JP6507871B2 - Power supply circuit and game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply circuit and a gaming machine utilizing such a power supply circuit.

  In the gaming machine, a power supply circuit that monitors the load current supplied to the load circuit and determines that an overcurrent flows when the load current is equal to or greater than a predetermined detection value, and stops the current supply to the load circuit. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 describes a power supply circuit capable of setting a two-stage overcurrent detection value of a first overcurrent detection value and a second overcurrent detection value larger than the first overcurrent detection value. The power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1 detects an overcurrent by the first overcurrent detection value when the elapsed time since the power is turned on exceeds a predetermined time and the output voltage supplied to the load is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage. I do. In addition, the power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1 has a maximum value of inrush current (also referred to as rush current) at the time of power supply startup at the time of startup before the elapsed time after power on exceeds the predetermined time. Overcurrent detection is performed based on a second overcurrent detection value which is a relatively large detection value. The power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1 can prevent the overcurrent detection function from malfunctioning due to the inrush current by setting the second overcurrent detection value to be equal to or more than the maximum value of the inrush current at the time of power supply startup. .

JP, 2005-323413, A

  However, in the power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1, a relatively small overcurrent such as an overcurrent due to a short circuit (hereinafter also referred to as a rare short) caused by dust or the like entering the inside of the gaming machine and adhering to the electric wiring. It is not easy to detect In the power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1, since the overcurrent detection value at startup is relatively increased to the maximum value of the inrush current at startup of the power supply, detecting the overcurrent attributable to the rare short at startup is Can not. In addition, if the overcurrent detection value in the normal operation is reduced to enable detection of the overcurrent caused by the rare short, the overcurrent detection function may malfunction due to the fluctuation of the current due to the steady operation of the gaming machine. For this reason, the power supply circuit described in Patent Document 1 can not detect an overcurrent caused by a rare short even during steady operation of the gaming machine.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply circuit capable of detecting a relatively small overcurrent due to a rare short or the like.

  In order to achieve the above object, a power supply circuit according to one aspect of the present invention is a power supply circuit that supplies power to a load circuit provided in a game machine, and is a rectifier that converts input AC into DC. A switching circuit that connects between the circuit and the rectifier circuit and the load circuit when in the on state, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit when in the off state, and when the switching circuit is in the on state A load current detection circuit that detects a load current flowing from the rectifier circuit to the load circuit, and a first comparison circuit that is connected to the load current detection circuit and that outputs a first overcurrent signal when the load current is equal to or greater than a first threshold And the load current detection circuit is connected to the load current detection circuit, and the load current is equal to or higher than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value between the time when the alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit and the predetermined start-up time elapses; Output an over current signal A third overcurrent signal, connected to the second comparison circuit and the load current detection circuit, when the load current is smaller than the first threshold and larger than the third threshold for a predetermined continuous time, Connected to the first comparison circuit, the second comparison circuit, and the third comparison circuit to output the first overcurrent signal or the third overcurrent signal, or the second overcurrent signal And an overcurrent control circuit which turns off the switching circuit in response to continuous input for a predetermined duration.

  Further, in the power supply circuit, the overcurrent control circuit is connected to the first comparison circuit and the second comparison circuit, and measures a time for which the input of the first overcurrent signal or the second overcurrent signal is continued. And a switch control circuit connected to the duration time-counting circuit and outputting an off instruction signal indicating turning off when the time duration time-counting circuit reaches the duration time, to the switching circuit. Is preferred.

  Further, in the power supply circuit, the first comparison circuit changes the first threshold voltage corresponding to the first threshold in response to the input of the load prediction signal for predicting the fluctuation of the load current; It is preferable to have a first comparator that compares the detected voltage corresponding to the load current with the first threshold voltage and outputs a first overcurrent signal when the load current is equal to or higher than the first threshold voltage.

  Further, in the power supply circuit, the second comparison circuit compares the detected voltage corresponding to the load current with the second threshold voltage corresponding to the second threshold, and when the detected voltage is equal to or higher than the second threshold voltage A second comparator that outputs a current signal, and a startup time counting circuit that counts a time from when an alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit, and outputs a startup time elapsed signal when the counted time passes the startup time; It is connected to the second comparator and the start time clock circuit, and when the second overcurrent signal is input before the start time elapsed signal is input, the second overcurrent signal is output and the start time elapse signal is input. It is preferable to have a disabling circuit that does not output the second overcurrent signal when the second overcurrent signal is input after the second overcurrent signal is input.

  Further, in the power supply circuit, the third comparison circuit compares the detected voltage corresponding to the load current with the third threshold voltage corresponding to the third threshold, and outputs a reset signal when the detected voltage is lower than the third threshold voltage. A third comparator that outputs, a pulse generation circuit that outputs a pulse signal at a predetermined pulse cycle, and a third comparator and a pulse generation circuit are connected to count the number of pulse signal inputs and receive a reset signal. It is preferable to have a counter that resets the count number when it is turned on, and a high current state determination circuit that is connected to the counter and outputs a third overcurrent signal when the count number becomes equal to a predetermined count threshold. .

  Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine includes a load circuit, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the load circuit, a rectifier circuit for converting input AC into DC, and an ON state. A switching circuit that connects between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit when in the off state, and from the rectifier circuit to the load circuit when the switching circuit is in the on state A load current detection circuit that detects a flowing load current, a first comparison circuit that is connected to the load current detection circuit and that outputs a first overcurrent signal when the load current is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and a load current detection circuit And outputs a second overcurrent signal when the load current is equal to or greater than a second threshold smaller than the first threshold after the alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit and until the predetermined startup time elapses. Second comparison circuit and load current And a third comparison circuit connected to the detection circuit and outputting a third overcurrent signal when the load current is smaller than the first threshold and larger than the third threshold for a predetermined continuous time and larger than the third threshold. Connected to the first comparison circuit, the second comparison circuit, and the third comparison circuit, and the first overcurrent signal or the third overcurrent signal is input, or the second overcurrent signal continues for a predetermined duration. And a power supply circuit having an overcurrent control circuit which turns off the switching circuit in response to continuous input.

