector terminals corresponding to the first connector terminals are in contact with each other. This is a case where no electricity can flow between the first connector and the second connector.

  In addition, electricity flows through the electrical path only when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state, and little or no electricity flows when the first connector and the second connector are in a disconnected state. It is preferable. Such an electrical path has its start end electrically connected to the power source and its end grounded.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal provided on the electrical path are the first board and the second board. The gist of the present invention is that it is an empty terminal that does not participate in signal transmission between substrates. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the empty terminal can be effectively used as the main part constituting the first electric path. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to use an existing connector as it is without particularly changing the design of the connector.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the notifying means is electrically connected to a power source, and the upstream side is the first connector terminal electrically connected to the notifying means. A first connector terminal; an upstream second connector terminal which is the second connector terminal capable of contacting the upstream first connector terminal; and the second connector electrically connected to the upstream second connector terminal. A downstream second connector terminal which is a terminal, and a downstream first connector terminal which is the first connector terminal which is grounded at the main control board which is the first board and is capable of contacting the downstream second connector terminal Provided on the electrical path, and when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state, from the main control board via the first connector and the second connector 2 power is removed from the symbol control board is a substrate, and its gist to flow again electricity from the symbol control board through the first connector and the second connector on the main control board.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 2 , at least one of the contact between the upstream first connector terminal and the upstream second connector terminal and the contact between the downstream second connector terminal and the downstream first connector terminal is If it is incomplete, no electricity will flow through the electrical path. As a result, the notification unit is not activated, and as a result, it can be grasped that the first connector and the second connector are in a disconnected state. Therefore, for example, even when the first connector and the second connector are connected with an inclination, it is possible to reliably grasp the non-connected state of the first connector and the second connector. Here, “the first connector and the second connector are inclined and connected” means that the front end surface of the first connector and the front end surface of the second connector are not completely in contact with each other. It is assumed that a gap is formed at the end of the rim, resulting in a half-inserted state.

Incidentally, the one of the plurality of first connector terminals arranged in the first connector, the first connector terminal and the first connector terminal said downstream the upstream is in a position spaced apart relation to each other, the second connector among the plurality of second connector terminals arranged in the upstream-side second connector terminal and a second connector terminal the downstream is preferably in a position spaced relationship to each other.

  Here, even if the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are inclined and connected halfway (see FIG. 4), the two connector terminal pairs (the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the downstream) When the pair of the first side connector terminals 53a, the pair of the second upstream connector terminals 43d and the pair of the second downstream connector terminals 53d) are arranged adjacent to each other, the first upstream connector terminal 43a and the upstream side The distance between the tips of the second connector terminal 53a is substantially equal to the distance between the tips of the downstream first connector terminal 43d and the downstream second connector terminal 53d. Therefore, the first connector terminal 43 and the second connector terminal 53 constituting each connector terminal pair remain in contact with each other, and the connection state may be maintained. Therefore, the notification means (light emitting diode 44) continues to operate until the degree of inclination of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 increases. Therefore, the timing at which the notifying means stops operating is delayed, and it is difficult to grasp the half-inserted state in the early stage.

In contrast, the two connector terminals pair spaced apart positional relationship near lever, even if the inclination of the connector is small connector becomes disconnected, informing means is not actuated. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the half-inserted state at an early stage.

The two connector terminal pairs are preferably arranged at both ends of the terminal row. According to this configuration, since the two connector terminal pairs can be separated greatly, it is easy to realize early grasping of the half-inserted state .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the informing means is a light emitting means provided in the vicinity of at least one of the first connector and the second connector. The gist.

  Here, in the case of a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, not only the number of components (boards, connectors, etc.) is large in the first place, but they are closely arranged, so it is difficult to check the connection state of the connectors It is. Also, when performing the confirmation work, the hand may be too dark to see the connector.

However, according to the third aspect of the invention, the first connector and the second connector are illuminated when the light emitting means as the notification means emits light, so that they can be found relatively easily. Moreover, since the hand is illuminated by the light emitting means at the time of work, the connector connection confirmation work can be easily and reliably performed.

