External controller with heat dissipation device

Abstract

The invention relates to an external controller with a heat dissipation device, the external controller is provided with a first control part, a second control part and a connecting part for connecting the first control part and the second control part, and the connecting part is provided with a fixing structure for fixing a handheld device and is provided with a communication interface for signal connection with the handheld device. The external controller is further provided with a heat dissipation device in the connecting part, the heat dissipation device is provided with a control circuit and a refrigeration interface, and the control circuit is electrically connected with a power management circuit arranged in the first control part or the second control part, so that driving power is obtained, and the handheld device in operation can be cooled through the refrigeration interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an external controller for use in handheld devices, and more particularly to an external controller with a heat dissipation device that can cool down a handheld device during operation. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, which are ubiquitous, not only provide users with information transmission, enjoyment of audio-visual content, and handling of daily tasks, but also offer various interactive entertainment functions, such as video games.

[0003] Some companies have designed external controllers, or external gamepads, for mobile devices to play games on. These controllers allow mobile devices to be attached to the device, establishing a wired or wireless connection and transmitting game signals. Users can then operate the physical buttons or joysticks on the controller to play games.

[0004] However, mobile devices can get hot during prolonged use, especially when running games that require a lot of real-time computing. High temperatures can also affect the performance of mobile devices. Therefore, in addition to the heat dissipation mechanism of the mobile device itself, additional technical solutions are needed to address the heat dissipation problem. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the fact that existing external controllers require additional heat dissipation solutions, this disclosure proposes an external controller with a heat dissipation device.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the external controller with a heat dissipation device includes a first control unit, a second control unit, and a connecting unit. The two ends of the connecting unit are respectively connected to the first control unit and the second control unit via a connecting mechanism and an electrical connection line. The connecting unit has a fixing structure for fixing a handheld device mounted on the external controller and is provided with a communication interface for signal connection to the handheld device. The external controller is provided with a heat dissipation device, which may be located in the connecting unit, for cooling the handheld device during operation.

[0007] The main components of the heat dissipation device include a control circuit and a cooling interface, which are used to cool the handheld device in operation. The control circuit is electrically connected to the power management circuit in the first control unit or the second control unit to obtain driving power.

[0008] Optionally, the heat dissipation device may be a micro fan driven by a micro motor, or a cooler that uses voltage to drive the cooling effect.

[0009] Furthermore, the connecting part may also be equipped with a temperature sensor, so that the control circuit therein can adjust the speed of the miniature fan according to the temperature.

[0010] Furthermore, the control circuit of the heat dissipation device is provided with an energy storage component, which can serve as a buffer component between the heat dissipation devices when the external controller is started.

[0011] Furthermore, the external controller may also have an expansion interface for connecting a second heat dissipation device or another peripheral device.

[0012] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit module for an external controller with a heat dissipation device;

[0017] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a circuit module for an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown; and

[0019] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an embodiment where an external controller with a heat dissipation device incorporates an energy storage component. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of the present invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated beforehand. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of the present invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0022] This disclosure relates to an external controller with a heat dissipation device, designed for controlling software running on handheld devices (such as mobile phones, tablets, etc.). The external controller connects to the handheld device via a mechanical design and connectivity, allowing the user to control the handheld device with a physical controller and operate the software therein, such as a video game running on the handheld device, which the user then controls using the external controller.

[0023] For an example of the appearance design of an external controller with a heat dissipation device, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown. The main components of the external controller 100 shown include a first control unit 101 for operation with the user's left hand and a second control unit 102 for operation with the user's right hand. The first controller 101 and the second controller 102 are connected to each other by a connection part 103 through a connection mechanism (bridging mechanism). Circuitry and connection interface are also provided for interconnection.

[0024] In this embodiment, the connecting part 103 can be designed as a bendable hub structure for easy storage, and can be designed with a telescopic mechanism to fix handheld devices of various sizes (not shown in this figure), and is provided with a structure that can fix the handheld device, for example, a clamping structure that can be inserted into the handheld device is designed at the part that connects the first controller 101 and the second controller 102 on the left and right sides respectively.