  The power supply circuit according to the present invention has the effect of being able to detect a relatively small overcurrent due to a rare short or the like.

It is a circuit block diagram of the power supply circuit concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit shown in FIG. 1, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short does not flow; (b) is an overcurrent due to the rare short at startup; It is a figure which shows the state which flows, (c) is a figure which shows the state through which the overcurrent resulting from a rare short flows at the time of regular operation of a game machine. It is a circuit block diagram of the power supply circuit concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an internal circuit of a threshold value changing circuit 51 shown in FIG. 3; 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit shown in FIG. 3; It is a circuit block diagram of the power supply circuit concerning a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit shown in FIG. 6, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short does not flow; (b) is a cause due to the rare short during steady operation of the gaming machine Is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent flows. It is a schematic perspective view of the ball game machine provided with the power supply circuit which concerns on embodiment or a modification. It is a schematic rear view of the ball game machine shown in FIG.

(Summary of power supply circuit according to the present invention)
Hereinafter, a power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The power supply circuit compares the load current flowing in the load circuit with a first threshold and a second threshold smaller than the first threshold used only at start-up, when the load current is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and The load current is cut off when the state of two or more thresholds continues for a predetermined duration. In addition, the power supply circuit compares the load current flowing in the load circuit with a third threshold smaller than the first threshold and larger than the second threshold, and determines that the load current is greater than the third threshold. When continuing for a continuous time, interrupt the load current. Although this power supply circuit uses a relatively small second threshold for detection of overcurrent at startup, it shuts off the load current when a state where the load current is equal to or higher than the second threshold continues for a predetermined duration. Therefore, there is no risk of malfunction due to inrush current at the time of start-up that flows instantaneously. Therefore, in this power supply circuit, it is possible to determine whether the load current includes an overcurrent by using the second threshold at the start-up time when the magnitude and fluctuation of the load current are small. Further, it can be determined that the load current includes an overcurrent when the load current is greater than the third threshold during the steady operation for a predetermined continuous time. As described above, in this power supply circuit, a relatively small overcurrent due to a rare short or the like can be detected at both the startup and the steady operation.

(Configuration of Power Supply Circuit According to First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a power supply circuit according to the first embodiment.

  The power supply circuit 1 includes a switch 11, a rectification circuit 12, a smoothing capacitor 13, a load current detection circuit 14, a switching circuit 15, a first comparison circuit 16, a second comparison circuit 17, and an overcurrent control circuit. And 18). The power supply circuit 1 converts alternating current input from the commercial power supply 90 into direct current, and supplies the converted direct current to the load circuit 91. The load circuit 91 is provided in the gaming machine, and various electric circuits and electronic devices including a presentation control circuit 92 that controls various display devices and the like by controlling the display device etc. (not shown) with the power supplied from the power supply circuit 1. Etc.

The switch 11 is an electromagnetic switch in one example, and turns on / off an electrical connection between the commercial power supply 90 to which one end is connected and the rectifier circuit 12 or the like to which the other end is connected. When the switch 11 is turned on, the commercial power supply 90 supplies an alternating current to the rectifier circuit 12 and the like. When the switch 11 is opened, the switch 11 stops the supply of alternating current from the commercial power supply 90 to the rectifier circuit 12 and the like. The rectifier circuit 12 rectifies the alternating current input from the commercial power supply 90 and outputs the rectified alternating current to the smoothing circuit 4. The rectifier circuit 12 is a bridge rectifier circuit in one example, and is a full-wave synchronous rectifier circuit in another example. The smoothing capacitor 13 smoothes the current input from the rectifier circuit 12 and supplies the load current _IL to the load circuit 91.

The load current detection circuit 14 includes a detection resistance element 19 and an amplification circuit 20, and is disposed between the smoothing capacitor 13 and the load circuit 91. The detection resistance element 19 is connected between the smoothing capacitor 13 and the load circuit 91, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the load current I _L flowing from the rectifier circuit 12 to the load circuit 91 via the smoothing capacitor 13 to the amplifier circuit 20. . The amplification circuit 20 is also referred to as a current detection amplifier or a current sense amplifier, and outputs a detection voltage V _D obtained by amplifying a voltage input from the detection resistance element 19 to the first comparison circuit 16 and the second comparison circuit 17. The amplification circuit 20 is, in one example, a differential amplification type operational amplifier.

In one example, the load current detection circuit 14 outputs a detection voltage V _{D of} 1 V when the load current I _L is 1 A. Therefore, the detection voltage V _D when the load current I _L is 2A becomes 2V, the detection voltage V _D when the load current I _L is 10A becomes 10V.

  The switching circuit 15 is disposed between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91, and connects between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91 when in the on state, and when the switch circuit 15 is in the off state. Disconnect the connection between In one example, switching circuit 15 has a source connected to rectifier circuit 12, a drain connected to load circuit 91, and a gate connected to overcurrent control circuit 18, and is turned on in response to a signal from overcurrent control circuit 18. It includes an nMOSFET that switches to the off state. Switching circuit 15 also includes a relay that switches on and off according to a signal from overcurrent control circuit 18 in another example. Switching circuit 15 is turned on when an on instruction signal that is a “Hi” signal is input from overcurrent control circuit 18, and an off instruction signal that is a “Low” signal is input from overcurrent control circuit 18. When it is off.