  Here, as an aspect in which the light emitting means is provided in the vicinity of at least one of the first connector and the second connector, for example, an aspect in which the light emitting means is provided in the first connector itself, or a light emitting means is provided in the second connector itself. For example, the first connector itself and the second connector itself may be provided with light emitting means. Other than that, a mode in which the light emitting means is provided in the cable connected to the first connector, a mode in which the light emitting means is provided in the cable connected to the second connector, and the first connector on the board on which the first connector is mounted. There are an aspect in which the light emitting means is provided in the vicinity, an aspect in which the light emitting means is provided in the vicinity of the second connector on the substrate on which the second connector is mounted, and the like. Here, the vicinity of the first connector (or the vicinity of the second connector) means a position within a range where the distance from the first connector (or the second connector) is 0 mm or more and 50 mm or less. .

  As the light emitting means, any conventionally known light emitting means can be used, but a light emitting diode (LED) having advantages of small size, long life and power saving is preferably used.

  The light emitting means may be provided at any location on the machine surface side. With such a configuration, it is possible not only to notify that the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state without opening the middle frame, but also to produce an effect by light emission decoration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the notification means is prevented from operating even though the operation of the notification means cannot be confirmed because the inner frame is in the closed state or the unopenable state. The

  Here, the “closed state of the middle frame” refers to a state in which the middle frame is closed regardless of whether or not it is locked. The “unopenable state of the middle frame” means a state in which the middle frame is closed because the middle frame is locked and the middle frame cannot be opened.

  As the operation preventing means, for example, a switch provided on the electrical path is suitable, and in particular, a switch provided on the upstream side (power supply side) of the notification means on the electrical path is more suitable. With such a configuration, power supply can be saved because the supply of electricity from the power source can be stopped by interrupting the electrical path when unnecessary.

As described in detail above, according to the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the connection state of the connector can be notified.

[First Embodiment]

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a gaming machine of the present invention is embodied in a pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the machine front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connector connection portion in the pachinko machine 10. 3 and 4 are schematic views showing the connection state of the connector. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a connector connection state, and FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a connector non-connection state.

  First, the configuration on the machine front side of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a vertical rectangular outer frame 11 that forms an outline of the machine body. The outer frame 11 includes an outer frame main body 11A that forms an upper side, a right side, and a left side of the outer frame 11, and a synthetic resin waist plate unit 11B that forms a lower side of the outer frame 11. On the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11, a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is assembled so as to be openable and detachable. In addition, on the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 provided with a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine and a top ball tray 15 can be opened and closed in a laterally open state. It is assembled to. Below the upper ball tray 15 on the front side of the middle frame 12, a lower ball tray 16 and a launching device 17 are mounted. In addition, a symbol display device 18 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 13.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment has various control boards (main control board 31A, sound control board 31B, lamp control board 31C, symbol control board 31D, payout control board 31E, A plurality of substrate cases 31 accommodating the firing control substrate 31F and the like are provided. For example, a board case 31 that accommodates a symbol control board 31D therein is disposed at a position substantially on the back side of the symbol display device 18 attached to the game board 13. A substrate case 31 for accommodating the lamp control substrate 31C is disposed at the lower right position of the substrate case 31 for accommodating the symbol control substrate 31D.

  The main control board 31A (first board) shown in FIG. 2 has a function as main control means for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10. The CPU included in the main control means executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10, and calculates various control commands according to the processing results. The main control means outputs the control command as a predetermined control signal to the sub-control means. A predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the main control board 31A, and various electrical components such as an IC 32a such as a CPU and a capacitor are mounted on the front surface 32 of the main control board 31A.

