Game controller
By designing a symmetrically configured telescopic components in the game controller, the problem of exposure of telescopic mechanisms in the prior art affecting aesthetics is solved, and the effect of maintaining aesthetics in the split-handle mode and providing a good grip feeling in the combined-handle mode is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410860282.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-13
AI Technical Summary
When the existing game controllers compatible with TV game consoles and mobile phones are telescopic, the exterior of the telescopic mechanism affects the aesthetics and reduces consumers' willingness to purchase.
A game controller is designed, including a first control handle, a second control handle and a telescopic component with a symmetrical configuration. The telescopic assembly connects the first and second control handles, allowing them to slip between the combined handle mode and the split handle mode. Even if the telescopic components are exposed in the split-hand mode, the aesthetics of the game controller is maintained through a symmetrical configuration.
Through the symmetrically configured telescopic components, the game controller can still maintain aesthetics in the split mode, enhance consumers' willingness to buy, and provide a good grip in the split mode.
Smart Images
Figure CN119971471A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a game controller, in particular to a game controller compatible with a mobile device and a TV game console. Background Art
[0002] As mobile phones with touch screens (eg, iPhones and Android phones) become increasingly popular, the mobile gaming market is expanding rapidly, and the revenue from mobile gaming has even surpassed the combined revenue from TV game consoles and personal computer games.
[0003] Currently, a handle that can be used not only for TV game consoles but also for mobile games has been produced on the market. The handle is provided with a telescopic mechanism, so that when the user wants to play mobile games, the handle can be pulled open to allow the mobile phone to be placed on the handle, so that the mobile game can be played through the handle. However, the appearance of the telescopic mechanism in the current handle is not beautiful, and the telescopic mechanism will be exposed when the handle is stretched. Therefore, the exposed telescopic mechanism may affect the aesthetics of the handle, and may reduce consumers' willingness to buy the handle. Therefore, researchers in this field are currently working to improve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the invention
[0004] The present invention provides a game controller which can still maintain aesthetics even when a telescopic mechanism is exposed in a stretched state.
[0005] A game controller disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention is suitable for use with a game console or a mobile device. The game controller includes a first control handle, a second control handle, and a telescopic component. The telescopic component is symmetrically configured and connects the first control handle and the second control handle. The first control handle and the second control handle can slide relative to each other through the telescopic component to be in a combined handle mode and a separated handle mode. When the game controller is in the combined handle mode, the first control handle and the second control handle are combined to be used with the game console; when the game controller is in the separated handle mode, the first control handle and the second control handle are separated, and an assembly space is formed between the first control handle and the second control handle for assembly of the mobile device.
[0006] According to the game controller disclosed in the above embodiment, the telescopic components connecting the first control handle and the second control handle are symmetrically configured. Even if the telescopic components are exposed when the game controller is in the split handle mode, the symmetrically configured telescopic components can visually provide aesthetics to the overall appearance of the game controller, thereby helping to increase consumers' willingness to purchase the game controller.
[0007] The above description of the content of the present invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention, and to provide further explanation of the claims of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in split-control mode.
[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another perspective of the game controller in the split-control mode.
[0011] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top view of a game controller in split-control mode.
[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in split-control mode and a mobile device.
[0013] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A bottom-up schematic diagram of a game controller and a mobile device in split-control mode.
[0014] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in combined mode and a game console.
[0015] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a game controller in a closed-handle mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in split-control mode.
[0017] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 is suitable for use with the game console 2 (please refer to Figure 7 ) or mobile device 3 (please refer to Figure 5 ). The game console 2 is, for example, an Xbox or PS5 video game console. The mobile device 3 is, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and its system is, for example, iOS or Android.
[0018] The game controller 1 includes a first control handle 10, a second control handle 20 and a telescopic assembly 30. The telescopic assembly 30 is symmetrically arranged and connects the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20. The first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 can slide relative to each other through the telescopic assembly 30 to be in a split mode (such as Figure 2 as shown) and combined mode (as shown Figure 1 The first control handle 10, the second control handle 20 and the telescopic assembly 30 will be described in detail below.
