Push button structure

Abstract: A push button structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or beverage, or of continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The push button structure has an actuatable member (11) having a manipulable portion (11a) and an outwardly extending flange (11b). A retaining member (15) is provided with an opening (15a) through which is exposed the manipulable portion (11a) of the actuatable member (11). A protrusion (15b, 15c) is formed on the inner surface of the retaining member (15) or on the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange (11b) of the actuatable member (11) to prevent the surfaces from communicating with each another over a large contact area. The reduction in the contact area reduces the strength of adhesion therebetween resulting from the contaminants.

Description: This invention relates generally to push button structures, and more particularly, to a structure for a push button switch for use with instruments or machines, particularly gaming machines. In a conventional gaming machine, such as a slot machine, the rotation of a plurality of reels is stopped in response to the actuation of push button switch by a player. The winning of a prize may be lost by a momentary delay in the operation of push button switch. Quickness in the operation of the push button switch influences the results that can be achieved in the playing of the game. It is a problem in commercial amusement centers that players wiU operate the gaming machines while foreign substances are on their hands. The foreign substances are present, for example, because the equipment is often operated while the players are eating or dunking. Thus, the operation of gaming machines, particularly the actuation of the push buttons thereof, with soiled hands results in contaminating material, such as food and beverage, entering into the gaps surrounding the actuation portion of the push button, and the push button itself being soiled. Food and beverage often are spilled directly on the push buttons of the gaming equipment. Insects are another cause of contamination of the push buttons of such machines. Insects easily enter and die in the gaps that surround the push button. These and other contaminating elements result in erratic operation of the button operation and loss of player control over the game. When it is determined that the actuation of the push button cannot smoothly be performed or its operation adequately controlled by the operator, the push button unit must be removed from the gaming machine and cleaned. Such maintenance is expensive and troublesome, and results in significant machine down time. In addition, erratic or difficult operation of the gaming machine causes the players to lose interest in the game and the gaming machine itself, resulting in loss of clientele to the gaming establishment and low utilization efficiency for the equipment. There is therefore, a need for a push button structure that is tolerant of contaminants. The prior art has thrust at this problem by providing a push button structure that has an outwardly extending flange over which is provided a retaining member. This button structure prevents some contaminating materials from entering the gap between the actuation portion of the push button and the retaining board. However, in this structure, when food or drinks spill or otherwise are deposited on the push button, the contaminants penetrate into the gap between the outwardly extending flange and the retaining member. These contaminants cause adhesion between the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the push button and the inner surface of the retaining member. Consequently, a greater magnitude of actuation force is required to be applied by the player to the actuation portion of the push button to operate the gaming equipment, resulting in difficulty for the player in controlling the game being played, early onset of fatigue, and ultimately player dissatisfaction. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a push button structure that is tolerant of food and/or beverage spills thereon, and of the effects of players that play with soiled hands. US-A-5,545,866 discloses a push button switch structure in accordance with the pre-characterising portion of claim 1. The switch is intended for an automotive control panel and is susceptible to being stuck in position by paint applied during the manufacturing process. To avoid this a flange on the actuatable member is provided with pointed spacers which form point contacts with the rear surface of the control panel thus avoiding the actuatable member sticking to the panel. According the present invention there is provided a push button structure comprising: an actuatable member having a manipulable portion for receiving an axial actuation force and an outwardly extending flange that projects from the manipulable portion, the actuatable member being displaceable between first and second axial positions in response to the actuation force; a retaining member having an opening through which is exposed the manipulable portion of the actuatable member; and a contact surface reducing portion formed on a selected one of the inner surface of the retaining member and the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the actuatable member, for forming a small contact surface area between the actuatable member and the retaining member; characterised by: a guide tube coupled to and extending axially from said actuatable member; and a support member having a recess therein for accommodating the tube and a protuberance arranged to engage inside said guide tube for controlling the direction of motion of said actuatable member between said first and second portions. Such reduction in the contact area results in diminished adhesion between these parts when food, beverage or other contaminant has been spilled thereon. The protrusion forms a space between the retaining member and the outwardly extending flange which serves to separate one from the other. Therefore, if food or drink spills onto the push button structure, the outwardly extending flange will not readily adhere to the retaining member. As a result, impairment of the functionality of the push button structure in response to contamination is minimised. In one embodiment the support element has a recess for accommodating the tube. In embodiments of the invention where the protrusion is formed continuously