Force feedback module and gamepad

Abstract

The application provides a force feedback module and a game handle, wherein the force feedback module comprises a positioning support, a limiting shaft is arranged on the positioning support, a trigger key, the upper end of the trigger key is rotationally connected to the limiting shaft, a force feedback gear set, the force feedback gear set comprises an arc-shaped gear rack fixed to the lower end of the trigger key, a gear set meshing with the arc-shaped gear rack, and a driving member for driving the gear set to rotate, when the trigger key moves around the limiting shaft under the action of external force, the trigger key drives the arc-shaped gear rack to move, the displacement of the arc-shaped gear rack drives the gear set to rotate, and the driving member starts and provides a feedback force opposite to the rotating direction of the gear set. The application can adopt different resistance modes in different application modes, and can increase user experience and the authenticity of scene simulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of game controller technology, and more specifically, to a force feedback module and a game controller equipped with the force feedback module. Background Technology

[0002] Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two major hot fields in recent years, both showing promising development trends and application prospects. At the same time, many virtual reality and augmented reality devices have emerged, such as game controllers.

[0003] Currently, when using a game controller, users trigger the trigger button with their fingers. Force feedback to the trigger button can enhance the user experience during gameplay, such as in shooting scenarios. However, the design of existing force feedback modules can no longer meet users' unique needs for button feedback force. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a force feedback module and a game controller to solve the problem that existing force feedback modules cannot meet the unique needs of users for button feedback force.

[0005] The force feedback module provided by the present invention includes: a positioning bracket with a limiting shaft on the positioning bracket; a trigger key with its upper end rotatably connected to the limiting shaft; and a force feedback gear set, including an arc-shaped rack fixed to the lower end of the trigger key, a gear set meshing with the arc-shaped rack, and a driving component for driving the gear set to rotate. When the trigger key is subjected to an external force and moves around the limiting shaft, the trigger key drives the arc-shaped rack to move, and the displacement generated by the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to rotate. The driving component is activated and provides a feedback force opposite to the rotation direction of the gear set.

[0006] In addition, the optional technical solution also includes a base; a positioning bracket is set on the base, and a limiting post is set on the base to limit the movement stroke of the trigger key; a reset strip is set on the trigger key, and a reset spring is set between the limiting post and the reset strip, the reset spring being used to drive the pressed trigger key back to the initial position.

[0007] In addition, in the optional technical solution, the reset bar and the trigger key are integrally formed, and the joint between the reset bar and the trigger key is rotatably connected to the limit shaft; the limit post is located between the trigger key and the reset bar.

[0008] In addition, in an optional technical solution, the reset bar and the side wall of the trigger button are set at an acute angle.

[0009] In addition, in an optional technical solution, the reset spring is in a stretched state and limited between the reset bar and the limiting post.

[0010] In addition, in the optional technical solution, the gear set includes a main gear meshing with an arc-shaped rack, a first transmission gear meshing with the main gear, a second transmission gear coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear, and a non-circular gear meshing with the second transmission gear; wherein, the rotating shaft of the non-circular gear is fixed on the output shaft of the drive component.

[0011] In addition, in the optional technical solution, during the trigger button pressing process, the arc-shaped rack drives the main gear to rotate, the main gear drives the first transmission gear to rotate, and drives the special gear to rotate through the second transmission gear; during the process of providing force feedback to the trigger button, the driving component drives the special gear to rotate, the special gear drives the second transmission gear to rotate, and drives the main gear to rotate through the first transmission gear, so as to provide force feedback to the trigger button through the arc-shaped rack.

[0012] Furthermore, in the optional technical solutions, the shaped gear includes a meshing area with teeth and a non-meshing area without teeth; wherein, when the trigger key does not need to provide force feedback, the second transmission gear is located in the non-meshing area of ​​the shaped gear, and the second transmission gear is not meshed with the shaped gear and is subjected to force; or, the second transmission gear is located in the meshing area of ​​the shaped gear, and during the pressing of the trigger key, the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to move, so as to move the second transmission gear to the non-meshing area of ​​the shaped gear.

[0013] Furthermore, in the optional technical solutions, the angle of the non-meshing region is not less than the angle of the meshing region.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a game controller, including the force feedback module described above.

