Control input device comprising movable stop associated with locking and unlocking mechanism for adjusting stroke of control trigger

Abstract

The invention relates to a control input device (1) comprising a locking and unlocking mechanism (71) comprising an actuating element (710), at least a portion (710b) of which is positioned outside of a body (2), which is movable between at least one unlocked configuration in which the actuating element (710) is configured to lock the actuating element (710), and at least one locked configuration in which the actuating element (710) is configured to lock the actuating element (710). The actuating element (710) can be moved to drive the adjustment stopper (70) to each adjustment position of the adjustment stopper (70), in a locked configuration, the actuating element (710) locks the adjustment stopper (70) relative to the device body (2) at least in a first adjustment position, and the adjustment stopper (70) blocks the control trigger (6) to reduce the movement stroke of the control panel machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to control input devices, particularly game controllers, and more specifically gamepads, comprising at least one movable control trigger that can be actuated by a user, preferably by the user pressing with their finger. In this field, the invention relates to improvements that allow the user to adjust the travel of the control trigger. Background Technology

[0002] In this document, "control input device" refers to any device that allows a user to manually input commands into a computer and / or electronic system.

[0003] Communication between the "control input device" and the computer and / or electronic system can be either wired or wireless.

[0004] Game controllers, especially gamepads, are specialized control input devices that allow users to interact with video games in non-exhaustive ways, particularly to control virtual characters in the game or to interact with virtual environments.

[0005] Control input devices can also be used, for example, to allow users to select audio and / or video content, or to control different types of electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, etc.

[0006] Specifically, some control input devices include one or more movable, most commonly rotary, control triggers that can be actuated by the user to input commands, typically by varying degrees of pressure applied by the user. When the control input device is ergonomically designed for one-handed or two-handed use, the control triggers are preferably finger-operated, meaning they can be actuated by pressing with a finger (most commonly the user's index finger). Particularly when the control input device is an ergonomically designed game controller for two-handed use, it most typically includes two control triggers, one on the left and one on the right.

[0007] The control trigger can be used to input "all or nothing" type binary commands. However, it is most often used to input progressive, sequential commands that depend on its position. For example, it can be used to change the movement speed of virtual objects or characters in a virtual environment (such as a game), or, for example, to change the rate of fire of a weapon in a fighting game or similar game.

[0008] In particular, to adjust the responsiveness of the control trigger, such as to allow users to input commands in a faster or slower manner, it is desirable for users to be able to easily adjust the trigger travel.

[0009] Different solutions have been proposed to date.

[0010] The first solution, described, for example, in U.S. patents US10188940, US10596455, and US11185766, involves installing a fixed limiting element inside the handle body, which is typically in the form of a two-part assembled housing, more commonly referred to as a "casing." The fixed limiting element reduces the rotational travel of the control trigger. The main drawback of this solution is that it forces the user to open the handle body to adjust the trigger travel.

[0011] The second solution, described, for example, in U.S. Patent US9504911 or U.S. Patent Application US2012 / 032255, involves using one or more adjusting screws with adjustable limiters to prevent rotation of the rotary control trigger, the adjusting screws passing through the handle body. Compared to the aforementioned first solution in U.S. Patents US10188940, US10596455, and US11185766, using these screws allows for easier adjustment of the trigger travel, but has at least the following major drawback: a suitable tool of the screwdriver type is required for adjustment, making trigger travel adjustment inconvenient and cumbersome, and forcing the user to interrupt gameplay or similar activities for extended periods.

[0012] To make adjustments simpler and faster, and especially to allow adjustments without interrupting the ongoing game, several technical solutions have been proposed, such as in US Patent Application US2012 / 0142418 and European Patent Application EP 3 302 737. These solutions employ adjustment buttons, which are slider-type buttons that can be actuated by the fingers and are easily accessible and operable by the user.

[0013] In US patent application US2012 / 0142418, a game controller ( Figure 7 A and 7B) include a movable limiter that can be moved between two positions via a slider-type adjustment button to adjust the rotational travel of the rotary control trigger.

[0014] In European patent application EP 3 302 737, a game controller includes an adjustment mechanism that employs a rotating cam with a limiting function. This rotating cam can be actuated by an adjustment button, thereby allowing the user to rotatably position the rotating cam in the path of the control trigger and to easily and quickly adjust the depress distance of the control trigger.

[0015] Furthermore, US patent application US2022 / 0347560 discloses a game controller comprising a controller body and at least one control trigger rotatable relative to the body, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the travel of the control trigger. This adjustment mechanism is of the type of pen mechanism, including an adjustment limiter associated with a fixed cam, a coil spring, and a movable actuating element, at least a portion of which is positioned outside the controller body. The actuating element can be manually and translationally pressed into the controller body through the fixed cam, and can cause the adjustment limiter to translate. During translation, the adjustment limiter is guided to rotate by the fixed cam. When the manual pressure applied to the actuating element is released, the coil spring pushes the adjustment limiter and the actuating element to an adjusted position, in which the adjustment limiter is locked by the fixed cam.

[0016] Furthermore, US patent application US2019 / 0329127 discloses a game controller comprising a controller body and at least one control trigger rotatable relative to the controller body, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the travel of the control trigger. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment limit member and an actuating element, a portion of which is externally contactable to the controller body. The actuating element is movable from left to right in multiple different adjustment positions and allows the adjustment limit member to be driven from front to back during its movement to adjust the travel of the control trigger.

[0017] The technical solutions disclosed in US2012 / 0142418, EP 3 302 737, US2022 / 0347560 and US2019 / 0329127 present a significant risk: the adjustment limiter may be accidentally moved when operating the game controller, especially during gameplay.

