Button module and game controller

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of game equipment, and in particular, relates to a button module and a game controller, wherein the button module includes a shell and a button switch plate, the shell has an operation surface for button operation, the button switch plate includes a first surface and a second surface arranged back to back, the first surface and the second surface are respectively provided with a first button assembly and a second button assembly, the button layout of the first button assembly is different from the button layout of the second button assembly, and the button switch plate is rotatably connected to the shell so that the first button assembly and the second button assembly can both be exposed on the operation surface. The present invention can solve the problems of how to improve the user's gaming experience and how to reduce costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of game equipment, and in particular relates to a button module and a game handle. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic technology, electronic products are becoming more and more widely used and more and more functional, allowing users to play various types of games for entertainment and recreation. In order to better provide users with input feedback and enhance the gaming experience, game auxiliary devices such as game controllers still use a button structure, and users need to grasp the handle and press the button structure on the handle to operate the corresponding interface or character.

[0003] The multi-functional game controllers currently on the market can be used to play games on different gaming devices, that is, they can be used to play games on different brands of game consoles, as well as on computers, mobile phones and other devices. However, different game controllers have different button layouts, and the corresponding button functions on different game consoles are different. Therefore, when a game controller of a certain brand is used to play games on a game console of another brand, the corresponding function operations of the game controller's button layout may be opposite, which can easily cause game misoperation and lead to a poor user experience. In order to pursue a better gaming experience, users may equip themselves with different types of controllers, but this will increase costs. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a button module and a game controller, aiming to solve the problems of how to enhance the user's gaming experience and how to reduce costs.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0006] In a first aspect, a key module is provided, comprising a shell and a key switch plate, the shell having an operating surface for performing key operations, the key switch plate comprising a first surface and a second surface arranged back to back to each other, the first surface and the second surface are respectively provided with a first key assembly and a second key assembly, the key layout of the first key assembly is different from that of the second key assembly, and the key switch plate is rotatably connected to the shell so that the first key assembly and the second key assembly can both be exposed on the operating surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the key switch plate includes a main body and a connecting part that are interconnected, the first key assembly and the second key assembly are arranged on the main body, and the connecting part is rotatably connected to the shell through a first rotating axis so that the main body has a first state flush with the operating surface and a second state protruding from the operating surface, and the main body is rotatably connected to the connecting part through a second rotating axis so as to flip the main body when the main body is in the second state.

[0008] In some embodiments, a mounting hole is provided on the shell. When the main body is in the first state, the main body is accommodated in the mounting hole. When the main body is in the second state, the main body is detached from the mounting hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a first shell having an installation cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the main body, the other end of the second rotating shaft extends into the installation cavity and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first shell, and the first rotating shaft passes through the installation cavity and is rotatably connected to the first shell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are damped rotation axes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the main body portion includes a circuit board rotatably connected to the connecting portion, the circuit board includes a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite to each other, the first key assembly includes a conductive glue provided with a plurality of key contacts and a plurality of first key caps corresponding one by one to the plurality of key contacts, the conductive glue is provided on the first connecting surface and the conductive glue is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second button assembly includes a plurality of tact switches, a plurality of second keycaps corresponding one by one to the plurality of tact switches, and an elastic member connected to the tact switches and the second keycaps, the tact switches being arranged on the second connecting surface and the tact switches being electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second keycap includes a keycap body and a guide post connected to the keycap body, the guide post is protruding from a side of the keycap body facing the touch switch, and the elastic member is sleeved on the guide post.

[0014] In some embodiments, the main body includes a second shell having a receiving cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft passes through the second shell and extends into the receiving cavity, the second rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the second shell, and the circuit board is connected to the inner wall of the second shell.

[0015] In a second aspect, a game controller is provided, which includes the above-mentioned button module.

