Ball locking device for unmanned billiard hall
By integrating microcontrollers, NMOS field effect tubes and relays into unmanned billiard hall ball lockers, the problems of mechanical complexity and insufficient power detection are solved, and more efficient and reliable ball management and user experience are achieved, reducing the number of technologies such as microcontrollers, and the problem of mechanical complexity and insufficient power detection is solved, thereby achieving more efficient and reliable ball management and user experience. Operating costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421147276.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing unmanned billiard hall ball lockers have problems such as complex mechanical structure, high maintenance difficulty, limited electronic control and insufficient power detection, resulting in poor equipment stability and user experience.
A ball locker with integrated microcontroller (MCU), NMOS field effect tube, relay and motor control interface is designed. It can automatically detect external power supply status, accurately control the motor, provide fault diagnosis and voice broadcast functions, and improve system reliability. and user experience.
It improves the system reliability and stability of the ball locker, reduces production and maintenance costs, provides a more intelligent and user-friendly operating experience, and ensures efficient management and safe services of the ball.
Smart Images

Figure CN222321390U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned control, in particular to a ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall. Background Art
[0002] With the advancement of science and technology and the development of automation technology, unmanned commercial venues have gradually become a reality. As a new entertainment venue, unmanned billiard halls provide customers with 24-hour uninterrupted service, and can complete the rental and return of cues and balls without human attendance. This new business model not only improves operational efficiency and reduces labor costs, but also brings customers a more convenient and personalized experience.
[0003] However, existing unmanned billiard halls have some limitations in the management and control of balls. Traditional billiard halls rely on manual management and control of ball use, which is not only inefficient but also prone to management omissions. In unmanned billiard halls, how to achieve effective management and automatic control of balls has become an urgent problem to be solved.
[0004] Most existing automatic ball lockers are mechanical in design, relying on complex mechanical structures and limited electronic control, which leads to some technical problems. First, the complexity of the mechanical structure increases the difficulty and cost of equipment maintenance. Second, limited electronic control limits the functionality and user experience of the ball locker. In addition, existing ball lockers also have shortcomings when dealing with power supply issues, such as being unable to effectively detect and respond to changes in external power supply, which may result in failure to work properly when the power supply is unstable. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall to solve the problems raised in the above background technology. The ball locker can automatically detect the external power supply status and accurately control the motor to achieve the locking and release of the ball. The ball locker of the utility model not only improves the reliability and stability of the system, but also reduces the production and maintenance costs through a simplified circuit design, while providing a more intelligent and user-friendly operating experience.
[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:
[0007] A ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall, comprising:
[0008] A power supply module for configuring the ball locker to provide a stable 25V voltage supply;
[0009] A microcontroller unit MCU for processing an external user input signal and controlling the start, stop and direction of the motor based on the signal;
[0010] At least one NMOS field effect transistor for detecting the external power supply state and providing a signal of the external power supply state to the MCU;
[0011] Two relays connected to two different power phases of the motor and controlled by the MCU to realize the forward and reverse rotation of the motor;
[0012] It also includes a motor control interface for withstanding the current surge generated when the motor starts and stops, and ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection with the motor and the convenience of maintenance;
[0013] A fault diagnosis module integrated in the MCU to monitor the status of the motor and power module in real time, and cut off the power supply and issue a warning signal when abnormal conditions are detected;
[0014] The ball locker includes a user interaction interface for receiving user input instructions and sending them to the MCU, and a communication module for realizing data exchange between the ball locker and the remote monitoring system.
[0015] Preferably, the 25V power supply module is used to provide a stable 25V voltage supply.
[0016] Preferably, the MCU receives a signal output by a switch state of the NMOS field effect tube to detect whether external power supply exists.
[0017] Preferably, the MCU controls the opening and closing of the two relays through a GPIO pin to achieve forward and reverse rotation control of the motor.
[0018] Preferably, the motor control interface is designed to withstand the current impact generated when the motor starts and stops, and ensure the reliability of wiring and the convenience of maintenance.