  On the front surface 32 of the main control board 31A, a female first connector 41 used for transmitting control signals to and from the symbol control board 31D (second board) is mounted. The first connector 41 protrudes outside the substrate case 31. The symbol control board 31D has a function as sub-control means for controlling various game effects (display effects). In the connector housing 42 of the first connector 41, a plurality of first connector terminals 43 (only five are schematically shown in the present embodiment) are arranged in a straight line.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, two first connector terminals 43 (upstream first connector terminal 43a and downstream first connector terminal 43b) among the plurality of first connector terminals 43 are separated from each other. It is in a positional relationship. The upstream first connector terminal 43 a is a first connector terminal 43 arranged on one end side (the leftmost side in FIG. 3) in the arrangement direction of the first connector terminals 43. The downstream first connector terminal 43 b is the first connector terminal 43 arranged on the other end side (the rightmost side in FIG. 3) in the arrangement direction of the first connector terminals 43. The upstream first connector terminal 43a and the downstream first connector terminal 43b are empty terminals that are not involved in transmission of control signals between the main control board 31A and the symbol control board 31D.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a light emitting diode 44 is mounted on the surface 32 of the main control board 31A as a notification unit and a light emitting unit. The light emitting diode 44 protrudes outside the substrate case 31. The light emitting diode 44 is provided in the vicinity of the connector housing 42 of the first connector 41 at a position where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 42 is about 30 mm in this embodiment. The light emitting diode 44 illuminates the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 when the first connector 41 and a second connector 51 described later are in a connected state.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a male second connector 51 can be attached to and detached from the first connector 41. The second connector 51 is provided corresponding to the symbol control board 31D. When the connector housing 52 of the second connector 51 is inserted into the connector housing 42 of the first connector 41, the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of second connector terminals 53 (only five are schematically shown in the present embodiment) are arranged in a straight line in the connector housing 52. The distal end portion of each second connector terminal 53 can come into contact with each first connector terminal 43. Further, one end of an electric wire 54 is connected to the base end portion of each second connector terminal 53. Specifically, one end of the core wire 54 a of the electric wire 54 is caulked by a crimping portion 55 formed at the base end portion of each connector terminal 53. Most of the other ends of the electric wires 54 are electrically connected to a sub-control means provided on the symbol control board 31D. Of the plurality of second connector terminals 53, the two second connector terminals 53 (the upstream second connector terminal 53a and the downstream second connector terminal 53b) are spaced apart from each other. The upstream second connector terminal 53a is disposed on one end side (the leftmost side in FIG. 3) in the arrangement direction of the second connector terminals 53, and can contact the upstream first connector terminal 43a. The downstream second connector terminals 53b are disposed on the other end side (the rightmost side in FIG. 3) in the arrangement direction of the respective second connector terminals 53, and can contact the downstream first connector terminals 43b. . The upstream second connector terminal 53a and the downstream second connector terminal 53b are empty terminals that are not involved in transmission of control signals between the main control board 31A and the symbol control board 31D.

  Therefore, by inserting and connecting the second connector 51 to the first connector 41, each second connector terminal 53 comes into contact with each first connector terminal 43, and a predetermined circuit of the main control board 31A and the symbol control board Conduction with a predetermined circuit of 31D is achieved.

  Next, an electric circuit constituting the connector connection status notification structure will be described. A plurality of similar electrical circuits exist in the pachinko machine 10, but in the present embodiment, a single circuit is shown and described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical circuit 61 used to notify the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 has an electrical path 62. The starting end of the electric path 62 is electrically connected to a DC power source of 12 (V).

  On the electrical path 62, an interruption switch 63 as an operation preventing means, a resistor 64, the light emitting diode 44, the upstream first connector terminal 43a, the upstream second connector terminal 53a, and the downstream second connector terminal 53b. And the said downstream 1st connector terminal 43b is provided in order from the upstream. The movable contact 63b of the cutoff switch 63 is electrically connected to a DC power source. The cutoff switch 63 is provided at a position substantially on the back side of the cylinder lock 12a attached to the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 1). The cutoff switch 63 switches the electric path 62 to the energized state by bringing the movable contact 63b into contact with the fixed contact 63c of the cutoff switch 63 in conjunction with the displacement of the middle frame 12 to the open position. Further, the cut-off switch 63 physically cuts off the electric path 62 by separating the movable contact 63b from the fixed contact 63c in conjunction with the displacement of the middle frame 12 to the closed position.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed contact 63 c of the cutoff switch 63 is connected to one end of the resistor 64. The resistor 64 is for reducing the voltage of electricity flowing from the DC power source and flowing it to the light emitting diode 44 side. The other end of the resistor 64 is connected to the anode terminal of the light emitting diode 44. The cathode terminal of the light emitting diode 44 is connected to the upstream first connector terminal 43a. The light emitting diode 44 is turned on when electricity flows through the electric path 62.

