JP4534187B2 - Power supply device for gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power supply device for a gaming machine that supplies power necessary for the operation of the gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional technique related to this type of power supply device, there is a power supply board of a pachinko gaming machine that generates a power supply of a desired voltage from an original power supply outside the gaming machine and supplies it to various control boards (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.). This known power supply board further takes measures to back up information stored in various control boards in the event of a power failure at the external source power supply or to apply a backup power supply to a specific control board.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-239098 (page 2-3, FIG. 12)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although the above-described known power supply board is recognized to have taken various countermeasures assuming that the original power supply outside the gaming machine has failed, it does not deal with any abnormality in the power supply system inside the gaming machine.
[0005]
In addition, since a known power supply board supplies power to each of a plurality of control boards from a single power generation circuit, the electrical wiring inside the gaming machine becomes congested, and there are many electrical components such as wiring and connectors. Not only is it necessary, but the wiring length is undesirably increased. For this reason, for example, it is difficult to identify the cause of the abnormality when the gaming machine does not operate normally in a case where the power is not properly supplied to the control device due to the disconnection of the power supply wiring, and it is difficult to grasp the repair work.
[0006]
In view of the above, the present invention has an object to take effective countermeasures against power supply systems, boards, and the like inside gaming machines.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The power supply device for a gaming machine according to the present invention is necessary for the operation of the gaming machine using a power supply unit that adjusts and outputs power taken from outside the gaming machine to a desired state, and power output from the power supply unit. And a plurality of power supply lines having different voltages, and a common arrangement of power supply terminals connected to each power supply line. A daisy chain connection is made by a replaceable connector, and a display means for displaying an energization state composed of an LED is connected to each power supply line having a different voltage to each of the boards located most downstream in the power supply direction. When an abnormality in the energization state is detected in the display means, a connector connected to one of the substrates is separated to detect an abnormal substrate, and the separated connector The is characterized in that it is verifiable in the configuration unusual substrates energization conditions instead connecting to the connector of the most downstream of the substrate (solutions 1).
[0008]
When an abnormality occurs inside a gaming machine, it is usually not immediately obvious where the abnormality has occurred. On the other hand, in the present invention, it is possible to first confirm by the display means whether the power supply system is abnormal or the substrate itself is abnormal. Specifically, in the event of an abnormality in the gaming machine, when power supply from the power supply unit to the board is normally displayed by the display means provided on the board located on the most downstream side with respect to power supply , It can be easily identified that the power supply system including at least the power supply path is normal and the abnormal part is on the board. Conversely, if the display means does not indicate that power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the substrate, it can be easily identified that there is an abnormality in the power supply system including the power supply path.
As described above, when the display means that power is not being supplied from the power supply unit to the specific board at the time of abnormality, it is clear that there is an abnormality somewhere in the power supply system including at least the power supply path. However, at this stage, it is not possible to specifically identify the abnormal part. Therefore, by using a connector in which the arrangement of the power supply terminals is made common, the display means provided on the most downstream board is replaced with an abnormality diagnosing means (so-called “so-called”) by sequentially connecting to the most downstream board. It can function as a tester.
[0009]
For this reason, conventionally, when an abnormality occurs in a gaming machine, the installation / administrator of the gaming machine has to replace the board that seems to be abnormal one by one and repeat the trial and error until normal operation can be confirmed. However, in the present invention, since the abnormal part can be easily identified at the beginning, it is easy to make repairs and efficient work can be performed.
[0010]
In addition, after the repair work is performed, if the display means displays again that the power supply from the power supply unit to the substrate is normally performed, it can be easily confirmed that the repair work is appropriate.
[0011]
The display means in the power supply device of the present invention may be provided in a specific load unit that receives power transmission last through the power supply path (solution means 2).
[0012]
The plurality of substrates described above are independent elements for performing separate processes individually. For example, the first board may control the game medium payout operation, and the second board may control the progress of the game provided to the player. In such an aspect, the power output from the power supply unit is first transmitted to the first board through the power supply path, and then transmitted to the second board via the first board . The
[0013]
Even in such a mode, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the display means displays that the power supply unit normally supplies power to the specific board (second board in the above example). In the case where the power supply system includes at least the power supply path, it can be easily identified that the abnormal part is on one of the boards (first or second board ). This is because a specific board is the last power supply destination as seen from the power supply unit, and if normal power supply can be confirmed here, power is also supplied normally to the board that has received power before that. It is based on what is clear.
[0014]
On the other hand, if the display means does not indicate that power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the specific board , it is easy to specify that there is an abnormality somewhere in the power supply system including at least the power supply path. Can do.
