Push button switch

Abstract

Provided is a button switch suitable for use in gaming devices and the like, which has smooth button movements and few malfunctions. A button switch, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cylinder member having a bottom surface and being open on the upper surface; a button comprising a rod and an inner cylinder member, which is accommodated inside the outer cylinder member, wherein the rod has a planar pressing portion having an enlarged peripheral portion at the top, and the inner cylinder member extends downward from the peripheral portion of the planar pressing portion on the outer side of the outer peripheral surface of the rod through a cylindrical gap; an upward force applying member, which is arranged in the cylindrical gap; and a contact switch, which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer cylinder member at a position opposite to the lower surface of the rod; and comprises a ball circulation groove, which is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member and accommodates a plurality of balls so that the plurality of balls can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member. The upward force applying member may also be equipped at the bottom of the button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a push button switch, and more particularly to a push button switch which is used appropriately in a state of being mounted on an operation panel connected to a game device via a cable and used to transmit instructions given by an operator regarding the progress of a game to the game device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in game devices equipped with a display, a game operating system connected to an operation panel via a cable is generally used, and the operation panel is equipped with an operating handle (joystick) and a button switch for giving instructions to the operator (player) regarding the progress of the game. In such a game operating system, the player instructs the progress of the game by operating the joystick or pressing the button switch according to the progress of the game.

[0003] In the attached figure Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a general example of the structure of an operation panel connected to a game device is shown. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the operating panel 1 is a thin box structure on the upper surface of which a joystick 2 and a plurality of push button switches 3 are mounted.

[0004] Figure 2 express Figure 1 The general internal structure of the push button switch 3 is shown. Figure 2 In the figure, the push button switch 3 includes: an outer tube component 4, which has a bottom surface and is open on the upper surface; a button 8, which is accommodated inside the outer tube component 4, and includes a rod 5 and an inner tube component 7, wherein the rod 5 has a surface pressing portion (pressing imparting surface) 5a at the top, and the inner tube component 7 extends downward from the peripheral portion of the surface pressing portion 5a on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 through the cylindrical gap 6; an upward force applying component (such as a coil spring) 9, which is arranged in the cylindrical gap 6 on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 of the button 8; and a contact switch 10, which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tube component 4 below the rod 5.

[0005] Moreover, in Figure 2 A locking portion 7a is formed at the lower end portion of the inner tube portion 7 of the push button switch 3, and the locking portion 7a is used to limit the rise of the inner tube portion 7 caused by the lifting force applied from the lifting force applying component 9 by engaging with the opening portion 4a formed at the lower position of the outer tube component 4.

[0006] Patent document 1 discloses a method for Figure 2A utility model of an operation button (i.e., a push button switch) for a video game machine of the same structure. The utility model disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a utility model related to a blind cover for an operation button, which prevents the operation button that becomes unnecessary from being easily operated when the program is changed during use of the video game machine, and which can easily be re-prepared when the temporarily unnecessary operation button is to be used due to another program change.

[0007] Patent document 2 also discloses a method for obtaining a device having substantially the same Figure 2 The invention of a button-type input device (i.e., a push button switch) for a game console of the same structure, but the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 is an invention of an input device in which a cover of a specific structure is attached to the push button switch to reduce the frequency of maintenance.

[0008] Incidental Figure 1 and Figure 2 The button switches of the operation panel for a game machine having the structure shown above are required to always maintain a smooth and stable operation state so that the game operator (player) can quickly and reliably play the game displayed on the display surface. For example, it is required to achieve stable and smooth switch operation regardless of changes in the operating conditions applied to the buttons by the player (operator) in a highly concentrated or highly excited state (for example, changes in the pressure applied to the buttons, changes in the angle at which the pressure is applied).

[0009] exist Figure 2 In a general push button switch of the structure shown, by pressing the planar pressing portion 5a of the button 8, the button 8 pushes away the resistance of the upward force applying member 9 and descends. As a result, the contact switch 10 is pressed, and the switch circuit (not shown) attached to the lower side of the contact switch 10 performs a switching action (opening and closing action of the electrical circuit, etc.). Therefore, due to the change in the intensity and angle of the pressing force applied to the button, there is a situation where the button descends or ascends while being slightly tilted. In such a situation, the smooth descent and ascent of the button is easily hindered. Moreover, in the case of such an unfavorable condition regarding the smooth descent and ascent of the button, it is difficult to achieve a quick and reliable indication to the game machine, so the operation panel of the game device equipped with a push button switch that is prone to such an unfavorable condition is not ideal.