[0018] Furthermore, as a supplement, the two technical solutions disclosed in US2012 / 0142418 and EP 3 302 737 exhibit both unstable and unreliable trigger travel adjustment mechanisms, and these solutions also suffer from low mechanical strength. Particularly for the game controller described in European patent application EP 3 302 737, the mechanical force exerted on the rotating cam during repeated or excessive impacts to the trigger or adjustment button (e.g., when a user drops the game controller) poses a significant risk of the adjustment system breaking, especially at the cam's axis of rotation. The technical solution described in US patent application US2012 / 0142418 is mechanically weak, particularly because the adjustment button experiences shear stress when the trigger is pressed against the movable limiter forming the lever arm relative to the adjustment button. Summary of the Invention

[0019] Purpose of the invention

[0020] This invention proposes a novel technical solution that allows users to adjust the travel of the control trigger, particularly for control input devices such as game controllers or gamepads. Invention Overview

[0022] Therefore, the present invention aims at a control input device, particularly a game controller or gamepad, comprising a main body and at least one control trigger movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the travel of the control trigger. The adjustment mechanism includes at least one adjustment limit member adapted to be movable to at least one first adjustment position and at least one second adjustment position. In the first adjustment position, the adjustment limit member can block the control trigger to reduce the travel of the control trigger. In the second adjustment position, the travel of the control trigger is greater than the travel obtained in the first adjustment position.

[0023] The adjustment mechanism includes a locking and unlocking mechanism, which includes an actuating element, at least a portion of which is located outside the main body. The actuating element is movable between at least one unlocked configuration and at least one locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the actuating element can be moved to each of a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position. In the locked configuration, the actuating element locks the adjustment limit member relative to the main body of the control input device at least in the first adjustment position.

[0024] In the device of the present invention, when the actuating element is in the locked configuration, in order to change the adjustment position of the adjustment limit member, the actuating element must first be brought to the unlocked configuration so as to unlock the adjustment limit member relative to the device body. Once in the unlocked configuration, the actuating element can be moved to drive the adjustment limit member.

[0025] The adjustment mechanism of the present invention allows users to easily and quickly adjust the travel of the control trigger manually without the use of tools.

[0026] The adjustment mechanism also allows for adjustment of the travel of the control trigger without releasing the control input device (when the device is suitable for one-handed or two-handed grip, such as a game controller).

[0027] More specifically, when necessary, the travel of the control trigger can be adjusted without interrupting the use of the control input device, especially when the device is a game controller, so that adjustments can be made without interrupting the game.

[0028] The locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention enables adjustment of the control trigger travel in a stable and reliable manner, which helps to reduce the risk of accidental movement of the adjustment limit member when operating the control input device, which is especially important when the device is a game controller.

[0029] More specifically, the control input device of the present invention may include the following additional and optional features, each of which can be combined with any of the other technical features of the device:

[0030] - The actuating element is adapted in its locked configuration to lock the adjusting limit member relative to the body of the control input device at each adjusting position of the adjusting limit member.

[0031] - The actuating element can move relative to the adjusting limit member between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0032] - When the actuating element moves relative to the adjusting limit member between the unlocked and locked configurations, the actuating element will not drive the adjusting limit member.

[0033] - An actuating element is associated with a resilient return element, and the actuating element is adapted to be brought into and held in an unlocked configuration by manual pressure, which allows the actuating element to be pressed into the device body and stress applied to the resilient return element; the resilient return element allows the actuating element to resiliently return to its locked configuration without manual pressure being applied to the actuating element.

[0034] - The elastic return element is prestressed so that a restoring force is applied to the actuation element to keep it in a locked configuration without applying manual pressure to the actuation element.

[0035] - The actuating element can move relative to the adjusting limit member between the locked and unlocked configurations, and the elastic return element is positioned between the adjusting limit member and the actuating element.

[0036] - The adjusting limit element includes a seat groove, a portion of the actuating element, and an elastic return element positioned in the seat groove.

[0037] - The elastic return element is fixed inside the main body, and the adjusting limit element and the actuating element can move relative to the elastic return element so that the adjusting limit element is positioned in each adjusting position.

[0038] - The elastic return element includes a spring, preferably a helical spring, or the elastic return element includes a stop that can be elastically deformed.

[0039] - In the locked configuration, the actuating element engages with the body to lock the adjusting limiter relative to the body at least in the first adjusting position.

[0040] - The adjusting limit member can be translated, preferably only translated, to be positioned in each adjusting position, and in the locked configuration, the actuating element cooperates with the body to prevent the adjusting limit member from translating relative to the body at least in the first adjusting position.

[0041] - The adjusting limit member can be translated, preferably only translated, so as to be positioned in each adjusting position, and the actuating element can be translated laterally, preferably perpendicularly to the translation direction of the adjusting limit member, between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0042] - The adjusting limit member can rotate about the rotation axis, preferably only rotate, so as to be positioned in each adjustment position, and in the locked configuration, the actuating element cooperates with the body to prevent the adjusting limit member from rotating relative to the body at least in the first adjustment position.

[0043] - The actuating element can move parallel to the rotation axis of the adjusting limit member between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0044] - The actuating element includes a convex or concave locking element adapted to cooperate with a complementary locking element of the body to lock the adjusting limit relative to the body when the actuating element is brought into the locked configuration.

[0045] - The locking element of the actuating element and the complementary locking element of the body are configured such that when the actuating element is brought to the locked configuration, the actuating element is locked relative to the body in an indexed manner at each adjustment position of the adjustment limiter.