[0016] The button module provided in the present application can realize mutual switching between the first button component and the second button component through the button switching board, so that the button layout corresponding to the game console can be flexibly adjusted according to different types of game consoles to meet the different needs of users, so that users do not need to be equipped with multiple handles, effectively reducing costs and improving the user's gaming experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or exemplary technical descriptions will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a key module provided in an embodiment of the present application from one perspective;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the key module provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a partial structural diagram of a key module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting portion provided in an embodiment of the present application after rotating around the first rotation axis;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure after the main body provided by an embodiment of the present application rotates around the second rotation axis;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the key module after completing key switching is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a partial split structure of a key switch board provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cross-section structure of a key switch board provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a key module provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9A schematic diagram of the structure after one of the key switches is switched;

[0028] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 Another schematic diagram of the structure after the key switch board is switched;

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective;

[0030] Fig.13 It is a structural diagram during the key module switching process.

[0031] Among them, the reference numerals in the figure are:

[0032] 10. Shell; 11. Operation surface; 12. Mounting hole; 20. Key switch board; 21. First surface; 22. Second surface; 23. First key assembly; 231. Conductive glue; 2311. Key contact; 232. First key cap; 24. Second key assembly; 241. Touch switch; 242. Second key cap; 2421. Key cap body; 2422. Guide column; 2423. Slot; 2431. Spring; 2432. Silicone member; 25. Main body; 251. Circuit board; 2511. First connection surface; 2512. Second connection surface; 252. Second shell; 26. Connection part; 261. First shell; 27. First rotation axis; 28. Second rotation axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0035] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0036] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0037] See also Figures 1 to 8 The embodiment of the present application provides a key module, including a shell 10 and a key switch plate 20, the shell 10 has an operation surface 11 for performing key operations, the key switch plate 20 includes a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 arranged back to back to each other, the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are respectively provided with a first key component 23 and a second key component 24, the key layout of the first key component 23 is different from the key layout of the second key component 24, the key switch plate 20 is rotatably connected to the shell 10 so that the first key component 23 and the second key component 24 can both be exposed on the operation surface 11.

[0038] It can be understood that the button module can be applied to a game controller, and the housing 10 is the shell of the game controller. A game controller generally includes an operating portion and gripping portions arranged on both sides of the operating portion, and the gripping portions are convenient for users to hold and operate the game. When the user holds the gripping portion, the top surface of the operating area is the operating surface 11, and the operating surface 11 is provided with buttons. The user can press the buttons of the operating surface 11 while holding the gripping portion to operate the game.

[0039] The button module provided in the present application can realize mutual switching between the first button component 23 and the second button component 24 through the button switching board 20, and can flexibly adjust the button layout corresponding to the game console according to different types of game consoles to meet the different needs of users, so that users do not need to be equipped with multiple handles, effectively reducing costs and enhancing the user's gaming experience.

[0040] It can be understood that the key layout of the first key assembly 23 is different from the key layout of the second key assembly 24, and it may be that the key arrangement order of the first key assembly 23 is different from the key arrangement order of the second key assembly 24. For example, in a specific embodiment, the first key assembly 23 and the second key assembly 24 are both provided with key A, key B, key X and key Y, and key A, key B, key X and key Y correspond to different operation instructions respectively. In the first key assembly 23, key Y, key X, key A and key B are arranged in sequence in the clockwise direction, and in the second key assembly 24, key X, key Y, key B and key A are arranged in sequence in the clockwise direction. Therefore, if the switch is not performed, it is easy to cause game misoperation.

[0041] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The key switch board 20 includes a main body 25 and a connecting part 26 connected to each other, the first key assembly 23 and the second key assembly 24 are arranged on the main body 25, and the connecting part 26 is rotatably connected to the housing 10 through a first rotating shaft 27, so that the main body 25 has a first state flush with the operation surface 11 and a second state protruding from the operation surface 11, and the main body 25 is rotatably connected to the connecting part 26 through a second rotating shaft 28, so that the main body 25 is flipped when the main body 25 is in the second state. In this way, the first key assembly 23 and the second key assembly 24 can be quickly switched, the operation method is simple, and the convenience of operation is improved.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the main body 25 is in the first state, the main body 25 is accommodated in the mounting hole 12, and when the main body 25 is in the second state, the main body 25 is separated from the mounting hole 12. When the main body 25 is in the first state, the main body 25 is accommodated in the mounting hole 12, so the main body 25 does not protrude from the appearance surface of the shell 10, thereby making the appearance surface of the game controller continuous and improving the aesthetics. When the main body 25 is in the second state, the main body 25 is separated from the mounting hole 12, so that the main body 25 can be easily rotated.