  The upstream first connector terminal 43a comes into contact with the upstream second connector terminal 53a when the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in a connected state. The upstream second connector terminal 53 a is electrically connected to the downstream second connector terminal 53 b via the electric wire 54. The downstream second connector terminal 53b comes into contact with the downstream first connector terminal 43b when the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in the connected state. The downstream first connector terminal 43 b is grounded in the main control board 31 </ b> A and serves as a terminal end of the electric path 62. Therefore, when the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are connected to the electrical path 62, the electrical connection is made between the main control board 31A and the symbol control board 31D via the first connector 41 and the second connector 51. Then, electricity flows again from the symbol control board 31D to the main control board 31A via the first connector 41 and the second connector 51.

  Next, a method for confirming the connection status of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 will be described.

  First, the case where the second connector 51 is mistakenly disconnected from the first connector 41 or the second connector 51 is forgotten to be inserted into the first connector 41 during maintenance of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. When the middle frame 12 is opened in order to confirm the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51, the movable contact 63b contacts the fixed contact 63c of the cutoff switch 63 in conjunction with the opening operation of the middle frame 12, and light is emitted. The diode 44 is electrically connected to the DC power source. Therefore, unlike the case where a switch for switching between energization / non-energization of the electrical path 62 is provided instead of providing the cutoff switch 63, there is no need to operate the switch separately from the opening operation of the middle frame 12. The electric path 62 is automatically switched to the energized state. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate complexity in the connection confirmation work of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51.

  At this time, if the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in the connected state, the light emitting diode 44 is turned on, and the hall manager or the like is notified that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in the connected state. . On the other hand, when at least one of the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the upstream second connector terminal 53a and the downstream first connector terminal 43b and the downstream second connector terminal 53b is not in contact with each other, The electric path 62 is physically cut off and is not energized, and the light emitting diode 44 is not lit. Therefore, when the light emitting diode 44 is not lit, the hall manager or the like recognizes that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are not connected. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the upstream second connector terminal 53a are not in contact with the downstream first connector terminal 43b and the downstream second connector terminal 53b. Yes.

  Next, when a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed in a hurry, if the second connector 51 is accidentally not fully inserted into the first connector 41 (half-inserted), or repeated middle frames A case where the connectors 41 and 51 are gradually half-inserted due to vibration / impact accompanying the opening / closing of the connector 12 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the half-inserted state, the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are connected to each other at an angle, so that the distal end portion of the first connector 41 and the distal end portion of the second connector 51 Are not completely in contact with each other, and there is a gap at one end (the right end in FIG. 4) of the tip. Accordingly, since the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the upstream second connector terminal 53a provided on the electrical path 62 are in contact with each other, the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are maintained in an electrically connected state. End up. However, the downstream first connector terminal 43b and the downstream second connector terminal 53b that are also provided on the electrical path 62 are not in contact with each other. At this time, since the electrical path 62 is physically cut off and is in a non-energized state, the light emitting diode 44 is not lit. Therefore, it is grasped that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in a disconnected state.

  When the middle frame 12 is closed after completing the connection confirmation work of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51, the movable contact 63b is separated from the fixed contact 63c in conjunction with the closing operation of the middle frame 12, and the light emitting diode 44 is turned off. To do. Therefore, unlike the case where a switch for switching between energization / non-energization of the electric path 62 is provided instead of providing the cutoff switch 63, there is no need to operate the switch separately from the closing operation of the middle frame 12. The electric path 62 is automatically switched to a non-energized state.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in the connected state, electricity flows through the electric path 62 and the light emitting diode 44 is activated. Therefore, the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 can be immediately notified to the hall manager or the like by lighting the light emitting diode 44.

  (2) On the electrical path 62, an upstream first connector terminal 43a, an upstream second connector terminal 53a, a downstream second connector terminal 53b, and a downstream first connector terminal 43b are provided. Therefore, when at least one of the contact between the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the upstream second connector terminal 53a and the contact between the downstream second connector terminal 53b and the downstream first connector terminal 43b is incomplete. The electric path 62 is in a non-energized state, and electricity does not flow through the electric path 62. As a result, the light emitting diode 44 is not turned on, and as a result, it can be grasped that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are not connected. Therefore, even when the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are inclined and connected as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to reliably grasp the non-connected state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51. It becomes.

  (3) Two connector terminal pairs (a pair composed of the upstream first connector terminal 43a and the upstream second connector terminal 53a, a pair composed of the downstream second connector terminal 53b and the downstream first connector terminal 43b) are separated from each other. Is in a positional relationship. Therefore, even if the inclination of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 is small, the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are disconnected, and electricity does not flow through the electric path 62 and the light emitting diode 44 does not light up. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the half-inserted state at an early stage.