[0046] - The device includes at least one adjustment position of the adjustment limit member, in which the control trigger can be moved to abut against the main body.

[0047] - The device includes at least two adjustment positions for an adjustment limiter, in which the adjustment limiter is capable of blocking the control trigger to obtain two different strokes for the movement of the control trigger.

[0048] - The control trigger can be partially pressed into the body by pressure.

[0049] - The control trigger can rotate relative to the main body.

[0050] - The adjusting limit member can be moved horizontally, preferably linearly, so that it can be positioned in each adjustment position.

[0051] - The adjusting limit component is slidably installed on a guide rail fixed inside the main body, and the guide rail guides the adjusting limit component to move horizontally.

[0052] - The control trigger can rotate relative to the main body, and the translation axis of the adjustment limit member is transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, the rotation axis of the control trigger.

[0053] - Adjust the translation axis of the limiting component (A) 70 Parallel to the direction of the thrust applied by the control trigger to the adjusting limiter.

[0054] - The actuating element can be translated relative to the adjusting limit member between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, preferably linearly.

[0055] - The adjusting limit member can be translated so that it is positioned in each adjusting position, and the actuating element is transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, the translation axis (A) of the adjusting limit member. 70 The locking configuration and the unlocking configuration can be moved relative to the adjusting limit member.

[0056] - The actuating element is mounted on the adjusting limit member and aligned with the translation axis of the adjusting limit member.

[0057] - The adjustable limiter can rotate so that it is positioned in each adjustable position.

[0058] - The at least one control trigger is hollow, and at least when the adjusting limiter is in the adjusting position as a movement limiter for the control trigger, a portion of the adjusting limiter is positioned inside the control trigger.

[0059] - Control the trigger to spring back to the rest position.

[0060] Regardless of the adjustment position of the adjusting limit member, the adjusting limit member is at least partially positioned inside the main body, preferably completely positioned inside the main body.

[0061] - The device includes at least one additional adjustment limiter, and an actuating element is mechanically connected to the additional adjustment limiter so as to actuate the other adjustment limiters to each of their adjustment positions.

[0062] - The actuating element, in its locked configuration, allows each adjusting limiter to be locked relative to the device body in each adjusting position of these adjusting limits.

[0063] Regardless of the adjustment position of the additional adjustment limiter, the additional adjustment limiter is at least partially located inside the main body, preferably completely located inside the main body.

[0064] - The additional adjustment limit is rotatable.

[0065] - The device constitutes a game controller, which is suitable for being held by a user with one or two hands, preferably wherein the control trigger is a manual trigger.

[0066] The present invention also aims at a method for adjusting the aforementioned control input device, particularly a game controller or gamepad, comprising the following steps: in a first step, manually acting on an actuating element to unlock the locking and unlocking mechanism so as to move the actuating element to an unlocked configuration; in a second step, using the actuating element to move an adjustment limit member to an adjustment position, wherein the actuating element of the locking and unlocking mechanism is manually held in the unlocked configuration; and then in a third step, locking the locking and unlocking mechanism by moving the actuating element to the locked configuration so as to lock the adjustment limit member in the adjustment position.

[0067] Preferably, the locking and unlocking mechanism is locked by releasing the actuating element. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are described as non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the invention, in which:

[0069] - Figure 1 This is a top view of a specific embodiment of the game controller according to the present invention.

[0070] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a bottom view of the game controller.

[0071] - Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the game controller, showing... Figure 1 The inside of the game controller after the lower half of the game controller shell has been removed.

[0072] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The isometric perspective view of the game controller shown has one of its control triggers partially removed to show the mechanism for rotating the control trigger and elastically returning it to the rest position.

[0073] - Figure 5 This is an isometric perspective exploded view of an example of a locking and unlocking mechanism according to the present invention.

[0074] - Figure 6 This is a partial view, showing... Figure 1 The handle's control trigger is in its initial rest position (the user has not applied any manual pressure to the control trigger), the locking and unlocking mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the actuation button of the locking and unlocking mechanism is in the adjusted position that allows the control trigger to rotate to its maximum range.

[0075] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the handle.

[0076] - Figure 8 This is a partial view, showing... Figure 1 The control trigger of the handle is pressed down to the maximum extent by manual pressure applied by the user. The locking and unlocking mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the actuation button of the locking and unlocking mechanism is in an adjusted position that allows the control trigger to rotate to its maximum range.

[0077] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are some views, shown as transverse sectional views in two different sections. Figure 8 The handle's control trigger and the locking and unlocking mechanism.

[0078] - Figure 11 This is a partial view, showing... Figure 1 The handle's control trigger is in its initial rest position (the user has not applied any manual pressure to the control trigger), the locking and unlocking mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the actuation button of the locking and unlocking mechanism is in an adjustable position that allows the control trigger to rotate one revolution, with this revolution of the control trigger reduced and less than... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The itinerary in progress.

[0079] - Figure 12 This is a partial view showing the device when fully depressed by manual pressure applied by the user on the control trigger. Figure 11 The control trigger of the handle.

[0080] - Figure 13 and Figure 14 These are some views, shown as transverse sectional views in two different sections. Figure 12 The handle's control trigger and the locking and unlocking mechanism.

[0081] - Figure 15 It is a view shown in a cross-sectional view. Figure 1 The handle's control trigger and the locking and unlocking mechanism are in their unlocked configuration, with the actuation button of the locking and unlocking mechanism in a mid-translation position between two adjustment positions of the control trigger's rotation stroke.

[0082] - Figure 16 It is an isometric perspective view of the second implementation variant with a biased actuating element.