[0018]
When the power supply device has a plurality of boards , these include a payout control board that controls the payout of game media, and a main control board that controls the progress of the game to be provided to the player. It is preferable that the main control board is arranged next to the payout control board in the order of power supply from the power supply unit (Solution means 3 ). Such an aspect is extremely suitable when the gaming machine is separated into a frame and a game board.
[0019]
For example, when changing the model of a gaming machine, there is a case where only the gaming board is replaced with the frame constituting the main body as it is. At this time, if the power supply unit and the payout control board are provided in the existing frame, it is not necessary to change the connection relationship between the power supply part and the payout control board even when the game board is replaced, and the new frame is replaced. It is only necessary to update the connection relationship between the main control board of the game board and the existing payout control board.
[0020]
Further, as described above, when the gaming machine is separated into a frame constituting the main body and a game board that is detachably attached to the frame, the gaming machine is supplied from the power supply unit to the board between the frame and the game board. It is preferable that a relay unit that relays the power to be inserted is inserted in the power supply path (Solution means 4 ). Such a relay unit may be provided on either the frame or the game board, but if the relay unit is provided on the frame side, as described above, when the game board is replaced, the relay unit and the board You only need to update the connection relationship between them.
[0021]
In this case, the configuration of the power supply device is provided in a frame that constitutes the main body of the gaming machine, a power supply unit that adjusts and outputs electric power taken from outside to a desired state, and a game that is detachably attached to the frame A board that is provided on the board and performs processing necessary for the operation of the gaming machine using the power output from the power supply unit, a power supply path that transmits the power output from the power supply part to the board , and the power supply path And a relay unit that relays power supplied from the power supply unit to the board between the frame and the game board, and a display unit that is provided on the board and displays a power supply state from the power supply unit. It will be a thing.
[0022]
Also similarly the structure described above, in order to function the display means as the abnormality diagnostic means, the power supply unit is the power supply channel, a wiring for connecting the substrate and the relay unit to each other, the power supply unit, the substrate and the relay unit On the other hand, a mode including a common connector for sharing a connection relationship with each wiring is preferable (Solution 5 ).
[0023]
In the present invention, it is preferable that the display means includes an indicator lamp that is turned on when power is supplied to the substrate (solution 6 ). In this case, since it is only necessary to check whether the indicator lamp is lit or not when the gaming machine is abnormal, it is possible to identify an abnormal location and diagnose it extremely quickly and easily. Note that the display means may not only display the presence / absence of power supply from the power supply unit to the substrate , but may display information indicating whether the power supply is normal.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can be widely implemented as a power supply device that supplies power to various substrates such as pachinko machines and slot machines. Hereinafter, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described as an example.
[0025]
FIG. 1 schematically shows an internal (back side) configuration of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 has a frame 2 constituting the main body, and the frame 2 is equipped with various game mechanisms and electronic devices. Here, the frame 2 includes a front frame and a base frame (both without reference numerals) in addition to the outer frame. A game board 4 is disposed substantially at the center of the frame 2, and the game board 4 is detachably attached to the frame 2, particularly its base frame. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a game board surface characterizing the model of the pachinko machine 1 is formed on the front side of the game board 4.
[0026]
The back of the frame 2 is equipped with a ball tank 6 and a back set 8, of which the ball tank 6 is arranged at the top of the back of the frame 2, and the back set 8 is on one side edge ( It is arranged on the right side in FIG.
[0027]
The pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is of a type that is used by being connected to a card unit (not shown) for ball rental, and therefore the interface board 12 is mounted on the frame 2. The interface board 12 has a communication port 14. By connecting a signal cable to the port 14, information communication with the card unit can be performed.
[0028]
In the frame 2, a distribution board 16 is disposed above the back set 8, and the distribution board 16 is connected to an external business power source (for example, AC 24 V) via a power cord 18. Note that the interface board 12 and the distribution board 16 described above can be omitted in a pachinko machine that does not use a card unit.
[0029]
In the lower part of the frame 2, a power supply board 20 is provided immediately below the game board 4. The external power source described above is distributed from the distribution board 16 to the interface board 12 and the power board 20. A payout control board 22 is provided below the back set 8 at a position substantially the same height as the power supply board 20. Further, a launch control board 24 is provided immediately below the power board 20.
[0030]
On the other hand, the game board 4 is provided with a main (control) board 26 at the upper part and a sub-control board 28 at the lower part. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a display control board 30 is provided in the back of the main board 26 (near the front of the pachinko machine 1), and the display control board 30 is arranged so as to overlap the main board 26.