  Moreover, the two connector terminal pairs are disposed at both ends in the arrangement direction of the first connector terminals 43 and the second connector terminals 53, respectively. Therefore, when the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 in the connected state are half-inserted and tilted to each other, and the tilt exceeds a certain level, the connector terminal pair at either end is first separated. It becomes. That is, even when a plurality of other first connector terminals 43 and second connector terminals 53 are all in contact, the connector terminal pair at one end can be separated first. As a result, the electric path 62 is cut off earlier and the light emitting diode 44 does not light up, so that the half-inserted state can be grasped earlier. That is, the light emitting diode 44 is turned on even though the first connector terminal 43 and the second connector terminal 53 that are not in contact exist and the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in the disconnected state. Can be avoided.

  (4) On the electrical path 62, provided that the middle frame 12 is in the closed position, a cutoff switch 63 is provided that physically cuts off the electrical path 62 so that the light emitting diode 44 cannot be turned on. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light emitting diode 44 from being lit even though the light emitting diode 44 cannot be turned on / off because the middle frame 12 is closed. Therefore, power saving of the electric circuit 61 can be achieved.

  Further, the cutoff switch 63 is provided at a position substantially on the back side of the cylinder lock 12a attached to the middle frame 12. Therefore, the cutoff switch 63 can be set to switch between energization / non-energization of the electrical path 62 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the middle frame 12. Therefore, in the connection confirmation work of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 in which the opening / closing operation of the middle frame 12 is essential, it is not necessary to perform the switching operation of the cutoff switch 63 separately from the opening / closing operation of the middle frame 12. The connection confirmation operation of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 can be performed more easily. Further, in conjunction with the operation of closing the middle frame 12, the electrical path 62 is switched to the non-energized state by the cutoff switch 63, thereby preventing the middle frame 12 from being closed while the light-emitting diode 44 remains lit. it can.

  (5) As the light emitting means, a light emitting diode 44 having a relatively long life and low power consumption is used. Therefore, the lifetime of the electric circuit 61 and power saving can be achieved. Further, since the light emitting diode 44 is relatively small, the light emitting diode 44 can be easily mounted on the main control board 31A having a small free space by mounting various electric parts such as an IC 32a such as a CPU and a capacitor.

  (6) Since the light emitting diode 44 is mounted on the front surface 32 of the main control board 31 </ b> A, it exists on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the connection confirmation work of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 can be performed at the same time when the pachinko machine 10 is installed or maintained.

(7) The resistor 64 is arranged on the upstream side of the light emitting diode 44 and prevents an overvoltage from being applied to the light emitting diode 44. Therefore, the lifetime of the light emitting diode 44 can be extended.
[Second Embodiment]

  Next, a pachinko machine 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure which is common in 1st Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted instead of attaching | subjecting the same member number.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first connector terminal 43 provided on the electric path 62 (the first connector terminal 43c for the electric path) is the same as the upstream first connector terminal 43a in the first embodiment. Is. Further, the second connector terminal 53 (the second connector terminal for electrical path 53c) provided on the electrical path 62 is the same as the upstream second connector terminal 53a in the first embodiment. Further, in the first embodiment, the first connector terminal 43 used as the downstream first connector terminal 43b and the second connector terminal 53 used as the downstream second connector terminal 53b are electrically connected to each other. Since it is not provided on the path 62, the first connector terminal 43 and the second connector terminal 53 become normal.

  The electric path 62 of the electric circuit 61 is grounded in the symbol control board 31D via the electric wire 54 connected to the second connector terminal 53c for electric path, and serves as a terminal end of the electric path 62.

  Next, a method for confirming the connection status of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 will be described.

  If the second connector 51 is mistakenly disconnected from the first connector 41 or if the second connector 51 is forgotten to be inserted into the first connector 41, as shown in FIG. 43c and the second connector terminal 53c for electrical path become non-contact, and the electrical path 62 is physically cut off to be in a non-energized state. At this time, since the light emitting diode 44 is not turned on, the hall manager or the like knows that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are not connected.