[0010] Prior art literature

[0011] Patent Literature

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3001852

[0013] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-18633. Summary of the invention

[0014] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a push button switch that can realize a quick and reliable switch operation even if there are various changes in pressing conditions such as changes in the pressing angle of the button and changes in the pressing force.

[0016] Means used to solve problems

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the inventors of the present invention conducted research with the purpose of developing a push button switch capable of rapid and reliable switching operation without significantly changing the basic structure of a commonly used push button switch, and as a result, successfully developed a push button switch with a new structure described below.

[0018] The first aspect of the present invention is a push button switch (first technical solution), characterized in that it includes: an outer tube component, which has a bottom surface and is opened on the upper surface; a button, including a rod and an inner tube component, which is accommodated inside the above-mentioned outer tube component, and the rod has a surface pressing portion with an enlarged peripheral portion at the top, and the inner tube component extends downward from the peripheral portion of the surface pressing portion on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod through a cylindrical gap; an upward force applying component is arranged in the above-mentioned cylindrical gap; and a contact switch is attached to the bottom surface of the above-mentioned outer tube component at a position opposite to the lower surface of the above-mentioned rod; it includes a ball circulation groove, which is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the above-mentioned inner tube component and accommodates a plurality of balls so that the plurality of balls can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube component.

[0019] A preferred structure of the push button switch according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described below.

[0020] (1) The upper surface of the planar pressing portion provided at the top of the rod is a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod.

[0021] (2) The upper surface of the planar pressing portion provided at the top of the rod is a plane inclined with respect to the central axis of the rod.

[0022] (3) An engagement mechanism capable of temporarily engaging with the outer tube member is provided on the periphery of the planar pressing portion at the top of the rod or on the bottom of the inner tube portion.

[0023] (4) The lifting force applying member is a coil spring.

[0024] (5) The ball circulation groove includes: a ball contact movement path, which enables the ball to move in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; a ball non-contact movement path (ball return path), which enables the ball to move in a non-contact state with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; and a semicircular connecting path, which connects the respective ends of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path to each other.

[0025] (6) Three or more, preferably 3 to 6, ball circulation grooves are formed in the inner cylinder of the button.

[0026] The lifting force applying member mounted on the push button switch according to the first aspect of the present invention may be mounted on the lower part of the button instead of on the inner side of the button.

[0027] Therefore, the second aspect of the present invention is a push button switch (second technical solution), which is characterized in that it includes: an outer tube component, which has a bottom surface and is opened on the upper surface; a button, which is accommodated inside the outer tube component and has a planar pressing portion on the top; a rod, which is equipped at the bottom of the button and extends downward; an upward force applying component, which is arranged around the rod; and a contact switch, which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tube component at a position opposite to the lower surface of the rod; including a ball circulation groove, which is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the button and accommodates a plurality of balls so that the plurality of balls can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube component.

[0028] A preferred structure of the push button switch according to the second aspect of the present invention will be described below.

[0029] (1) The upper surface of the planar pressing portion provided on the top of the push button is a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod.

[0030] (2) The upper surface of the planar pressing portion provided on the top of the push button is a plane inclined with respect to the central axis of the rod.

[0031] (3) An engaging mechanism is provided at the bottom of the button, and the engaging mechanism can temporarily engage with the outer tube member.

[0032] (4) The lifting force applying member is a coil spring.

[0033] (5) The ball circulation groove includes: a ball contact movement path, which enables the ball to move in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; a ball non-contact movement path (ball return path), which enables the ball to move in a non-contact state with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; and a semicircular connecting path, which connects the respective ends of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path to each other.

[0034] (6) The button is formed with three or more, preferably 3 to 6, ball circulation grooves.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an operating panel of a gaming device, on which any of the button switches of the first and second technical solutions described above is installed.

[0036] Effects of the Invention

[0037] The push button switch of the present invention adopts a structure including a ball circulation groove, wherein the ball circulation groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder part around the rod of the button (first technical solution) or the outer peripheral surface of the button itself (second technical solution), and accommodates a plurality of balls so that the plurality of balls can perform infinite circulation in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder part. Therefore, with the help of the infinite circulation of the plurality of balls accommodated in the ball circulation groove, the switching operation brought about by the descent / ascent of the button is performed very smoothly. In addition, even due to repeated switching operations, malfunctions are less likely to occur, so it becomes a push button switch with excellent operability and reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 The following is a structural example (conventional example) of a general operation panel having a joystick and a button switch connected to a game device. Figure 1 In the figure, a push button switch is shown removed from the operation panel.