[0025] Specifically, since software running on handheld devices may generate heat during prolonged operation, especially in video games requiring extensive real-time computation, the external controller 100 with a heat dissipation device disclosed in this disclosure includes a heat dissipation device 105 on the connecting portion 103 shown. Structurally, the connecting portion 103 shown is composed of multiple foldable sections, and the heat dissipation device 105 is housed in one of these foldable sections. The heat dissipation device 105 includes a control circuit for driving the device and a cooling interface that contacts (or maintains a gap with) the handheld device to cool the operating handheld device. Figure 1The illustrated implementation is a micro fan driven by a micro motor. Various types of motors can be used to drive the fan, such as a rotor motor consisting of a stator bearing composed of permanent magnets and a rotor composed of a shaft and coils, which drives the fan to rotate and generate a heat dissipation effect. Alternatively, a voltage-driven cooling device can be used, which is a cooling chip that uses semiconductor materials to achieve active heat dissipation, in order to dissipate heat from the handheld device.

[0026] For reference Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the external controller with a heat dissipation device shows an external controller 200, wherein the main components include a first control unit 201 and a second control unit 202 respectively provided for operation by the user's left and right hands. The first control unit 201 and the second control unit 202 are each provided with an operation interface formed by a button group and a joystick, providing the user with operation to generate control signals that are transmitted to the connected handheld device 210.

[0027] According to the embodiment, the first control unit 201 and the second control unit 202 of the external controller 200 provide two handles for the user to operate with their left and right hands. The first control unit 201, the second control unit 202, and the connecting part 203 are removably assembled on both sides of the handheld device 210, providing a structural design for the user to hold and operate the handheld device 210. Furthermore, the connecting part 203 is provided with various types of fixing structures for fixing the handheld device mounted on the external controller 200.

[0028] As shown in the example, the external controller 200 for the handheld device is equipped with an operating interface, including buttons, knobs, and a joystick, for the user to operate the external controller 200 and transmit control signals to the handheld device 210 through the communication interface. According to the figures, the first control unit 201 has a first joystick 211 and a first button group 213, and internally contains the related circuitry for these control interfaces; the second control unit 202 has a second button group 221 and a second joystick 223, and internally contains the related circuitry for these physical control interfaces. Specifically, the handheld device 210 is fixed to the connection part 203 between the first control unit 201 and the second control unit 202 using a clamping structure. The external controller 200 can be connected to the handheld device 210 via a wired connection (such as USB Type-C) and a specific communication interface, or via wireless communication (such as Bluetooth).

[0029] According to one embodiment, the handheld device 210 can supply power to the external controller 200 through a communication interface. For example, the handheld device 210 is equipped with a communication interface that is electrically connected to the power management chip in the handheld device 210 via a universal serial bus (USB) or a specific specification. The power in the handheld device 210 can be output to the external controller 200 through a connection line (such as a USB cable), so that the external controller 200 can operate using the power supplied by the handheld device 210.

[0030] According to the embodiment of the external controller 200, the external controller 200 has a heat dissipation device 205 at the position where it contacts the handheld device 210 on the connection part 203. In this example, the heat dissipation device 205 is a voltage-driven cooling chip that is electrically connected to the surface of the connection part 203 to provide a heat-conducting interface for heat dissipation of the handheld device 210.

[0031] Figure 3 Next, a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown, which shows the back structure of the external controller 300. The diagram shows that the external controller 300 provides two control units for the user to hold and operate with their left and right hands. A handheld device 310 is mounted on the connecting part 303 that bridges the two control units. The diagram shows that the fixing structure for fixing the handheld device 310 is a fixing structure that can be extended or has an elastic design according to the size of the handheld device 310.

[0032] The connection part 303 shown in this example has a heat dissipation module 305 embedded in it. The cooling interface that contacts the handheld device 310 in the illustration is a fan-type heat sink 307. The connection part 303 is provided with a communication interface for connecting to the external connection cable 309. It can be connected to the handheld device 310 installed on the external controller 300. It can be used to transmit control signals generated by the external controller 300 or feedback signals transmitted from the handheld device 310. It can also be electrically connected to the power management circuit in the handheld device 310 and the external controller 300 so that the external controller 300 receives drive power.