[0031]
FIG. 2 schematically shows the connection relationship of the various substrates described above. The power supply board 20 takes in power from an external power source distributed through the distribution board 16 and generates power to be supplied to various boards. At this time, the power supply board 20 converts the alternating current into direct current by the converter 32, and adjusts and outputs the voltage in, for example, three stages of low, medium, and high voltages (DC5V, 12V, and 34V, respectively). Note that power is transmitted from the distribution board 16 to the power supply board 20 through the distribution cable 34.
[0032]
The power output from the power supply board 20 is first transmitted to the payout control board 22. Although not shown in particular in FIG. 2 regarding the exchange of signals between the various boards, the payout control board 22 controls the payout operation of the prize ball based on the command signal from the main board 26, and from the card unit to the interface board. Based on the command signal input via 12, the lending payout operation is also controlled. Further, a launch control board 24 is connected to the payout control board 22, and the launch control board 24 controls the launch operation of the game ball based on a handle unit (not shown) and a fire signal input from the payout control board 22. Note that a launch motor (not shown) is connected to the launch control board 24.
[0033]
As the game progresses by the pachinko machine 1, the main board 26 of the game board 4 outputs the above-mentioned prize ball command signal, the action control of the bonuses, the hit determination, the probability setting, the winning detection, the jackpot control (the big winning opening control) Various control programs for performing opening / closing) and effect instruction processing are executed.
[0034]
The sub-control board 28 executes a program for controlling the output of sound effects and voices accompanying the progress of the game, lighting and the like, and the display control board 30 should be provided to the player as the game progresses. Information such as images and characters is set, and a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) is controlled based on the information.
[0035]
The power output from the power supply board 20 is then transmitted to the main board 26 via the payout control board 22, that is, supplied. Specifically, the power supply board 20 and the payout control board 22 are connected by a wiring 36a, and the payout control board 22 and the main board 26 are connected by a wiring 36b. At this time, the electric power transmitted from the power supply board 20 through the wiring 36a is supplied to the main board 26 through the electric circuit of the payout control board 22 and further through the wiring 36b.
[0036]
Similarly, the main board 26 and the sub-control board 28, and the sub-control board 28 and the display control board 30 are connected by wirings 36c and 36d, respectively. Power is sequentially supplied to the sub-control board 28 via the board 26 and further to the display control board 30 via the sub-control board 28. Note that the payout control board 22 and the launch control board 24 are also connected by a wiring 36e, and power is supplied to the launch control board 24 via the payout control board 22 even during this time. .
[0037]
In the present embodiment, the supply power is adjusted to low, medium, and high voltage direct current as described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the wirings 36a, 36b, For example, three power supply paths are included in 36c and 36d. The wiring 36d that connects between the sub-control board 28 and the display control board 30 may include, for example, only two systems (5V, 12V) of power supply paths.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, regarding the specific connection of the wirings 36a to 36e, all the connectors (including plugs and sockets) 37 that connect the wirings 36a to 36e to various substrates are unified to a common standard (specification).
[0039]
The sub-control board 28 is provided with a power supply monitor 38 on the above-described three power supply paths. The power supply monitor 38 has, for example, three LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c as shown in FIG. 3, and each of the LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c is provided for each of the three power supply paths. . In particular, the sub-control board 28 is not a board to be inspected by a public institution like the main board 26, but is an independent unit and is not subject to restrictions such as the inability to use surface mount components. It is suitable as an object for providing the monitor 38.
[0040]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to indicate which voltage each LED 40a, 40b, 40c corresponds to, it is preferable to attach character information (5V, 12V, 34V, etc.) to the substrate surface, for example. Such character information may be attached to the surface of a protective clear cover (not shown) of the sub-control board 28, for example.
[0041]
In the case of this embodiment, the power supply monitor 38 indicates the power supply state from the power supply board 20 to the sub-control board 28 (in this example, whether or not the power supply is normally performed) by turning on / off the LEDs 40a, 40b, 40c. Can be displayed. That is, as is apparent from FIG. 3, lighting of the LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c indicates that the power supply from the power supply board 20 to the sub-control board 28 is normally performed. Indicates that nothing has been done.
[0042]
More specifically, if any one (one or two) of LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c is extinguished, the corresponding power supply path (including wirings 30a to 36c and circuits on various boards) is disconnected. It is obvious that there is an abnormality such as. Further, if all the LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c are turned off, it becomes clear that either all the power supply paths are abnormal or the power supply board 20 is abnormal.