[0039] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of a structural example (conventional example) of a push button switch of a game device shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a push button switch according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 3 The front cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the push button switch. The inner cylinder, the sphere endless circulation groove, the sphere, the lifting force applying component and the contact switch are shown as front views respectively.

[0042] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 The front cross-sectional view of the structure of the push button switch in the state where the button is pressed (the switch is turned on). The inner cylinder, the sphere endless circulation groove, the sphere, the lifting force applying component and the contact switch are respectively Figure 4 Again, the illustration is a front view.

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Front cross-sectional view of a push button switch.

[0044] Figure 7 It means in Figure 3 A horizontal cross-sectional view showing the positions of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path of the ball infinite circulation groove formed in the inner cylinder of the push button switch.

[0045] Figure 8 It means in Figure 3 A horizontal cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path of the ball infinite circulation groove formed in the inner cylinder of the push button switch.

[0046] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 3 Exploded view of the components of a push button switch.

[0047] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view showing another structural example of a push button switch according to the present invention.

[0048] Fig.11 Yes means Fig.10 A perspective view of an example of a usage form (counting device) of the push button switch shown.

[0049] Fig.12 It means in Fig.11 A front partial sectional view of the operating state of a push button switch used in a counting device shown in FIG. Fig.12 (A) a push button switch indicating that the object to be counted is in contact waiting state, Fig.12 (B) A push button switch showing a state in which the push button switch is in contact with an object to be counted (counting state).

[0050] Fig.13 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The lifting force applying member used here is a coil spring.

[0051] Fig.14 This is a front cross-sectional view showing another structure of the push button switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention (using a leaf spring as the lifting force applying member). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Next, referring to the accompanying drawings Figures 3 to 14 , while explaining the push button switch of the present invention in detail.

[0053] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a push button switch 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 It is depicted to understand Figure 3 The front cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the push button switch 3. Figure 4 In the figure, the inner cylinder, the spherical infinite circulation groove, the spherical body, the lifting force applying component and the contact switch are respectively shown as front views. Figure 5Yes means Figure 3 A front cross-sectional view of the structure of the push button switch in a state where the button is pressed (the switch is turned on), with respect to the inner cylinder, the sphere infinite circulation groove, the sphere, the lifting force applying member and the contact switch, respectively. Figure 4 Again, the illustration is a front view. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Front cross-sectional view of a push button switch.

[0054] Figure 7 It means in Figure 3 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the positions of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path of the ball infinite circulation groove formed in the inner cylinder of the push button switch, Figure 8 It means in Figure 3 A horizontal cross-sectional view showing the preferred positional relationship between the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path of the ball infinite circulation groove formed in the inner cylinder of the push button switch.

[0055] The push button switch according to the first aspect of the present invention also has Figure 2 That is, the push button switch 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outer tube member 4; a button 8, including a rod 5 (refer to Figure 7 ) and the inner cylinder 7 are housed inside the outer cylinder member 4, the rod 5 has a planar pressing portion 5a (a planar pressing portion with an enlarged peripheral portion) at the top, and the inner cylinder 7 extends downward from the peripheral portion of the planar pressing portion 5a on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 through the cylindrical gap 6; the upward force applying component 9 is arranged in the cylindrical gap 6 on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 of the button 8; and the contact switch 10 is attached to the bottom surface of the outer cylinder member 4 at a position below the rod 5. Moreover, Figure 2 Similar to a general push button switch, a locking portion 7a is formed at the lower end of the inner tube portion 7 of the push button switch 3, and the locking portion 7a is used to limit the rising height of the inner tube portion 7 caused by the lifting force applied from the lifting force applying component 9 by engaging with the opening portion 4a formed at the lower position of the outer tube component 4.

[0056] The outer tube member and the button including the planar pressing portion and the inner tube member may be made of metal or synthetic resin. As the lifting force applying member, a coil spring is usually used, but a leaf spring may also be used, and a member made of other elastic materials such as rubber may also be used.

[0057] The push button switch according to the first form of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a ball circulation groove 12, which is formed on the circumferential surface of the above-mentioned inner cylinder part 7 and accommodates multiple balls 11 so that the multiple balls 11 can circulate infinitely under contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder part 4.