[0019] Next, please also refer to Figures 2 to 4 . Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another perspective of the game controller in the split-control mode. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic top view of a game controller 1 in a split-control mode.
[0020] The first control handle 10 includes a first shell 11, a direction button 12 and a first rocker 13. The first shell 11 has a first upper surface 111, a first abutting surface 112, a first positioning groove 113, a first receiving groove 114 and a first clearance slot 115. The first abutting surface 112 and the first upper surface 111 are connected and face different directions respectively. The first positioning groove 113, the first receiving groove 114 and the first clearance slot 115 are formed by recessing from different positions of the first abutting surface 112. The direction button 12 and the first rocker 13 are arranged on the first upper surface 111 of the first shell 11 for user operation.
[0021] The second control handle 20 includes a second shell 21, a second rocker 22 and a plurality of function buttons 23. The second shell 21 has a second upper surface 211, a second abutting surface 212, a second positioning groove 213, a second receiving groove 214 and a second clearance slot 215. The second abutting surface 212 and the second upper surface 211 are connected and face different directions respectively, and the second abutting surface 212 faces the first abutting surface 112 of the first control handle 10. The second positioning groove 213, the second receiving groove 214 and the second clearance slot 215 are formed by recessing from different positions of the second abutting surface 212. The second rocker 22 and the function buttons 23 are disposed on the second upper surface 211 of the second shell 21 for user operation.
[0022] The telescopic assembly 30 includes a first rail 31, a second rail 32, and a third rail 33. The width W1 of the first rail 31 and the width W2 of the second rail 32 are, for example, equal, and the width W3 of the third rail 33 is, for example, smaller than the width W1 of the first rail 31 and the width W2 of the second rail 32. The first rail 31 is slidably disposed in the first receiving groove 114 of the first shell 11 of the first control handle 10, and can be completely received in the first receiving groove 114 of the first shell 11 or at least partially located outside the first receiving groove 114 of the first shell 11. The second rail 32 is slidably disposed in the second receiving groove 214 of the second shell 21 of the second control handle 20, and can be completely received in the second receiving groove 214 of the second shell 21 or at least partially located outside the second receiving groove 214 of the first shell 11. The third rail member 33 is slidably connected to the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 , and can be completely received in the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 , or at least partially located outside the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 .
[0023] It should be noted that the width W1 of the first rail 31 and the width W2 of the second rail 32 of the telescopic assembly 30 are not limited to be greater than the width W3 of the third rail 33. In other embodiments, the widths of the first rail and the second rail of the telescopic assembly may be smaller than the width of the third rail.
[0024] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 may further include a first support structure 40 and a second support structure 50. The first support structure 40 and the second support structure 50 are, for example, protrusions. The first support structure 40 protrudes from the first abutting surface 112 of the first shell 11 of the first control handle 10. The second support structure 50 protrudes from the second abutting surface 212 of the second shell 21 of the second control handle 20. In the directions D1 and D2 in which the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 can slide relative to each other, the first support structure 40 and the second support structure 50 are misaligned. For example, the first shell 11 of the first control handle 10 has a front side 116, and the second shell 21 of the second control handle 20 has a front side 216. The front side 116 of the first control handle 10 is flush with the front side 216 of the second control handle 20, and the distance T1 from the first support structure 40 to the front side 116 of the first control handle 10 is greater than the distance T2 from the second support structure 50 to the front side 216 of the second control handle 20.
[0025] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 may further include a signal connector 60. The signal connector 60 is, for example, a Lightning or Type C plug, and is disposed on the second housing 21 of the second control handle 20. The signal connector 60 extends from the second positioning groove 213 of the second housing 21 and protrudes from the second abutment surface 212. The signal connector 60 is closer to the second upper surface 211 than the second support structure 50, and the projection of the signal connector 60 in a direction parallel to the normal of the second upper surface 211 overlaps with the second support structure 50. In other words, Figure 4 When viewing the game controller 1 from a perspective facing the second upper surface 211 of the second shell 21, the signal connector 60 overlaps the second support structure 50. In other words, the signal connector 60 is located directly above the second support structure 50, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the signal connector 60 may not be located directly above the second support structure 50 but may be located obliquely above the second support structure 50. In addition, the signal connector 60 is closer to the front side 116 of the first shell 11 of the first control handle 10 and the front side 216 of the second shell 21 of the second control handle 20 than the telescopic assembly 30.