[0015] Using the aforementioned force feedback module and game controller, an arc-shaped rack and a gear set meshing with the arc-shaped rack are set at the lower end of the trigger button. When the trigger button is subjected to an external force and moves around the limiting axis, the trigger button drives the arc-shaped rack to move. The displacement generated by the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to rotate. At this time, the driving component can be selectively activated and provide feedback force in the opposite direction to the rotation of the gear set. This feedback force is achieved through gear meshing, resulting in stable movement and convenient assembly. It can provide users with a better tactile experience and meet users' unique needs for button feedback force.

[0016] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, one or more aspects of the invention include the features that will be described in detail below. The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain exemplary aspects of the invention. However, these aspects indicate only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be used. Furthermore, the invention is intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other objects and results of the invention will become more apparent and readily understood with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 A cross-section of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-section of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a force transmission direction diagram of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a game controller structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The markings in the attached diagram are: 1. Positioning bracket; 2. Limiting post; 3. Trigger button; 4. Reset bar; 5. Reset spring; 6. Drive component; 7. Gear set; 71. Main gear; 72. First transmission gear; 73. Second transmission gear; 74. Irregular gear; 8. Arc rack; 9. Limiting shaft; 10. Base; 10. Game controller.

[0025] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding features or functions. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes and to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent that these embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form for ease of description of one or more embodiments.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the following terms, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the content or structure of this invention. In addition, the feedback force in this invention refers to a feedback resistance provided to the pressed trigger key through the force feedback module. Force feedback can also be understood as applying pressure to the trigger key so that it has a certain force feedback during the pressing process. The force feedback is the feedback force. The following content does not specifically distinguish between the two.

[0029] To address the issue that existing trigger button designs can no longer meet users' unique needs for button feedback force, this invention provides a force feedback module and game controller. An arc-shaped rack and a gear set meshing with the arc-shaped rack are located at the lower end of the trigger button. When the trigger button is subjected to external force and moves around a limiting axis, the trigger button drives the arc-shaped rack to move. The displacement of the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to rotate, forming a resistance structure. Simultaneously, a reset mechanism is provided to reset the pressed trigger button. This invention achieves force feedback through gear meshing, selectively activating and providing feedback force opposite to the rotation direction of the gear set. The module has a simple overall structure, stable motion, and is easy to assemble, providing users with a better tactile experience.

[0030] To describe in detail the structure of the force feedback module and game controller of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 The top view and two cross-sectional views of the force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown from different angles. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the force transmission direction of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, the force feedback module of this embodiment includes: a positioning bracket 1, on which a limiting shaft 9 is provided; a trigger button 3, the upper end of which is rotatably connected to the limiting shaft 9 and can achieve a certain pressing stroke around the limiting shaft 9; and a force feedback gear set, including an arc-shaped rack 8 fixed to the lower end of the trigger button 3, a gear set 7 meshing with the arc-shaped rack 8, and a driving member 6 for driving the gear set 7 to rotate. When the trigger button 3 is subjected to an external force and moves around the limiting shaft 9, the trigger button 3 will drive the arc-shaped rack 8 to move, and the displacement generated by the arc-shaped rack 8 will drive the gear set 7 to rotate. At this time, the driving member 6 is activated and provides a feedback force opposite to the rotation direction of the gear set 7, thereby realizing force feedback to the trigger button 3.

[0033] Furthermore, in order to achieve the positioning of the driving component 6 and the reset of the trigger button 3 after pressing, the force feedback module of the present invention may also include a base 10, and the positioning bracket 1 is disposed on the base 10. During the repeated use of the trigger button 3, the limiting shaft 9 will be subjected to axial force. Therefore, in order to ensure the stability of the limiting shaft 9, the positioning bracket 1 can be set as a tapered structure to increase its contact area with the limiting shaft 9 and prevent the limiting shaft 9 from loosening during use. Meanwhile, a limiting post 2 is provided on the base 10 to limit the travel of the trigger button 3. When the trigger button 3 is pressed, it can limit the maximum pressing travel by abutting against the limiting post 2, which can prevent the trigger button 3 from being over-pressed and damaged. In addition, to achieve the reset effect, a reset strip 4 can be provided on the trigger button 3, and a reset spring 5 is provided between the limiting post 2 and the reset strip 4. The reset spring 5 is used to drive the pressed trigger button 3 back to the initial position. The limiting post 2, the reset strip 4 and the reset spring 5 cooperate to form a reset mechanism. During the application, when the trigger button 3 is pressed, it will drive the reset strip 4 to move together. The moving reset strip 4 will stretch the reset spring 5, so that the spring is in a stretched state. When the external force disappears, the reset spring 5 will drive the trigger button 3 back to the initial position.