[0083] - Figure 17 A third implementation variant with a rotary adjustment limiter is shown.

[0084] - Figure 18 The fourth implementation variation is shown, in which the elastic return element is fixed inside the handle housing.

[0085] - Figure 19 and Figure 20 The fifth embodiment is shown with an additional rotary adjustment limiter. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Figure 1 The image shows a specific example of a game controller 1, which includes an assembled housing 2, also commonly referred to as a "casing," forming the main body of the controller.

[0087] In this specific example, the housing 2 has an ergonomic shape that is suitable for easy gripping by the user with both hands.

[0088] In another variation, the handle can be adapted for one-handed gripping or for operation by the user placing it on a support such as a table.

[0089] The housing 2 includes, for example, an upper half-shell 2a (often also referred to as the “front housing”), which is assembled to the lower half-shell 2b (often also referred to as the “rear housing”) by any means such as screws or equivalent components, and / or by adhesive and / or by welding.

[0090] exist Figure 2 In the specific variant shown, the half-shell 2b consists of two distinct parts. It can also be composed of a single part.

[0091] Typically, the handle 1 is on its top surface ( Figure 1 The device includes multiple control elements that can be manually activated by the user, including two pivotable joysticks 3 of the "thumbstick" type, a directional pad 4, and several control buttons 5.

[0092] Handle 1 also includes ( Figure 2 Two fingers control the triggers 6 (commonly referred to as "triggers"), which are located on the front side of the handle, preferably symmetrically, on the left and right sides of the handle 1, respectively.

[0093] These two control triggers 6 are movable relative to the housing 2, and preferably rotatable.

[0094] When the user holds the game controller 1 with both hands, the two control triggers 6 can be individually activated by pressing one finger of each hand.

[0095] In this embodiment, each control trigger 6 can be pressed more or less into the housing 2 by pressure applied by the user, particularly by the pressure exerted by their finger, usually the index finger.

[0096] More specifically, see reference Figure 4A portion 60 of the trigger 6 is typically mounted on a shaft 61 inside the half-shell 2a, enabling it to pivot about the axis of rotation 61a relative to the housing 2.

[0097] For example, the trigger 6 elastically returns to the rest position via one or more return springs 62 mounted on the shaft 61. This rest position is particularly important in... Figure 2 , 3 As shown in 6 and 7, this corresponds to the shallowest position where the trigger enters housing 2.

[0098] In another variation, the handle may include a single control trigger or more than two control triggers.

[0099] refer to Figure 2 Each control trigger 6 is associated with an adjustment mechanism 7, which in this specific example is easily accessible from the lower surface of the game controller 1.

[0100] Reference Figures 3 to 14 The present invention provides a detailed description of specific embodiments of the control trigger 6 and its associated adjustment mechanism 7 that conform to the present invention.

[0101] In this variant, the adjustment mechanism 7 includes an adjustment limit member 70, a locking and unlocking mechanism 71, and a bracket 72 for mounting the adjustment limit member 70 and the locking and unlocking mechanism 71.

[0102] Bracket 72 ( Figure 5 For example, it is an attached plastic component, adapted, for example, by means of at least one fixing screw V( Figure 3 ), fixed inside the half-shell 2a.

[0103] In another variation, the support 72 can be assembled from multiple components.

[0104] In another variation, the support 72 can be replaced by a support that is an integral part of the half-shell 2a.

[0105] In this specific variation, the bracket 72 includes a portion 720 adapted to receive the adjustment limit member 70 and form a guide rail for linear translational guidance of the adjustment limit member 70.

[0106] More specifically, the guide rail 720 ( Figure 5 The guide rail includes two walls at its front end serving as a front retaining stop 720a, and two walls at its rear end serving as a rear retaining stop 720b. The front retaining stop 720a is adapted to prevent translation of the adjusting limit member 70 when the adjusting limit member is brought to a first adjusting position as described below. The rear retaining stop 720b is adapted to prevent translation of the adjusting limit member 70 when the adjusting limit member is brought to a second adjusting position as described below.

[0107] Adjustable limit component 70 ( Figure 5 It is a linear component with a longitudinal axis 70a, for example a plastic component, including a front portion 70b, a rear portion 70c having a limiting member function for blocking the trigger 6, and a central portion 70d adapted to receive the locking and unlocking mechanism 71.

[0108] The adjusting limit member 70 is, for example, a component made of plastic. In another variation, the adjusting limit member 70 may be assembled from multiple components.

[0109] Adjustable limiting member 70 is adapted to be slidably mounted inside housing 2 on guide rail portion 720 of bracket 72 so as to be able to move along its longitudinal axis 70a (translation axis T / Figure 9 and Figure 13 It slides linearly in one direction and is guided by translation. Therefore, it can slide linearly in one direction or another between two extreme adjustment positions.

[0110] - First adjustment position, especially in Figure 13 As shown in the figure, in this position, the front part 70b, which has a limiting member function, can prevent the control trigger 6 from rotating when the control trigger 6 has pivoted by a preset maximum angle A1 relative to its initial rest position, which allows for a reduction in the rotational stroke of the control trigger 6.

[0111] - Second adjustment position, especially in Figure 9 As shown, in this position, the rotational stroke of the control trigger 6 is generally greater than the rotational stroke obtained in the first adjustment position, and the control trigger 6 can pivot relative to its initial rest position by a preset maximum angle A2, which is greater than the aforementioned angle A1.

[0112] In another variation, the translation of the adjusting limit member 70 may not be linear. Furthermore, the movement of the adjusting limit member 70 is not necessarily a translation.