[0019] Preferably, the MCU is used for fault diagnosis, detecting the external power supply status, controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, and processing user input signals.
[0020] Preferably, the voice broadcast function module is used to control the broadcast of a welcome message and the opening of the ball lock when the power is on; the broadcast of a farewell message and the closing of the ball lock when the power is off; and the broadcast of a voice reminder in advance some time before the power is off.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model are:
[0022] 1) The ball locker of the utility model realizes precise control of the motor and intelligent detection of the external power supply status by integrating key technical components such as microcontroller unit (MCU), NMOS field effect tube, relay and motor control interface. In addition, the utility model also includes a fault diagnosis module and a user interaction interface, which further improves the functionality and usability of the ball locker.
[0023] 2) The ball locker of the utility model has a voice broadcast function while controlling the motor. It can broadcast welcome words and store promotions when the external power is turned on, and broadcast farewell words and missed reminders when the power is turned off. It can also broadcast power-off reminders in advance according to the customer's order time. It not only provides marketing functions for operators, but also greatly improves customer experience and avoids discomfort caused by sudden power outages.
[0024] 3) Through the utility model, unmanned billiard halls can achieve more efficient and reliable ball management, provide customers with more convenient and safe services, and also reduce operating costs and maintenance difficulties for operators. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of the control unit MCU of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the memory circuit of the present application;
[0027] Figure 3 The power amplifier U3 provided in this application is used to amplify the circuit schematic of the audio signal.
[0028] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of the voltage conversion module of the present application;
[0029] Figure 5 The circuit schematic diagram of relays K3 and K4 provided in this application;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the USB interface of this application;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a circuit schematic diagram for detecting whether an external power source exists in this application;
[0032] Figure 8 The circuit schematic diagram of the "Header8" key interface provided for this application;
[0033] Fig. 9 This is the circuit schematic of the 25V power supply provided for this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.
[0035] Power supply module: A 25V power supply module is used to provide a stable voltage supply for the ball locker to ensure the reliable operation of the motor and other electronic components.
[0036] Microcontroller unit (MCU): As the core control unit of the ball locker, it processes user input signals from sensors and controls the start, stop and direction of the motor.
[0037] NMOS field effect transistor: used to detect the external power supply status, simplifying the circuit design and improving the response speed and reliability of the system.
[0038] Relay: Two relays are controlled by MCU to realize the forward and reverse control of the motor, thereby controlling the locking and release of the ball.
[0039] Motor control interface: designed to withstand the current shock generated when the motor starts and stops, ensuring long-term stable operation of the system.
[0040] Fault diagnosis function: The MCU has a built-in fault diagnosis function that can monitor the system status in real time and issue a warning when an abnormality is detected, improving the safety and maintenance convenience of the system.
[0041] The MCU receives the level change of the NMOS field effect tube through the GPIO pin to detect the external power supply status. When the external power supply or power failure is detected, the MCU controls the relay to switch the forward and reverse rotation of the motor to lock or release the ball. The user can issue instructions through the touch screen or other input devices, and the MCU controls the corresponding action of the motor according to the instructions.
[0042] At the same time, the MCU monitors the temperature and current of the motor in real time through built-in sensors. Once an abnormality is detected, it immediately cuts off the power supply and issues a warning to prevent equipment damage.
[0043] like Figure 1-5 As shown,
[0044] Description and function of each integrated circuit (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5):
[0045] U1: Microcontroller Unit (MCU) - U1 is the core control unit of the entire circuit, responsible for processing various input signals, executing control logic and driving other circuit components. The MCU is connected to external components through multiple pins, such as USB interface, analog-to-digital converter input, etc.
[0046] Among them, power pins: The pins of U1 may be connected to the power module, such as VBAT and GND pins, which are used to provide operating voltage and ground for the MCU.
[0047] Communication interfaces: U1 has pins for SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Bidirectional Serial Bus), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), or other communication interfaces for communicating with external memory (such as U2), sensors, or other microcontrollers.
[0048] Analog output: U1 includes analog output pins (such as ADC pins) for outputting stored audio information and playing the sound through the power amplifier unit U3 and the speaker.