[0034] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the reset bar 4 and the trigger button 3 can be integrally formed. The joint between the reset bar 4 and the trigger button 3 is rotatably connected to the limiting shaft 9. That is, when the trigger button 3 is pressed and moves, the reset bar 4 can move synchronously with the trigger button 3. The limiting post 2 is located between the trigger button 3 and the reset bar 4, and at the same time plays the role of fixing the reset spring 5 and limiting the trigger button 3.

[0035] It can be seen that, to ensure the effective reset function of the reset spring 5, it can be stretched and positioned between the reset bar 4 and the limiting post 2. That is, in the initial state when the trigger button 3 is not pressed, the reset spring 5 can be in a certain stretched state, which can ensure the reset effect during long-term use. Of course, it can also be set in a natural state between the reset bar 4 and the limiting post 2. In addition, the reset bar 4 and the side wall of the trigger button 3 are set at an acute angle, which can ensure that after the trigger button 3 is pressed, the reset spring 5 can always be in a stretched state, thereby achieving the reset effect.

[0036] To achieve the gear meshing transmission effect, the gear set 7 of the force feedback module in this embodiment of the invention includes a main gear 71 meshing with an arc-shaped rack 8, a first transmission gear 72 meshing with the main gear 71, a second transmission gear 73 coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear 72, and a non-circular gear 74 meshing with the second transmission gear 73. The rotating shaft of the non-circular gear 74 is fixed on the output shaft of the drive member 6. The drive member 6 can be a motor or other drive device. After the drive member 6 is started, it can drive the non-circular gear 74 to rotate, and then transmit the feedback force to the trigger key 3 in sequence through the second transmission gear 73, the first transmission gear 72, the main gear 71 and the arc-shaped rack 8, so as to realize the force feedback to the trigger key 3.

[0037] To save space occupied by the gear set and facilitate product miniaturization, the thickness of the main gear 71 can be set slightly larger. The arc-shaped rack 8 meshes with the upper part of the teeth of the main gear 71, while the first transmission gear 72 meshes with the lower part of the teeth of the main gear 71. At this time, the arc-shaped rack 8 can be located above the first transmission gear 72. Although the two overlap in the top view, they are spaced apart and do not interfere with each other, which can further reduce the overall volume of the gear set. The installation of other gears can also be set up with a similar structure.

[0038] Specifically, during the pressing of the trigger button 3, the movement of the trigger button 3 drives the arc-shaped rack 8 to move, the arc-shaped rack 8 drives the main gear 71 meshing with it to rotate, the main gear 71 drives the first transmission gear 72 to rotate, and through the second transmission gear 73 coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear 72, it drives the irregular gear 74 to rotate; during the force feedback process of the trigger button 3, the drive member 6 drives the irregular gear 74 to rotate, the irregular gear 74 drives the second transmission gear 73 to rotate, and through the first transmission gear 72 coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear 73, it drives the main gear 71 to rotate, so as to provide feedback force to the trigger button 3 through the arc-shaped rack 8, thereby enhancing the user's tactile experience.

[0039] Figure 5 A partial schematic structure of a force feedback module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Combination Figures 1 to 5As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, in the force feedback module, the irregular gear 74 is an irregular structure with teeth partially provided. The irregular gear 74 includes a meshing area with teeth and a non-meshing area without teeth. The irregular gear is subjected to force between the meshing area and the second transmission gear 73 in the gear set 7, while it is not subjected to force between the non-meshing area and the second transmission gear 73 in the gear set 7. Therefore, when the trigger button 3 is in a mode that requires resistance, the drive member 6 is activated to drive the irregular gear to rotate and provide resistance. Otherwise, when the trigger button 3 is in a mode that does not require resistance, the drive member 6 may not be activated. Furthermore, when trigger button 3 does not require force feedback, the relative position of the second transmission gear 7 and the non-meshing gear 74 includes two cases: First, the second transmission gear 73 is located in the non-meshing area of ​​the non-meshing gear 74, and the second transmission gear 73 and the non-meshing gear 74 are not meshed and are subjected to force; Second, the second transmission gear 73 is located in the meshing area of ​​the non-meshing gear 74. During the pressing of trigger button 3, the arc rack 8 drives the gear set 7 to move, so as to move the second transmission gear 73 to the non-meshing area of ​​the non-meshing gear 74. This process is very short compared to the pressing process of trigger button 3, and the feedback is negligible. In both cases, trigger button 3 is in neutral.