[0113] In this specific implementation variation, in the first adjustment position, the central portion 70d of the adjustment limit member 70 is stopped forward and fixed to the stop 720a; in the second adjustment position, the central portion 70d of the adjustment limit member 70 is stopped backward and fixed to the stop 720b. These stops 720a and 720b facilitate the adjustment of the positioning of the movable limit member 70.

[0114] In the specific example shown, but in a non-limiting manner for the present invention, angle A2 corresponds to the maximum amount of depressing the control trigger 6, and angle A1 is equal to 50% of angle A2.

[0115] Advantageously, the adjusting limit member 70 is fully positioned inside the housing 2 regardless of its adjustment position. In another variation, the adjusting limit member 70 may be positioned only partially inside the housing 2, particularly when it is in the first adjustment position described above, the front portion 70b may be positioned outside the housing 2.

[0116] More specifically, in this embodiment, but in a non-limiting manner, in the second adjustment position, the front portion 70b of the adjustment limit member 70 is sufficiently far away from the control trigger 6 so as not to impede its rotation; the obstruction of the control trigger 6 at the end of its stroke (corresponding to the maximum depressor of the control trigger 6) is achieved by the control trigger 6 abutting against the fixed stop 20 inside the half-shell 2b.

[0117] The retaining member 20 is preferably an integral part of the half-shell 2b. It can also be an attached component fixed inside the half-shell 2b. The surface of the retaining member 20 that contacts the control trigger can also be protected by a protective material, which is preferably replaceable, such as a deformable foam pad, which generally reduces wear on the retaining member 20 and the trigger 6, and more specifically cushions the impact between the retaining member 20 and the control trigger 6.

[0118] Preferably, for better compactness, the trigger 6 is hollow, and at least in Figure 13 In the first adjustment position shown, the front part 70b of the adjustment limit member 70 is positioned inside the trigger 6 and is adapted to cooperate with the corresponding limit member 63 positioned inside the control trigger 6.

[0119] In the specific example shown, but in a non-limiting manner, the translation axis A of the limiting member 70 is adjusted. 70 ( Figure 9 and Figure 13 Lateral, and in this case preferably perpendicular to the rotation axis 61a of the control trigger 6, and parallel to the direction of the thrust P exerted by the control trigger 6 on the adjustment limit member 70 when the user applies pressure to the control trigger 6, causing it to contact the adjustment limit member 70. Figure 13 ).

[0120] In another implementation variation, the translation axis A is... 70 They can have different orientations, for example, laterally or, in particular, perpendicularly to the direction of the thrust applied by the control trigger to the adjusting limiter.

[0121] The locking and unlocking mechanism 71 allows the user to manually lock the control limit member 70 in each of the two adjustment positions. It also allows the user to manually unlock the control limit member 70 in each of the two adjustment positions, and to manually move the adjustment limit member 70 to the desired adjustment position when it is unlocked.

[0122] In the specific embodiment variant shown in the accompanying drawings, the locking and unlocking mechanism 71 includes an actuating element 710. Figure 4 The actuating element is mounted on the adjusting limit member 70 and is movable relative to the adjusting limit member 70 between the following configurations:

[0123] - At least one locking configuration in which the actuating element is capable of locking the adjusting limit member 70 relative to the housing 2 of the handle 1 at each adjusting position of the limit member 70. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Locked in the second adjustment position; Figure 13 and Figure 14 (Locked in the first adjustment position);

[0124] - and at least one unlocked configuration, such as Figure 15 As shown, in this unlocked configuration, the actuating element can be moved and cause the adjusting limit member 70 to be linearly translated to each of the adjusting positions.

[0125] More specifically, in this specific implementation variation, the actuating element 710 can move relative to the adjusting limit member 70 along the translation axis A. 71 ( Figure 9 and Figure 13 The linear translation movement between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, with the translation axis A... 71 The translation axis A is transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, the adjustment limit member. 70 .

[0126] More specifically, in the example shown, but in a non-limiting manner to the invention, axis A is translated. 71 Similarly, it is transverse to, and in this case perpendicular to, the rotation axis 61a of the control trigger 6. In another variation, it can have a different orientation, for example, it can be parallel to the rotation axis 61a of the control trigger 6.

[0127] The actuating element 710 is a component, for example, made of plastic. In another variation, it can be assembled from multiple components.

[0128] More specifically, the actuating element 710 is mounted on the adjusting limit member 70, preferably aligned with the translation axis A of the adjusting limit member 70. 70 Alignment ( Figure 3 This allows for a more compact and robust structure.

[0129] The locking and unlocking mechanism 71 also includes ( Figure 4 The resilient return element 711 typically allows the actuating element 710 to resiliently return to its locked configuration.

[0130] When the actuating element is assembled with the adjusting limiter 70, the actuating element 710 can be brought into and held in the unlocked configuration by manual pressure to press down the actuating element 710 and apply stress to the elastic return element 711, which in this particular case is the compression of the elastic return element.

[0131] Without applying manual pressure to the actuating element 710, the resilient return element 711 allows the actuating element 710 to resiliently return to its locked configuration. This avoids additional user intervention, as the user only needs to release the pressure on the actuating element 710 so that it automatically returns to the locked configuration.

[0132] The elastic return element 711 also facilitates the indexing adjustment of the positioning of the movable limit element 70, allowing users to more easily operate the adjustment control trigger 6 without looking at the actuation button 710b.

[0133] Preferably, the resilient return element 711 is prestressed so that a restoring force is applied to the actuation element 710 to keep it in the locked configuration without manual pressure being applied to the actuation element 710. This advantageously enhances the locking and further reduces the risk of accidental unlocking.