along the periphery of the opening, the actuating force that is applied to the manipulable portion of the actuatable member is distributed equally throughout the outwardly extending flange and the retaining member. Thus, even if the contaminants cause the protrusion to adhere to the outwardly extending flange, only a slight force is required to separate these portions from each other. In embodiments where a tip is arranged to project from the top surface of the protrusion, the area of contact between the outwardly extending flange and the retaining member is correspondingly decreased. In one embodiment, the outwardly extending flange is formed intermediate of the manipulable portion and the tube. Additionally, a switching element which initiates a change in response to movement of the actuatable member functions directly or indirectly to produce an electrical response responsive to the pushing of the manipulable portion. The actuatable member is restored to its original position after being pushed and released by the operator by restoring force of a resilient element, such as a spring. The supportive guide element is disposed within a recess in a support element. With the invention the support element is inserted into the core space of the tube of the actuatable member. In this manner, the inner surface of the tube faces the external face of the supporting guide element, so that both surfaces are isolated from the contamination from the outside. Therefore, if an operator spills food or beverage, such contaminants will not enter therebetween. In addition, as previously noted, the protuberance functions as a guide for the movement of the actuatable member. In this regard, the space between the internal surface of the tube and the external surface of the protuberance may be adjusted to effect a stable movement of the actuatable member, eliminating vibration. When a considerably large amount of space is provided between the outer surface of the tube and surface of the recess where protuberance engages with the tube of the actuatable member, any food or beverage that is spilled on the push button assembly, or any other contamination that would pass through the space to the bottom of the recess, will not disturb the operation of the push button structure. A switching arrangement, illustratively in the form of a photoelectric system, will provide an electrical response to the actuation of the actuatable member. In a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, a photo-sensor arrangement provides an optical path that is interrupted in response to the movement of the actuatable member. In other embodiments, conductive switching contacts can be employed. Thus, the push button structure of this invention can produce an effective switching action. In embodiments of the invention where a penetration aperture is formed through the core of the protuberance, a lighting member such as a light- emitting diode, is positioned in the actuatable member through the penetration aperture of the protuberance to illuminate the manipulable portion. The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which:- Fig. 1 is an isometric representation of an illustrative push button structure constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Fig. 2 is an isometric representation of the push button structure of Fig. 1, with the retaining member removed therefrom; Fig. 3 is an isometric representation of the underside of the retaining member, Fig. 4 is a partially cross-sectional plan representation of the retaining member of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an isometric representation of the actuatable member of the push button embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is cross-sectional plan representation of the retaining member engaged with the actuatable member of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a partially cross-sectional representation of a conventional retaining member, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional representation of the conventional retaining member of Fig. 7 and the actuatable member of Fig. 5 engaged therewith; Fig. 9 is a partially cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing additional internal structural elements; Fig. 10 is a partially fragmented isometric representation illustrating elements of structure that perform the switching function; Fig. 11 is an isometric representation of a further embodiment of an actuatable member of a push button in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 12 is cross-sectional representation of the retaining member and the actuatable member of Fig. 11. Fig. 1 is an isometric representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the push button structure of the present invention. As shown in this figure, a push button structure 10 has three actuatable members 11 in the form of push buttons, each such push button having a manipulable portion 11a. A box-shaped supporting member 13 accommodates the actuatable members, and a retaining member 15 overlies and covers the supporting member 13. Switching arrangement (not shown in this figure) is contained within the supporting member 13, as will be described below in detail. Fig.2 is an isometric representation of the push button structure of Fig. 1 with the retaining member removed therefrom. This figure illustrates the portion of the supporting member that underlies the retaining member. As shown, each actuatable member 11 has an outwardly extending flange 11b expanding horizontally below its respectively associated the manipulable portion 11a and is installed on the supporting member 13. Accordingly, when assembled for use, the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b communicates with the inner surface of the retaining member 15 (not shown in this figure). Fig. 3 is an isometric representation of the retaining member 15 showing the underside thereof. As shown in this figure, the retaining member 15 has three openings 15a therethrough arranged to register with respective actuatable members 11 to expose the manipulable portions 11a of the actuatable members 11. Additionally, the retaining member 15 has respective continuous narrow protrusions 15b projecting along the periphery of each opening 15a. Fig. 4 is a partially cross-sectional representation of the retaining member 15 showing one of the openings 15a therethrough in greater detail. A tip 15c is projecting from inner peripheral edge of the protrusion 15b. Fig. 5 is an isometric representation of the actuatable member 11. As shown, the actuatable member 11 has a substantially cylindrical portion 11c, substantially in the form of a tube, and arranged to extend beneath outwardly extending flange 11b. Additionally, there is shown in this figure a light path shut-off portion 11d that is shaped as a protuberance that projects downward from the inner surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b. The operation of this light path shut-off portion will be described below in detail. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional plan representation of the retaining member 15 engaged with the actuatable member 11. This figure illustrates the manner in which the outwardly extending flange 11b of the actuatable member 11 communicates with the underside (inner surface) of the retaining member 15. In this figure, the continuous protrusion 15b communicates with the outer (upper) surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b of each actuatable member via tip 15c which projects from the continuous protrusion 15b along the inner periphery of the opening 15a. As can be seen, only the tip 15c communicates with the outer (upper) surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b of the actuatable member 11 in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, even if this portion were to become contaminated by food, beverage, or other contaminants, so as to acquire an adhesive characteristic, the region over which such adhesion would occur is very narrow, and therefore only a very slight force is required to be applied on the manipulable portion 11a to effect separation of the peripheral edge from the outwardly extending flange. Fig. 7 is a partially cross-sectional representation of opening 15a' through a conventional retaining member 15'. In this retaining member, there is not provided a protrusion formed on the inner surface thereof. Therefore, in this arrangement, the total area of the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b of the actuatable member 11 is in contact with the inner surface of the retaining member 15' as shown in the cross-sectional representation of Fig. 8. When any portions of the communicating surfaces become contaminated, as previously mentioned, adhesion takes place over the surface areas in contact. In this arrangement, a significant actuation force is required to be applied to separate the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b from the inner surface of the retaining member 15'. Thus, push button operation cannot be performed smoothly. Fig.9 is a partially cross-sectional representation of a structure that has been constructed to effect a switch function. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the actuatable member 11, the support element 13,and a retaining member 15, are configured as described hereinabove. The actuatable member 11 is shown to be provided with a light path shut-off portion 11d, which as previously described in connection with Fig. 5, is configured as a protuberance that project downward (inward) from the inner surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b. The support element 13 is shown in Fig. 9 to have a recess 13b in which the substantially cylindrical portion 11c of the actuatable member 11 readily is accommodated. A protuberance 13d projects upward (outward) from the bottom central region of recess 13b. Additionally, the support element has an aperture 13c that accommodates the light shut-off portion 11d of the actuatable member 11. The light shut off portion is shown to be inserted through the aperture 13c. The outside diameter of protuberance 13d is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion 11c. When the manipulable portion is pushed, the substantially cylindrical portion 11c can be translated smoothly along the protuberance 13d without vibration. The protuberance functions as a guide for the movement of actuatable member 11. The substantially cylindrical portion 11c is shown to be surrounded by a coil spring 17 and disposed directly over the protuberance 13d in the recess 13b of the support element 13. The light shut-off portion 11d is inserted through the aperture 13c. The retaining member 15 limits the outward extent that the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b travels. The actuatable member 11 is retained by the retaining member 15 in an outward most condition in response to the restoring force applied by the coil spring 17. Fig. 10 is an isometric representation of a base 20 equipped with members which fulfill a switching function by movement of the light shut-off portion 11d of the actuatable member 11 in the above-mentioned push button structure. As shown, the base 20 is equipped with a U-shaped photo-sensor 22 that forms an optical path between portions 22a and 22b. These portions, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, function as photodiode and photo-sensor, respectively. The optical path (not specifically designated) is between portions 22a and 22b. For sake of clarity of the description, a necessary wiring is not shown, and may be provided on the underside of the base 20. When the light shut-off portion 11d enters between the portions 22a and 22b, the optical path is interrupted. In addition, the base 20 may, in some embodiments of the invention, be provided with a lighting member, such as a light-emitting diode 24 which illuminates the push button from the underside thereof. In the above-mentioned structure, when the manipulable portion 11a of the actuatable member 11 is pushed down against the force of the coil spring 17, the light shut-off portion 11d of the actuatable member 11 also moves downward to interrupt and thereby shut off the optical path of the photo-sensor 22. A corresponding electrical signal (not shown) is produced by the photo-sensor 22. When the actuation force is eliminated, the actuatable member 11 returns to its former position in response to the restoring force of the coil spring 17, and the light shut- off portion 11d moves upward. The electrical signal from the photo-sensor 22 returns to its original condition. Thus, the light shut-off portion and photo-sensor 22 constitute a switching arrangement that is synchronized with movement of the push button. