Push-button for game machine

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10957499-B2
Application number	US-201916554167-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 28, 2019
Priority date	Sep 13, 2018
Publication date	Mar 23, 2021
Grant date	Mar 23, 2021

Abstract

To achieve a push-button for a game machine, capable of maintaining excellent waterproof performance and having excellent operability even when a large amount of liquid is spilled, or even when liquid is spilled while the push-button is pressed. A push-button for a game machine includes: an elastic body provided in a flange shape integrally with a key top with an outer periphery of the key top and having an outer end held between a base and a bezel; and a discharge path that communicates with a space partitioned by the key top, the bezel, and the elastic body and discharges liquid having entered the space to the outside.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A push-button for a game machine, the push-button comprising:
a base;
a button body supported by the base so as to be pressable;
a spring component disposed between the base and the button body and configured to return the button body pressed;
a frame having, inside, an opening through which a central portion of the button body moves in a pressing direction, the frame covering an outer periphery of the button body from an opposite side of the base and being fixed to the base;
an elastic body provided over an entire circumference of the button body and configured to be held between the base and the frame to prevent a liquid from entering an inside of the base; and
a discharge path configured to communicate with a space partitioned by the button body, the frame, and the elastic body, the discharge path being configured to discharge the liquid entering the space to the outside.

2. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge path includes
a recess formed in an area in the frame, the area being in contact with an outer end of the elastic body, and
a groove portion formed in a location in the base, the frame, or both, the location corresponding to the recess.

3. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a first rib formed on a surface of an outer end of the elastic body on the frame side; and
a first rib receiving groove that is formed in the frame and in which the first rib is fitted.

4. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 3 , further comprising:
a second rib formed on a surface of an outer end of the elastic body on the base side; and
a second rib receiving groove that is formed in the base and in which the second rib is fitted.

5. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

6. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a pressing detector which is disposed in the pressing direction of the button body and detects that pressing of the button body; and
a press portion formed integrally on the elastic body and contacting a sensor of the pressing detector upon the pressing of the button body.

7. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising, on a frame-side surface of the elastic body,
a slope that becomes lower toward the discharge path.

8. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising
an air hole formed on the base and configured to allow air to flow into and out of the base.

9. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 2 , further comprising:
a first rib formed on a surface of an outer end of the elastic body on the frame side; and
a first rib receiving groove that is formed in the frame and in which the first rib is fitted.

10. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 9 , further comprising:
a second rib formed on a surface of an outer end of the elastic body on the base side; and
a second rib receiving groove that is formed in the base and in which the second rib is fitted.

11. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 2 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

12. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 3 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

13. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 4 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

14. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 9 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

15. The push-button for a game machine according to claim 10 , further comprising
a click generator formed integrally on the elastic body and configured to give a click feeling by deforming upon pressing of the button body.

Assignees

• Omron Tateisi Electronics Co

Inventors

• Sumi Masaaki
• Onitsuka Hiroyuki
• Agata Takehiro

Classifications

• H01H13/06 Primary

  Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings · CPC title

• G07F17/3216

  Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects · CPC title

• G07F17/3209 Primary

  Input means, e.g. buttons, touch screen · CPC title

• H01H2223/004

  Evacuation of penetrating liquid · CPC title