Input device and operation button

Abstract

The invention provides an input device and an operation button, which can make the attachment work of the operation button easier. The controller (2000) includes: a first magnetic structure disposed on one of the button receiving portion (2301) and the operation button (2301), and including at least two magnetic poles disposed away from each other in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure disposed on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and including a magnetic body (2152) or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button includes an engagement portion (2151) located in a second direction crossing the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and engaged with the button receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and an operation button. Background Art

[0002] The PTL 1 mentioned below discloses an input device that can be used to operate a game device. An input device for processing applications such as game applications is used to input control signals from a user into the application.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Document

[0005] PTL 1

[0006] PCT Patent Publication No. WO2014 / 061362 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] If the operation button to be attached is a detachable button, the user is allowed to use an operation button having a shape suitable for the user's preference. In this case, attachment of the operation button needs to be achieved by simple work.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device and an operation button that can facilitate the work of attaching an operation button.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] The input device according to the present disclosure includes: a main body including a switch and a button receiving portion for pushing the switch; an operation button magnetically attached to the button receiving portion; a first magnetic structure provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button and including at least two magnetic poles spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a second magnetic structure provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button and including a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button includes a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the button receiving portion. This configuration can facilitate the work of attaching the operation button.

[0012] Furthermore, the input device according to the present disclosure is directed to an operation button magnetically attached to the main body. The operation button includes: a first magnetic structure including at least two magnetic poles spaced apart from each other in a first direction; or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles; and a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the main body. This configuration can contribute to the work of attaching the operation button to the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a plan view of the controller.

[0015] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the state of the controller with a plurality of second operation buttons and an operation lever removed.

[0016] Figure 4A is a side view of a type-A second operation button.

[0017] Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the lower side of the type-A second operation button.

[0018] Figure 5A is a side view of a type-B second operation button.

[0019] Figure 5B is a perspective view showing the lower side of the type-B second operation button.

[0020] Figure 6A is a side view of a type-C second operation button.

[0021] Figure 6B is a perspective view showing the lower side of the type-C second operation button.

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the lower side of a type-D second operation button.

[0023] Figure 8A is a side view of a type-E second operation button.

[0024] Figure 8B is a perspective view showing the lower side of the type-E second operation button.

[0025] Figure 8C is an exploded perspective view of the type-E second operation button.

[0026] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the switch unit.

[0027] Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view showing the constituent elements of the switch unit.

[0028] Figure 10 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0029] Figure 11 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C Figure 2 in the figure.

[0031] Figure 13A is a perspective view of the identification member.

[0032] Figure 13B is a side view of the identification member.

[0033] Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating the second operation button of type A to which the identification member is attached.

[0034] Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating the second operation button of type E to which the identification member is attached.

[0035] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button and the lower side of the marking member. Detailed Description

[0036] An example of the controller 2000 constituting the input device will be described below. For example, the controller 2000 can be used as an input device for a game and is configured to input operations to an information processing device having a function of executing a game application (game program), such as a server and a console. The controller 2000 can be used as an input device configured to input operations to an information processing device having a moving image reproduction function, an Internet communication function, and other functions. The controller 2000 that can communicate with the information processing device by wired or wireless communication transmits a signal corresponding to the operation input from the user to the controller 2000 to the information processing device.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the controller 2000, while Figure 2 is a plan view of the controller 2000. Similar to the above-described controller 200, Figure 1 and Figure 2 the controller 2000 shown in the figure can be used to input a control signal to the console 202 or the server 300. Each component element of the controller 2000 described below may also include a resin, such as plastic, metal, a composite material thereof, and the like.

[0038] In the following description, it is assumed that Figure 1 the X1 direction and the X2 direction of the X axis (the directions in which the main body 2100 and the rod unit 2200 described below are arranged) shown in and other figures correspond to the right direction and the left direction, respectively. It is also assumed that the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction of the Y axis perpendicular to the X axis correspond to the front direction and the rear direction, respectively. Further assume that Figure 3The Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, which are shown in other figures and are perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis (the direction in which the joystick 2220 described below extends), correspond to the upward direction and the downward direction, respectively. Note that these directions and arrangement positions are specified for explaining the shapes and relative positional relationships associated with the elements (components, members, and parts) of the controller 2000, rather than for restricting the attitude of the controller 2000.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, the controller 2000 includes a main body 2100 (base) and a lever unit 2200 (analog lever unit). The main body 2100 is the main body of the controller 2000 and is a component provided with a plurality of operation buttons. The lever unit 2200 is connected to the main body 2100. The lever unit 2200 is disposed adjacent to the main body 2100 in a direction perpendicular to the up-and-down direction (i.e., Figure 1 the left-and-right direction in the example shown). For example, the main body 2100 and the lever unit 2200 may be disposed on a predetermined horizontal plane, such as a floor, a table, and the femoral region of a user. The lever unit 2200 includes a sliding portion 2210 that extends in the left-and-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the up-and-down direction) and is connected to the main body 2100. The lever unit 2200 has a dome shape that expands upward as a whole and includes a joystick 2220 provided on the top located at the central portion of the dome shape.

[0040] A storage recess (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the main body 2100 to store the sliding portion 2210. The sliding portion 2210 can move relative to the storage recess in the extending direction of the sliding portion 2210. Accordingly, the lever unit 2200 can move relative to the main body 2100 in the extending direction of the sliding portion 2210. The lever unit 2200 includes a circuit board (not shown) for detecting the movement of the joystick 2220, while the main body 2100 includes a first circuit board 2190 (see Figure 10 ) and a plurality of second circuit boards 2380 (see Figure 9B and 10 ) for detecting the pressing operations on the plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body 2100. The first circuit board 2190 and the plurality of second circuit boards 2380 are electrically connected to each other through wires (not shown).

[0041] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a first operation button (central control button) 2110 that constitutes an operation part operated by a user and a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (peripheral control buttons) (second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E described below) that respectively constitute an operation part operated by the user are provided on a main body 2100 of a controller 2000. The main body 2100 has a circular shape in a plan view. The first operation button 2110 and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100. The first operation button 2110 also has a circular shape in a plan view. The first operation button 2110 is provided at a central part of the main body 2100. As Figure 2 shown, a part of an outer surface of the main body 2100 (upper surface part 2101) is exposed outside an outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The first operation button 2110 has an upper surface part wider than each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 and forms a dome shape having a central part that gradually expands upward. These dimensions and shape of the first operation button 2110 enable a user to easily place his or her hand on the first operation button 2110. The first operation button 2110 can be set as a button on which the user places his or her hand.

[0042] As Figure 2As shown, in a plan view, a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are provided along a circumferential edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The plurality of second operation buttons 2120 in a state of being attached to the main body 2100 are each arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 in the plan view. Each of the second operation buttons 2120 has an outer peripheral edge 2121 and an inner peripheral edge 2122, and both the outer peripheral edge 2121 and the inner peripheral edge 2122 have an arc shape. In a state where each of the second operation buttons 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the corresponding second operation button 2120 is arranged outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and is located outside the main body 2100. In a state where each of the second operation buttons 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, the inner peripheral edge 2122 of each second operation button 2120 is arranged inside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. The plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are each formed such that the outer peripheral edge 2121 is longer than the inner peripheral edge 2122, and has a tapered shape in which the width in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 gradually decreases from the outer peripheral edge 2121 toward the inner peripheral edge 2122. A side edge of each of the second operation buttons 2120 (the side edge connecting the end of the outer peripheral edge 2121 and the end of the inner peripheral edge 2122) extends toward the center of the main body 2100 in the radial direction of the main body 2100. In a state where the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100, this shape of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 makes the gaps between corresponding pairs of adjacent second operation buttons 2120 equal.

[0043] As Figure 2 shown, the outer peripheral edge 2121 of each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 is provided outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 to form an arc-shaped outer edge along the outer peripheral edge C1. An opening H1 formed in each of the upper surface portions of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 is an opening to which a marking member 2400 described below is attached (see Figure 13A and Figure 13B ). The opening H1 of each of the second operation buttons 2120 is formed at a position closer to the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the corresponding second operation button 2120 than the center portion of the corresponding second operation button 2120. The opening H1 is formed at the center position in the width direction (circumferential direction of the main body 2100) of the corresponding second operation button. A part of the opening H1 is formed in the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the corresponding second operation button 2120.

[0044] As Figure 2As shown, the inner peripheral edge 2122 of each of the type-A to type-D second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D among the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 is recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. Each of the inner peripheral edges 2122 of the type-A to type-D second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D is provided outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 to form an arcuate inner edge along the outer peripheral edge C2.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120A has an outer peripheral portion 2131 including an outer peripheral edge 2121. In a state where the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, each of the outer peripheral portions 2131 is provided outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and extends outward. This shape of the second operation button 2120 can expand the upper surface portion constituting the operation surface of the second operation button 2120A. For example, in a case where the operation button is as small as that of a conventional input device and has a narrow surface, the operation button may be difficult to operate for some users. In this regard, the widening of the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120A allows the button to be pressed more easily, thereby improving the operation comfort of the controller 2000 including the second operation button 2120A for users who are dissatisfied with the operation comfort of conventional input devices. In addition, the lower surface portion of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120 (for example, the lower surface portion 2124A described below Figure 4A is exposed. Therefore, the user is allowed to raise the second operation button 2120 from the main body 2100 by fitting a hand, a part of the body, or a tool, etc. to the lower surface portion of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120. As will be described below, the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 raised in this way can be removed from the main body 2100.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the type-E second operation button 2120E is provided outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 and extends into the interior of the main body 2100. As Figure 12As shown, the second operation button 2120E of the E type has an extension portion 2132E, which is included in the upper surface portion 2123E (second upper surface portion) of the second operation button 2120E of the E type and covers a part of the upper surface portion (first upper surface portion) of the first operation button 2110. The second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of the A to D types do not overlap with the first operation button 2110 in a plan view, but the extension portion 2132E of the second operation button 2120E of the E type overlaps with the first operation button 2110. This configuration increases the size of the upper surface portion 2123E of the second operation button 2120E of the E type in the direction toward the central portion of the main body 2100. Therefore, this configuration reduces the distance from the second operation button 2120E of the E type to the second operation button 2120, which is provided on the side opposite to the first operation button 2110 and is between the second operation button 2120E of the E type and the corresponding second operation button 2120. Accordingly, the user can easily operate the second operation button 2120E and the second operation button 2120 arranged on the opposite side while placing the hand on the first operation button 2110. The arrangement position of the upper surface portion 2123E of the second operation button 2120E of the E type with respect to the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 (for example, the size of the extension portion 2132E) can be appropriately set according to the usability of the user.