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the recess 13b of the support element 13 has an inner diameter which is significantly larger than the outside diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion 11c. In this embodiment, the coil spring 17 is accommodated in this extra space, but the significant additional space remains. Such additional space is useful for contaminants, such as food, drink, dead insects that enter therein to pass to the bottom of the recess 13b. In a still further embodiment, a plurality of outlet apertures (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 13b. Contaminants such as food and drink are discharged through such outlets. As shown in Fig.9, the protuberance 13d has a penetration aperture 13e extending through its core, the protuberance 13c which is projecting from the center of bottom surface of the recess 13b of the supporting member 13. In a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the lighting member 24 is inserted therethrough to illuminate the actuatable member 11. When the manipulable portion 11a is pushed, the actuatable member 11 is moved downward. During the movement of the actuatable member, the protuberance 13d, as previously noted, serves as a guide and ensures stability during the movement of the actuatable member 11. In some embodiments of the invention, the switching portion of the arrangement may include electrical contacts, such as a leaf switch, wherein the electrical terminals are urged into, or out of, electrical communication in response to the actuation of the push button. Alternatively, a protrusion may be formed on the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the actuatable member, instead of on the inner surface of the retaining member of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig. 11 is an isometric representation of a further embodiment of the invention. As shown, an actuatable member 11' constitutes the push button structure of this invention. The actuatable member 11' is provided with a manipulable portion 11a', an outwardly extending flange 11b', a substantially cylindrical portion 11c' and a light shut off portion 11d', all of which are similar to corresponding elements described hereinabove with respect to the actuatable member 11. In the actuatable member 11', however, a continuous narrow protrusion 11e' is formed on a periphery of outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b'. Fig. 12 is a partially cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of the invention wherein the outwardly extending flange 11b' of the actuatable member 11' is retained by the conventional retaining member 15'. The continuous protrusion 11e' prevents the inner surface of the retaining member 15' and the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange 11b' of the actuatable member 11' from communicating over a large contact area, thereby precluding them from adhering each other.

Claims: A push button structure comprising: an actuatable member (11) having a manipulable portion (11a) for receiving an axial actuation force and an outwardly extending flange (11b) that projects from the manipulable portion (11a), the actuatable member (11) being displaceable between first and second axial positions in response to the actuation force; a retaining member (15) having an opening (15a) through which is exposed the manipulable portion (11a) of the actuatable member (11); and a contact surface reducing portion (15b, 15c, 11e') formed on a selected one of the inner surface of the retaining member (15) and the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange (11b) of the actuatable member (11), for forming a small contact surface area between the actuatable member (11) and the retaining member (15); characterised by : a guide tube (11c) coupled to and extending axially from said actuatable member (11); and a support member (13) having a recess (13b) therein for accommodating the tube (11c) and a protuberance (13d) arranged to engage inside said guide tube (11c) for guiding the motion of said actuatable member (11) between said first and second positions. The push button structure of claim 1, wherein the contact surface reducing portion (15b, 15c, 11e') comprises a protrusion (15b) arranged to surround the opening (15a) of the retaining member (15) when the actuatable member (11) is in the first position. The push button structure of claim 2, wherein a tip (15c) is arranged to project from the protrusion (15b). The push button structure of claim 1, wherein the contact surface reducing portion (15b, 15c, 11e') comprises an edge (11e') that projects from the contact surface reducing means (15b, 15c, 11e') and is tapered in cross-section. A push button structure according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising switch means (11d, 22) for producing a variation in an electrical condition in response to the actuatable member (11) being pushed; and a resilient restoration element (17) for applying a restoration force that restores the actuatable member (11) to an original position after same is pushed and released. The push button structure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protrusion (15b) is formed to surround continuously the opening (15a) of the retaining member (15). The push button structure of any one of claims I to 6, wherein the protuberance (13d) is provided with an aperture (13e) in its core oriented in the direction of movement of the actuatable member (11). The push button structure of claim 7, wherein there is further provided illumination means (24) arranged in the aperture (13e) for illuminating the manipulable portion (11a) of the actuatable member (11). The push button structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is further provided; light path interruption means (11d) coupled to the actuatable member (11); and photo-sensor switching means (22) for forming a light path, the light path being interrupted by the light path interruption means (11d) in response to the actuatable member (11) being pushed. The push button structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protuberance (13d) is surrounded by a recess (13b) loosely accommodating the guide tube (11c) of the actuatable member (11). The push button structure of claim 1, wherein the contact surface reducing portion comprises a protrusion (11e') arranged to surround the outwardly extending flange (11b') of the actuatable member 11').

Inventors: SUGIHARA REIJI, SUGIHARA, REIJI
Applicants: ARUZE CORP, ARUZE CORPORATION
Application year: 1998
Main classification: H01H3
IPC codes: H01H13, H01H9, H01H3