[0049] Digital Input / Output (GPIO): Several pins of U1 may be used as general-purpose input / output (GPIO) to read digital signals (such as button status, switch signals) or output control signals (such as driving relays, LED indicators).
[0050] Special function pins: U1 may also have pins dedicated to specific functions, such as PWM (pulse width modulation) outputs for motor speed control, or external interrupt pins for real-time event handling.
[0051] External memory interface: If U1 needs to access external memory, it may have pins for connecting to the memory chip, such as CS (chip select), MISO (master in / slave out), MOSI (master out / slave in), and SCLK (clock signal).
[0052] Debug and programming interfaces: U1 may include interfaces for debugging and programming, such as JTAG or SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interfaces, allowing developers to download programs and troubleshoot the MCU.
[0053] U2: Memory-U2 is used to store program code or data. In this circuit, it communicates with the MCU through the SPI interface, including pins such as SPI_CS (chip select), SPI_DO (data output), and SPI_CLK (clock signal).
[0054] SPI interface: U2 communicates with the MCU via the SPI interface, which is a common serial communication protocol that allows full-duplex data transmission. The SPI interface usually includes the following pins:
[0055] SPI_CS (ChipSelect): Chip select signal, used to activate a specific SPI device. When the MCU pulls this pin low, U2 is selected for communication.
[0056] SPI_DO (DataOut): Data output pin, used to send data from U2 to MCU or other SPI devices.
[0057] SPI_CLK (Clock): Clock signal pin, used to synchronize data transmission between SPI devices.
[0058] SPI_DI (DataIn): Data input pin, used to receive data from MCU or other SPI devices to U2.
[0059] Memory capacity: The memory capacity of U2 will affect its internal structure and pin configuration. For example, different memory capacities may require different numbers of address pins to access different parts of the memory.
[0060] Data bus width: The data bus width of U2 determines the amount of data that can be processed in each transmission. Common data bus widths include 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits, etc. The larger the data bus width, the larger the amount of data transmitted each time, and the higher the communication efficiency.
[0061] Storage type: U2 Flash, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile memory. These memory types can retain stored data after power is removed.
[0062] Operating voltage: The operating voltage (VDDIO) of U2 needs to be compatible with the MCU to ensure stable communication and data transmission.
[0063] Additional features: Some memory ICs may include additional features such as write protection, error detection and correction (ECC), or hot backup functions to improve data reliability and security.
[0064] Package Type: The package type of U2 (such as SOIC, TSSOP, BGA, etc.) affects its physical layout on the circuit board and how it connects to other components.
[0065] U3: Amplifier-U3 is used to amplify the audio signal and drive the speaker. It is connected to the MCU through the DAC output, receives the audio signal from the MCU, and drives the speaker through LS (speaker positive) and GND (ground).
[0066] U3 is an 8002D integrated circuit, which is an audio amplifier or other type of power amplifier. The role of the power amplifier in the circuit is to amplify the low-power audio signal in order to drive the speaker or other audio output device.
[0067] Amplification function: As a power amplifier, U3's main responsibility is to receive low-power audio signals from a signal source (such as the DAC output of an MCU) and amplify them to a level sufficient to drive the speaker.
[0068] Input pins: U3 may have one or more input pins for receiving audio signals. These input pins may include left and right channel audio inputs, or a stereo input.
[0069] Output pins: The output pins of U3 are used to send the amplified audio signal to speakers or other audio output devices. These outputs usually include positive and negative outputs to connect to the positive and negative terminals of the speaker.
[0070] Control pins: U3 may contain control pins, such as volume control, mute control, or power management functions. These control pins can be controlled by the MCU through GPIO pins to achieve volume adjustment or other audio control functions.
[0071] Power pins: U3 needs to be connected to power and ground to provide the power it needs to operate. Power pins may include positive power (VCC) and negative power (such as -VCC) pins, as well as a ground (GND) pin.