[0134] In this specific embodiment, in a non-limiting manner, the elastic restoring element 711 includes a helical spring 711a.

[0135] The present invention is not limited to the use of a helical spring, but the helical spring can be replaced by any equivalent elastic return device, which can elastically return the actuating element 710 to its locked configuration without applying manual pressure to the actuating element 710.

[0136] For example, in another implementation variation, the elastic restoring element 711 may include a spring of the elastically deformable sheet type.

[0137] Furthermore, in the specific example shown, the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a) is designed for compression. In another variation, the elastic return element 711 may be designed for tension.

[0138] More specifically, in this specific implementation variant, the actuating element 710 ( Figure 5 The housing 2 includes a base 710a and an actuation button 710b positioned on the upper surface of the base. The actuation button 710b is configured to be at least partially located outside the housing 2. Figure 2 , 6 (8, 11 and 12) so that it can be operated by the user of handle 1.

[0139] The actuating element 710 also includes protruding locking elements 710c on both sides of the actuating button 710b. These protruding locking elements protrude relative to the upper surface of the base 710a. These protruding locking elements 710c are designed to fit into complementary locking seat grooves 21 provided in the half-shell 2b. Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In each adjustment position of the movable limit member 70, the actuating element 710 (the locked configuration of mechanism 71) is locked relative to the housing 2 in an indexed manner.

[0140] In another embodiment, the locking element 710c of the actuating element 710 may be concave, while the locking seat groove 21 in the housing 2 may be replaced by a convex locking element that complements the concave locking element of the actuating element 710.

[0141] To mount the actuating element on the adjusting limit member 70, the actuating element 710 also includes below the base 710a: a central guide cylinder 710d on which a spring 711a can be fitted; and two elastic lugs 710e positioned on both sides of the guide cylinder 710d.

[0142] In this specific variant, the central portion 70d of the adjusting limit member 70 includes a cylindrical seat groove 701. Figure 5 The groove leads to the upper surface of the adjusting limit member 70 and is adapted to receive the guide cylinder 710d of the actuating element 710 and the spring 711a sleeved on the guide cylinder 710d.

[0143] The central portion 70d of the adjusting limit member 70 also includes two through openings 702. Figure 5 These are positioned on both sides of the cylindrical seat groove 701, through which the resilient lugs 710 for locking can be inserted to fix the actuating element 710 to the adjusting limit member 70.

[0144] When the actuating element 710, the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a), and the adjusting limit element 70 are assembled together, and the two half-shells 2a and 2b are also assembled together, the actuation button 710b of the actuating element 710 passes through the elongated through opening 22 in the half-shell 2b. Figure 2 , 6 The handle 1 is positioned (8, 11, and 12) and protrudes from the housing 2, so that the user of the handle 1 can access it and operate it easily.

[0145] When the user does not apply pressure to the actuation button 710b, the convex locking element 710c of the actuation element 710 is engaged with the locking seat groove 21 provided in the housing 2. Figure 10 and 14In this configuration, the adjusting limit member 70 is locked in place relative to the handle housing 2 in the aforementioned adjusting position (locked configuration).

[0146] Preferably, in the locked configuration, the return spring 711a is prestressed; in this specific example, it is slightly compressed to apply pressure to the actuating element 710 to hold the convex locking element 710c in the locking seat groove 21, thus maintaining the lock and preventing accidental unlocking when operating the handle 1.

[0147] To move the adjustment limiter to another adjustment position, the user of the handle first needs to unlock the adjustment limiter 70 to move it to the unlocked configuration by applying sufficient pressure to the actuation button 710b of the actuation element 710 to compress the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a) and fully press down the actuation element 710 so that the convex locking element 710c is completely disengaged from the locking seat groove 21.

[0148] Then, secondly ( Figure 15 While keeping the actuating element 710 pressed down, the user moves the actuating element 710, which is fixedly connected to the adjusting limit member 70, in a direction parallel to the axis 70a of the adjusting limit member 70. This can drive the adjusting limit member 70 to move linearly in the direction of its axis 70a until it reaches the desired adjustment position.

[0149] During the translational movement, the adjusting limit member 70 slides relative to the guide rail 720 of the bracket 72, and is held and guided by the guide rail 720 to perform the translational movement.

[0150] Subsequently, when the adjusting limit member 70 is in the desired adjusting position, the user releases the pressure applied to the actuating element 710. The actuating element is pushed back by the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a), causing the locking element 710c of the actuating element 710 to be positioned in the locking seat groove 21 in the housing 2. Thus, the adjusting limit member 70 is securely and stably locked in the adjusting position. Figure 14 First adjustment position; Figure 10 (Second adjustment position).

[0151] This invention is not limited to Figures 1 to 15 The specific implementation variations shown are also extended in a non-exhaustive manner to the following additional variations.

[0152] The control input device of the present invention is not limited to an adjustment limiter having two adjustment positions, but the adjustment limiter can also be adapted to have three or more different adjustment positions, wherein each adjustment position defines a different stroke for the movement of the control trigger.

[0153] The actuating element 710 is not necessarily mounted on the adjusting limit member 70 and parallel to the translation axis A of the adjusting limit member 70. 70 Alignment. For example... Figure 16 In another embodiment shown, the actuating element 710' may be mechanically connected to the translationally movable adjusting limit member 70', and relative to the translation axis A of the adjusting limit member 70'. 70 Bias. In Figure 16 In this variant, with Figures 1 to 15 In a similar manner to the variant, the actuating element 710' is associated with a helical return spring 711a, which includes a locking element 710c capable of engaging a locking seat groove (not shown) in the handle housing; the operation of the actuating element 710' associated with the helical return spring 711a for locking and unlocking the limit member 70' relative to the handle housing is similar to... Figures 1 to 15 The variants operate in the same way.