The first comparison circuit 16 includes a first comparator 21 and a first diode 22. The first comparison circuit 16 compares the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L with the first threshold voltage V _TH1 to detect the detection voltage V _D Is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage V _TH1 , the first overcurrent signal is output. In the first comparator 21, the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L is input from the amplification circuit 20 to one input terminal, and the first threshold voltage V _TH1 is input to the other input terminal. The first threshold voltage V _TH1 is generated by a constant voltage source such as an emitter follower circuit in one example. When the detected voltage V _D is lower than the first threshold voltage V _TH1, a signal of “Low” is output from the output terminal of the first comparator 21, and the detected voltage V _D is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage V _TH1 The first overcurrent signal, which is a signal of “Hi”, is output. The anode of the first diode 22 is connected to the output terminal of the first comparator 21, and the signal output from the output terminal of the first comparator 21 is output from the cathode.

The second comparison circuit 17 has a second comparator 31, a start timing circuit 32, an output invalid circuit 33, and a second diode 34. The second comparison circuit 17 compares the detected voltage V _D according to the load current I _L with the second threshold voltage V _TH2 lower than the first threshold voltage V _TH1 , and since the power supply circuit 1 is activated, the predetermined activation is performed. The second overcurrent signal is output when the detected voltage V _D is equal to or higher than the second threshold voltage V _TH2 while the time elapses.

In the second comparator 31, the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L is input from the amplification circuit 20 to one input terminal, and the second threshold voltage V _TH2 is input to the other input terminal. The second threshold voltage V _TH2 is a voltage lower than the first threshold voltage V _TH1 , and in one example, is generated by a constant voltage source such as an emitter follower circuit as in the first threshold voltage V _TH1 . When the detected voltage V _D is lower than the second threshold voltage V _TH2, a signal of “Low” is output from the output terminal of the second comparator 31, and the detected voltage V _D is greater than or equal to the second threshold voltage V _TH2 The second overcurrent signal, which is a signal of “Hi”, is output.

  The start-up timing circuit 32 has a time constant circuit such as an RC circuit in one example, and is connected to the switch 11. When the switch 11 is turned on and an alternating current is input from the commercial power supply 90 via the switch 11, the start-up clock circuit 32 starts a clocking operation. The start-up clocking circuit 32 counts the time from when the commercial power supply 90 and the rectifier circuit 12 are connected by starting the clocking operation according to the input of alternating current. When the predetermined activation time has elapsed from when the commercial power supply 90 and the rectifier circuit 12 are connected, the activation clocking circuit 32 indicates that the measured time has exceeded the predetermined activation time. Are output to the output disabling circuit 33. The activation time is 2 seconds in one example. The output invalid circuit 33 outputs the signal output from the output terminal of the second comparator 31 to the anode of the second diode 34 when the startup time elapsed signal is not input from the startup clock circuit 32. Further, when the start time elapsed signal is input from the start time counting circuit 32, the output invalid circuit 33 sets the “Low” signal of the second diode 34 regardless of the signal output from the output terminal of the second comparator 31. Output to the anode. The output disabling circuit 33 is, in one example, a FET whose gate is connected to the output terminal of the start-up timing circuit 32, whose source is grounded, and whose drain is connected to the output terminal of the second comparator 31 and the anode of the second diode 34. The second diode 34 has an anode connected to the output terminals of the second comparator 31 and the output disabling circuit 33, and outputs a signal output from the output terminal of the first comparator 21 from the cathode.

The output terminal of the first comparator 21 and the output terminal of the second comparator 31 are both connected to the input terminal of the overcurrent control circuit 18 via the first diode 22 and the second diode 34 respectively. When the detection voltage V _D is lower than the first threshold voltage V _{TH1 and} higher than the second threshold voltage V _TH2 , the first comparator 21 outputs a “Low” signal and the second comparator 31 outputs a “Hi” signal. Output Since the first diode 22 becomes reverse biased and cuts off the forward current, the potential on the anode side of the first diode 22 becomes “Low” and the potential on the cathode side becomes “Hi”. The signal of "Hi" is input to the input terminal of. Similarly, when the potential on the anode side of the second diode 34 becomes "Low" and the first comparator 21 outputs a signal "Hi" which is a first overcurrent signal, the second diode 34 becomes reverse biased and A signal of “Hi” is input to the input terminal of the current control circuit 18.

The overcurrent control circuit 18 includes a duration time measuring circuit 41, a latch circuit 42, a switch control circuit 43, and a light emitting circuit 44. The duration time measuring circuit 41 has a time constant circuit such as an RC circuit in one example, and a time from when any of the first overcurrent signal and the second overcurrent signal which is a signal of "Hi" is input. The timer circuit 42 outputs a trigger signal to the latch circuit 42 when a predetermined duration time has elapsed. The predetermined duration is 100 ms in one example, but may be longer than the time when the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L is higher than the second threshold voltage V _TH2 when the inrush current flows at the time of startup. That is, the predetermined duration may be longer than the load current I size is not smaller than the second threshold value corresponding to the second threshold voltage V _TH2 time _L when rush current flows.

  The latch circuit 42 is, for example, a flip flop in which a signal of “Hi” is input to the D terminal and a trigger signal is input to the CK terminal. The latch circuit 42 outputs an “Low” signal to the switch control circuit 43 and the light emission circuit 44 when an alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit 12 and continues to output a “Low” signal until a trigger signal is input. . In addition, when the trigger signal is input, the latch circuit 42 causes the output signal to transition from “Low” to “Hi”, and thereafter continues to output the “Hi” signal until the AC is not input to the rectifier circuit 12 .

  The switch control circuit 43 is connected to the switch 11 and the latch circuit 42. The switch control circuit 43 switches the ON instruction signal, which is a signal of “Hi”, when an alternating current is input from the commercial power supply 90 via the switch 11 and a signal of “Low” is input from the latch circuit 42. Output to Further, when the alternating current is input from the commercial power supply 90 and the signal of “Hi” is input from the latch circuit 42, the switch control circuit 43 outputs an off instruction signal, which is a “Low” signal, to the switching circuit 15.