[0026] Next, see Figures 4 to 6 . Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in split-control mode and a mobile device. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A bottom-up schematic diagram of a game controller and a mobile device in split-control mode.
[0027] When the game controller 1 is in the split-handle mode, the first abutting surface 112 of the first control handle 10 and the second abutting surface 212 of the second control handle 20 maintain a distance to form an assembly space S between the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are at least partially located outside the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20, respectively, the third rail member 33 is at least partially located outside the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32, and the telescopic component 30 is symmetrically arranged relative to the reference plane R centered between the first abutting surface 112 and the second abutting surface 212, that is, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are symmetrically arranged relative to the third rail member 33 with reference to the reference plane R. At this time, the user can assemble the mobile device 3 in the assembly space S, and the mobile device 3 is supported by the first positioning groove 113 (such as the first positioning groove 113 of the first control handle 10) Figure 2 and the second positioning groove 213 of the second control handle 20 (as shown in Figure 3 After the mobile device 3 is assembled in the assembly space S, the mobile device 3 is plugged into the signal connector 60 , and the back of the mobile device 3 is supported by the first support structure 40 and the second support structure 50 .
[0028] In the present embodiment, the telescopic assembly 30 connecting the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 is symmetrically configured. Even if the telescopic assembly 30 is exposed when the game controller 1 is in the split-handle mode, the symmetrically configured telescopic assembly 30 can provide visual beauty to the overall appearance of the game controller 1, thereby helping to increase consumers' willingness to purchase the game controller 1.
[0029] In addition, when the game controller 1 is in the split-handle mode, the symmetrically arranged telescopic components 30 help to center the center of gravity of the entire game controller 1 as much as possible, so that the user can have a good grip when using the game controller 1 to play games on the mobile device 3.
[0030] In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 30 is illustrated as a three-section rail member (i.e., a first rail member 31, a second rail member 32, and a third rail member 33), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the number of rail members of the telescopic assembly can be increased or decreased according to demand, as long as the telescopic assembly is maintained in a symmetrical configuration.
[0031] Furthermore, the arrangement of the signal connector 60 closer to the front side 116 of the first shell 11 of the first control handle 10 and the front side 216 of the second shell 21 of the second control handle 20 than the telescopic component 30 can prevent the lens of the mobile device 3 from being blocked by the telescopic component 30 when the mobile device 3 is installed in the assembly space S and plugged into the signal connector 60. In this way, the player can experience games that require the use of the lens, such as augmented reality games (AR mobile games), through the game controller 1.
[0032] It should be noted that the signal connector 60 is not limited to being disposed on the second control handle 20. In other embodiments, the signal connector can be disposed on the first control handle. In addition, the signal connector 60 is an optional component. In other embodiments, the mobile device assembled in the assembly space can be wirelessly connected to the game controller.
[0033] On the other hand, the first positioning groove 113 of the first control handle 10 and the second positioning groove 213 of the second control handle 20 are optional structures. In other embodiments, the first control handle may not have the first positioning groove, and the second control handle may not have the second positioning groove, and the mobile device may be directly positioned by the first abutting surface of the first control handle and the second abutting surface of the second control handle.
[0034] Next, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a game controller in combined mode and a game console. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a game controller in a closed-handle mode.