[0047] In Figure 2 the illustrated example, one of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 attached to the main body 2100 corresponds to the second operation button 2120E of the E type. For each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of the A to D types, the extension portion 2132E overlapping with the first operation button 2110 is not shown in a plan view. Accordingly, a sufficient exposed area inside the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be left on the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110.

[0048] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a state of the controller 2000 from which the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 and the operation lever 2200 are removed. As Figure 3 shown, each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100. In addition, the operation lever 2220 can also be removed from the lever unit 2200. For example, an operation lever having a hole at the end of the operation lever can be attached to the lever unit 2200. A belt is passed through the hole of the operation lever to allow the user to wear the belt or a wearing tool (for example, a strip) to which the belt is attached. There is a possibility that this configuration improves the ease of operation and the operating comfort of the operation lever for a user who feels that a conventional operation lever is difficult to operate.

[0049] As Figure 3As shown, the main body 2100 includes a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 (pads) outside the first operation button 2110. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 have the same shape. A plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be respectively attached to the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 surround the first operation button 2110 in a plan view. Each of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 is provided between the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The upper surface portion of the main body 2100 and the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are inclined outward from the central portion of the main body 2100 along the upper surface portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 (see Figure 10 ). The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 can be equally provided in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge C1 of the first operation button 2110 in a plan view.

[0050] As described below, each bottom of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E has a shape corresponding to the button receiving portion 2301. The user of the controller 2000 can select a desired second operation button 2120 from the plurality of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E and attach the selected second operation button 2120 to the portion of the main body 2100 where the button receiving portion 2301 is provided. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the user can change the arrangement of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of the main body 2100. Although eight button receiving portions 2301 are provided in the example shown in Figure 3 , the number of button receiving portions 2301 provided in the main body 2100 is not limited to this number. At most, the user of the controller 2000 can attach the same number of second operation buttons 2120 as the number of button receiving portions 2301 that can be provided in the main body 2100 to the main body 2100.

[0051] As Figure 3 shown, in the outer peripheral portion of the first operation button 2110, including the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, a plurality of identification information display portions 2111 are provided, and each identification information display portion 2111 indicates identification information, such as numbers. The identification information display portions 2111 are provided at positions corresponding to the button receiving portions 2301. The identification information display portions 2111 are provided at positions corresponding to the button receiving portions 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. Therefore, the user can identify the identification information assigned to the button receiving portion 2301 by checking the identification information indicated by the identification information display portion 2111. Although in Figure 3In the example shown, different numbers "1" to "8" are given as identification information, but the items of identification information are not limited to Arabic numerals, and may be Roman numerals or other types of characters or symbols. In addition, the identification information may be formed in a Braille pattern or by embossing to allow the user to touch and identify the information.

[0052] As will be described below, switches are provided in each of the button receiving portions 2301. Under an application (e.g., a game application) executed by an information processing device (such as a console and a server) communicating with the controller 2000, a switch of the button receiving portion 2301 corresponding to a function of the application can be provided, and the assignment of the switch corresponding to the function can be changed. For example, the user can change the assignment of a predetermined function of the application from being provided in the state corresponding to the state corresponding to the function. Figure 3 The switch of the button receiving part 2301 at the position corresponding to the identification information "1" (the same position in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100) is changed to the switch of the button receiving part 2301 set at the position corresponding to the identification information "2" and adjacent to the switch corresponding to the identification information "1".

[0053] The shapes of the A to E type second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E are different. For example, the user can recognize which one of the A to E type second operation buttons 2120 the user is currently touching by vision and touch by hand based on the shape difference between the A to E type second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E. The structure of each A to E type second operation button 2120A to 2120E and the button receiving portion 2301 that receives each second operation button 2120A to 2120E will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 4A is a side view of the A-type second operation button 2120A, and Figure 4B 21 is a perspective view of the lower side of the A-type second operation button 2120A. Figure 5A is a side view of the B-type second operation button 2120B, and Figure 5B : is a perspective view showing the lower side of the B-type second operation button 2120B. Figure 6A is a side view of the C-type second operating button 2120C, and Figure 6B : is a perspective view showing the lower side of the C-type second operation button 2120C. Figure 7 : is a perspective view showing the lower side of the D-type second operation button 2120D. Figure 8A is a side view of the E-type second operation button 2120E, and Figure 8B : is a perspective view showing the lower side of the E-type second operation button 2120E. Figure 8C 21 is an exploded perspective view of the E-type second operation button 2120E, and shows the underside of the E-type second operation button 2120E.

[0055] In addition, Figure 9A is a perspective view of the switch unit 2300, which is disposed around the first operation button 2110 of the main body 2100 and includes a button receiving portion 2301. Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view showing the constituent elements of the switch unit 2300. Figure 10 is along Figure 2 in the line A-A taken cross-sectional view, while Figure 11 is along Figure 2 in the line B-B taken cross-sectional view. Figure 10 and Figure 11 each show the state of the type A second operation button 2120A attached to the button receiving portion 2301. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 2 in the line C-C, and shows the state of the type E second operation button 2120E attached to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0056] First, the type A second operation button 2120A will be described. As Figure 4A shown, the upper surface portion 2123A of the type A second operation button 2120A includes the outer peripheral edge 2121A and the inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A, and is upward and diagonally in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the inner peripheral edge 2122A to the outer peripheral edge 2121A). The upper surface portion 2123A of the type A second operation button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Moreover, the lower surface portion 2124A of the type A second operation button 2120A also includes the outer peripheral edge 2121A and the inner peripheral edge 2122A similarly to the upper surface portion 2023A. The lower surface portion 2124A of the type A second operation button 2120A is downward and diagonally in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121A to the inner peripheral edge 2122A). The outer peripheral edge 2121A of the type A second operation button 2120A has a greater thickness than the thickness of the inner peripheral edge 2122A. Moreover, a slope 2127A is formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the type A second operation button 2120A. The slope 2127A constitutes the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120A, and is inclined downward and inward.

[0057] As Figure 4B shown, an assembly protrusion 2125A is formed on the lower surface portion 2124A of the type A second operation button 2120A. The assembly protrusion 2125A has a shape corresponding to each of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 provided on the upper surface portion 2101 of the main body 2100 (refer to Figure 3)。The fitting projection 2125A can be attached to any one of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. The fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A protrudes downward from the lower surface portion 2124A. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are respectively recessed downward from the upper surface portion 2101 of the main body 2100 to form fitting recesses 2302 (see Figure 9A ) for receiving the fitting projections 2125A of the second operation button 2120A. The recess-projection relationship between the fitting projection 2125A and the button receiving portion 2301 can be defined reversely.

[0058] According to the present embodiment, a first fitting portion 2126A (see Figure 4B ) is formed at the central portion of the fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A, and a second fitting portion 2303 (see Figure 9A ) is formed at the central portion of the button receiving portion 2301 (the central portion of the fitting recess 2302). The second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 is fitted into the first fitting portion 2126A of the second operation button 2125A in a state where the second operation button 2125A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301. Moreover, first engaging portions 2126B to 2126E for respectively fitting the second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 are also formed at the central portions of the fitting projections 2125B to 2125E of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E of types B to E described later. Note that in Figure 4B and 9A , the first fitting portion 2126A is a recess recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 is a projection protruding toward the second operation button 2120A. However, the recess-projection relationship between the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 can be defined reversely. For example, the first fitting portion 2126A can be a projection protruding toward the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 can be a recess recessed in a direction away from the second operation button 2120A. Moreover, with respect to the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 being rectangular shapes with rounded corners when viewed from above, the shapes of the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are not limited to this shape.

[0059] Subsequently, the second operation button 2120B of type B will be described. As Figure 5A and 5BAs shown, the upper surface portion 2123B and the lower surface portion 2124B of the second operation button 2120B of type B each include an outer peripheral edge 2121B and an inner peripheral edge 2122B. The outer peripheral edge 2121B of the second operation button 2120B of type B includes an inclined surface 2127B. The inclined surface 2127B constitutes the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120B and is inclined downward and inward. Different from the upper surface portion 2123A of the second operation button 2120A of type A, the central portion of the upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B of type B extends upward. The unfolded shape of the upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B of type B can enable the second operation button 2120B of type B to be more easily operated by some users than the second operation button 2120A of type A. For example, in a certain case, the user operates the second operation button 2120B by sliding the hand that has been placed on the upper surface portion of the domed first operation button 2110 along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. During this process, the user's hand interferes with the upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B. Therefore, the pressing applied to the second operation button 2120B of type B can be more easily performed than the operation applied to the second operation button 2120A of type A.

