Game controller

Abstract

The invention provides a game controller. A game controller, which is held by a user to perform an input operation, is provided with a first input unit, a housing, and a first cover. The first input unit is provided on the front surface of the game controller. The housing is a single component having a first handle portion and a second handle portion at least partially extending downward on the left and right, respectively, and having an opening across the front surface and the upper surface of the game controller. The first cover closes at least a part of the opening in the front surface of the game controller.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a controller for a user to perform an input operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, there is a controller that a user can hold with both hands by holding left and right handles provided (for example, refer to International Publication No. 2017 / 212663).

[0003] There is a controller that has a structure in which a handle is attached by fitting a front side housing and a back side housing. In such a controller, a boundary line between the attached handle and the front side or back side housing is generated, and it is possible to come into contact with the boundary line when the user is holding the controller. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present application adopts the following structures (1) to (33). (1)

[0006] One example of the present application is a game controller for a user to hold and perform an input operation. The game controller has a first input portion, a housing, and a first cover. The first input portion is provided on a front surface of the game controller. The housing is one component that has first and second handle portions each having at least a part extending downward in left and right sides, and has an opening across the front surface and an upper surface of the game controller. The first cover seals at least a part of the opening on the front surface of the game controller.

[0007] (2) According to the structure of the above (1), the housing can also form at least a part of a back surface of the game controller.

[0008] (3) According to the structure of the above (1) or (2), the housing can also form left and right side surfaces of the game controller and a part of the front surface of the game controller from the back surface of the game controller to the left and right edges of the opening in the front surface of the game controller.

[0009] (4) According to the structure of any one of the above (1) to (3), the first cover can have a first hole through which the first input portion penetrates. The game controller can also have a second cover that seals at least a part of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller.

[0010] (5) The structure according to the above (4), wherein the opening in the upper surface of the game controller can be provided with a right front side opening, a right rear side opening, a left front side opening, and a left rear side opening by being divided in the front-rear direction and the right-left direction by the second cover. The right front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing on the right side in the upper surface of the game controller. The right rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing on the right side in the upper surface of the game controller at a position on the back side than the right front side opening. The left front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing on the left side in the upper surface of the game controller. The left rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing on the left side in the upper surface of the game controller at a position on the back side than the left front side opening. The game controller can include a second input portion provided in the right front side opening, a third input portion provided in the left front side opening, a fourth input portion provided in the right rear side opening, and a fifth input portion provided in the left rear side opening.

[0011] (6) The structure according to any one of the above (1) to (5), wherein the first cover can be directly or indirectly assembled to the housing.

[0012] (7) The structure according to any one of the above (1) to (6), wherein the first cover can include a first hole through which the first input portion is inserted. The inside space formed by the housing and the first cover can house a detection portion for detecting an input operation to the first input portion.

[0013] (8) The structure according to the above (7), wherein the game controller can include a first frame provided with the detection portion, and a second frame provided with a second hole through which the first input portion is inserted. The second frame holds the first input portion and covers at least a portion of the front surface of the first frame. The first cover covers at least a portion of the front surface of the second frame.

[0014] (9) The structure according to the above (8), wherein the first frame and the second frame can be fixed by a first fixing member. The first cover can cover at least a portion of the first fixing member.

[0015] (10) The structure according to the above (8) or (9), wherein the first cover can be fixed to the second frame and the housing.

[0016] (11) The structure according to the above (10), wherein the back surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second frame can be fixed by an adhesive. A first engaging portion provided on the outer edge of the back surface of the cover can engage with a second engaging portion provided on the housing.

[0017] (12) The structure according to any one of (8) to (11) above, in which the game controller can also be provided with a second fixing member. The second fixing member is provided so as to straddle the edge of the opening in the front surface of the game controller, and fixes the inner surface of the housing and the second frame.

[0018] (13) The structure according to (12) above, in which the second fixing member can also be provided with a housing opposing portion opposing the inner surface of the housing, and a second frame opposing portion opposing the second frame. The housing opposing portion can have an opening into which a protrusion portion protruding from the inner surface of the housing is inserted. The second frame opposing portion can have a fastening portion fastened to the second frame by means of a fastening member.