[0072] Protection features: Modern power amplifiers often include built-in protection features such as thermal protection, short-circuit protection, and overvoltage protection to prevent the amplifier and speakers from being damaged due to abnormal conditions.
[0073] Efficiency and thermal management: The design of the U3 may focus on efficiency and thermal management to reduce power consumption and heat dissipation. This may be achieved by using efficient power conversion techniques and optimized circuit layout.
[0074] U5: Voltage conversion module - U5 is a 5V voltage converter, used to power the MCU. In the 25V version, this module is necessary because the 5V needs to be converted from the 25V power supply. In the 5V version, since the external power supply is already 5V, it can directly power the MCU without this conversion module.
[0075] like Figure 6-8 As shown,
[0076] Description and functions of other interfaces (K1, K2, K3, K4, USB1):
[0077] K1: Signal line K1 is used in the circuit as a basis for judging whether the external power supply is powered, and is used to control the rotation of the motor and the playback of voice. The change of K1 can be achieved through NMOS field effect transistors to detect whether the external power supply (VIN) is present. When VIN is powered, K1 is in a low level state, otherwise it is a high level.
[0078] K2: Signal line K2 is a data interface used to determine whether the external system gives the ball locker a command signal to broadcast a voice reminder in advance that the time is about to end.
[0079] K3: Relays KA1 and KA2 are used in the circuit to control the forward and reverse rotation of the motor. K3 and K4 together control the NMOS through the signal output by the MCU, thereby driving the external motor to rotate forward or reverse. Protection diodes are placed at both ends of these relay coils and motor coils to protect peripheral devices from pulse current damage when the coils are powered off.
[0080] K4: Relays KA1 and KA2 are used in the circuit to control the forward and reverse rotation of the motor. K3 and K4 together control the NMOS through the signal output by the MCU, thereby driving the external motor to rotate forward or reverse. Protection diodes are placed at both ends of these relay coils and motor coils to protect peripheral devices from pulse current damage when the coils are powered off.
[0081] USB1: USB interface - USB1 provides connectivity to external devices in the circuit for firmware upgrades, data transfer, or communication with external devices such as computers or other controllers.
[0082] USB1 may include standard USB pins such as D+ and D- for data transfer, VBUS for power supply, and possibly an ID pin for identifying the USB device.
[0083] "Header8" may refer to a header or socket with 8 pins, used to connect different parts on the circuit board or external devices.
[0084] M+ and M-: These two symbols usually represent the input and output terminals of the motor. On "Header8", M+ and M- are used to connect the two ends of the motor to drive the motor forward or reverse.
[0085] K2: K2 is connected to the GPIO pin of the MCU or the pin of other control circuits to receive control signals and perform corresponding actions, such as controlling the start, stop or direction switching of the motor, and playing corresponding voice reminders.
[0086] Pre-BAT: On "Header8", Pre-BAT is connected to an external battery, which is used by the power adapter to charge the battery and the external battery to power the internal circuit to drive the integrated circuit to work and the motor to rotate.
[0087] Header8 is a key interface on the circuit board, used to connect key components such as power supply, battery, motor control and battery charge management. The design of this interface needs to ensure the stability and safety of electrical connection while allowing flexible circuit configuration and maintenance. To ensure the safety and reliability of the circuit, add protection components such as fuses, overvoltage protectors or current limiting resistors near "Header8".
[0088] like Fig. 9As shown, in order to avoid the influence of battery voltage on K1 signal line (whether the external power adapter has power), diode D9 is added.
[0089] In summary, the system components and their relationships are described:
[0090] MCU (U1): As the core control unit of the system, the MCU is responsible for receiving user input, processing logical decisions, and outputting control signals. It communicates with other components in the system through GPIO pins.
[0091] Memory (U2): The memory is used to store the firmware and runtime data of the MCU. The SPI interface is used for communication between the MCU and the memory.
[0092] Audio amplifier (U3): When a sound signal is required (such as a welcome or farewell message), the MCU outputs the audio signal to U3 through the DAC, and U3 amplifies the signal to drive the speaker.
[0093] Buck Converter (U5): U5 steps up the low voltage supply from the battery to the required high voltage to power the MCU and other electronic components.