[0043] See also Figures 4 to 6 As shown, it can be understood that before switching the button layout, the first button assembly 23 and the second button assembly 24 may be located on the upper surface and the lower surface of the shell 10 respectively. When the button layout needs to be switched, the main body 25 and the connecting portion 26 are flipped upward 90 degrees as a whole, so that the main body 25 is completely separated from the mounting hole 12 and protrudes from the operating surface 11. At this time, the axial direction of the second rotating shaft 28 is perpendicular to the operating surface 11. Then the main body 25 is flipped 180 degrees around the second rotating shaft 28 to swap the orientations of the first button assembly 23 and the second button assembly 24. Finally, the main body 25 and the connecting portion 26 are flipped downward 90 degrees as a whole, and the main body 25 is retracted to the mounting hole 12. Finally, the second button assembly 24 is located on the upper surface of the shell 10, and the first button assembly 23 is located on the lower surface of the shell 10.

[0044] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 27 and the axial direction of the second rotating shaft 28 are perpendicular to each other.

[0045] It can be understood that the mounting hole 12 of the embodiment of the present application is located within the range of the operating surface 11, that is, the mounting hole 12 will not penetrate the side wall of the shell 10, thereby improving the aesthetics of the game controller.

[0046] In some embodiments, the connection portion 26 includes a first housing 261 having a mounting cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft 28 is rotatably connected to the main body 25, the other end of the second rotating shaft 28 extends into the mounting cavity and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first housing 261, and the first rotating shaft 27 is inserted into the mounting cavity and is rotatably connected to the first housing 261. By extending one end of the second rotating shaft 28 into the mounting cavity of the connection portion 26 and fixing it, and the first rotating shaft 27 is inserted into the mounting cavity, the connection portion 26 supports and limits the first rotating shaft 27 and the second rotating shaft 28, so that the state of the first rotating shaft 27 and the second rotating shaft 28 can be stabilized, and the relative position between the first rotating shaft 27 and the second rotating shaft 28 can be stabilized, thereby improving the stability of key switching.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first rotating shaft 27 and the second rotating shaft 28 are damping rotating shafts. It can be understood that the damping rotating shaft generates damping force by utilizing the friction between the shaft and the sheet metal part and the extrusion between the gaskets, thereby effectively reducing the resonance amplitude of the mechanical structure and avoiding damage to the structure due to the vibration stress reaching the limit. The working principle of the damping rotating shaft is to consume the energy of the vibration by applying a force (i.e., damping force) opposite to the vibration direction, so that the vibration amplitude of the object gradually decreases until the vibration stops. This energy dissipation mechanism is the core of the damper to achieve the vibration reduction effect.

[0048] The damping shaft can reduce the acoustic radiation generated by mechanical vibration and reduce mechanical noise. In addition, by setting up the damping shaft, the stable state can be quickly restored; after the mechanical system is subjected to an instantaneous impact, the damping shaft can help the system quickly restore to a stable state and reduce the impact of mechanical vibration on the equipment. It can also reduce the ability of the structure to transmit vibration; the damping shaft helps to reduce the ability of the structure to transmit vibration and improve the stability of the system. It is suitable for various mechanical equipment that require vibration isolation and vibration reduction.