Emitting circuit 44 includes an LED element in one example, by emitting a signal of "Hi" is input from the latch circuit 42, that the load current I _L is likely to include over-current caused by the short circuit not Display on the illustrated operator.

(Operation of Power Supply Circuit According to First Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit 1. FIG. 2 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short does not flow, and FIG. 2 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short flows at startup. c) is a diagram showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short flows during steady operation of the gaming machine. In FIG. 2 (a) ~2 (c) , the horizontal axis represents an elapsed time, the vertical axis represents the load current I _L. Further, in FIG. 2 (a) ~2 (c) , each of the one-dot chain line and two-dot chain line, the switching circuit 15 power supply circuit 1 is determined to include an overcurrent load current I _L caused by the short circuit Indicates the threshold for turning off. The alternate long and _short dash line indicates a first threshold when the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L exceeds the first threshold voltage V _{TH1. The} alternate long and two short dashes line indicates the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L is a second threshold The second threshold when the voltage V _TH2 is exceeded is shown. Waveforms 201 to 203 show an example of the load current I _{L in} each state.

  First, with reference to FIG. 2A, a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short or the like does not flow will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 2A, a rare short circuit does not occur in the load circuit 91 during the steady operation of the gaming machine after the power supply circuit 1 is activated.

When the switch 11 is turned on, a relatively a large current inrush current flows from the rectifier circuit 12 of the power supply circuit 1 over a time t ₁₁ to the load circuit 91. When the switch 11 is turned on, the start-up clocking circuit 32 starts clocking operation. Beyond the detection voltage V _D of load current I _L is shown by two-dot chain line by inrush current threshold indicating that exceeds the second threshold voltage V _TH2, the second comparator 31, first a signal "Hi" 2 The overcurrent signal is output to the duration time measuring circuit 41 via the second diode 34. When the second overcurrent signal is input, the duration time counting circuit 41 starts the time counting operation. However, the time the inrush current exceeds the threshold value represented by t _12, counting up since an example is sufficiently shorter than the duration of the continuous time measuring circuit 41 is 100 ms to time, duration counting circuit 41 duration before, the detection voltage V _D becomes lower than the second threshold voltage V _TH2. When the detection voltage V _D becomes lower than the second threshold voltage V _TH2 , the second comparator 31 stops the output of the second overcurrent signal, and the duration time counting circuit 41 ends the timing.

When the activation time switch 11 are shown in t ₁₃ after being turned elapses, start counting circuit 32 outputs a start time signal to output disable circuit 33, the output disable circuit 33 a signal "Low" second Output to the anode of the diode 34. The output invalidation circuit 33 outputs a “Low” signal to the anode of the second diode 34, whereby the second comparison circuit 17 outputs the anode of the second diode 34 regardless of the detection voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L. Voltage is fixed at "Low". Even when the detection voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold voltage V _TH2 by fixing the voltage of the anode of the second diode 34 to “Low”, the second comparison circuit 17 , Not output the second overcurrent signal. Thus, the threshold of the load current I _L increases to a current corresponding to the first threshold value indicated by the one-dot chain line.

Since the load circuit 91 consumes little power until the load circuit 91 starts controlling the operation of the gaming machine after the time shown by t ₁₄ has elapsed, the load current _IL is relatively as shown by the arrow A. It is small and the fluctuation of the load current I _L is also small. When the load circuit 91 with time represented by t ₁₄ starts operation control of the gaming machine, the load current I _L, it becomes larger than the consumption current during start indicated by the arrow A, the load current I _L Fluctuation also increases.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2B, a state where an overcurrent due to a rare short flows at the time of start-up will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 2B, a rare short circuit occurs in any of the load circuits 91 before the switch 11 is turned on.

When the switch 11 is turned on, an inrush current flows from the rectifier circuit 12 of the power supply circuit 1 to the load circuit 91. The inrush current at this time is larger than the inrush current in the state shown in FIG. 2A because it includes an overcurrent due to a rare short. When the switch 11 is turned on, the start-up clocking circuit 32 starts clocking operation. Then, at a higher threshold value indicating that the detected voltage V _D of load current I _L is shown by two-dot chain line by the inrush current is the second threshold voltage V _TH2, the second comparator 31 is a signal of "Hi" The second overcurrent signal is output to the duration time measuring circuit 41 via the second diode 34. When the second overcurrent signal is input, the duration time counting circuit 41 starts the time counting operation.

From switch 11 is turned on, even when no inrush current flows are passed the time represented by t _21, the load current I _L, to include an overcurrent due to short circuit, indicated by the two-dot chain line It becomes more than the threshold. Because the load current I _L is equal to or greater than the threshold indicated by the two-dot chain line, the second comparator 31 continues to output to the continuation time measuring circuit 41 of the second over-current signal, the duration time counting circuit 41 continues the time measurement .

Continuation time measuring circuit 41, the counts over the duration represented by t _22, and outputs a trigger signal to the latch circuit 42. When the trigger signal is input, the latch circuit 42 causes the signal output to the switch control circuit 43 and the light emission circuit 44 to transition from “Low” to “Hi”. When AC is input from the commercial power supply 90 and a signal of “Hi” is input from the latch circuit 42, the switch control circuit 43 outputs an off instruction signal, which is a “Low” signal, to the switching circuit 15. The switching circuit 15 is turned off when the off instruction signal is input, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91. When the switching circuit 15 cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91, the load current _IL does not flow.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2C, a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short flows during steady operation of the gaming machine will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 2C, a rare short circuit occurs in any of the load circuits 91 during the steady operation of the gaming machine.