[0060] As Figure 5B shown, an assembly protrusion 2125B similar to the assembly protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A of type A is also formed on the lower surface portion 2124B of the second operation button 2120B of type B. This configuration also enables the assembly protrusion 2125B of the second operation button 2120B of type B to be attached to all of the button receiving portions in the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. Moreover, a plurality of holes H2 are formed in the lower surface portion 2124B of the second operation button 2120B of type B. This configuration helps to reduce the weight of the second operation button 2120B of type B.

[0061] Subsequently, the second operation button 2120C of type C will be described. As Figure 6A and 6BAs shown, the upper surface portion 2123C and the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C each include an outer peripheral edge 2121C and an inner peripheral edge 2122C. The outer peripheral edge 2121C of the C-type second operation button 2120C includes an inclined surface 2127C. The inclined surface 2127C constitutes the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120C and is inclined downward and inward. Different from the upper surface portion 2123A of the A-type second operation button 2120A, the upper surface portion 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C is inclined obliquely upward in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C to the inner peripheral edge 2122C). The upper surface portion 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Moreover, similar to the lower surface portion 2124A of the A-type second operation button 2120A, the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120A is directed downward and obliquely downward in the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C toward the inner peripheral edge 2122C. As Figure 6A illustrated, the thickness of the C-type second operation button 2120A in the vertical direction gradually increases from the inner peripheral edge 2122 toward the outer peripheral edge 2121.

[0062] As Figure 1 and Figure 6A shown, in a state where a plurality of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E are attached to the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 2121C of the C-type second operation button is located at the highest position. This configuration enables some users to operate the C-type second operation button 2120B more easily than other second operation buttons 2120. For example, in the process of sliding the hand along the upper surface portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 to operate the second operation button 2120C, the hand of the user interferes with the outer peripheral portion 2121C of the second operation button 2120C. In this case, the pressing applied to the C-type second operation button 2120C can be more easily performed than the operation applied to other second operation buttons 2120 (for example, the A-type second operation button 2120A).

[0063] As Figure 6B shown, fitting protrusions 2125C similar to the fitting protrusions 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A are also formed on the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C. This configuration also enables the fitting protrusions 2125B of the C-type second operation button 2120C to be attached to all of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. Moreover, a plurality of holes H3 are formed in the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C. This configuration helps to reduce the weight of the C-type second operation button 2120C, similar to the B-type second operation button 2120B.

[0064] Subsequently, the D-type second operation button 2120D will be described. Similar to the A-type second operation button 2120A, the D-type second operation button 2120D has an upper surface portion that faces upward and diagonally in the radial direction (from the inner peripheral edge 2122D to the outer peripheral edge 2121D) of the main body 2100, and is slightly curved in the vertical direction, as Figure 1 and Figure 7 shown. The outer peripheral edge 2121D of the D-type second operation button 2120D includes an inclined surface 2127D. The inclined surface 2127D constitutes the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120D, and is inclined downward and inward. The difference between the D-type second operation button 2120D and the A-type second operation button 2120A is that in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 to which a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached, the width of the D-type second operation button 2120D is greater than the width of the A-type second operation button 2120A. The larger width of the D-type second operation button 2120D can make the D-type second operation button 2120D easier to be pushed than the A-type second operation button 2120A. In addition, it can be more convenient to simultaneously press the operation of adjacent buttons. Regarding the A to D-type second operation buttons 2120, the outer peripheral edges 2121A to 2121C have the same or substantially the same width in the circumferential direction, while the outer peripheral edge 2121D has the same or substantially the same width as twice the width of the outer peripheral edge 2121A. Similarly, regarding the A to D-type second operation buttons 2120, the inner peripheral edges 2122A to 2122C have the same or substantially the same width in the circumferential direction, on the other hand, the inner peripheral edge 2122D has the same or substantially the same width as twice the width of the inner peripheral edge 2122A.

[0065] As Figure 7 shown, two fitting protrusions 2125D similar to the fitting protrusion 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A are formed on the lower surface portion 2124D of the D-type second operation button 2120D. The difference between the D-type second operation button 2120D and the A-type second operation button 2120A also lies in that two fitting protrusions 2125D are provided. The two fitting protrusions 2125D arranged on the lower surface portion 2124D of the D-type second operation button 2120D are away from each other in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. The D-type second operation button 2120D is attached to the main body 2100 by attaching the two fitting protrusions 2125D to two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 (see Figure 3 ). The user can press one or both of the switches 2381 respectively provided on two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 (see Figure 9B ) by pressing the D-type second operation button 2120D.

[0066] Finally, the second operation button 2120E of type E will be described. Similar to the second operation button 2120A of type A, the second operation button 2120E of type E has an upper surface portion 2123E, as Figure 8A shown. The upper surface portion 2123E faces upward and diagonally in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (from the inner peripheral edge 2122E to the outer peripheral edge 2121E), and is slightly curved in the vertical direction. As Figure 2 shown, the inner peripheral edge 2122E included in the upper surface portion 2123E of the second operation button 2120E of type E protrudes toward the central portion of the main body 2100 more greatly than the inner peripheral edges 2122 of the other second operation buttons 2120.

[0067] As Figure 8A and 8B illustrated, an extension portion 2132E including the inner peripheral edge 2122E is formed on the upper surface portion 2123E of the second operation button 2120E of type E. As Figure 12 shown, in a state where the second operation button 2120E is attached to the main body 2100, the extension portion 2132E of the second operation button 2120E covers a part of the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110.

[0068] As Figure 8B illustrated, the fitting protrusion 2125E is also formed on the lower surface portion 2124E of the second operation button 2120E of type E. As Figure 10 and Figure 12 shown, the corresponding fitting protrusions 2125A and 2125E of the second operation buttons 2120A and 2120E of type E include engaging portions 2151 (second engaging portions), which are respectively engaged with the button receiving portion 2301 near the inner peripheral edges 2122A and 2122E. Similar to the fitting protrusions 2125A, 2125E, the respective fitting protrusions 2125B to 2125C of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120C of types B to D have engaging portions 2151 engaged with the button receiving portion 2301.

[0069] As Figure 12As shown, the fitting projection 2125E of the E-type second operation button 2120E further includes a joint portion 2128E (first joint portion) that engages with the button receiving portion 2301 near the outer peripheral edge 2121E. In addition, a movable portion 2129E is provided on the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the E-type second operation button 2120E. The movable portion 2129E protrudes to the outside of the second operation button 2120E and is allowed to be pushed toward the inner peripheral edge 2122E. The joint portion 2128E moves toward the inner peripheral edge 2122E according to the push applied to the movable portion 2129E. The joint portion 2128E and the movable portion 2129E are provided only on the E-type second operation button 2120E. Joint portions that engage with the button receiving portion 2301 are not formed on the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D near the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the fitting projections 2125A to 2125D. Moreover, on each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D, a movable portion that is allowed to be pushed toward the inner peripheral edge 2122 is not provided.

[0070] As Figure 8C shown, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an upper member 2140E including the outer peripheral edge 2121E, inner peripheral edge 2122E, upper surface portion 2123E (see Figure 8A ) and lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E, and a lower member 2150E including the fitting projection 2125E. The E-type second operation button 2120E is formed by combining the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E in the vertical direction. Similar to the E-type second operation button 2120E, each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D can be formed by combining an upper member (e.g., Figure 10 the upper member 2140A shown) and a lower member (e.g., Figure 10 the lower member 2150A shown).

[0071] As Figure 8C shown, the side surface 2141E of the upper member 2140E of the E-type second operation button 2120E near the inner peripheral edge 2122E is recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 similarly to the inner peripheral edge 2122 of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D. This configuration can suppress interference between the lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E and the first operation button 2110 when the E-type second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 or when the E-type second operation button 2120E is pushed downward from the main body 2100.

[0072] As Figure 8CAs illustrated, the type E second operation button 2120E has an engagement member 2160E including an engagement portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E. The engagement member 2160E is disposed between an upper member 2140E and a lower member 2150E. A storage recess 2142E that is recessed upward from a lower surface portion 2124E is formed in the upper member 2140E. The engagement member 2160E is stored inside the storage recess 2142E. According to the present embodiment, each of the type A to D second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D does not have a member corresponding to the engagement member 2160E.

[0073] As Figure 8C shown, the engagement member 2160E has a base portion 2161E including an engagement portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E, a fixing portion 2162E disposed away from the base portion 2161E in a direction toward an inner peripheral edge 2122E, a spring portion 2163E extending from the base portion 2161E in a curved manner and connected to the fixing portion 2162E, and a stopper portion 2164E extending from the base portion 2161E toward the inner peripheral edge 2122E. The engagement portion 2128E is a claw portion that extends downward from the base portion 2161E and forms a lower end protruding toward the movable portion 2129E.

[0074] The fixing portion 2162E of the engagement member 2160E is fixed to the storage recess 2142E of the upper member 2140E. In this way, the relative positions of the fixing portion 2162E, the upper member 2140E, and the lower member 2150E are fixed. When the user pushes the movable portion 2129E toward the inner peripheral edge 2122E, the base portion 2161E and the engagement portion 2128E formed on the base portion 2161E move toward the fixing portion 2162E according to the elastic bending of the spring portion 2163E. In this case, the stopper portion 2164E collides with the fixing portion 2162E to limit the excessive pushing of the movable portion 2129E. When the user releases the movable portion 2129E in this state, the base portion 2161E and the engagement portion 2128E move in a direction away from the fixing portion 2162E and return to the initial position according to the shape recovery of the spring portion 2163E. As described above, the movable portion 2129E and the engagement portion 2128E are enabled to relatively move with respect to the fixing portion 2162E. Therefore, the movable portion 2129E and the engagement portion 2128E are allowed to move with respect to the member 2131E and the lower member 2150E.