[0049] In some embodiments, the pressing tactile sensation of the first button assembly 23 is different from the pressing tactile sensation of the second button assembly 24. Through the button switching board 20, not only the button layout can be switched, but also the mutual switching between different button modes can be realized, which does not require the user to manually switch between the two button modes, and the operation is more convenient and quick, and the user can experience two button modes with different hand feelings through a game controller, and does not need to purchase game controllers with different button modes separately, which reduces the user's cost and provides a better user experience.

[0050] In some embodiments, the main body 25 includes a circuit board 251 rotatably connected to the connection part 26, the circuit board 251 includes a first connection surface 2511 and a second connection surface 2512 facing each other, the first key assembly 23 includes a conductive glue 231 provided with a plurality of key contacts 2311 and a plurality of first key caps 232 corresponding to the plurality of key contacts 2311, the conductive glue 231 is provided on the first connection surface 2511 and the conductive glue 231 is electrically connected to the circuit board 251. By providing the conductive glue 231, the key has a good feel, is silent, and rebounds quickly.

[0051] It can be understood that the first key circuit and the second key circuit are arranged in parallel on the circuit board 251, and the corresponding control signal is generated and output when the first key circuit or the second key circuit is closed. The conductive glue 231 is arranged on the first connection surface 2511 and faces the first key circuit. The conductive glue 231 includes a plurality of key contacts 2311. Each key contact 2311 on the conductive glue 231 faces the bottom end of each first key cap 232 on the game controller. If the first key cap 232 is pressed, the corresponding key contact 2311 on the conductive glue 231 is pressed and contacts the first key circuit, the first key circuit is connected, and the game controller outputs the function of the corresponding key.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second key assembly 24 includes a plurality of tact switches 241, a plurality of second key caps 242 corresponding to the plurality of tact switches 241, and an elastic member connected to the tact switches 241 and the second key caps 242. The tact switches 241 are disposed on the second connection surface 2512 and are electrically connected to the circuit board 251. By providing the elastic member, the second key assembly 24 has a different pressing touch feeling from the first key assembly 23.

[0053] Each touch switch 241 is directly opposite to the bottom of each second key cap 242 on the game controller. If the second key cap 242 is pressed, the touch switch 241 is pressed and contacts the second key circuit, the second key circuit is turned on, and the game controller outputs the function of the corresponding key.

[0054] In addition, the elastic member can play a role in resetting. When the user's finger presses the second keycap 242, the elastic member can sense the finger position at a certain distance, and the second keycap 242 moves toward the touch switch 241, and the elastic member is gradually compressed during this process. When the user's finger moves away from the second keycap 242, the compressed elastic member pushes the second keycap 242 to reset under its own restoring force, and the elastic member plays a role in resetting.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second keycap 242 includes a keycap body 2421 and a guide column 2422 connected to the keycap body 2421, the guide column 2422 is protruded from the side of the keycap body 2421 facing the touch switch 241, the elastic member includes a spring 2431 and a silicone member 2432, the spring 2431 is sleeved on the guide column 2422, a slot 2423 is provided at one end of the guide column 2422 facing the touch switch 241, and the silicone member 2432 is embedded in the slot 2423.

[0056] If the second keycap 242 shakes during the pressing process, the pressing accuracy will be affected. To solve this problem, the second keycap 242 includes a keycap body 2421 and a guide post 2422 connected to the keycap body 2421. The cooperation between the guide post 2422 and the spring 2431 plays a guiding role to ensure the stability of the keycap body 2421 moving in the vertical direction when pressed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the main body 25 includes a second housing 252 having a receiving cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft 28 passes through the second housing 252 and extends into the receiving cavity, the second rotating shaft 28 is rotatably connected to the second housing 252, and the circuit board 251 is connected to the inner wall of the second housing 252. Optionally, the circuit board 251 can be snap-connected to the inner wall of the second housing 252, so as to facilitate replacement and maintenance.

[0058] See also Figures 9 to 13 Another embodiment of the present application provides a button module, including a shell 10 and two button switch plates 20, the two button switch plates 20 are located on the left and right sides of the shell 10, and the two button switch plates 20 can be rotated to switch the buttons.