[0019] (14) The structure according to (12) or (13) above, in which the edge of the opening in the front surface of the game controller can include a first edge portion extending in the left-right direction, and a second edge portion extending upward from the end of the first edge portion. The second fixing member can be provided so as to straddle the second edge portion.

[0020] (15) The structure according to any one of (12) to (14) above, in which the second fixing member can be provided above each of the first grip portion and the second grip portion.

[0021] (16) The structure according to any one of (12) to (15) above, in which at least a portion of the second fixing member can be covered by the first cover.

[0022] (17) The structure according to any one of (12) to (16) above, in which the second fixing member can be provided left and right, respectively, so as to straddle the edges of the left and right sides of the opening in the front surface of the game controller. The inner surface of the housing can be fixed to a fixing portion that is located higher than the second fixing member when the game controller is viewed from the front surface, and is provided to the left side portion and the right side portion of the first frame, respectively.

[0023] (18) The structure according to any one of (1) to (3) above, in which the edge of the opening can have a first edge portion, a second edge portion, a third edge portion, and a fourth edge portion. The first edge portion extends upward and to the right at a position that is left in the front surface of the game controller. The second edge portion extends rearward and to the left from the upper end of the first edge portion at a position that is left in the upper surface of the game controller. The third edge portion extends upward and to the left at a position that is right in the front surface of the game controller. The fourth edge portion extends rearward and to the right from the upper end of the third edge portion at a position that is right in the upper surface of the game controller.

[0024] (19) The structure according to the above (18), in which it can also be that the rim of the opening includes a fifth rim portion, a sixth rim portion, and a seventh rim portion on the front face of the game controller. The fifth rim portion extends in the left-right direction. The sixth rim portion extends upward and to the left from the left end of the fifth rim portion. The seventh rim portion extends upward and to the right from the right end of the fifth rim portion. It can also be that the first rim portion extends upward and to the right from the upper end of the sixth rim portion. It can also be that the third rim portion extends upward and to the left from the upper end of the seventh rim portion.

[0025] (20) The structure according to the above (18) or (19), in which it can also be that the game controller further has a second cover that partitions the opening in the upper surface of the game controller in the left-right direction. It can also be that the opening in the upper surface of the game controller includes, by being partitioned in the left-right direction by the second cover, a left-side opening in the upper surface of the game controller that is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the second rim portion in the housing. It can also be that the opening in the upper surface of the game controller includes, by being partitioned in the left-right direction by the second cover, a right-side opening in the upper surface of the game controller that is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the fourth rim portion in the housing. It can also be that the game controller has a second input portion provided at the left-side opening and a third input portion provided at the right-side opening. It can also be that the upper end of the first rim portion is located further forward than the left end of the second input portion. It can also be that the upper end of the third rim portion is located further forward than the right end of the third input portion.

[0026] (21) The structure according to any one of the above (1) to (3), in which it can also be that the rim of the opening includes a front face left rim portion, an upper surface left rim portion, a front face right rim portion, and an upper surface right rim portion. The front face left rim portion extends in the left-right direction on the left side in the front face of the game controller. The upper surface left rim portion extends in the front-rear direction on the left side in the upper surface of the game controller in such a way that it forms a first corner that protrudes inward of the game controller in the left-right direction with the front face left rim portion. The front face right rim portion extends in the left-right direction on the right side in the front face of the game controller. The upper surface right rim portion extends in the front-rear direction on the right side in the upper surface of the game controller in such a way that it forms a second corner that protrudes inward of the game controller in the left-right direction with the front face right rim portion.