[0075] The structure of the main body 2100 associated with the button receiving portion 2301 to which the type A to E second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E can be attached will be described. As Figure 3As shown, a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are provided on the main body 2100. The corresponding button receiving portions 2301 are provided on the Figure 9A and 9B switch unit 2300 shown in. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 on the main body 2100 and the plurality of switch units 2300 surround the first operation button 2110.

[0076] As Figure 9A and 9B shown, each switch unit 2300 includes a base member 2310, a cover member 2320 covering a part of the base member 2310, a first support member 2330 supporting the base member 2310 from below, a shaft member 2340, a magnet 2350 having a flat plate shape, a magnetic body 2360 covering the lower side of the magnet 2350, a second support member 2370 supporting the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 from below, and a second circuit board 2380, and a switching element 2381 is mounted on the upper surface portion of the second circuit board 2380. The cover member 2320 has a frame shape. An opening H4 is formed at the central portion of the cover member 2320. The button receiving portion 2301 is exposed through the opening H4 of the cover member 2320. An engaging portion 2321 engaged with the first support member 2330 is formed at the lower end of the cover member 2320. The cover member 2320 fixed to the first support member 2330 prevents the shaft member 2340, the magnet 2350, the magnetic body 2360, and the second support member 2370 provided between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330 from separating from the first support member 2330.

[0077] As Figure 9B and Figure 10 shown, the base member 2310 and the shaft member 2340 are provided on the switch unit 2300 between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330. A recess is formed on the side (lower side) of the base member 2310 opposite to the second fitting portion 2303 as a protrusion on the upper surface portion. The magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 are stored in the recess. Further, a wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 is formed on the upper surface portion of the base member 2310. A protrusion 2316 protruding toward the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 is formed on the base member 2310 outside the wall portion 2313. The protrusion 2316 of the base member 2310 is sandwiched between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330 in the vertical direction. This configuration can prevent the base member 2310 from separating on the outer peripheral edge C1 side of the main body 2100.

[0078] As Figure 9B and Figure 10As shown, the shaft member 2340 of the switch unit 2300 is disposed on the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 is attached to the base member 2310 and is rotatable relative to the base member 2310 about a center aligned with the axis Ax1. The shaft member 2340 includes a shaft portion 2341 extending along the axis Ax1 and an engagement portion 2342 located above the axis Ax1. The engagement portion 2342 is a claw portion that extends upward from the shaft portion 2341 and forms an upper end protruding toward the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. The engagement portion 2342 extends along the axis Ax1. As Figure 9A shown, the engagement portion 2342 and the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310 surround the fitting recess 2302 and the second fitting portion 2303 provided on the fitting recess 2302. The engagement portion 2342 may be a recess for the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120 to engage.

[0079] Figure 9B As shown, the second circuit board 2380 of the switch unit 2300 is fixed to the first support member 2330 by a fixing device 2390 such as a screw. An opening H5 is formed at the central portion of the first support member 2330. The switching element 2381 is exposed through the opening H5. Moreover, the second support member 2370, the magnetic body 2360, the magnet 2350, the base member 2310, and the cover member 2320 are arranged in this order from below above the switching element 2381. When the user presses the second operation button 2120 downward, the second support member 2370 moves downward as the base member 2310 and the magnet 2350 move. The switching element 2381 detects that the second operation button 2120 is pressed by the user by detecting the approach of the second support member 2370 or the pressing force applied to the switch by the second support member 2370.

[0080] As Figure 10 shown, the type-A second operation button 2120A is formed by combining an upper member 2140A including an outer peripheral edge 2121A, an upper surface portion 2123A, etc. and a lower member 2150A including a fitting protrusion 2125A in the vertical direction.

[0081] As Figure 10As shown, the upper surface portion 2123A of the second operation button 2120A of type A is disposed above the extension line L1 extending along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. Similarly, each of the upper surface portions 2123B to 2123E of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E of types B to E is also disposed above the extension line extending along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. This configuration creates a step between the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 and the upper surface portions 2123A to 2123E of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E. For example, when the user slides the hand from the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 and moves the hand to any one of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120, the user's hand collides with the corresponding step. In this case, the user can easily identify the boundary between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120. In addition, the user can recognize that the hand has passed over the step through the tactile sensation of the hand and can feel that the hand is touching the second operation button 2120. Specifically, during button operation using a part larger than the fingertip, the switching of the operation target button is easily recognizable. In this way, for users who are not satisfied with the operation comfort of conventional input devices, the operation comfort of the controller 2000 including the second operation button 2120 is improved.

[0082] The controller 2000 includes a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure. The first magnetic structure includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated from each other in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100. The second magnetic structure includes a magnetic body or a magnet facing at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. According to the present embodiment, a "magnetic pole" refers to an end face through which magnetic flux enters or exits, such as one end of a magnet and one end of a magnetic body. The first magnetic structure is disposed on one of the base member 2310 constituting the button receiving portion 2301 and the second operation button 2120, and the second magnetic structure is disposed on the other of the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120.

[0083] The magnetic force generated by the first and second magnetic structures disposed on the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120 attracts the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301. In this case, at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. Therefore, the posture of the second operation button 2120 can be corrected by the magnetic force. The user only needs to arrange the second operation button 2120 at a substantially correct position when attaching the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301. Accordingly, the attachment operation of the second operation button 2120 is facilitated. For example, the user can slide the second operation button 2120 along the upper surface portion of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110, move the second operation button 2120, and attach it to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0084] According to this embodiment, as Figure 10 shown, the base member 2310 has a magnet 2350, and the second operation button 2120 has a magnet 2152. As Figure 11 exemplified, the magnet 2350 has a magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 on the upper side and a magnetic pole (a magnetic pole opposite to the magnetic pole N1, e.g., south pole) S1 on the lower side. The magnetic poles N1 and S1 of the magnet 2350 are separated in the vertical direction (the direction of pressing the second operation button 2120, a third direction intersecting the first direction, and a second direction described later).

[0085] For example, the magnetic body 2152 is a metal plate, fixed to the lower member 2150A, and exposed downward from the first fitting portion 2126A ( Figure 4B ). Each of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E also has a magnetic body 2152 fixed to the lower member. The magnetic body 2152 faces the magnet 2350 provided on the lower side of the button receiving portion 2301, and in the state where the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, it is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350. In addition, the base member 2310 has a magnetic body, and the second operation button 2120 has a magnet. In addition, the second operation button 2120 may also have a magnet instead of the magnetic body 2152.

[0086] The first magnetic structure includes a U-shaped magnetic body 2360. As Figure 9B and Figure 11 shown, the magnet 2350 is provided in the recess of the U-shaped magnet 2360. The magnetic body 2360 serves as a so-called magnetization yoke, which increases the attractive force of the magnet 2350 to attract the magnetic body 2152. At the upper end of the magnetic body 2360, the magnet 2350 generates magnetic forces of magnetic poles S2 and S3 (e.g., south poles) opposite to the upper magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 of the magnet 2350, as Figure 11 shown. Note that the north-south pole relationship between the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 can be defined in the reverse direction.

[0087] As Figure 11 shown, three magnetic poles including the magnetic pole N1 of the magnet 2350, namely magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3, are arranged in this order on the button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 (the direction indicated by the arrow D3 in Figure 9A and 11 ). As Figure 3 and 9AAs shown, the length of the button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 is greater than the length of the button receiving portion 2301 in the radial direction of the main body 2100. The magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 constituting the first magnetic structure are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0088] This arrangement of the magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 constituting the first magnetic structure on the button receiving portion 2301 can correct the posture of the second operation button 2120 relative to the button receiving portion 2301 using magnetic force. In this way, the work of attaching the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301 can be easily performed. Moreover, compared with the case where a plurality of magnets are arranged in the circumferential direction of the button receiving portion 2301, the number of magnets 2350 arranged on the button receiving portion 2301 can be reduced.

[0089] The first magnetic structure may include a plurality of magnets. In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of magnets on the button receiving portion 2301 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100. Further preferably, the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnets among the plurality of magnets are opposite magnetic poles. For example, when the upper magnetic pole of one magnet is the north pole, preferably, the upper magnetic pole of the adjacent magnet is the south pole. When the first magnetic structure has a plurality of magnets, the first magnetic structure may have a plurality of U-shaped magnets. In this case, the plurality of magnets may be respectively disposed in the recesses of the plurality of U-shaped magnetic bodies.

[0090] As Figure 10 As shown, the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 includes a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340 attached to the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 extends along the axis Ax1 and includes a shaft portion 2341 containing the axis Ax1 and a joint portion 2342 extending upward from the shaft portion 2341. The joint portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is disposed between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120A and contacts the second operation button 2120A in a state where the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0091] The fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A includes a joining portion 2151 at a position near the inner peripheral edge 2122. The joining portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A contacts the joining portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 and engages with the joining portion 2342 in a state where the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301. The joining portion 2151 that constitutes the claw portion engages with the joining portion 2342 that also constitutes the claw portion. Only one of the joining portion 2151 and the joining portion 2342 may be a claw portion, and the other of the joining portion 2151 and the joining portion 2342 may be a recess that engages with the claw portion. By the engagement of the joining portion 2151 with the joining portion 2342, displacement of the second operation button 2120A in a direction away from the button receiving portion 2301 is prevented. In addition, a joining portion that engages with the joining portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is also provided on each of the fitting projections 2125B to 2125D of the type B to D second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D.