[0059] The present application also proposes a game controller, which includes a button module. The specific structure of the button module refers to the above-mentioned embodiment. Since the game controller adopts all the technical solutions of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it also has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here one by one.

[0060] To sum up, the button module provided in the present application can realize the mutual switching between the first button component 23 and the second button component 24 through the button switching board 20, and can flexibly adjust the button layout corresponding to the game console according to different types of game consoles to meet the different needs of users, so that users do not need to be equipped with multiple handles, effectively reducing costs and enhancing the user's gaming experience.

[0061] The above are only optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a housing (10) and a key switch plate (20), wherein the housing (10) has an operation surface (11) for performing key operations, and the key switch plate (20) comprises a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) arranged back to back, wherein the first surface (21) and the second surface (22) are respectively provided with a first key assembly (23) and a second key assembly (24), wherein the key layout of the first key assembly (23) is different from the key layout of the second key assembly (24), and the key switch plate (20) is rotatably connected to the housing (10) so that the first key assembly (23) and the second key assembly (24) can both be exposed on the operation surface (11).

2. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key switch board (20) comprises a main body (25) and a connecting part (26) which are connected to each other. The first key assembly (23) and the second key assembly (24) are arranged on the main body (25). The connecting part (26) is rotatably connected to the housing (10) via a first rotating shaft (27), so that the main body (25) has a first state in which it is flush with the operating surface (11) and a second state in which it protrudes from the operating surface (11). The main body (25) is rotatably connected to the connecting part (26) via a second rotating shaft (28), so that the main body (25) can be flipped when the main body (25) is in the second state.

3. The key module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shell (10) is provided with a mounting hole (12); when the main body (25) is in the first state, the main body (25) is accommodated in the mounting hole (12); when the main body (25) is in the second state, the main body (25) is detached from the mounting hole (12).

4. The key module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion (26) comprises a first shell (261) having a mounting cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft (28) is rotatably connected to the main body (25), the other end of the second rotating shaft (28) extends into the mounting cavity and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first shell (261), and the first rotating shaft (27) is inserted into the mounting cavity and is rotatably connected to the first shell (261).

5. The key module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft (27) and the second rotating shaft (28) are damping rotating shafts.

6. The key module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The main body (25) comprises a circuit board (251) rotatably connected to the connecting portion (26); the circuit board (251) comprises a first connecting surface (2511) and a second connecting surface (2512) opposite to each other; the first key assembly (23) comprises a conductive adhesive (231) provided with a plurality of key contacts (2311) and a plurality of first key caps (232) corresponding one to one to the plurality of key contacts (2311); the conductive adhesive (231) is provided on the first connecting surface (2511) and the conductive adhesive (231) is electrically connected to the circuit board (251).

7. The key module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second key assembly (24) comprises a plurality of tact switches (241), a plurality of second key caps (242) corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of tact switches (241), and an elastic member connected to the tact switches (241) and the second key caps (242); the tact switches (241) are arranged on the second connection surface (2512) and the tact switches (241) are electrically connected to the circuit board (251).

8. The key module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second keycap (242) comprises a keycap body (2421) and a guide column (2422) connected to the keycap body (2421), wherein the guide column (2422) is protruding from the side of the keycap body (2421) facing the touch switch (241), and the elastic member comprises a spring (2431) and a silicone member (2432), wherein the spring (2431) is sleeved on the guide column (2422), and a slot is provided on one end of the guide column (2422) facing the touch switch (241), and the silicone member (2432) is embedded in the slot (2423).

9. The key module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main body (25) comprises a second shell (252) having a receiving cavity, one end of the second rotating shaft (28) passes through the second shell (252) and extends into the receiving cavity, the second rotating shaft (28) is rotatably connected to the second shell (252), the circuit board (251) is connected to the inner wall of the second shell (252), and the first keycap (232) and the first keycap (232) are slidably connected to the second shell (252).

10. A game handle, characterized in that: It comprises a key module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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