  Therefore, the electric circuit 61 is formed only by providing a pair of connector terminal pairs (a pair consisting of the first connector terminal for electrical path 43c and the second connector terminal for electrical path 53c). Therefore, when the main control board 31A and the symbol control board 31D are continuously used after the model change of the pachinko machine 10, the electric circuit 61 can be configured even if only one pair of empty terminals occurs.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In both the above embodiments, any light emitting means such as a small light bulb may be used instead of the light emitting diode 44 as the light emitting means.

  In both the above embodiments, the light emitting diode 44 may be built in the first connector 41 or the second connector 51.

  In both the above-described embodiments, instead of using the light emitting diode 44 as the notification unit, a voice output unit such as a speaker for notifying that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in a connected state may be used. Good. In this way, it is possible to know the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 without performing visual confirmation.

  In both the above embodiments, the light emitting diode 44 is used as the notification means. However, display means such as a liquid crystal display device provided on the surface side of the pachinko machine 10 and displaying the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 in a connected state with characters, symbols, pictures, etc. is used as notification means. It may be used.

  In both the above embodiments, instead of notifying the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 by turning on the light emitting diode 44 as a notification means, a signal indicating the connection state is output to the hall computer. You may make it alert | report by.

  In both of the above embodiments, the light emitting diodes 44 are arranged on the front side of the pachinko machine 10, specifically on the front surface of the game board 13, the front surface of the upper ball tray 15, the front surface of the lower ball tray 16, etc. It may be visible from. In this way, it is possible not only to notify that the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 are in a connected state, but also to produce an effect by using a light emitting diode 44.

  In both of the above embodiments, the cut-off switch 63 is configured to physically cut off the electric path 62 and make the light-emitting diode 44 inoperable on the condition that the middle frame 12 is displaced to the closed position. . However, the cut-off switch 63 may make the light-emitting diode 44 inoperable on the condition that the middle frame 12 is in an unopenable state by being locked by the cylinder lock 12a.

  In both of the above embodiments, five terminal pairs including the first connector terminal 43 and the second connector terminal 53 are shown in FIG. 3, and the leftmost terminal pair is the upstream connector terminal pair (upstream first terminal pair). 1 connector terminal 43a and upstream second connector terminal 53a), and the rightmost terminal pair is the downstream connector terminal pair (downstream second connector terminal 53b and downstream first connector terminal 43b pair). It was. That is, the upstream connector terminal pair and the downstream connector terminal pair are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line (a line passing through the first connector terminal 43 and the second connector terminal 53 third from the left).

  However, the upstream connector terminal pair and the downstream connector terminal pair may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center line. For example, the leftmost terminal pair may be the upstream connector terminal pair, the second terminal pair from the right may be the downstream connector terminal pair, the second terminal pair from the left may be the upstream connector terminal pair, and the rightmost terminal pair. The terminal pair may be a downstream connector terminal pair.

  In this way, when the second connector 51 is inserted in the opposite direction, the light emitting diode 44 does not emit light even if the second connector 51 is completely inserted (even if it is not half inserted). Therefore, it can be notified by the non-light emission of the light emitting diode 44 that the second connector 51 is opposite to the left and right.

  In both the above embodiments, the first connector 41 is mounted on the main control board 31 </ b> A, but may be electrically connected to the main control board 31 </ b> A via an electric wire similarly to the second connector 51. . The second connector 51 may be mounted on the symbol control board 31D.

  The connector connection status notification structure in both the above embodiments is for reporting the connection state of the first connector 41 and the second connector 51 between the main control board 31A and the symbol control board 31D. However, the connector connection status notification structure may notify the connection status of connectors on other boards such as the voice control board 31B, the lamp control board 31C, the payout control board 31E, and the launch control board 31F.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) The electrical path has its start end electrically connected to a power source and its end grounded in the first substrate, and electricity flowing through the electrical path is transferred from the first substrate to the second substrate. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein after flowing, the game machine flows from the second board to the first board.

  (2) Among the plurality of first connector terminals arranged at the first connector, the upstream first connector terminal is arranged on one end side in the arrangement direction of the first connector terminals, One connector terminal is arranged on the other end side in the arrangement direction of each first connector terminal, and among the plurality of second connector terminals arranged in the second connector, the upstream second connector terminal is 4. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the second connector terminals are arranged at one end side in the arrangement direction of the second connector terminals, and the downstream second connector terminals are arranged at the other end side in the arrangement direction of the second connector terminals. 4. The gaming machine according to 4.