[0092] As Figure 10 shown, with respect to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (for example, three magnetic poles generated by the magnet 2350 and the U-shaped magnetic body 2360), the joining portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is located in a direction (second direction, a direction crossing the first direction in which the at least two magnetic poles are away from each other) toward the central portion of the main body 2100. The second operation button 2120A can be pressed in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. The joining portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is away from the magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure in the second direction (a direction crossing the first direction in which the at least two magnetic poles are away from each other and corresponding to the third direction in which the second operation button 2120A is pressed). This configuration can prevent the second operation button from separating from the main body 2100 when the second operation button 2120A is pressed on a side opposite to the side where the joining portion 2151 is provided.

[0093] The second operation button 2120A straddles the outer peripheral edge of the button receiving portion 2301 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the joining portion 2151 is positioned with respect to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (a direction toward the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100). In Figure 3 the plan view, the second operation button 2120A covers the entire area of the button receiving portion 2301. As Figure 10As shown, the second operation button 2120A includes a first portion A1 and a second portion A2. The first portion A1 corresponds to one side where the engaging portion 2151 is provided with respect to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. The second portion A2 is a portion corresponding to the side opposite to the first portion A1 with respect to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. The width of the second portion A2 in the radial direction (second direction) of the main body 2100 is greater than the width of the first portion A1. In a plan view, the second portion A2 is wider than the first portion A1. Accordingly, a user can more easily press the second portion A2 compared to the first portion A1.

[0094] As Figure 10 shown, a gap D1 is formed between the outer peripheral portion C1 of the main body 2100 and the second operation button 2120A. Thus, when the user presses the second operation button 2120A at a position near the outer peripheral edge 2121A (for example, the second portion A2), a portion near the inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A (for example, the first portion A1) is pushed upward. Here, it should be noted that the engaging portion 2151 engages with the engaging portion 2342 of the button receiving portion 2301 at a portion of the second operation button 2120A near the inner peripheral edge 2122A. This configuration can effectively prevent the second operation button 2120A from separating from the button receiving portion 2301. In addition, the width of the second portion of each of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D of type B to D in the radial direction of the main body 2100 is also greater than the width of the first portion, and the second portion is a portion corresponding to the side opposite to the first portion, and the first portion corresponds to the side where the engaging portion 2151 is provided. This configuration can also effectively prevent the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D of type B to D from separating from the button receiving portion 2301.

[0095] The engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring toward Figure 10 the position indicated in (hereinafter referred to as the locked position). When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2342 is disposed at the locked position and engages with the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A. When the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A in this state, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pressed by the second operation button 2120A. In this case, the entire shaft member 2340 rotates about a center aligned with the axis Ax1. As a result, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 moves away from Figure 10The locking position corresponding to the exemplary initial position is moved to an unlocking position (a position closer to the first operation button 2110 than the locking position). In this way, the second operation button 2120A can be removed from the button receiving portion 2301. The user can easily remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiving portion 2301 by lifting the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward. Each of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D of type B to D can also be easily removed from the button receiving portion 2301 by lifting the corresponding outer peripheral edge 2121.

[0096] As Figure 10 shown, a slope 2127A is formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121A, and the slope 2127A extends downward from the outer edge of the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the type A second operation button 2120A and toward the central portion of the main body 2100. When the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward and presses the slope 2127A, the second operation button 2120A moves upward and toward the central portion of the main body 2100. As the second operation button 2120A moves toward the central portion of the main body 2100, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120A and moves to the unlocking position. In this state, the second operation button 2120A can be removed from the button receiving portion 2301. In other words, the slope 2127A formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A facilitates the removal of the second operation button 2120A. In addition, slopes 2127B to 2127D that extend downward and toward the central portion of the main body 2100 are also formed on the outer peripheral edges 2121B to 2121D of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D of type B to D. This configuration also facilitates the removal of the second operation buttons 2120B to 2120D of type B to D.

[0097] As Figure 10 shown, the button receiving portion 2301 including the base member 2310 and the shaft member 2340 is pushed upward by the switch of the switch element 2381. The outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 contacts the cover member 2320, and the cover member 2320 has a frame shape and includes an opening H4 (see Figure 9B ). The protrusion 2316 of the base member 2310 (see Figure 9B)At the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 provided on one side (one end of the main body 2100 near the edge C1), while the protrusion 2343 protruding from the shaft portion 2341 of the shaft member 2340 in the direction toward the central portion of the main body 2100 (the direction intersecting the vertical direction and the axis Ax1) is provided at the outer edge on the other side (one end of the main body 2100 near the central portion). The protrusion 2316 of the base member 2310 and the protrusion 2343 of the shaft member 2340 contact the cover member 2320 fixed to the main body 2100. According to the push applied to one side or the other side of the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301, the button receiving portion 2301 can move downward, where the fulcrum is located on the side opposite to the side where the push has been applied. Therefore, the switch of the switch element 2381 can be operated by two pushes applied to one side and the other side of the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0098] As Figure 12 Illustrated, the E-type second operation button 2120E is formed by combining the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E in the vertical direction. The engaging member 2160E is provided between the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. As Figure 12 Shown, a magnetic body 2152, such as a metal plate, is also formed on the lower member 2150E of the E-type second operation button 2120E. This configuration allows the magnetic body 2152 to be attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350 provided on the button receiving portion 2301, thus facilitating the attachment of the E-type second operation button 2120E to the button receiving portion 2301. Moreover, a plurality of magnetic poles are provided on the button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. Therefore, when attaching the E-type second operation button 2120E to the button receiving portion 2301, the posture of the E-type second operation button 2120E can be corrected.

[0099] As Figure 12 Illustrated, the extension portion 2132E including the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-type second operation button 2120E covers the area of the outer peripheral edge C2 of the upper surface portion including the first operation button 2110. A gap D2 is provided in the vertical direction between the extension portion 2132E and the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. The gap D2 is larger than the movable range of the second operation button 2120E (i.e., the movable range of the button receiving portion 2301). This configuration prevents interference between the extension portion 2132E and the first operation button 2110 when the E-type second operation button 2120E is pressed.

[0100] As Figure 12 Shown, the E-type second operation button 2120E includes an outer peripheral portion 2131E provided outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and extending outward. AsFigure 2 As shown, each of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of type A also includes an outer peripheral portion 2131 provided outside the outer peripheral edge C1 and located on the outside (for example, Figure 10 the outer peripheral portion 2313A of the second operation button 2120A of type A as shown).

[0101] As Figure 2 exemplified, the width of the extension portion 2132E of the second operation button 2120E of type E is smaller than the width of the outer peripheral portion 2131E. This configuration facilitates the layout of a plurality of operation buttons of the main body 2100 including the second operation button 2120E of type E. As Figure 12 shown, similar to the second operation button 2120A of type A, the fitting protrusion 2125E of the second operation button 2120E of type E includes a joint portion 2151 (second joint portion) near the inner peripheral edge 2122E (near the extension portion 2132E). In a state where the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the joint portion 2151 is joined to the joint portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340. For example, even when the user pushes down a part of the second operation button 2120E near the outer peripheral portion 2131E and pushes up the extension portion 2132E on the side opposite to the pushed portion, this configuration can effectively prevent the second operation button 2120E of type E from separating from the button receiving portion 2301.

[0102] In addition, the position of the second operation button 2120E of type E near the outer peripheral edge 2121E includes a joint portion 2128E (first joint portion). The joint portion 2128E is provided on the side of the second operation button 2120E opposite to the extension portion 2132E. The base member 2310 constituting the button receiving portion 2301 has a joint portion 2315. The joint portion 2315 of the button receiving portion 2301 is formed below the wall portion 2313 (see Figure 9B ). The joint portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E is joined to the joint portion 2315 of the base member 2310 in a state where the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301. This configuration can prevent the second operation button 2120E of type E from separating from the button receiving portion 2301. In particular, the joint portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E of type E is joined to the button receiving portion 2301 at a position near the outer peripheral portion 2131E. Even when the user pushes down the extension portion 2132E that protrudes significantly toward the first operation button 2110 and pushes up the outer peripheral portion 2131E on the side opposite to the extension portion 2132E, this configuration can effectively prevent the second operation button 2120E of type E from separating from the button receiving portion 2301.

[0103] As shown Figure 12 in the figure, the movable part 2129E is provided on the outer peripheral part 2131E of the second operation button 2120E. When the user pushes the movable part 2129E towards the inner periphery 2122, the engaging part 2128E of the second operation button 2120E moves from the locking position corresponding to the Figure 12 illustrated initial position to the unlocking position (a position closer to the inner periphery 2122 than the locking position). By pushing the movable part 2129E, the user can release the engagement between the engaging part 2128E of the second operation button 2120E and the engaging part 2315 of the base member 2310. When the user raises the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the second operation button 2120E in this state, the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120E and moves to the unlocking position. In this way, the second operation button 2120E can be removed from the button receiving part 2301.

[0104] As shown Figure 12 in the figure, a slope 2135E is formed on the outer surface of the movable part 2129E provided on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the E-shaped second operation button 2120A. The slope 2135E extends downward from the outer edge of this outer surface and towards the central part of the main body 2100. When the user pushes the slope 2135E, the second operation button 2120E moves upward and diagonally towards the central part of the main body 2100. As the second operation button 2120E moves towards the central part of the main body 2100, the second operation button 2120E can push the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340. In this way, the second operation button 2120E can be removed from the button receiving part 2301. In other words, the slope 2135E formed on the movable part 2129E of the second operation button 2120E can release the engagement between the two engaging parts 2128E, 2342 and the second operation button 2120E according to a series of actions for pushing the movable part 2129E, thus facilitating the removal of the second operation button 2120E.