[0035] When the user wants to use the game controller 1 to experience the game of the game console 2, the user can put the game controller 1 in the combined mode. When the game controller 1 is in the combined mode, the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 are combined. In detail, the first abutment surface 112 of the first control handle 10 abuts against the second abutment surface 212 of the second control handle 20, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are respectively accommodated in the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20, half of the third rail member 33 is accommodated in the first rail member 31, and the other half of the third rail member 33 is accommodated in the second rail member 32, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are symmetrically arranged relative to the third rail member 33, and the first support structure 40 is inserted into the second yielding slot 215 of the second control handle 20 (such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown), the second support structure 50 is inserted into the first clearance slot 115 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 3 ), and the signal connector 60 is received in the first positioning groove 113 of the first control handle 10. At this time, the overall appearance of the game controller 1 in the combined handle mode is almost the same as the original handle of the game console 2, so the user can experience the game with an operating feel close to the original handle.
[0036] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 in the handle-closed mode can communicate with the game console 2 in a wireless or wired manner. For example, in one embodiment, a switch (not shown) corresponding to the signal connector 60 can be added in the first positioning slot 113 of the first control handle 10. When the game controller 1 is in the handle-closed mode, the signal connector 60 is received in the first positioning slot 113 of the first control handle 10 and triggers the switch, so that the wireless transceiver (not shown) in the game controller 1 sends a wireless signal to the game console 2 for wireless communication. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a pop-up device (not shown) and a connector (such as a USB connector, not shown) can be added to the game controller 1. When the game controller 1 is in the handle-closed mode, the signal connector 60 is received in the first positioning slot 113 of the first control handle 10 and triggers the pop-up device to pop out the connector, so that the connector and the game console 2 can be connected by a cable, so that the game controller 1 communicates with the game console 2 in a wired manner.
[0037] In this embodiment, when the game controller 1 is in the closed-handle mode, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are symmetrically arranged relative to the third rail member 33, so as to help center the center of gravity of the entire game controller 1 as much as possible, and allow the user to have a good grip when using the game controller 1 to play games on the game console 2.
[0038] It should be noted that, when the game controller 1 is in the closed handle mode, the first rail member 31 and the second rail member 32 are not limited to being symmetrically arranged relative to the third rail member 33. In other embodiments, when the game controller is in the closed handle mode, the first rail member and the second rail member may be asymmetrically arranged relative to the third rail member.
[0039] In this embodiment, when the game controller 1 is in the handle-closed mode, the first clearance slot 115 of the first control handle 10 and the second clearance slot 215 of the second control handle 20 can respectively accommodate the staggered second support structure 50 and the first support structure 40, so that the first abutment surface 112 of the first control handle 10 and the second abutment surface 212 of the second control handle 20 are in flat contact.
[0040] It should be noted that the first support structure 40 and the second support structure 50 are not limited to being misaligned. In other embodiments, the first support structure and the second support structure may be toothed structures, and the first support structure and the second support structure may be aligned in the direction in which the first control handle and the second control handle can slide relative to each other, so as to mesh with each other when the game controller 1 is in the handle-closed mode.
[0041] On the other hand, the first support structure 40 and the second support structure 50 are optional structures. In other embodiments, the game controller may not have the first support structure and the second support structure, and correspondingly, the first control handle may not have the first clearance slot, and the second control handle may not have the second clearance slot.
[0042] In one embodiment, an elastic member (not shown) may be disposed in the game controller, and the elastic member, for example, extends from the inside of the first control handle 10 through the inside of the telescopic assembly 30 to the inside of the second control handle 20. The elastic member is used to exert a force to move the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 closer to each other. After the mobile device 3 is detached from the game controller 1 in the split-handle mode, the elastic member may force the first control handle 10 and the second control handle 20 closer to each other, so that the game controller 1 returns to the closed-handle mode.
[0043] According to the game controller disclosed in the above embodiment, the telescopic components connecting the first control handle and the second control handle are symmetrically configured. Even if the telescopic components are exposed when the game controller is in the split handle mode, the symmetrically configured telescopic components can visually provide aesthetics to the overall appearance of the game controller, thereby helping to increase consumers' willingness to purchase the game controller.