[0027] (22) The structure according to the above (21), in which it can also be that the game controller further has a second cover that closes at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller in a manner that divides the opening in the upper surface of the game controller left and right. It can also be that the opening in the upper surface of the game controller includes, by being divided left and right by the second cover, a right-side opening formed in the left side in the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the upper edge left portion of the first cover that extends rightward from the upper end of the first division line, and the upper surface left edge portion of the housing. It can also be that the opening in the upper surface of the game controller includes, by being divided left and right by the second cover, a left-side opening formed in the right side in the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the upper edge right portion of the first cover that extends leftward from the upper end of the second division line, and the upper surface right edge portion of the housing. It can also be that the game controller has a second input portion provided in the left-side opening and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening. It can also be that the first corner is located further forward than the left end of the second input portion. It can also be that the second corner is located further forward than the right end of the third input portion.

[0028] (23) The structure according to any one of the above (1) to (3), in which it can also be that the edge of the opening includes an upper surface left edge portion and an upper surface right edge portion. The upper surface left edge portion extends in the front and back direction in the left side in the upper surface of the game controller from the upper end of a first division line in the cover that is a division line between the front of the game controller and the housing on the left side. The upper surface right edge portion extends in the front and back direction in the right side in the upper surface of the game controller from the upper end of a second division line in the cover that is a division line between the front of the game controller and the housing on the right side.

[0029] (24) The structure according to the above (23), in which it can also be that the game controller further has a second cover that closes at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller in a manner that divides the opening in the upper surface of the game controller left and right. It can also be that the opening in the upper surface of the game controller includes, by being divided left and right by the second cover, a left-side opening and a right-side opening. The left-side opening is formed in the left side in the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the upper edge left portion of the first cover that extends rightward from the upper end of the first division line, and the upper surface left edge portion of the housing. The right-side opening is formed in the right side in the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the upper edge right portion of the first cover that extends leftward from the upper end of the second division line, and the upper surface right edge portion of the housing. It can also be that the game controller has a second input portion provided in the left-side opening and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening. It can also be that the upper end of the first division line is located further forward than the left end of the second input portion. It can also be that the upper end of the second division line is located further forward than the right end of the third input portion.

[0030] (25) The structure according to any one of the above (1) to (24), in which it can also be that the first grip portion and the second grip portion have an internal space that communicates with the opening.

[0031] (26) The structure according to (20), (22), or (24) described above, wherein it is also possible that the length in the left-right direction of the second input portion and the third input portion is longer than the length in the front-rear direction. (27)

[0033] Another example of the present application is a game controller for a user to hold and perform input operations. The game controller has a housing, a first cover, and a first input portion. The housing includes a base portion, a first grip portion, and a second grip portion. At least a portion of the first grip portion and the second grip portion respectively extend downward from left and right of the base portion. The base portion, the first grip portion, and the second grip portion are configured as a single component. The base portion, the first grip portion, and the second grip portion form at least a portion of a cavity that is open upward and forward. The first cover covers at least a portion of the cavity in the front. The first input portion is located at a position operable from the front side of the game controller and includes at least one of a button and a direction input portion.

[0034] (28) The structure according to (27) described above, wherein it is also possible that the base portion includes at least a portion of a back surface, at least a portion of a left side surface, at least a portion of a right side surface, and at least a portion of a front surface including a left and right edge that divides the cavity in the front.

[0035] (29) The structure according to (27) or (28) described above, wherein it is also possible that the game controller has a second cover that covers at least a portion of the cavity upward.

[0036] (30) The structure according to (29) described above, wherein it is also possible that the second cover is shaped to divide an upper portion of the cavity in the front, rear, left, and right. It is also possible that a right front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing. It is also possible that a right rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing rearward of the right front side opening. It is also possible that a left front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing. It is also possible that a left rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing rearward of the left front side opening. It is also possible that the game controller has a second input portion provided in the right front side opening, a third input portion provided in the left front side opening, a fourth input portion provided in the right rear side opening, and a fifth input portion provided in the left rear side opening.

[0037] (31) The structure according to any one of (27) to (30) described above, wherein it can also be that the rim that divides the housing that forms the chamber has a first rim portion, a second rim portion, a third rim portion, and a fourth rim portion. At least a portion of the first rim portion extends upward and to the right at a position on the front side and on the left side of the game controller. At least a portion of the second rim portion extends rearward and to the left from an upper end of the first rim portion at a position on the upper side and on the left side of the game controller. At least a portion of the third rim portion extends upward and to the left at a position on the front side and on the right side of the game controller. At least a portion of the fourth rim portion extends rearward and to the right from an upper end of the third rim portion at a position on the upper side and on the right side of the game controller.