[0105] As shown Figure 10 in the figure, no engaging part for engaging with the engaging part 2315 of the base member 2310 is provided on the A-shaped second operation button 2120A. A guided slope 2133A guided by the wall part 2313 of the base member 2310 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting protrusion 2125 of the second operation button 2120A (see Figure 9A and 9B ). The guided slope 2133A slopes downward from the outer edge of the fitting protrusion 2125A (the outer edge near the outer peripheral edge 2121A) and towards the inner periphery 2122A.

[0106] As shownFigure 9A As shown, a guiding inclined surface 2314 extending downward and toward the second fitting portion 2303 is formed inside a wall portion 2313 which is provided on the upper surface portion of a base member 2310 and surrounds the second fitting portion 2303. A guided inclined surface 2133A of a fitting protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A abuts against the guiding inclined surface 2314 and slides along the guiding inclined surface 2314. In this way, the fitting protrusion 2125A can be guided to the inside of the wall portion 2313 according to the sliding. This configuration can facilitate the attachment of the type-A second operation button 2120A to the button receiving portion 2301. Moreover, guided inclined surfaces 2133B to 2133E are also respectively formed on the fitting protrusions 2125B to 2125E of the type-B to type-E second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E. This configuration can also facilitate each of the type-B to type-E second operation buttons 2120A to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0107] As Figure 4B shown, a first fitting portion 2126A is formed on the central portion of the fitting protrusion 2125A. A wall surface 2134A is formed on the first fitting portion 2126A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the fitting protrusion 2125A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A can be a surface more perpendicular to the bottom surface of the fitting protrusion 2125A than the guided inclined surface 2133A. As Figure 9A illustrated, a second fitting portion 2303 (second fitting portion) protruding upward is formed on the central portion of the button receiving portion 2301. A wall surface 2304 is also formed on the second fitting portion 2303. The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 can be a surface more perpendicular to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 than the guiding inclined surface 2314.

[0108] When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A collides with the wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303. This configuration can suppress the movement of the second operation button 2120A along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). Moreover, wall surfaces 2134B to 2134E are also respectively formed on the recesses 2126B to 2126E of the fitting protrusions 2125B to 2125E of the type-B to type-E second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E. This configuration can also suppress the movement of each of the type-B to type-E second operation buttons 2120B to 2120E along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0109] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a marking member 2400 attached to a second operation button 2120. Figure 13B is a side view of the marking member 2400. The marking member 2400 can be manufactured using materials such as resin and rubber. As Figure 1 illustrated, an opening H1 is formed in the upper surface portion of each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (e.g., the upper surface portion 2123A of the second button 2120A of type A). The marking member 2400 is detachably attached to the opening H1 of each of the second operation buttons 2120.

[0110] As Figure 13A illustrated, the marking member 2400 includes a top portion 2401 that indicates a mark including a string of characters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof. Further, as Figure 13B illustrated, the marking member 2400 includes a fitting protrusion 2403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 2401 and engages with the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120. Although Figure 13A the top portion 2401 in the example shown in has a circular shape, the top portion 2401 can have a rectangular shape such as a square shape or other shapes. According to Figure 13A the example illustrated in, a symbol of "circle" is given to the top portion 2401 as identification information. The identification information is not limited to symbols and can be numbers (Arabic numerals or Roman numerals) or other types of characters. The identification information given to the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 can be of a type different from the type indicated by the identification information display portion 2111 provided on the first operation button 2110. Further, the identification information given to the top portion 2401 can be Braille or formed by embossing to allow the user to touch and identify the information.

[0111] The marking member 2400 can be attached to the inside of the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120 and can be detached from the opening H1. The fitting protrusion 2403 of the marking member 2400 includes a first extension portion 2403a and a second extension portion 2403b. The first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b have the same length and each extend downward and form a flanged lower end. A gap D2 is formed in the width direction of the marking member 2400 between the first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b. When the first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b are bent toward the gap D2, the overall width of the fitting protrusion 2403 decreases. This configuration enables the user to insert the fitting protrusion 2403 into the inside of the opening H1 formed in the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 or remove the fitting protrusion 2403 from the opening H1.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the second operation button 2120A of type A to which the marking member 2400 is attached. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the second operation button 2120E of type E to which the marking member 2400 is attached. As Figure 2 shown, the opening H1 is formed at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion of each second operation button 2120 than to the central portion of the upper surface portion of the corresponding two operation buttons 2120. Accordingly, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 illustrated, the marking member 2400 is detachably attached to a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 than to the central portion of the upper surface portion. This configuration facilitates pressing at the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120.

[0113] The second operation button 2120 includes an outer peripheral portion 2121 provided outside the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and extending outward. As Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, at least a part of the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 overlaps with a part of the outer peripheral portion 2121 of the second operation button 2120. While operating the second operation button 2120, the user can recognize the touch at a portion near the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the second operation button and the touch at the central portion in the width direction of the second operation button 2120, for example, by touching the marking member 2400. In this way, the user can more easily check the placement of a finger or the like at a given starting position.

[0114] In addition, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 has a circular shape, and a part of the outer peripheral edge of the top portion 2401 overlaps with a part of the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120. This configuration enables the user to easily insert a fingertip (the tip of a nail) or the like into the space between the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 and the second operation button 2120, and remove the marking member 2400 from the second operation button 2120. The top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 may have a portion that extends across the outer peripheral edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 and reaches the outside of the second operation button 2120. In addition, a part of the outer edge of the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 may overlap with the inner peripheral edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120. This configuration can also facilitate the removal of the marking member 2400.

[0115] As Figure 14 and 15As shown, the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 includes a lower surface portion 2402 , and in a state where the marking member 2400 is attached to the second operation button 2120 , the lower surface portion 2402 faces the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 . Figure 14 The upper surface portion 2123A of the A-type second button 2120A illustrated in FIG. 1 is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Figure 15 The upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second button 2120E illustrated in the example is also slightly curved in the up-down direction. Unlike these portions, the lower surface portion 2402 of the marking member 2400 is flat in the up-down direction. Accordingly, a small gap is generated between the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 and the lower surface portion 2402 of the marking member 2400. The user can insert a fingertip or the like into the gap. This configuration can facilitate the removal of the marking member 2400 from the second operation button 2120.

[0116] Figure 15 The marking member 2400 shown in FIG. Figure 14 The marking member 2400 illustrated in FIG. 2 is different in that a symbol of “square” is given to the top portion 2401 instead of a symbol of “circle”. The user can attach the marking member 2400 to which the desired identification information is given to each of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120. The user can attach the marking member 2400 to which the mark corresponding to the function set by the application (e.g., game application) executed by the information processing device such as the console and the server is given to the second operation button 2120. The user can recognize the function of the second operation button 2120 in the application by confirming the marking member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120. Moreover, the user changes the arrangement of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 in some cases, or changes the allocation of the switch of the button receiving portion 2301 corresponding to the function of the application. Even in these cases, the difference between the function set by the application and the function indicated by the mark of the marking member 2400 can be suppressed by changing the marking member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, modifications of the above-described embodiment may also be included in the configuration within the scope of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 16 It is a disassembled perspective view showing the lower side of the second operating button 3200 and the lower side of the marking member 3400, the second operating button 3200 being a partial modification of the second operating button 2120 (e.g., type A second operating button 2120A) described in the present embodiment, and the marking member 3400 being a partial modification of the marking member 2400 described in the present embodiment.Figure 16 The second operation button 3200 shown in Figure 16 can be attached to the main body 2100 described in the embodiment. At the same time, Figure 16 the marking member 3400 shown in Figure 16 can be attached to the second operation button 3200 shown in this figure. As Figure 16 shown, an opening H2 is formed in the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200. In Figure 16 the example illustrated in Figure 16 , the opening H2 is a hole penetrating the button 3200 in the vertical direction. The marking member 3400 is detachably attached to the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200.

[0119] The marking member 3400 can be manufactured using materials such as resin and rubber. As Figure 16 shown, the marking member 3400 includes a top portion 3401 having a plate shape and a fitting protrusion 3403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 3401 and fits into the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200. Identification information (marking), such as characters, symbols, numbers, strings combining these, etc., is given to the upper surface of the top portion 2401. The identification information given to the top portion 3401 can be Braille or formed by embossing to allow the user to touch and identify the information. Additionally, although Figure 16 the top portion 3401 in the example shown in Figure 16 has a circular (disc) shape, the top portion 3401 can have a rectangular shape, such as a square shape or other shapes.

[0120] As Figure 16 shown, the top portion 2401 of the marking member 3400 has a flat lower surface portion 3402. In a state where the marking member 3400 is attached to the second operation button 3200, the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400 faces the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200. Although the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400 is flat, the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 can be curved. This configuration can form a minute gap between the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 and the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400. By inserting a fingertip or the like into this gap, the user can remove the marking member 3400 from the second operation button 3200.

[0121] As Figure 16 shown, the fitting protrusion 3403 of the marking member 3400 protrudes downward from the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400 (relative to Figure 16extends upward with the sheet surface facing up). The fitting projection 3403 may have a cylindrical shape. The fitting projection 3403 includes a first projection 3403a and a second projection 3403b that project from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting projection 3403 along the lower surface portion 3402, respectively. The first projection 3403a projects in a first direction that intersects the vertical direction, while the second projection 3403b projects in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first projection 3403a and the second projection 3403b are located in opposite directions with respect to the axis Ax2, which is the axis of the fitting projection 3403 and extends in the vertical direction and is sandwiched between the first projection 3403a and the second projection 3403b. The width V of the first projection 3403a in the circumferential direction of the fitting projection 3403 and the width V of the second projection 3403b in the same direction may be equal to each other. The first projection 3403a and the second projection 3403b may have the same shape and size. Note that three or more projections or one projection may be formed on the fitting projection 3403.