The operation from the insertion of the switch 11 to the start of the steady operation of the gaming machine is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 2 (a). That, t ₃₁ ~t ₃₄ in FIG. 2 (c), corresponding to each of t ₁₁ ~t ₁₄ in FIG. 2 (a). Since the operation from the insertion of the switch 11 to the start of the steady operation of the gaming machine has been described with reference to FIG. 2A, the detailed description is omitted here.

At the time point indicated by arrow B, when a rare short occurs, by including an overcurrent resulting from the rare short, the detected voltage V _D indicated by the one-dot chain line with the load current I _L is that the first threshold voltage V _TH1. It becomes more than the 1st threshold which shows. When the detection voltage V _D becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold voltage V _TH1 , the first comparator 21 outputs a first overcurrent signal, which is a signal of “Hi”, to the duration time measuring circuit 41 via the first diode 22. . When the second overcurrent signal is input, the duration time counting circuit 41 starts the time counting operation.

Continuation time measuring circuit 41, the counts over the duration represented by t _35, and outputs a trigger signal to the latch circuit 42. When the trigger signal is input, the latch circuit 42 causes the signal output to the switch control circuit 43 and the light emission circuit 44 to transition from “Low” to “Hi”. When AC is input from the commercial power supply 90 and a signal of “Hi” is input from the latch circuit 42, the switch control circuit 43 outputs an off instruction signal, which is a “Low” signal, to the switching circuit 15. The switching circuit 15 is turned off when the off instruction signal is input, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91. When the switching circuit 15 cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91, the load current _IL does not flow.

(Operation effect of the power supply circuit according to the first embodiment)
The power supply circuit according to the first embodiment stops the supply of the load current to the load circuit when it detects that the power supply circuit according to the first embodiment is continuously input for a duration longer than the time when the inrush current flows. There is no risk of stopping the supply of load current due to inrush current. Since the power supply circuit according to the first embodiment does not have the possibility of stopping the supply of the load current due to the inrush current, it is determined whether the load current is normal or not at the time of start-up with relatively small magnitude and fluctuation of the load current. be able to. The power supply circuit according to the first embodiment can determine whether the load current is normal or not at the time of start-up where the magnitude and fluctuation of the load current are relatively small. Small abnormal current can also be detected.

  For example, in the power supply circuit according to the first embodiment, when the load current at startup is less than 1 A and the load current at steady operation is about 10 A, the load current at 1 A or more at the startup is It can be set to a detectable value. As a result, when the load current flows at 1 A or more at the time of startup, it is determined that the current is abnormal and the supply of the load current to the load circuit can be stopped. It can prevent ignition.

(Configuration of Power Supply Circuit According to Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a power supply circuit according to a second embodiment.

  The power supply circuit 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the power supply circuit 1 according to the first embodiment in that the first comparison circuit 50 including the threshold value changing circuit 51 is disposed instead of the first comparison circuit 16. The components of the power supply circuit 2 other than the first comparison circuit 50 have the same configurations and functions as the components of the power supply circuit 1 according to the first embodiment to which the same reference numerals are attached. Do.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an internal circuit of the threshold value changing circuit 51. As shown in FIG.

The threshold value changing circuit 51 includes an input terminal 52, an output terminal 53, a switching transistor 54, a first resistance element 55, a second resistance element 56, and a third resistance element 57. The threshold changing circuit 51 changes the value of the first threshold voltage V _TH1 output from the output terminal 53 to the first comparator 21 in accordance with the state determination signal input from the effect control circuit 92 to the input terminal 52. Can.

The effect control circuit 92 outputs two state determination signals of a first state determination signal and a second state determination signal to the threshold value changing circuit 51. The effect control circuit 92 outputs the first state determination signal when the gaming ball is not in the winning opening and is in the non-winning state, and the gaming ball is winning in the winning opening and the normal effect such as a big hit lottery A second state determination signal is output when in a winning state in which different special effects are executed. Load current I _L of the winning status, since the various special effect is executed by controlling the display device or the like (not shown), is expected to be greater than the load current I _L of the non-winning status. Each of the first state discrimination signal and the second state determination signal, a load prediction signal for predicting the variation of the load current I _L.

The switching transistor 54 is a bipolar transistor, the base is connected to the input terminal 52, the emitter is connected to the power supply voltage, and the collector is connected to one end of the first resistance element 55. When the first state determination signal is input from the effect control circuit 92 to the input terminal, the switching transistor 54 is turned off without flowing the base current and the emitter current. Further, when the second state determination signal is input from the effect control circuit 92 to the input terminal, the switching transistor 54 flows a base current and an emitter current to be turned on. The other end of the first resistance element 55 is connected to the output terminal 53 together with one end of the second resistance element 56 and the one end of the third resistance element 57. The other end of the second resistance element 56 is connected to the power supply voltage, and the other end of the third resistance element 57 is grounded. In the threshold value changing circuit 51, the first threshold voltage when the switching transistor 54 is turned on is a first threshold voltage when the switching transistor 54 is turned off by connecting the first resistance element 55 and the second resistance element 56 in parallel. It becomes higher than the threshold voltage V _TH1 .

(Operation of Power Supply Circuit According to Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit 2 in the state where the overcurrent due to the rare short circuit does not flow. The operation in the state where the overcurrent caused by the rare short or the like flows is the same as the operation of the power supply circuit 1 described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, and therefore the detailed description is omitted here. 5, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the vertical axis represents the load current I _L. Further, in FIG. 5, each of the one-dot chain line and two-dot chain line, the load current I _L is the threshold for the switching circuit 15 determines that includes an overcurrent due to short circuit overcurrent control circuit 18 is in the OFF state Show. The alternate long and _short dash line indicates a first threshold when the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L exceeds the first threshold voltage V _{TH1. The} alternate long and two short dashes line indicates the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L is a second threshold The second threshold when the voltage V _TH2 is exceeded is shown. The waveform 501 shows an example of the load current I _L.