[0033] It is worth mentioning that the communication interface for external connection on the external controller 300, such as a Type-C USB connector, can be located near the center of the connection part 303, so that the handheld device 310 can be operated while charging without being affected by crosstalk from the charging cable.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a circuit module for an external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown.

[0035] The main circuit components of the first control unit 41 of the external controller include a first control unit 411 that controls the operation of the first control unit 41, and other components electrically connected to the first control unit 411. It also includes a first button module 413 and a first joystick module 415 that provide a button operation interface. (See reference...) Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is shown.

[0036] This illustration shows that the first control unit 41 has a power management unit 417 for an integrated external controller, but the power management unit 417 can also be located in the second control unit 42. The first connection unit 419 of the first control unit 41 can be electrically connected to the power connector 409 (such as a Type-C USB communication interface) of the external controller located in the connection unit 43. The power connector 409 is connected to a power source 410, which can be a handheld device or other device installed on the external controller. The main purpose is to obtain power and transmit signals through this connection. On the other hand, the second connection unit 429 in the second control unit 42 can also be electrically connected to the power connector 409, thereby obtaining power and transmitting signals.

[0037] The second control unit 42 includes a second control unit 421 for controlling the operation of the second control unit 42, a second button module 423 and a second joystick module 425 that are electrically connected to the second control unit 421 to provide operation, and a second connection unit 429 that is connected to the power connector 409.

[0038] The connection part 43 of the external controller is provided with a heat dissipation device 400. According to the embodiment, the heat dissipation device 400 can be a device that operates independently and is installed on the connection part 43, or a heat dissipation module embedded in the connection part 43. Its main purpose is to cool down the handheld device installed on the external controller.

[0039] The heat dissipation device 400 is equipped with a control circuit 401 that controls its operation. The circuit components in the heat dissipation device 400 are electrically connected to the control circuit 401. The control circuit 401 is electrically connected to a heat sink 403, which, as shown in the above embodiment, can be a fan driven by a micro-motor or a voltage-driven cooling chip. The heat dissipation device 400 is connected to the circuitry of an external controller, such as a power connector 409, via a power contact 407, allowing the heat dissipation device 400 to obtain a power signal through the power contact 407.

[0040] According to the embodiment, the heat sink 403 operates according to the control signal generated by the control circuit 401. The control circuit 401 can control the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink 403, one of the bases for which is to adjust the heat dissipation efficiency based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 405 in the heat dissipation device 400. The temperature sensor 223 is used to sense the operating temperature of the handheld device installed on the external controller. The control circuit 221 can monitor the temperature through the temperature sensor 223, and when a threshold is reached, it can force the fan speed or the cooling effect of the cooler. For example, the fan can be designed with multiple speeds, so multiple fan speeds can be adjusted according to different temperatures; or different degrees of cooling effect can be controlled by controlling the voltage.

[0041] According to another embodiment, in addition to controlling the heat dissipation performance based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 405, the control circuit 401 in the heat dissipation device 400 can also provide a user with the option to actively adjust the heat dissipation performance by operating an external controller. For example, the user can control the fan speed or the voltage of the cooler to adjust the cooling effect by using buttons, joysticks, or hotkeys designed as combination buttons or joysticks on the external controller.

[0042] See again Figure 5 The diagram shows an embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device that can expand peripheral devices. According to the embodiment, in addition to the built-in heat dissipation device, the external controller can also be expanded through a communication interface, such as an expansion interface, which can connect to another peripheral device, such as another heat dissipation device or cooler.

[0043] like Figure 5 The external controller 500 shown includes a first control unit 501 and a second control unit 502 for user operation with both hands. A first heat dissipation device 505 is provided on a connection part 503 bridging the first control unit 501 and the second control unit 502. An expansion interface can be implemented via a communication interface to connect to a second heat dissipation device 507 or another peripheral device. Taking a handheld device running an electronic game as an example, peripheral devices such as external vibrators, lights (such as external ambient lights), and speakers can be connected via the expansion interface to enhance the game's enjoyment. Furthermore, to provide a more immersive gaming experience, the external controller 500 can be connected to a virtual reality (VR) device, such as virtual reality glasses, via the expansion interface to coordinate with the game running on the handheld device.