[0043]
Accordingly, even if an abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 1 in an extremely rare situation, if the installation / administrator of the pachinko machine 1 exposes the back surface of the pachinko machine 1 and visually observes the display on the power supply monitor 38, Can be confirmed first, so that it is easy to proceed to the repair work after that, and there is an advantage that it is easy to make a plan for repair. Alternatively, the pachinko machine 1 can be used to prevent assembly failures at the time of factory shipment.
[0044]
Further, when any of the LEDs 40a to 40c is confirmed to be turned off at the time of abnormality, the wiring 36c connected to the sub-control board 28 is removed to leave the connector (socket side) 37, and another wiring is provided there. By replacing 36a and 36b and confirming whether or not the LEDs 40a to 40c are lit, it is possible to inspect where the abnormality is in the power supply path (abnormal diagnosis). Such replacement of the wirings 36a and 36b can be performed very easily because the standard of the connector 37 is standardized as described above. In this case, it is apparent that there is no abnormality in at least the power supply path up to that in which the LEDs 40a to 40c are confirmed to be turned on when the wirings 36a and 36b are replaced with the sub-control board 28.
[0045]
Further, after the repair work, by inserting the repaired wirings 36a to 36c into the sub-control board 28 and confirming whether the LEDs 40a to 40c are lit, it is confirmed whether the repair work was appropriate. Can be confirmed.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the LED is provided on the sub-control board 28 that can be seen from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 from the viewpoint of visibility, but it is hidden behind the main board 26 when viewed from the back side of the pachinko machine 1. If part or all of the display control board 30 is in a visible position, the LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c may be provided at that position. In this case, these LEDs 40a, 40b, and 40c display the power supply state of all the power supply paths including the wiring 36d at low end, low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage, so that power is correctly supplied to all the boards. Can be confirmed.
[0047]
Further, in the present embodiment, the main board 26 is arranged next to the payout control board 22 in the order of power supply from the power supply board 20, so that the power supply board 20 and the payout control board 22 are replaced when the game board 4 is replaced. There is no need to insert or remove the wiring 36a connecting the two. For this reason, the wiring 36a is not inadvertently disconnected, the connector 37 is not damaged, or the connector 37 is not forgotten to be disconnected, and the chance of occurrence of an abnormality can be reduced.
[0048]
In the above embodiment, the payout control board 22 and the main board 26 are connected via the wiring 36b. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 1 is separately provided with the payout control board. The relay board | substrate 42 may be arrange | positioned between 22 and the main board | substrate 26. In this case, the relay board 42 is provided on the frame 2, and power is bridged from the payout control board 22 to the main board 26 via the relay board 42. Similarly, in this case, it is not necessary to insert / remove the wiring 36a that connects the power supply board 20 and the payout control board 22 when the game board 4 is replaced.
[0049]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, the power supply monitor 38 as the display means is not limited to the one using the LED lighting display, but may be another display (for example, display using an analog pointer or character display using a liquid crystal).
[0050]
In addition, various substrates, wirings, and the like shown together with the drawings as an embodiment are merely preferred examples, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to these. Further, as described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is widely applicable not only to pachinko machines but also to general gaming machines such as slot machines.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
The power supply device for a gaming machine according to the present invention can easily find an abnormal part even if an abnormality occurs, and can quickly and easily cope with it. Further, since it can be confirmed that the repair is appropriate after the repair work, the efficiency and reliability of the repair work are greatly increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a rear view of a pachinko machine.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a power supply device.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a power supply monitor.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which character information related to a power supply monitor is attached to a sub-control board.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine 2 Frame 4 Game board 20 Power supply board (Power supply part)
22 Discharge control board (load section)
26 Main board (load section, main control board)
28 Sub-control board (load section)
30 Display control board (load section)
36a, 36b, 36c, 36d Wiring (power supply path)
37 connector (common connector)
38 Power supply monitor (display means)

Claims (1)

A power supply unit that adjusts and outputs power taken from outside the gaming machine to a desired state;
  A plurality of boards that perform processing necessary for the operation of the gaming machine using the power output from the power supply unit,
  The power supply unit and each of the substrates are daisy chain connected by a replaceable connector in which the arrangement of a plurality of power supply lines having different voltages and a power supply terminal connected to each power supply line is made common, Each of the substrates located on the most downstream side with respect to the power supply direction is connected to a display means for displaying an energization state composed of LEDs to each of the power supply lines having different voltages.
  When an abnormality in the energization state is detected in the display means, in order to detect an abnormal board, a connector connected to one of the boards is separated, and the separated connector is connected to a connector on the most downstream board. A power supply device for a gaming machine, characterized in that it can be connected to and checked for an abnormally energized board.

Images