The operation from the insertion of the switch 11 to the start of the steady operation of the gaming machine is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 2 (a). That is, t ₄₁ to t ₄₄ in FIG. 5 correspond to each of t ₁₁ to t ₁₄ in FIG. 2 (a). Since the operation from the insertion of the switch 11 to the start of the steady operation of the gaming machine has been described with reference to FIG. 2A, the detailed description is omitted here.

At the time point indicated by arrow C when the start time shown by t ₄₃ has elapsed since the switch 11 was turned on, the start clocking circuit 32 outputs a start time elapsed signal to the output invalid circuit 33 and the output invalid circuit 33 “Low” signal is output to the anode of the second diode 34. Thus, as described with reference to FIG. 2 (a), the threshold value of the load current I _L increases to a current corresponding to the first threshold value indicated by the one-dot chain line. Here, since the gaming ball has not won the winning opening, the effect control circuit 92 outputs a first state determination signal to the threshold value changing circuit 51.

When it is detected that the gaming ball has won the winning opening at the time indicated by the arrow D, the effect control circuit 92 outputs a second state determination signal to the threshold value changing circuit 51. The switching transistor 54 of the threshold value changing circuit 51 is turned on when the second state determination signal is input. By playing ball switching transistor 54 is turned on in response to the prize to the winning opening, a first threshold voltage V _TH1 rises in response to the load current I _L increases by executing the special effect caused by the prize.

(Operation effect of the power supply circuit according to the second embodiment)
In the power supply circuit according to the second embodiment, a state determination signal according to the operating state of the gaming machine is input from a control circuit that controls the operation of the gaming machine. The power supply circuit according to the second embodiment can change the first threshold voltage used for the overcurrent detection in the steady operation according to the input state determination signal. The power supply circuit according to the second embodiment changes the first threshold voltage according to the input state determination signal to detect the detection sensitivity during steady operation of a relatively small abnormal current such as an overcurrent caused by a rare short. Can be improved.

  For example, in the power supply circuit according to the second embodiment, when the load current in the non-winning state is about 2 to 3 A and the load current in the winning state is about 10 A, the first threshold voltage for non-winning state corresponds to 5 A The first threshold voltage in the winning state can be set to a voltage corresponding to 13A. As a result, when the load current flows 5A or more in the winning state, it is determined that the current is abnormal and the supply of the load current to the load circuit can be stopped. Therefore, a game machine with a relatively small overcurrent due to a rare short etc. Can be prevented from firing.

(Configuration of Power Supply Circuit According to Third Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a power supply circuit according to a third embodiment.

  The power supply circuit 3 according to the third embodiment is different from the power supply circuit 1 according to the first embodiment in that a third comparison circuit 60 is additionally disposed. The constituent elements of the power supply circuit 2 other than the third comparison circuit 60 have the same configurations and functions as the constituent elements of the power supply circuit 1 according to the first embodiment to which the same reference numerals are given. Do.

The third comparison circuit 60 includes a third comparator 61, a pulse generation circuit 62, a counter 63, a high current state determination circuit 64, and a third diode 65. The third comparator circuit 60 is connected to the load current detection circuit 14 compares the third threshold value V _TH3 of difference from the load current I _L and the first threshold value V _TH1 and second threshold value V _TH2, the load current I _L A third overcurrent signal is output when it is greater than the third threshold V _TH3 for a predetermined continuous time. In the third comparator 61, the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L is input from the amplification circuit 20 to one input terminal, and the third threshold voltage V _TH3 is input to the other input terminal. The third threshold voltage _VTH3 is lower than the first threshold voltage _{VTH1 and} higher than the second threshold voltage _VTH2 , and is generated by a constant voltage source such as an emitter follower circuit in one example. When the detected voltage V _D is higher than the third threshold voltage V _TH3, a signal of “Low” is output from the output terminal of the third comparator 61, and the detected voltage V _D is less than or equal to the third threshold voltage V _TH3 The reset signal which is a signal of “Hi” is output to

  The pulse generation circuit 62 has a time constant circuit such as an RC circuit in one example, and is connected to the switch 11. The pulse generation circuit 62 generates and outputs a pulse signal at a predetermined pulse cycle while an alternating current is input from the commercial power supply 90 via the switch 11. The predetermined pulse period is one second in one example. The counter 63 is connected to the third comparator 61 and the pulse generation circuit 62, counts the count number at which the pulse signal is input, and resets the count number when the reset signal is input. The high current state determination circuit 64 is connected to the counter 63. When the count number counted by the counter 63 becomes equal to a predetermined count threshold, the high current state determination circuit 64 reaches a continuous time specified by multiplication of the pulse period of the pulse generation circuit 62 and the count number of the counter 63. It is determined that When the high current state determination circuit 64 determines that the continuous time defined by multiplication of the pulse period of the pulse generation circuit 62 and the count number of the counter 63 has been reached, the high current state determination circuit 64 outputs a third overcurrent signal which is a "Hi" signal. Do. The predetermined count threshold is 120 in one example. The third diode 65 has an anode connected to the output terminal of the high current state determination circuit 64, and outputs a signal output from the output terminal of the high current state determination circuit 64 from the cathode to the duration time measurement circuit 41.

The operation of the third comparison circuit 60 will be described by taking the case where the predetermined pulse cycle is 1 second and the predetermined count threshold is 120 as an example. In this case, the continuous time defined by the multiplication of the pulse period of the pulse generation circuit 62 and the count number of the counter 63 is 120 seconds. The third comparison circuit 60 outputs a third overcurrent signal when the detection voltage V _D maintains a voltage larger than the third threshold voltage V _TH3 for 120 seconds. On the other hand, when the detection voltage V _D falls below the third threshold voltage V _TH3 according to the decrease of the load current I _L in 120 seconds, the third comparison circuit 60 resets the count number, Does not output an over current signal.