[0044]
Explanation of symbols
[0045] 1: Game Controller
[0046] 2: Game console
[0047] 3: Mobile devices
[0048] 10: First control handle
[0049] 11: First shell
[0050] 111: first upper surface
[0051] 112: first abutment surface
[0052] 113: first positioning groove
[0053] 114: First storage slot
[0054] 115: First yield slot
[0055] 116:Front
[0056] 12: Direction buttons
[0057] 13: First joystick
[0058] 20: Second control handle
[0059] 21: Second shell
[0060] 211: Second upper surface
[0061] 212: Second abutment surface
[0062] 213: Second positioning groove
[0063] 214: Second storage slot
[0064] 215: Second yield slot
[0065] 216:Front
[0066] 22: Second joystick
[0067] 23: Function buttons
[0068] 30: Telescopic components
[0069] 31: First rail
[0070] 32: Second rail
[0071] 33: Third rail
[0072] 40: First support structure
[0073] 50: Second support structure
[0074] 60:Signal connector
[0075] W1,W2,W3: Width
[0076] D1,D2: Direction
[0077] T1,T2: Distance
[0078] S: Assembly space
[0079] R: Reference plane.
Claims
1. A game controller, characterized in that: Suitable for use with game consoles or mobile devices, the game controller includes: First control handle; A second control handle; and A telescopic assembly, which is symmetrically arranged and connected to the first control handle and the second control handle, and the first control handle and the second control handle can slide relative to each other through the telescopic assembly to be in a closed handle mode and a separated handle mode; When the game controller is in the combined handle mode, the first control handle and the second control handle are combined to match the game console; when the game controller is in the separated handle mode, the first control handle and the second control handle are separated, and an assembly space is formed between the first control handle and the second control handle for assembling the mobile device.
2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the first control handle and the second control handle each have a rest surface, the rest surface of the first control handle faces the rest surface of the second control handle; when the game controller is in the combined handle mode, the rest surface of the first control handle rests against the rest surface of the second control handle; when the game controller is in the separated handle mode, the rest surface of the first control handle keeps a distance from the rest surface of the second control handle, and the telescopic component is symmetrically configured relative to a reference plane centered between the two rest surfaces.
3. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic assembly comprises a first rail, a second rail and a third rail, the first rail is slidably disposed on the first control handle, the second rail is slidably disposed on the second control handle, the third rail is slidably connected to the first rail and the second rail, and the first rail and the second rail are symmetrical relative to the third rail.
4. The game controller according to claim 3, wherein when the game controller is in the combined handle mode, the first rail member and the second rail member are respectively accommodated in the first control handle and the second control handle, and the third rail member is accommodated in the first rail member and the second rail member; when the game controller is in the separated handle mode, the first rail member and the second rail member are at least partially located outside the first control handle and the second control handle, respectively, and the third rail member is at least partially located outside the first rail member and the second rail member. 5 . The game controller according to claim 4 , wherein a width of the third rail member is smaller than a width of the first rail member and a width of the second rail member.
6. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a first supporting structure and a second supporting structure, which are respectively arranged on the first control handle and the second control handle, and are used to support the back of the mobile device when the game controller is in the split handle mode. 7 . The game controller according to claim 6 , wherein in a direction in which the first control handle and the second control handle slide relative to each other, the first support structure is offset from the second support structure.
8. The game controller according to claim 7, wherein: It also includes a signal connector, which is arranged on the second control handle. The signal connector is used to be plugged into the mobile device when the game controller is in the split-handle mode. The first control handle and the second control handle each have a front side, the front side of the first control handle is flush with the front side of the second control handle, and the distance from the first support structure to the front side of the first control handle is greater than the distance from the second support structure to the front side of the second control handle.
9. The game controller according to claim 8, wherein the second control handle has a connected abutment surface and an upper surface, the abutment surface and the upper surface face different directions, the abutment surface faces the first control handle, the signal connector and the second support structure protrude from the abutment surface, the signal connector is closer to the upper surface than the second support structure, and the projection of the signal connector in a direction parallel to the normal of the upper surface overlaps with the second support structure.
10. The game controller according to claim 7, wherein the first control handle has a first give-way slot and the second control handle has a second give-way slot; when the game controller is in the handle-closed mode, the first support structure is inserted into the second give-way slot of the second control handle, and the second support structure is inserted into the first give-way slot of the first control handle.