[0122] As Figure 16 shown, the opening H2 has a circular shape, and a plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h are formed in the outer peripheral edge below the opening H2. Each of the recesses 3201a to 3201h is recessed in a direction that intersects the vertical direction. Each of the recesses 3201a to 3201h is recessed to the outside of the edge of the opening H2. In Figure 16 the example shown, eight recesses are provided. Alternatively, the number of recesses formed in the edge of the opening H2 may be more than eight or less than eight. For example, the number of recesses formed in the edge of the opening H2 may be four.

[0123] As Figure 16 shown, each of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2 may have a width W in the direction along the edge of the opening H2. The widths W of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h may be equal. The plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h may have the same shape and size. In Figure 16 the example shown, eight recesses are provided, and the angle formed by two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 is 45 degrees. In the case where four recesses are formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2, the angle formed by two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 may be 90 degrees.

[0124] The dimensions of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h correspond to the dimensions of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b. More specifically, the width W of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h is slightly larger than the width V of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b. This configuration enables each of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b of the fitting protrusion 3403 to engage with any one of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h.

[0125] Moreover, for example, a plurality of recesses may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the fitting protrusion 3403. In this case, at least one protrusion that projects to the center of the opening H2 and fits into any one of the plurality of recesses of the fitting protrusion 3403 may be formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening H2.

[0126] When the first and second protrusions 3403a, 3403b are fitted into any one of the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h, rotation of the marking member 3400 in the circumferential direction of the axis Ax2 can be suppressed. Moreover, the marking member 3400 can be attached to the second operation button 3200 such that the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b of the marking member 3400 face any one of a plurality of directions (the directions from the center of the opening H2 to the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h). This configuration enables the identification information, such as characters and symbols, given to the top portion 3401 of the marking member 3400 to face a plurality of directions with respect to the second operation button 3200. For example, the bottom of the identification information such as characters can face forward or backward, left or right, or in the diagonal direction of the front-back direction and the left-right direction with respect to the second operation button 3200.

[0127] As Figure 3 shown, a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 formed on the main body 2100 are arranged along the outer peripheral edge of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110. Accordingly, the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 face different directions. For example, when the second operation button 3200 is attached to the button receiving portion 2301 located on the front side of the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces forward. On the other hand, when the second operation button 3200 is attached to the button receiving portion 2301 located on the rear side of the main body 2100, the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces backward. In Figure 3In the illustrated example, the main body 2100 has eight button receiving portions 2301. Thus, when eight second operation buttons 3200 are attached to the eight button receiving portions 2301, the corresponding outer peripheral edges 3201 of the second operation buttons 3200 face eight directions, namely, the front, rear, left, right, left front, left rear, right front, and right rear directions.

[0128] The number of directions in which the outer peripheral edges 3201 of the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main body 2100 face may be equal to the number of directions from the center of the opening H2 formed in each second operation button 3200 toward the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h. This configuration enables the identification information given to the plurality of marking members 3400 attached to the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 to face the same direction. Moreover, the directions in which the outer peripheral edges 3201 of the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 face, and the directions from the center of the opening H2 toward the plurality of recesses 3201a to 3201h may be equal.

[0129] To attach the plurality of marking members 3400 to the plurality of second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main body 2100, the user may attach the marking members 3400 such that the multiple pieces of identification information face the same direction. For example, the plurality of marking members 3400 may be attached such that the bottoms of the multiple pieces of identification information face the front of the user. This configuration enables the user to easily identify the multiple pieces of identification information. Specifically, the user can easily identify the functions of the second operation buttons 2120 set by application programs (such as game application programs) executed by information processing devices such as consoles and servers.

[0130] (1-1)

[0131] As described above, the input device described in the present embodiment includes a main body, a first operation button including an upper surface portion on which a hand is placed and attached to the main body, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. Each of the plurality of second operation buttons includes an outer peripheral portion that extends across the outer peripheral edge of the main body and extends outward. For users who are dissatisfied with the operation comfort of traditional input devices, this configuration improves the operation comfort of the input device.

[0132] (1-2)

[0133] The input device according to the present embodiment includes a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body to form a part for placing the hand, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. Each of the upper surface portions of the plurality of second operation buttons is disposed above an extension line extending along the upper surface portion of the first operation button. For users who are dissatisfied with the operation comfort of traditional input devices, this configuration improves the operation comfort of the input device.

[0134] (1-3)

[0135] In the input device of the above (1-1) or (1-2), the plurality of second operation buttons are detachably attached to the main body. For example, a user can select a desired second operation button from a plurality of types of second operation buttons and attach the selected second operation button to the main body. In addition, the outer peripheral portion of each second operation button straddles the outer edge of the main body and extends to the outside of the main body. Accordingly, a user can attach a fingertip, a back of a hand, etc. to the outer peripheral portion to remove the second operation button.

[0136] (1-4)

[0137] In the input device of the above (1-3), the main body includes an engaging portion that engages with each of the plurality of second operation buttons. The engaging portion may be disposed between the first operation button and the second operation button and contact the second operation button in a state where the second operation button is attached to the main body. The engaging portion can move between a locked position where the engaging portion engages with the second operation button and an unlocked position closer to the first operation button than the locked position. A user can easily remove the second operation button from the main body by lifting the outer peripheral edge of the second operation button upward.

[0138] (1-5)

[0139] In the input device of the above (1-4), the main body includes a shaft member that can rotate about a center aligned with an axis that intersects the up-down direction and the direction toward the central portion of the main body. The engaging portion may be provided on the shaft member.

[0140] (1-6)

[0141] In the input device of the above (1-4) or (1-5), each of the plurality of second operation buttons may include an inclined surface that extends downward and toward the central portion of the main body from the outer peripheral portion of the corresponding second operation button. When a user presses the inclined surface of any one of the second operation buttons, the corresponding second operation button moves toward the central portion of the main body. Thereby, the engaging portion is pushed by the second operation button and moves to the unlocked position. In this way, the second operation button can be removed from the button receiving portion.

[0142] (2-1)

[0143] The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, the main body includes a switch and a button receiving portion for pushing the switch, an operation button magnetically attached to the button receiving portion, a first magnetic structure which is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button and includes at least two magnetic poles arranged away from each other in a first direction, and a second magnetic structure which is provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button and includes a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button includes a first engaging portion, the first engaging portion is located in a second direction crossing the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and engages with the button receiving portion. This configuration can attract the second operation button to the button receiving portion by magnetic force and correct the posture of the second operation button. Accordingly, the operation of attaching the second operation button to the button receiving portion can be easily performed. In addition, when the second operation button is pressed on the side opposite to the side where the engaging portion is provided, the second operation button can be prevented from separating from the main body.

[0144] (2-2)

[0145] In the input device of the above (2-1), the operation button is allowed to be pressed in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction.

[0146] (2-3)

[0147] In the input device of the above (2-2), the first magnetic mechanism includes a magnet. The third direction may be the direction in which the magnetic poles of the magnet included in the first magnetic mechanism are away from each other.

[0148] (2-4)

[0149] In the input device of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-3), the operation button straddles the outer peripheral edge of the button receiving portion in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first engaging portion is located with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. Even when the user presses the second operation button at a portion straddling the outer peripheral edge of the button receiving portion, the separation of the second operation button from the button receiving portion can be prevented by the engagement of the engaging portion with the button receiving portion on the side opposite to the pressed portion.

[0150] (2-5)

[0151] In the input device of the above (2-1) or (2-4), the operation button includes a first portion corresponding to one side where the first engaging portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and a second portion corresponding to the side opposite to the first portion with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. The second portion may have a greater width in the second direction than the width of the first portion. The second operation button engages with the button receiving portion at the first portion where the engaging portion is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first portion from separating from the button receiving portion and the second operation button from separating from the button receiving portion when the user presses the second portion.

[0152] (2-6)

[0153] The first magnetic structure of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-5) further includes at least one U-shaped magnetic body. At least one magnet may be disposed in the recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic body. This configuration can increase the suction force of the magnet for attracting the magnetic body. In addition, this configuration can reduce the number of magnets provided on the button receiving portion.

[0154] (2-7)

[0155] In the input device of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-6), the operation button includes a fitting protrusion that includes the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure. The button receiving portion may include a fitting recess for receiving the fitting protrusion. A guiding inclined surface may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting protrusion. This configuration can guide the fitting protrusion of the second operation button to the fitting recess of the button receiving portion, thereby facilitating the attachment of the second operation button to the button receiving portion.

[0156] (2-8)

[0157] In the input device of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-7), the fitting protrusion of the operation button includes a first fitting portion that is a protrusion protruding toward the button receiving portion or a recess recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion. The button receiving portion may include a second fitting portion that is a protrusion that fits with the first fitting portion and protrudes toward the operation button or a recess recessed in a direction away from the operation button. The outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion may include a vertical surface or a surface more vertical than the guiding inclined surface. This configuration can suppress the movement of the second operation button along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion when the second operation button is attached.

[0158] (2-9)

[0159] In the input device according to any one of the above (2-1) to (2-8), the main body may include a cover member having an opening through which the button receiving portion is upwardly exposed. The central portion of the button receiving portion may be pushed upward by a switch. The outer edge of the button receiving portion may be in contact with the cover member. This configuration enables the switch to be operated by two pushes applied to one end portion of the button receiving portion and the other end portion of the button receiving portion.