(Operation of Power Supply Circuit According to Third Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply circuit 3 during steady operation. FIG. 7A is a view showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short does not flow, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a state in which an overcurrent due to a rare short flows in a steady operation of the gaming machine. . In FIG. 7 (a) ~7 (b) , the horizontal axis represents an elapsed time, the vertical axis represents the load current I _L. Further, in FIG. 7 (a) ~7 (b) , one-dot chain line extending parallel to the transverse axis, each of the broken lines and broken lines two points, to include an overcurrent load current I _L caused by the short circuit power supply circuit 2 shows a threshold value which turns the switching circuit 15 off as determined. The alternate long and _short dash line indicates a first threshold when the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L exceeds the first threshold voltage V _{TH1. The} alternate long and two short dashes line indicates the detected voltage V _D corresponding to the load current I _L is a second threshold The second threshold when the voltage V _TH2 is exceeded is shown. In addition, a dashed line indicates a third threshold when the detection voltage V _D according to the load current I _L exceeds the third threshold voltage V _TH2 . Waveform 701-702 shows an example of the load current I _L of each state.

In the state shown in FIG. 7 (a), layer short is not generated, load current I _L transitions between the first threshold and the second threshold value. As shown by the arrows E and F, etc., there are cases where the load current I _L in accordance with the operation of the load circuit 91 exceeds the third threshold value. However, the time when the load current I _L exceeds the third threshold has not reached the continuous time defined by the multiplication of the pulse period of the pulse generation circuit 62 and the count of the counter 63 in the third comparison circuit 60. The comparison circuit 60 does not output the third overcurrent signal.

In the state shown in FIG. 7B, a rare short occurs at a point indicated by the arrow G. Although the load current I _L transitions between the first threshold and the second threshold even after the occurrence of the rare short, the load current _IL has a higher voltage than the third threshold voltage V _TH2 over the continuous time indicated by t _51. Become. The third comparator circuit 60, when the load current I _L over the course of the continuous time has a higher voltage than the third threshold voltage V _TH2, outputs a third overcurrent signal to the duration timer circuit 41 of the overcurrent control circuit 18 Do.

The duration time measuring circuit 41 outputs a trigger signal to the latch circuit 42 when it counts over the duration indicated by t ₅₂ . When the trigger signal is input, the latch circuit 42 causes the signal output to the switch control circuit 43 and the light emission circuit 44 to transition from “Low” to “Hi”. When AC is input from the commercial power supply 90 and a signal of “Hi” is input from the latch circuit 42, the switch control circuit 43 outputs an off instruction signal, which is a “Low” signal, to the switching circuit 15. The switching circuit 15 is turned off when the off instruction signal is input, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91. When the switching circuit 15 cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit 12 and the load circuit 91, the load current _IL does not flow.

(Operation effect of the power supply circuit according to the third embodiment)
The power supply circuit according to the third embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the load current of the gaming machine constantly fluctuates during steady operation, and there is always a point where the load current decreases between a few minutes and a few tens of minutes. That is, in the power supply circuit according to the third embodiment, when the load current at the time of steady operation of the gaming machine is larger than the third threshold for a predetermined continuous time, the load current includes an overcurrent due to a rare short. judge. Thereby, the power supply circuit according to the third embodiment can improve the detection sensitivity of the abnormal current at the time of the steady operation.

  For example, when the load current in the non-winning state is about 2 to 3 A and the load current in the winning state is about 10 A, the third threshold voltage is set to a voltage corresponding to 3 A, and the continuous time is 120 The pulse duration and count can be set to be seconds. By setting the third threshold voltage, pulse period, and count number in this manner, it is determined that the load current includes an overcurrent due to a rare short when a current larger than 3 A flows for a continuous time of 120 seconds. can do.

(Modification of detection device according to the embodiment)
In the power supply circuits 1 to 3, any of the first to third overcurrent signals is output to the latch circuit 42 via the duration time-counting circuit 41, but the first and third overcurrent signals are It may be output directly to the latch circuit 42 without passing through the duration time measuring circuit 41.

  In the power supply circuit 2 according to the second embodiment, the threshold value changing circuit 51 switches the first threshold voltage between two voltage levels in accordance with the state determination signal input from the effect control circuit 92. In such a power supply circuit, the first threshold voltage may be switched between three or more voltage levels.

(Example of mounting the power supply circuit according to the embodiment to a game machine)
The power supply circuit according to the above-described embodiment or modification may be mounted on a game machine such as a ball game machine or a reel game machine.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a ball game machine 100 provided with a power supply circuit according to the above embodiment or modification. FIG. 9 is a schematic rear view of the ball and ball game machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the ball-and-ball game machine 100 is provided from the upper part to the most part of the central part, and the ball receiving part disposed below the game board 101 and the game board 101 which is the gaming machine main body 102, an operation unit 103 having a handle, and a display device 104 provided substantially at the center of the game board 101.

  In addition, the ball and ball game machine 100 has a fixed part portion 105 disposed below the game board 101 on the front surface of the game board 101 between the game board 101 and the fixed part portion 105 for the purpose of playing a game. And a movable part 106 disposed. Further, a rail 107 is disposed on the side of the game board 101. Further, on the game board 101, a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) and at least one winning device 108 are provided.

  The operation unit 103 shoots the gaming ball with a predetermined force from a launch device (not shown) according to the amount of rotation of the handle by the operation of the player. The launched game balls move upward along the rails 107 and fall between the many obstacle nails. Then, when it is detected by a sensor (not shown) that the gaming ball has entered any of the winning devices 108, the main control circuit 110 provided on the back of the gaming board 101 is a predetermined one corresponding to the winning device 108 containing the gaming balls. The individual game balls are paid out to the ball receiving unit 102 through a ball payment device (not shown). Furthermore, the main control circuit 110 causes the display device 104 to display various images via the effect control circuit 111 provided on the back of the game board 101.