[0044] According to the embodiment, the extended interface on the connection part 503 can also be a specific electrical contact, such as a spring contact (pogo pin) or a magnetic connection point, so that external peripheral devices can be stably electrically connected to the electrical contact through the spring contact or magnetic attraction to obtain power.

[0045] For relevant circuit implementation examples for expanding peripheral devices, please refer to Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the circuit module of the external controller with a heat dissipation device is shown.

[0046] For details, please refer to [the relevant information]. Figure 4 The circuit embodiment shown, Figure 6 The main components of the external controller shown include a first control unit 41, a second control unit 42, and a connection unit 43. In the connection unit 43, the main circuit components include a power connector 409 that interfaces with an external power source, so that the first heat dissipation device 61 and the second heat dissipation device 62 connected to the external via the expansion interface can be electrically connected to this power connector 409 to obtain power, and can also receive control signals generated by the external controller.

[0047] According to the circuit connection relationship, the first connection unit 419 in the first control unit 41 of the external controller and the second connection unit 429 in the second control unit 42 are electrically connected to the built-in first heat dissipation device 61. The first heat dissipation device 61 can receive control signals generated by the user operation of the first control unit 41 and the second control unit 42, and obtain power through the power connector 409. It can also be electrically connected to the second heat dissipation device 62, so that the first heat dissipation device 61 and the second heat dissipation device 62 are controlled by the external controller together.

[0048] According to an embodiment of an external controller with a heat dissipation device, reference can be made to... Figure 7 The control circuit of the heat dissipation device may be equipped with an energy storage element, such as the energy storage element 721 shown in the figure in the heat dissipation device 72, or the controller-side energy storage element 701 is provided in the external controller 70. The energy storage elements (721, 701) are located on the circuit of the heat dissipation device 72 that receives power, and serve as a buffer component between the heat dissipation device 72 and the external controller 70 when it starts.

[0049] For example, the energy storage components (721, 701) can be capacitors or small-capacity batteries. When the external controller 70 and the heat dissipation device 72 are started, the energy storage components are used as buffer components to receive large currents during startup. The buffer components are one of the measures to protect the circuit. They can be charged in advance when the device is running, so they can provide initial power when the heat dissipation device 72 starts running, without being directly subjected to large current surges. This can prevent damage to the electronic components caused by the large current generated during startup.

[0050] In summary, according to the above embodiments of the external controller with a heat dissipation device, the external controller has a built-in or external heat dissipation device, providing a heat dissipation solution for the handheld device mounted on the external controller.

[0051] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An external controller with a heat dissipation device, characterized in that... The external controller includes: First Control Unit; First and second control units; A connecting portion, wherein the two ends of the connecting portion are respectively connected to the first control portion and the second control portion by a connecting mechanism and an electrical connection wire, the connecting portion having a fixing structure for fixing a handheld device; and A heat dissipation device is disposed in the connection part. The heat dissipation device includes a control circuit and a cooling interface for cooling the handheld device in operation. The control circuit is electrically connected to a power management circuit disposed in the first control part or the second control part, thereby obtaining driving power.

2. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The heat dissipation device is a miniature fan driven by a miniature electric motor.

3. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is also provided in the connection part, so that the control circuit can adjust the speed of the miniature fan according to the temperature.

4. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The connecting part is composed of a multi-section retractable structure, and the heat dissipation device is located in one of the retractable sections.

5. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The heat dissipation device is a uniform cooler that achieves a cooling effect by being driven by a single voltage.

6. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The control circuit of the heat dissipation device is provided with an energy storage component, which serves as a buffer component between the external controller and the heat dissipation device when the external controller is started.

7. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that... The first control unit and the second control unit each have an operating interface formed by a button group and a joystick, which provides a user to operate and generate control signals transmitted to the handheld device.

8. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 7, characterized in that... The external controller has a communication interface on the connection part for connecting to the handheld device and drawing power from the handheld device.

9. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 7, characterized in that... The external controller is provided with an expansion interface for connecting a second heat dissipation device or another peripheral device.

10. The external controller with a heat dissipation device as described in claim 9, characterized in that... The extended interface is a spring contact.

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