[0160] (2-10)

[0161] The operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button magnetically attached to the main body, and includes a first magnetic structure and a first engaging portion. The first magnetic structure includes at least two magnetic poles separated from each other in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, and a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the main body. This configuration attracts the second operation button to the main body by magnetic force, thereby facilitating the work of attaching the second operation button to the main body.

[0162] (3-1)

[0163] The input device according to this embodiment includes a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a second operation button attached to the main body at a position different from the position where the first operation button is attached. The first operation button includes a first upper surface portion constituting an operation portion operated by a user. The second operation button includes a second upper surface portion constituting an operation portion operated by a user, and an extension portion provided at a part of the second upper surface portion and covering a part of the first upper surface portion. This configuration enables a user who is not satisfied with the operation comfort of a conventional input device to operate the input device in a comfortable manner.

[0164] (3-2)

[0165] In the input device according to the above (3-1), the second operation button may be a push button. A gap larger than the pushing distance of the second operation button may be formed between the lower surface of the extension portion and the first upper surface portion. This configuration can suppress interference between the second operation button and the first operation button when the second operation button is pressed.

[0166] (3-3)

[0167] In the input device of the above (3-1) or (3-2), a plurality of buttons are arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and are attached to the main body. One of the plurality of buttons can be a second operation button. This configuration can sufficiently create an exposed area inside the plurality of second operation buttons on the upper surface of the first operation button.

[0168] (3-4)

[0169] In the input device of the above (3-1) to (3-3), the main body includes a button receiving portion for attaching the second button. The second operation button may include an outer peripheral portion that extends across and outwardly beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. The extending portion may have a width smaller than the width of the outer peripheral portion. This configuration facilitates the layout of the operation buttons on the main body.

[0170] (3-5)

[0171] In the input device of the above (3-3), the plurality of buttons are detachably attached to the main body. The user can change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons provided on the main body and including the second operation button.

[0172] (3-6)

[0173] In the input device of any one of the above (3-1) to (3-5), the main body may include a switch and a button receiving portion for pushing the switch. The second operation button may include a first engaging portion that engages with the button receiving portion. The first engaging portion may be provided at a position on the second operation button opposite to the extending portion. This configuration can prevent the portion of the second operation button on the side opposite to the extending portion from separating from the button receiving portion when the user presses the extending portion of the second operation button.

[0174] (3-7)

[0175] In the input device of the above (3-6), the second operation button includes an outer peripheral portion that extends across and outwardly beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. The second operation button may include a second engaging portion that is provided at a position near the extending portion on the second operation button and engages with the button receiving portion. This configuration can prevent the portion of the second operation button near the extending portion from separating from the button receiving portion when the user presses the second operation button at a portion near the outer peripheral portion.

[0176] (3-8)

[0177] In the input device of the above (3-6) or (3-7), the second operation button includes a movable part, which is disposed on the outer peripheral part to release the engagement of the first engagement part. By moving the movable part, the user can release the engagement between the engagement part and the button receiving part and remove the second operation button.

[0178] (3-9)

[0179] In the input device of any one of the above (3-1) to (3-8), the first operation button may be disposed at the central part of the main body. The extension part may extend toward the central part of the main body. The second operation button may include an outer peripheral part that straddles the outer peripheral edge of the main body and extends outward. This configuration can increase the size of the second operation button in a plan view and enable the user to easily press the second operation button.

[0180] (3-10)

[0181] The second operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button attached to the main body and including an upper surface part pushed by the hand, and includes an extension part that is disposed at a part of the upper surface part and covers a part of the upper surface part, and the upper surface part is attached to the main body and disposed on different operation buttons to form a part on which the hand is placed. This configuration enables a user who is not satisfied with the operation comfort of a conventional input device to operate the input device in a comfortable manner.

[0182] (4-1)

[0183] The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons, and marking members. The plurality of operation buttons are attached to the main body, and each operation button includes an upper surface part that allows downward pressing. Each of the marking members includes a top part indicating a mark, based on which the user identifies the function of the corresponding operation button assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, and the marking members are detachably attached to the plurality of operation buttons. Each of the plurality of operation buttons includes an opening formed in the upper surface part. The marking members respectively include fitting protrusions that protrude downward from the top part and fit with the openings. This configuration enables the user to identify the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the marks indicated by the marking members. In addition, even when the function of the second operation button is changed under an application program, the user can change the marking member of the second operation button to identify the correct function assigned to the second operation button.

[0184] (4-2)

[0185] The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons, and marking members. The plurality of operation buttons are attached to the main body, and each operation button includes an upper surface portion that allows downward pressing. Each of the marking members includes a top portion indicating a mark. Based on the mark, a user identifies the function of the corresponding operation button assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, and the marking members are detachably attached to the plurality of operation buttons. Each of the marking members is detachably attached to a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion than the central portion of the upper surface portion. This configuration enables the user to identify the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the mark indicated on the marking member. Moreover, the marking member is attached to a position closer to the edge of the upper surface portion than the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button. Accordingly, the user can easily press the central portion of the upper surface portion of the second operation button.

[0186] (4-3)

[0187] In the input device of the above (4-1) or (4-2), the plurality of operation buttons are detachably attached to the main body. Even when the user changes the arrangement of the second operation button on the main body, the user can change the marking member of the second operation button to identify the correct function assigned to the second operation button.

[0188] (4-4)

[0189] In the input device of any one of the above (4-1) to (4-3), a part of the outer peripheral edge of the top portion overlaps with a part of the outer peripheral edge of the operation button. This configuration enables the user to easily insert a fingertip or the like into the space between the top portion of the marking member and the second operation button, and remove the marking member from the second operation button.

[0190] (4-5)

[0191] In the input device of any one of the above (4-1) to (4-4), each of the top portions includes a lower surface portion facing the upper surface portion in a state where the marking member is attached to the operation button. Each of the upper surface portions can be bent in the vertical direction. Each of the lower surface portions can be flat in the vertical direction. This configuration can form a gap between the top portion of the marking member and the second operation button, and facilitate the removal of the marking member from the second operation button.

[0192] (4-6)

[0193] In the input device according to any one of the above (4-1) to (4-5), each of the plurality of operation buttons includes an outer peripheral portion that extends across the outer peripheral edge of the main body and extends outward. At least a part of the top portion may overlap with a part of the outer peripheral portion. This configuration enables a user to recognize a touch at a portion near the outer peripheral portion of the second operation button by touching the marking member while the user is performing a second operation.

[0194] (4-7)

[0195] In the input device according to any one of the above (4-1) to (4-6), each of the marking members includes a fitting protrusion that protrudes downward from the top portion and fits into the opening. Each of the openings may include a plurality of recesses formed along the edge of the opening. The fitting protrusion may also respectively include at least one protrusion that fits into any one of the plurality of recesses. This configuration can suppress the rotation of the marking member in the circumferential direction about the axis of the fitting protrusion. In addition, this configuration enables the markings given to the top portion of the marking member to face multiple directions with respect to the second operation button. For example, by attaching a plurality of the marking members to a plurality of second operation buttons such that the bottoms of the markings of the plurality of marking members face the front of the user, the user can easily recognize the plurality of markings.

[0196] (4-8)

[0197] In the input device according to any one of the above (4-1) to (4-6), each of the marking members includes a fitting protrusion that protrudes downward from the top portion and fits into the opening. Each fitting protrusion may include a plurality of recesses. Each of the openings may include at least one protrusion that is formed along the edge of the opening and fits into at least any one of the plurality of recesses. This configuration can also suppress the rotation of the marking member in the circumferential direction about the axis of the fitting protrusion. In addition, this configuration enables the markings given to the top portion of the marking member to face multiple directions with respect to the second operation button. For example, by attaching a plurality of the marking members to a plurality of the second operation buttons in such a manner that the bottoms of the markings of the plurality of marking members face the front of the user, the user can easily recognize the plurality of markings.

[0198] It should be understood that the subject matter covered by the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments presented and described in detail in this specification, and is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: a main body including a switch and a button receiving portion for pushing the switch; an operation button magnetically attached to the button receiving portion; a first magnetic structure provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button and including at least two magnetic poles spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button and including a magnetic body or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, wherein the operation button includes a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the button receiving portion.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein pressing the operation button in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is allowed.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the first magnetic mechanism includes a magnet, and the third direction is a direction in which the magnetic poles of the magnet included in the first magnetic mechanism are spaced apart from each other.

4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button straddles the outer peripheral edge of the button receiving portion in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first engaging portion is positioned with respect to the at least two magnetic poles.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion corresponding to a side where the first engaging portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, the second portion being a portion corresponding to a side opposite to the first portion with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and the width of the second portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the first portion.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic structure further includes at least one magnet and at least one U-shaped magnetic body, and at least one magnet is provided in a recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic body.

7. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button includes a fitting protrusion including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure, the button receiving portion includes a fitting recess for receiving the fitting protrusion, and a guiding inclined surface is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting protrusion.

8. The input device according to claim 7, wherein the fitting protrusion of the operation button includes a first fitting portion which is a protrusion protruding toward the button receiving portion or a recess recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion, the button receiving portion includes a second fitting portion which is a protrusion fitted into the first fitting portion and protruding toward the operation button or a recess recessed in a direction away from the operation button, and the outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion includes a vertical surface or a surface more vertical than the guiding inclined surface.

9. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a cover member having an opening, and the button receiving portion is upwardly exposed through the opening, a central portion of the button receiving portion is upwardly pushed by the switch, and an outer edge of the button receiving portion contacts the cover member.

10. An operation button magnetically attached to a main body, the operation button comprising: A first magnetic structure including at least two magnetic poles spaced apart from each other in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles; and A first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the main body.

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