  The movable role part 106 is an example of a movable body that moves according to the state of the game, and is driven by the movable body drive device 112 provided on the back of the game board 101. When the gaming machine 100 has a movable body other than the movable part 106, for example, when the movable body having a variable opening size is provided at the opening of the winning device 108, the movable body is also: It may be driven by the movable body drive device 112.

  The power supply circuit 113 according to the above embodiment or the modification thereof uses the supplied electric power, such as the main control circuit 110, the effect control circuit 111, the movable body drive device 112, the display device 104, the launcher and the ball dispenser. Power is supplied to each load circuit of the gaming machine that operates.

  Thus, those skilled in the art can make various modifications within the scope of the present invention according to the embodiment to be implemented.

1 to 3, 113 power supply circuit 11 switch 12 rectification circuit 13 smoothing capacitor 14 load current detection circuit 15 switching circuit 16 first comparison circuit 17 second comparison circuit 18 over current control circuit 60 third comparison circuit 90 commercial power supply 91 load circuit 92, 111 Effect control circuit 100 ball and ball game machine (game machine)

Claims (6)

A power supply circuit for supplying power to a load circuit provided in a gaming machine, comprising:
A rectifier circuit that converts the input alternating current into direct current;
A switching circuit that connects between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit in the on state, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit in the off state;
A load current detection circuit that detects a load current flowing from the rectifier circuit to the load circuit when the switching circuit is in the on state;
A first comparison circuit connected to the load current detection circuit and outputting a first overcurrent signal when the load current is greater than or equal to the first threshold value;
When the load current is equal to or greater than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the load current detection circuit is connected to the load current detection circuit and the alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit and a predetermined start-up time elapses , A second comparison circuit that outputs a second overcurrent signal,
The load current is connected to the detection circuit, when the load current is greater than the third threshold value larger than the small and the second threshold value than the first threshold value for a predetermined continuous time, outputs a third overcurrent signal The third comparison circuit to
It is connected to the first comparison circuit, the second comparison circuit and the third comparison circuit, and the first overcurrent signal or the third overcurrent signal is input, or the second overcurrent signal is a predetermined one. An overcurrent control circuit that turns off the switching circuit in response to continuous input for a duration time;
A power supply circuit characterized by having. The overcurrent control circuit is
A duration time-counting circuit connected to the first comparison circuit and the second comparison circuit and measuring a time during which the input of the first overcurrent signal or the second overcurrent signal continues;
A switch control circuit connected to the duration time measuring circuit and outputting an off instruction signal indicating that the off state is to be brought into effect when the time duration measured by the duration time measuring circuit reaches the duration time; ,
The power supply circuit according to claim 1, comprising: The first comparison circuit is
A threshold value changing circuit that changes a first threshold voltage corresponding to the first threshold value in response to the input of a load prediction signal that predicts a change in the load current;
A first comparator that compares a detected voltage corresponding to the load current with the first threshold voltage and outputs a first overcurrent signal when the detected voltage is equal to or higher than the first threshold voltage;
The power supply circuit according to claim 1, comprising: The second comparison circuit is
A second comparator that compares a detected voltage corresponding to the load current with a second threshold voltage corresponding to the second threshold, and outputs a second overcurrent signal when the detected voltage is higher than the second threshold voltage; ,
A start-up time measuring circuit that measures a time after the alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit, and outputs a start-up time elapsed signal when the measured time passes the start-up time;
The second overcurrent signal is connected to the second comparator and the start time timing circuit, and the second overcurrent signal is output when the second overcurrent signal is input before the start time elapsed signal is input, A disabling circuit that does not output the second overcurrent signal when the second overcurrent signal is input after the startup time elapsed signal is input;
The power supply circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: The third comparison circuit is
A third comparator that compares a detected voltage corresponding to the load current with a third threshold voltage corresponding to the third threshold and outputs a reset signal when the detected voltage is less than or equal to the third threshold voltage;
A pulse generation circuit that outputs a pulse signal at a predetermined pulse cycle;
A counter connected to the third comparator and the pulse generation circuit to count the number of counts to which the pulse signal is input, and to reset the number of counts when the reset signal is input;
A high current state determination circuit connected to the counter and outputting the third overcurrent signal when the count number becomes equal to a predetermined count threshold value;
The power supply circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: The load circuit,
A power supply circuit for supplying power to the load circuit;
A rectifier circuit that converts the input alternating current into direct current;
A switching circuit that connects between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit in the on state, and cuts off the connection between the rectifier circuit and the load circuit in the off state;
A load current detection circuit that detects a load current flowing from the rectifier circuit to the load circuit when the switching circuit is in the on state;
A first comparison circuit connected to the load current detection circuit and outputting a first overcurrent signal when the load current is greater than or equal to the first threshold value;
When the load current is equal to or greater than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the load current detection circuit is connected to the load current detection circuit and the alternating current is input to the rectifier circuit and a predetermined start-up time elapses , A second comparison circuit that outputs a second overcurrent signal,
The load current is connected to the detection circuit, when the load current is greater than the third threshold value larger than the small and the second threshold value than the first threshold value for a predetermined continuous time, outputs a third overcurrent signal The third comparison circuit to
It is connected to the first comparison circuit, the second comparison circuit and the third comparison circuit, and the first overcurrent signal or the third overcurrent signal is input, or the second overcurrent signal is a predetermined one. A power supply circuit having an overcurrent control circuit which turns off the switching circuit in response to continuous input for a duration time;
A game machine characterized by having:

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