  (3) The first connector terminal and the second connector terminal provided on the electrical path are vacant terminals not involved in signal transmission between the first board and the second board. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, technical ideas (1), (2).

  (4) The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the operation preventing means is provided on the electric path and disables the informing means by blocking the electric path.

  (5) The informing means is a light emitting means for illuminating at least one of the first connector and the second connector, and any one of the technical ideas (1) to (4) A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  (6) The gaming machine according to claim 5 or the technical idea (5), wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting diode. Therefore, according to the technical idea (6), the life of the light emitting means can be extended and the power can be saved.

  (7) The gaming machine according to any one of claims 5 and 5, wherein the light emitting means is provided on the machine front side. Therefore, according to the technical idea (7), not only the fact that the first connector and the second connector are in the connected state can be informed, but also an effect can be provided by light-emitting decoration.

  (8) The informing means is an audio output means for informing by voice that the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state. The gaming machine according to any one of (4) to (4).

  (9) The informing means is a display means provided on the machine surface side for displaying that the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state. The gaming machine according to any one of 1) to (4).

  (10) A connection state notification structure for the first connector and the second connector that is connected to each other to establish conduction, and an electric path through which electricity flows when the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state. And a notifying means that is provided on the electrical path and that operates when electricity flows through the electrical path.

The front view which shows the game machine in this invention. The perspective view which shows a 1st connector, a 2nd connector, a light emitting diode, etc. FIG. The front view which shows the connection state of a 1st connector and a 2nd connector. The front view which shows the non-connecting state (half-insertion state) of a 1st connector and a 2nd connector. The circuit diagram which shows the connection state of the 1st connector and 2nd connector in 1st Embodiment. Similarly, the circuit diagram which shows the non-connection state of a 1st connector and a 2nd connector. The circuit diagram which shows the connection state of the 1st connector and 2nd connector in 2nd Embodiment. Similarly, the circuit diagram which shows the non-connection state of a 1st connector and a 2nd connector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 11 as a gaming machine ... Outer frame 12 ... Middle frame 31A ... Main control board 31D as a first board ... Symbol control board 41 as a second board ... First connector 43 ... First connector terminal 43a ... Upstream Side first connector terminal 43b ... Downstream side first connector terminal 44 ... Light emitting diode 51 as notification means and light emitting means ... Second connector 53 ... Second connector terminal 53a ... Upstream second connector terminal 53b ... Downstream second connector Terminal 62 ... electrical path 63 ... cut-off switch as operation preventing means

Claims (4)

A first board, a second board, a plurality of first connector terminals, a first connector provided corresponding to the first board, a plurality of second connector terminals and a second board A gaming machine in which electrical connection between the first board and the second board is achieved by connecting the first connector and the second connector;
When the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state due to contact between the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal, the first substrate and the second connector via the first connector and the second connector An electrical path through which electricity flows between the second substrates;
It is provided on the electrical path and operates when electricity flows through the electrical path, thereby notifying that the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state, and electricity flows through the electrical path. An informing means for informing that the first connector and the second connector are in a disconnected state by not operating when there is not;
A game characterized by comprising an operation preventing means for disabling the informing means, provided that the inner frame assembled to the front surface of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is locked with a cylinder lock and is in an unopenable state. Machine. Electrically connecting the notification means to a power source;
An upstream first connector terminal which is the first connector terminal electrically connected to the notification means, and an upstream second connector terminal which is the second connector terminal capable of contacting the upstream first connector terminal; The downstream second connector terminal which is the second connector terminal electrically connected to the upstream second connector terminal, and the downstream second connector which is grounded at the main control board which is the first board A first connector terminal on the downstream side, which is the first connector terminal that can contact the terminal, is provided on the electrical path;
When the first connector and the second connector are in a connected state, electricity flows from the main control board to the symbol control board as the second board via the first connector and the second connector, The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein electricity flows from the symbol control board to the main control board via the first connector and the second connector. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the notifying means is a light emitting means provided in the vicinity of at least one of the first connector and the second connector. 2. The first connector terminal and the second connector terminal provided on the electrical path are vacant terminals that do not participate in signal transmission between the first board and the second board. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 3 .

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