[0041] It should be noted that the angle of the non-engaging area can be set to be no less than the angle of the engaging area, for example, no less than 180 degrees, so as to ensure that the trigger button 3 can be used in both modes and enhance the user experience. In particular, since the rotation speed of the drive component 6 will be faster when it is necessary to provide feedback resistance to the trigger button 3, the non-engaging area does not affect the provision of feedback force, and the user does not feel anything abnormal.

[0042] Corresponding to the force feedback module described above, the present invention also provides a game controller, including the force feedback module described above.

[0043] Specifically, Figure 6 A schematic structure of a game controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the game controller 100 in this embodiment of the invention includes a controller housing and a force feedback module embedded in the controller housing. For specific embodiments of the game controller, please refer to the description in the above-described force feedback module embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] Based on the aforementioned force feedback module and game controller, a reset mechanism is formed by the cooperation of a limiting post, a reset bar, and a reset spring. This mechanism is used to reset the pressed trigger button to its initial position. A resistance mechanism is formed by an arc-shaped rack and gear set, providing force feedback through the trigger button. The irregularly shaped gears in the gear set have meshing and non-meshing areas, enabling two working states: providing force feedback or no feedback to the trigger button. This allows users to flexibly switch between situations where force feedback is needed and those where it is not, avoiding continuous force feedback output that could affect the lifespan of the drive components. The overall structure is simple, easy to assemble, and provides stable movement, offering users a better and more varied tactile experience.

[0046] The force feedback module and game controller according to the present invention have been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications can be made to the force feedback module and game controller proposed in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the contents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A force feedback module, characterized in that, include: A positioning bracket, on which a limiting shaft is provided; A trigger key, the upper end of which is rotatably connected to the limiting shaft; The force feedback gear set includes an arc-shaped rack fixed to the lower end of the trigger key, a gear set meshing with the arc-shaped rack, and a drive component for driving the gear set to rotate. When the trigger key is subjected to an external force and moves around the limiting axis, the trigger key drives the arc-shaped rack to move, and the displacement generated by the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to rotate. The driving component is activated and provides a feedback force in the opposite direction to the rotation of the gear set. The gear set includes a main gear meshing with the arc-shaped rack, a first transmission gear meshing with the main gear, a second transmission gear coaxially arranged with the first transmission gear, and a non-circular gear meshing with the second transmission gear; wherein... The shaft of the irregular gear is fixed on the output shaft of the drive unit.

2. The force feedback module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a base; The positioning bracket is disposed on the base, and a limiting post is provided on the base for limiting the movement stroke of the trigger key; A reset bar is provided on the trigger button, and a reset spring is provided between the limit post and the reset bar. The reset spring is used to drive the pressed trigger button back to the initial position.

3. The force feedback module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reset bar and the trigger key are integrally formed, and the joint between the reset bar and the trigger key is rotatably connected to the limiting shaft; The limiting post is located between the trigger button and the reset bar.

4. The force feedback module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reset bar and the side wall of the trigger button are set at an acute angle.

5. The force feedback module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reset spring is in a stretched state and is limited between the reset bar and the limiting post.

6. The force feedback module according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the trigger button press, the arc-shaped rack drives the main gear to rotate, the main gear drives the first transmission gear to rotate, and the second transmission gear drives the irregular gear to rotate. During the process of providing force feedback to the trigger key, the driving component drives the shaped gear to rotate, the shaped gear drives the second transmission gear to rotate, and the first transmission gear drives the main gear to rotate, so as to provide force feedback to the trigger key through the arc-shaped rack.

7. The force feedback module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The irregularly shaped gear includes a meshing area with teeth and a non-meshing area without teeth; wherein, when the trigger key does not need to provide force feedback, The second transmission gear is located in the non-meshing region of the irregular gear, and the second transmission gear is not meshed with the irregular gear when subjected to force; or, The second transmission gear is located in the meshing area of ​​the irregular gear. During the pressing of the trigger key, the arc-shaped rack drives the gear set to move, so as to move the second transmission gear to the non-meshing area of ​​the irregular gear.

8. The force feedback module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The angle of the non-engaging region is not less than the angle of the engaging region.

9. A game controller, characterized in that, Includes the force feedback module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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