[0038] (32) The structure according to (31) described above, wherein it can also be that, on the front side of the game controller, the rim that divides the housing that forms the chamber includes a fifth rim portion, a sixth rim portion, and a seventh rim portion. The fifth rim portion extends in the left-right direction. At least a portion of the sixth rim portion extends upward and to the left from a left end of the fifth rim portion. At least a portion of the seventh rim portion extends upward and to the right from a right end of the fifth rim portion. It can also be that at least a portion of the first rim portion extends upward and to the right from an upper end of the sixth rim portion. It can also be that at least a portion of the third rim portion extends upward and to the left from an upper end of the seventh rim portion. (33)

[0040] Another example of the present application is a game controller that has a panel, an upper cover, and a main body. The main body includes a rear portion, a first grip portion that is formed so as to cover the periphery of an internal space, and a second grip portion that is formed so as to cover the periphery of the internal space. The first grip portion and the second grip portion each extend from opposite sides of the rear portion. The rear portion, the first grip portion, and the second grip portion are formed seamlessly. A first valley having a first valley bottom that extends upward at least partially in the up-down direction and to the left at least partially in the left-right direction is formed at a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the first grip portion. A second valley having a second valley bottom that extends upward at least partially in the up-down direction and to the right at least partially in the left-right direction is formed at a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the second grip portion. The game controller also has an operation portion that is located on the front side of the game controller, is operable by a user, and includes at least one of a button and a direction input portion.

[0041] According to the controller described above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a demarcation line at a position that is easy for the user to touch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a drawing that shows one example of a game controller of the present embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller.

[0044] Figure 3 is a six-face diagram of an example of a game controller.

[0045] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the front side.

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the back side.

[0047] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the front side.

[0048] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the back side.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the front side.

[0050] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a case of a game controller when a user is holding it from the back side.

[0051] Figure 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a 1st menu.

[0052] Figure 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a 2nd menu.

[0053] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a right side area of an upper surface of an example of a game controller.

[0054] Figure 13 is a back view showing an example of a game controller of a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0055] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a case when a finger is operating a right grip button from the side.

[0056] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of an example of a surrounding of a right grip button of a game controller.

[0057] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a 1st frame and a diaphragm.

[0058] Figure 17is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a case where each of the analog stick and the constituent elements related to the button on the upper surface are mounted with respect to the first frame.

[0059] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a case where each of the constituent elements provided on the back side of the first frame is mounted with respect to the first frame.

[0060] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the right handle button and the flange rubber included in the right handle unit.

[0061] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing each of the parts of the part holding frame unit possessed by the right handle unit.

[0062] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view showing each of the parts of the vibration holding frame unit possessed by the right handle unit.

[0063] Figure 22 is a view showing an example of mounting the right handle button shown in Figure 19 to the housing.

[0064] Figure 23 is a view showing an example of mounting the part holding frame unit shown in Figure 20 to the housing.

[0065] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the right handle button and the part holding frame unit from the table side.

[0066] Figure 25 is a view showing an example of mounting the vibration holding frame unit shown in Figure 21 to the part holding frame unit.

[0067] Figure 26 is a view showing an example of the connector connected to the handle substrate and the vibration motor.

[0068] Figure 27 is a view showing an example of the cross section of the game controller in the vicinity of the right handle button.

[0069] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the game controller in the vicinity of the right handle unit of the modified example.

[0070] Figure 29 is a view showing an example of a case where the first frame is mounted to the housing.

[0071] Figure 30 is a view showing an example of a state where the first frame is fixed to the housing.

[0072] Figure 31 is a view showing one example of a state in which the first frame is fixed to the housing.

[0073] Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view showing one example of a case where the upper cover and the like are mounted with respect to the first frame.

[0074] Figure 33 is a view showing one example of a structure around a rotation axis of the R button.