[0154] Within the scope of this invention, the adjusting limit member does not necessarily need to be translated; it can also be rotated to position itself at each adjustment location.

[0155] Figure 17 An example of a rotary adjusting limiter 70” with a rotation axis R is shown. In this variant, an actuating element 710” can translate parallel to the rotation axis R of the adjusting limiter between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Once the actuating element 710” is unlocked by compressing the spring associated with the actuating element, the actuating element 710” can translate along a translation axis A perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the adjusting limiter 70”. 70 The device is linearly translated so that, via a rack and pinion gear mechanism E that mechanically connects the rotary limiter 70” and the actuating element 710”, the adjusting limiter 70” is rotated in one direction or the other between at least two different adjusting positions.

[0156] - First adjustment position, such as Figure 17 As shown, the adjusting limit member 70” is rotated and positioned relative to the control trigger 6 to form a limit member on the path of the control trigger 6 and reduce the rotational stroke of the control trigger 6.

[0157] - Second adjustment position, wherein the adjustment limit member 70” is rotated and positioned relative to the control trigger 6, outside the path of the control trigger 6, so as not to hinder the rotational movement of the control trigger 6.

[0158] Although the rotational movement of the control trigger is the easiest to implement and is most commonly used for game controllers or gamepads, within the scope of this invention, the control trigger does not necessarily have to be rotational, and the invention can be more broadly applied to other types of control trigger movements. For example, the control trigger can be designed to be manually actuated, and to move and be guided in translational motion, particularly by being pressed more or less into the housing 2.

[0159] The resilient return element 711 is not necessarily mounted on and integrated with the adjusting limit member 70. In another variation, the resilient return element may be fixed inside the body 2 of the handle 1, and the adjusting limit member 70 and the actuating element may be movable relative to the resilient return element to position the adjusting limit member in each adjustment position.

[0160] The adjustment positions of the movable limit members 70 are not necessarily spaced apart from each other, and the movable limit members 70 can also be designed to allow continuous adjustment of their positioning without indexing.

[0161] In another variation, the actuating element 710 and the adjusting limit member can be rigidly connected to each other, with the actuating element 710 fixed relative to the adjusting limit member. In this case, locking and unlocking of the adjusting limit member is achieved by moving the entire assembly consisting of the actuating element and the adjusting limit member relative to the main body (housing 2) of the device. However, from a mechanical point of view, this variation is more complex to implement.

[0162] Figure 18 Another embodiment is shown, wherein the elastic return element 711 is a leaf spring-type elastically deformable stop 711b, which is fixed inside the handle body 2. The adjustment limit 70'” and the actuating element 710'” are movable relative to the elastic stop 711b so as to position the adjustment limit in each adjustment position.

[0163] exist Figure 18 In the middle, the elastic stop 711b is in the rested state, and the actuating element 710'" is in its locked configuration. When manual pressure is applied to the actuating element 710'" to press it down (in Figure 18 When the actuator 710'" moves to its unlocked configuration (moving from center to left), the actuator 710'" slides through the adjusting limit member 70'" and applies pressure to the resilient stop member 711b, causing it to elastically deform. When the manual pressure on the actuator 710'" is released, the resilient stop member 711b returns to its rest position by pushing the actuator 710'" back to its locked configuration. This avoids additional user operation, as the user only needs to release the pressure on the actuator 710'" to allow the actuator to automatically return to its locked configuration.

[0164] Figure 19 Another implementation variation is shown, which is similar to Figures 1 to 15The difference in the variant is the use of an additional adjusting limiter 70A.

[0165] An additional adjusting limiter 70A is installed inside the housing 2 and is rotatable about the rotation axis R. An actuating element 710 is mechanically connected to the adjusting limiter 70A so that, while actuating other adjusting limiters 70, it can also rotate the additional adjusting limiter 70A to each of its adjusting positions. In this specific case, it is... Figure 19 Adjustment position and Figure 20 Rotate between the adjustable positions. Figure 19 The adjustment position is such that the limiting member 70A cannot obstruct the rotation of the trigger 6, therefore the trigger has its maximum rotational travel (the aforementioned angle A2), while... Figure 20 The adjustment position, the adjustment limit member 70A, by blocking a portion 64 of the trigger 6, can reduce the rotational stroke of the trigger 6 (the aforementioned angle A1).

[0166] exist Figure 19 and Figure 20 In a specific case, the mechanical connection between the actuating element 710 and the adjusting limit member 70A includes an arm 710A, which is fixed to the actuating element 710 or is an integral part of the actuating element 710. The arm includes an elongated hole 710B, in which a drive pin 710C is positioned. The drive pin is fixed to the adjusting limit member 70A or is an integral part of the adjusting limit member 70A.

[0167] In its locked configuration, the actuating element 710 is able to lock each adjusting limit member 70, 70A relative to the body 2 of the handle in each adjusting position of these adjusting limit members 70, 70A.

[0168] When the two adjusting limit elements 70 and 70A are simultaneously moved by the actuating element 710 Figure 20 When the adjustment position is shown, by blocking the trigger 6 at two different and spaced-apart stop points, they can reduce the rotational stroke of the trigger 6 (the aforementioned angle A1), thereby allowing for improved mechanical stability of the trigger 6.

