IP Library › Granted Patent US 10,957,499
Granted Patent B2
US 10,957,499 · App. 16/554,167 · Granted Mar 23, 2021

Push-button for game machine

Inventors: Masaaki Sumi (Gifu, JP); Hiroyuki Onitsuka (Gifu, JP); Takehiro Agata (Aichi, JP)
Assignee: Omron Corporation
H01H13/06G07F17/3209
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,957,499
App. No.
16/554,167
Granted
Mar 23, 2021
Kind
B2
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.

Claims (41)

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.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 25, 2019
From: SUMI, MASAAKI; ONITSUKA, HIROYUKI; AGATA, TAKEHIRO
To: OMRON CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 050488/0287 →
Priority Claims (1)
JP JP2018-171785 · Sep 13, 2018 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20200090882A1 · Mar 19, 2020