[0058] Preferably, the ball circulation groove 12 includes: a ball contact movement path 12a, which enables the ball 11 to rotate and move in contact with the inner circumference of the outer cylinder component; a ball non-contact movement path (ball return path) 12b, which enables the ball 11 to move in a non-contact state with the inner circumference of the outer cylinder component; and semicircular connecting paths 12c, 12d, which connect the respective ends of the ball contact movement path 12a and the ball non-contact movement path 12b to each other; preferably, more than three ball circulation grooves, especially three to six ball circulation grooves, are formed in the inner cylinder. In addition, Figures 4 to 7 The number of ball circulation grooves shown is three and formed in the inner cylinder portion 7. The ball may be a steel ball generally used as a ball bearing, or may be a ball manufactured by molding a hard or soft synthetic resin material for the purpose of weight reduction.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferred that Figure 7 As shown, the distance x between the center point of the sphere in the sphere contact moving path 12a accommodated in the sphere circulation groove 12 and the center axis of the rod 5 is greater than the distance y between the center point of the sphere 11 accommodated in the sphere non-contact moving path (ball return path) 12b and the center axis of the rod 5 (x>y). In addition, a smooth infinite circulation of the sphere 11 and a smooth movement of the button 3, i.e., a smooth descent of the pressed button 3 along the inner surface of the outer cylinder and a smooth rise of the button 3 released from being pressed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder are achieved.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferred that Figure 8 As shown, with respect to the imaginary line L connecting the center point of the spherical contact movement path 12a (the center point of the semicircular bottom) whose cross section is rectangular at the top and semicircular at the bottom and the lowest position of the spherical contact movement path 12a 1 An imaginary line L is extended from the axial center point P of the rod 5 to intersect at right angles. 2 The intersection point (imaginary line L 1 With imaginary line L 2 The intersection of 1 The distance (a) is greater than the distance L between the center point of the spherical contact movement path 12b (center point of the semicircular bottom) and the lowest position of the spherical contact movement path 12b, which has a rectangular upper portion and a semicircular bottom in cross section. 3 An imaginary line L is extended from the axial center point P of the rod 5 to intersect at right angles. 4 The intersection point (imaginary line L 3 With imaginary line L 4 The intersection of 2 The distance (b) is greater (a>b). Furthermore, it is preferred that the distance from the center point of the ball contact movement path 12a to Q 1 The distance (c) from the center point of the ball contact movement path 12b to Q2 By making such a structure, the formation of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path (ball return path) of the ball circulation groove becomes easy.

[0061] exist Fig. 9 The example of the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 3 The exploded view of the components of the push button switch. Figure 6 Front view and cross-sectional view Fig. 9 As can be understood from the exploded diagram, Figure 3 The push button switch (the first form of push button switch) is composed of the following components.

[0062] 1) The outer cylinder member 4 has a bottom surface and is open on the upper surface;

[0063] 2) a button (the button is accommodated inside the outer tube member 4), comprising a rod 5 and an inner tube portion 7, wherein the rod 5 has a planar pressing portion having an enlarged peripheral portion at the top, and the inner tube portion 7 extends downward from the peripheral portion of the planar pressing portion outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 through a cylindrical gap 6;

[0064] 3) Lifting force applying component 9 (in Fig. 9 , wherein the coil spring is disposed in the cylindrical gap 6; and

[0065] 4) The contact switch 10 is attached to the bottom surface of the outer cylinder member 4 at a position facing the lower surface of the rod 5 .

[0066] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 7 includes a ball circulation groove 12 c that can accommodate a plurality of balls 11 so that the plurality of balls 11 can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member 4 .

[0067] In addition, it is preferred that a snap-fit ​​mechanism (for example, a protrusion 7a at the bottom of the inner tube part 7 and a hole portion 4a of the outer tube part) is provided at the periphery of the planar pressing portion at the top of the rod 5 or the bottom of the inner tube part, and the snap-fit ​​mechanism can temporarily snap-fit ​​with the outer tube part.

[0068] Fig.10 An example in which the push button switch according to the present invention is configured to be suitable for use in a counting device is shown.

[0069] Should Fig.10The push button switch 3 used in the counting device shown is also equivalent to an embodiment of the push button switch according to the first aspect of the present invention, and is a push button switch including the following parts: a push button 8, which is accommodated in an outer cylinder member 4, and includes a rod 5 and an inner cylinder portion 7, wherein the rod 5 has a planar pressing portion 5a having a plane inclined relative to the axis of the push button 8 at the top, and the inner cylinder portion 7 extends downward from the peripheral portion of the planar pressing portion 5a outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 through a cylindrical gap; an upward force applying member 9, which is arranged in the cylindrical gap outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod 5 of the push button 8; and a contact switch 10, which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer cylinder member 4 at a position below the rod 5. In addition, it includes three ball circulation grooves 12, which are formed on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 7 and accommodate a plurality of balls 11 so that the plurality of balls 11 can circulate infinitely under contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member 4.