Claims

1. A control input device, particularly a game controller or gamepad (1), comprising a main body (2) and at least one control trigger (6) movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment mechanism (7) for adjusting the travel of the control trigger (6), the adjustment mechanism (7) comprising at least one adjustment limit member (70; 70'); 70”； 70'”), the adjusting limit member is adapted to be movable to at least one first adjusting position and at least one second adjusting position, in the first adjusting position, the adjusting limit member can block the control trigger (6) to reduce the travel of the control trigger, and in the second adjusting position, the travel of the control trigger (6) is greater than the travel obtained in the first adjusting position, wherein the adjusting mechanism (7) includes a locking and unlocking mechanism (71), the locking and unlocking mechanism includes an actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”), at least a portion (710b) of the actuating element is positioned outside the body (2), the actuating element is movable between at least one unlocked configuration and at least one locked configuration, in the unlocked configuration, the actuating element can be moved to drive the adjusting limit member (70; 70'); 70”； 70'”) to each of the first and second adjustment positions, in the locked configuration, the actuating element will adjust the limiting member (70; 70'); 70”； 70'”) is locked at least in the first adjustment position relative to the body (2) of the control input device.

2. The control input device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) is adapted in its locked configuration to lock the adjusting limit member (70; 70'; 70”) relative to the body (2) of the control input device at each adjusting position of the adjusting limit member (70).

3. The control input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) is movable relative to the adjusting limit element (70; 70'; 70”; 70’”) between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

4. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710’”) is associated with the resilient return element (711), and the actuating element is adapted to be brought into and held in an unlocked configuration by manual pressure, said manual pressure allowing the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710’”) to be pressed into the body (2) and to apply stress to the resilient return element (711), and wherein the resilient return element (711) allows the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710’”) to resiliently return to its locked configuration without manual pressure being applied to the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710’”).

5. The control input device according to claim 4, wherein the elastic restoring element (711) is prestressed so as to apply a restoring force to the actuating element (710; 710'; 710") to keep it in a locked configuration without applying manual pressure to the actuating element (710; 710'; 710").

6. The control input device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the actuating element (710; 710'; 710") is adjustable relative to the adjusting limit element (70; 70') between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. 70”) activity, and the elastic recovery element (711) is positioned on the adjusting limit element (70; 70'; Between 70”) and the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”).

7. The control input device according to claim 6, wherein the adjusting limit member (70; 70'; 70”) includes a seat groove (701), a portion of the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”) and an elastic return element (711) positioned in the seat groove.

8. The control input device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elastic return element (711b) is fixed inside the body (2), and the adjusting limit element (70'”) and the actuating element (710'”) are movable relative to the elastic return element (711b) to position the adjusting limit element at each adjusting position.

9. The control input device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the elastic return element (711) comprises a spring (711a), preferably a helical spring, or the elastic return element comprises an elastically deformable stop (711b).

10. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the locked configuration, the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) cooperates with the body (2) to lock the adjustment limit member (70; 70'; 70”; 70'”) relative to the body (2) at least in a first adjustment position.

11. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adjustment limit member (70) is translatably movable to be positioned in each adjustment position, and wherein in the locked configuration, the actuating element cooperates with the body (2) to prevent the adjustment limit member (70; 70'; 70”; 70'”) from translating relative to the body (2) at least in the first adjustment position.

12. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the adjustment limit member (70) is translatably movable to be positioned in each adjustment position, and wherein the actuating element (710) is translatably movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration transversely to, preferably perpendicularly to, the translational direction of the adjustment limit member (70).

13. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adjustment limit member (70”) is rotatable about the rotation axis (R) to be positioned in each adjustment position, and wherein in the locked configuration, the actuating element cooperates with the body (2) to prevent the adjustment limit member from rotating relative to the body (2) at least in the first adjustment position.

14. The control input device according to claim 13, wherein the actuating element (710”) is translatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration parallel to the rotation axis (R) of the adjusting limit member (70”).

15. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) includes a convex or concave locking element (710c) adapted to cooperate with a complementary locking element (21) of the body (2) to lock the adjusting limiter (70; 70'; 70”; 70’”) relative to the body (2) when the actuating element is brought to the locked configuration.

16. The control input device according to claim 15, wherein the locking element (710c) of the actuating element and the complementary locking element (21) of the body (2) are configured such that when the actuating element is brought to the locked configuration, the actuating element is locked relative to the body (2) in an indexed manner at each adjustment position of the adjustment limiter.

17. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one control trigger (6) is hollow, and at least when the adjustment limiter is in the adjustment position as a control trigger movement limiter, a portion (70b) of the adjustment limiter is positioned inside the control trigger (6).

18. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the control input device includes at least one additional adjustment limit member (70A), and an actuating element (710) is mechanically connected to the additional adjustment limit member (70A) so as to actuate the other adjustment limit members (70) to each of their adjustment positions.

19. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 constitutes a game controller, the game controller being adapted to be held by a user with one hand or two hands, preferably wherein the at least one control trigger (6) is a finger trigger.

20. A method for adjusting a control input device, particularly a game controller or gamepad (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the following steps: In the first step, the locking and unlocking mechanism (71) is unlocked by manually applying an actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) to move the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) to the unlocked configuration; in the second step, the adjusting limit member (70; 70'; 710”; 710”) is adjusted by means of the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710’”). 70”； 70'”) is moved to an adjustment position, and the actuating elements (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”) of the locking and unlocking mechanism (71) are manually held in the unlocked configuration; then in a third step, the locking and unlocking mechanism (71) is locked by moving the actuating elements to the locked configuration so as to adjust the limiting elements (70; 70'; 710”) to the unlocked configuration. 70”； 70'”) is locked in the adjusted position.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein locking of the locking and unlocking mechanism (71) is achieved by releasing the actuating element (710; 710'; 710”; 710'”).

Images