[0094] Relay (KA1, KA2): The relay is responsible for controlling the start, stop and direction control of the motor.
[0095] Diodes (D9, D10): Diodes may be used to protect circuits, prevent voltage spikes from damaging sensitive components, or for other functions such as rectification. D5 / D6 / D7 / D8 are used to protect the circuit from damage caused by pulse current when the coil is powered off.
[0096] The working principle of the utility model is:
[0097] Power supply system: When the external battery has power, the external battery supplies power to the system; when the external battery has no power, if the external power adapter supplies power, it charges the battery on the one hand and supplies power to the system on the other hand; when the battery or the external power supply has power, the system starts to start.
[0098] System startup: After the system is started, the 25V voltage is used to power the system through the step-down power supply provided by U5. At the same time, it starts to detect whether the external power supply is powered through K1, and then executes the corresponding action.
[0099] Power supply detection: When the external power supply is connected, the MCU detects the presence of the external power supply through the state of K1 and starts to perform corresponding actions: K1 is high level by default. When the external power supply is powered, K1 becomes low level. When the external power supply is powered off, K1 becomes high level. When K1 is detected to be at a low level, the welcome message and promotion broadcast will start to be played, and the motor will be controlled to open the ball lock; when K1 returns to a high level, the farewell message will start to be played and the ball lock will be closed.
[0100] Reminder when the purchase time is approaching: When the purchase time is approaching, the system sends a command to the K2 signal line through the Internet of Things system. The K2 signal defaults to a high level. When it becomes a level, it starts to broadcast a voice reminder that the time is approaching.
[0101] User interaction: The user issues commands through external input devices (such as touch screens or buttons), and the MCU receives these commands and responds according to preset programs.
[0102] Motor control: According to the user's instructions, the MCU outputs control signals to K3 and K4. These control lines control relays KA1 and KA2 to close or open accordingly, controlling the start, stop and direction of the motor to lock or release the ball.
[0103] Audio feedback: While the motor is operating, the MCU may drive the speaker through U3 to issue corresponding voice prompts, such as "the ball is locked" or "the ball is released".
[0104] System monitoring: The MCU continuously monitors the system status, including battery charge, motor status, and user input. If there is an abnormality, the MCU can take measures to protect the system and may notify the user through the fault diagnosis module.
[0105] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall, characterized in that: include: A 25V power supply module for configuring the ball locker to provide a stable 25V voltage supply; A microcontroller unit MCU for processing external user input signals and controlling the start, stop and direction of the motor based on the signals; at least one NMOS field effect transistor for detecting the external power supply status and providing a signal of the external power supply status to the MCU; two relays respectively connected to two different power phases of the motor and controlled by the MCU to realize the forward and reverse rotation of the motor; a power amplifier unit for playing voice, used to play the welcome message, farewell message and end reminder voice; It also includes a motor control interface for withstanding the current surge generated when the motor starts and stops, and ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection with the motor and the convenience of maintenance; One integrated in the MCU to monitor the status of the motor and power module in real time; The ball locker includes a user interaction interface for receiving user input instructions and sending them to the MCU, and a communication interface for realizing data exchange between the ball locker and the remote monitoring system.
2. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 25V power supply module is used to provide a stable 25V voltage supply.
3. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MCU receives a signal outputted by the switch state of the NMOS field effect tube to detect whether external power supply exists.
4. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 3, characterized in that: The MCU controls the opening and closing of the two relays through the GPIO pins to achieve forward and reverse control of the motor.
5. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 4, characterized in that: The motor control interface is designed to withstand current impacts generated when the motor is started and stopped, and to ensure reliability of wiring and convenience of maintenance.
6. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MCU is used to detect the external power supply status, control the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, and process user input signals.
7. The ball locker for an unmanned billiard hall according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a voice broadcast function module, which is used to control the broadcast of welcome words and opening of the ball lock when the power is on; broadcast of farewell words and closing of the ball lock when the power is off; and broadcast of voice reminders in advance some time before the power is off.