[0070] Fig.11 Yes means Fig.10 A perspective view of an example of a push button switch in use (counting device). Fig.11 In the embodiment, the push button switch 3 is used as a device that detects that the surface of the chute-shaped article supply path is opened from above (in Fig.11 The number of roller-shaped articles 14 supplied sequentially (left side in the middle) is counted by accumulating the detection results.

[0071] Fig.12 Indicates that Fig.11 A front partial sectional view of the structure of the push button switch 3 used in the counting device shown, Fig.12 (A) represents the push button switch 3 in a state of waiting for contact with the object 14 to be counted, Fig.12 (B) shows the push button switch 3 in a state of being contacted by the object 14 to be counted.

[0072] Fig.13 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 In the embodiment, the push button switch 3 includes: an outer tube member 4 having a bottom surface and an opening on the upper surface; a button 8 accommodated in the inner part of the outer tube member 4 and having a planar pressing portion on the top; a rod 13 provided at the bottom of the button 8 and extending downward; a lifting force applying member (at Fig.13 The outer tube component 4 includes a coil spring) 9 which is arranged around the rod 13; and a contact switch 10 which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tube component 4 at a position opposite to the lower surface of the rod 13; and includes a ball circulation groove 12 which is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the button 8 and accommodates a plurality of balls 11 so that the plurality of balls 11 can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube component.

[0073] Fig.14 A front cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention is also shown. Fig.14 In the embodiment, the push button switch 3 also includes: an outer tube member 4 having a bottom surface and an opening on the upper surface; a button 8 accommodated in the inner part of the outer tube member 4 and having a planar pressing portion on the top; a rod 13 provided at the bottom of the button 8 and extending downward; an upward force applying member (however, in Fig.14 The outer tube member 4 includes a leaf spring 9 which is arranged around the rod 13; and a contact switch 10 which is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tube member 4 and is opposite to the lower surface of the rod 13; the ball circulation groove 12 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the button 8 and accommodates a plurality of balls 11 so that the plurality of balls 11 can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube member.

[0074] about Fig.13 and Fig.14 The second form of the push button switch of the present invention shown in the figure is formed on the outer periphery of the button 8, and contains a plurality of balls 11 so that the plurality of balls 11 can be infinitely circulated in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member (that is, the characteristic structure of the present invention common to the first form and the second form of the present invention). Since both are common, the additional description of them is omitted. In addition, the description of the materials of each component, etc. is also omitted.

[0075] Description of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1Game console operation panel

[0077] 2 Joystick

[0078] 3-button switch

[0079] 4 Outer cylinder parts

[0080] 4a Opening

[0081] 5 strokes

[0082] 5a Surface pressing part

[0083] 6 cylindrical gaps

[0084] 7 Inner barrel

[0085] 7a Stopper

[0086] 8 buttons

[0087] 9 Lifting force applying component

[0088] 10 contact switch

[0089] 11 spheres

[0090] 12 ball circulation slots

[0091] 12a Ball contact moving path

[0092] 12b Non-contact movement of the ball

[0093] 12c, 12d semicircular connecting road

[0094] 13 strokes.

Claims

1. A push button switch, characterized in that: include: The outer tube component has a bottom surface and is opened on the upper surface; the button includes a rod and an inner tube portion, which is accommodated inside the above-mentioned outer tube component, the rod has a surface pressing portion with an enlarged peripheral portion at the top, and the inner tube portion extends downward from the peripheral portion of the surface pressing portion on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rod through a cylindrical gap; the upward force applying component is arranged in the above-mentioned cylindrical gap; and the contact switch is attached to the bottom surface of the above-mentioned outer tube component at a position opposite to the lower surface of the above-mentioned rod; it includes a ball circulation groove, the ball circulation groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the above-mentioned inner tube portion, and a plurality of balls are accommodated so that the plurality of balls can circulate infinitely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube component.

2. The push button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: An engagement mechanism capable of temporarily engaging with the outer tube member is provided on the periphery of the planar pressing portion at the top of the rod or on the bottom of the inner tube portion.

3. The push button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Three to six ball circulation grooves are formed on the inner cylinder of the button.

4. The push button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the planar pressing portion has a plane which is perpendicular or inclined to the central axis of the button.

5. The push button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting force applying member is a coil spring or a leaf spring.

6. The push button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The above-mentioned ball circulation groove includes: a ball contact movement path, which enables the ball to move in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; a ball non-contact movement path, which enables the ball to move in a non-contact state with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder component; and a semicircular connecting path, which connects the respective ends of the ball contact movement path and the ball non-contact movement path to each other.

7. An operating panel for a gaming device, characterized in that: The push button switch according to claim 1 is installed.

Images