[0075] Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view showing one example of the second frame and a component held by the second frame.

[0076] Figure 35 is a view showing one example of a case where the second frame is mounted with respect to the first frame.

[0077] Figure 36 is a sectional view of one example of the game controller, which is obtained by cutting the game controller with a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and passing through the position of the cross key.

[0078] Figure 37 is a view showing one example of a positional relationship between a protruding portion of the second frame and axes of the ZR button and the ZL button.

[0079] Figure 38 is a view showing one example of the game controller before the lock member is mounted.

[0080] Figure 39 is a view showing one example of the game controller after the lock member is mounted.

[0081] Figure 40 is a view showing one example of a case where the front cover is mounted with respect to the housing 2.

[0082] Figure 41 is a view showing one example of a housing of the game controller according to the modification example of the above embodiment.

[0083] Figure 42 is a view showing one example of the game controller according to the modification example of the above embodiment.

[0084] Figure 43 is a view showing one example of the game controller according to the modification example of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Hereinafter, a game controller which is one example of the controller according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1is a diagram showing one example of a game controller of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, Figure 1 The game controller 1 shown is used, for example, by a user to operate a game device not shown. The game controller 1 can communicate with the game device, and transmit operation data representing an input operation performed on an input member (specifically, a button, an analog stick, or the like, discussed later) of the game controller 1 to the game device. In the present embodiment, the game controller 1 communicates with the game device wirelessly. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 can communicate with the game device in a wired manner as well.

[0086] [1. Overview of game controller]

[0087] First, reference is made to Figures 2-5 An overview of the structure of the game controller 1 is described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of a housing of a game controller. Figure 3 is a six-view diagram of one example of a game controller.

[0088] Figures 4-9 is a diagram showing one example of a situation in which a user is holding the game controller 1. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , and Figure 8 are diagrams of the game controller 1 held by the user's hands, viewed from the front side, Figure 5 , Figure 7 , and Figure 9 are diagrams of the game controller 1 held by the user's hands, viewed from the back side. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , and Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively show three examples of the manner in which the game controller 1 is operated, and the sizes of the user's hands holding the game controller 1.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3 , the game controller 1 is provided with two grips, a grip 5 and a grip 6. As shown in Figures 4-9 , the user can hold the game controller 1 in a state in which the right hand holds one grip 5 and the left hand holds the other grip 6. Hereinafter, in the game controller 1, the user's right hand and left hand are referred to as the "first hand" and the "second hand", respectively. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , or Figure 8 and Figure 9The direction facing the user when the game controller 1 is held as shown is defined as the front direction (also called the forward direction) of the game controller 1, and the opposite direction is defined as the back direction (also called the rear direction). The direction that is vertically upward in the above state is defined as the upward direction of the game controller 1. Furthermore, hereafter, the left and right directions of the game controller 1 refer to left and right when viewing the casing 2 from the front side. Hereinafter, the handle 5 on the right side of the game controller 1 will be referred to as the right handle 5, and the handle 6 on the left side will be referred to as the left handle 6.

[0090] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the game controller 1 has a housing 2. (As indicated...) Figure 2 As shown, an opening 2a is provided in the outer casing 2. The opening 2a is provided across the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 includes two separate covers, a cover 3 and a cover 4, which are provided to block the opening 2a. Figure 2 As shown, the front cover 3 is configured to block the front side portion of the opening 2a, and the top cover 4 is configured to block the upper side portion of the opening 2a.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2 is sealed by two covers, 3 and 4. This reduces concerns about the cover being of a complex shape and allows for easy fabrication (e.g., molding using a mold). Furthermore, the shape and number of covers used to seal the opening 2a of the outer casing 2 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, a single cover may seal the front and upper surfaces of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2, or three or more covers may be used. Additionally, the single or multiple covers used to seal the opening 2a are sometimes collectively referred to as covers or shrouds.

[0092] Each cover 3 and cover 4 can be configured to block at least a portion of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2, without completely blocking the opening 2a. For example, in this embodiment, an opening is formed on the upper surface of the game controller 1 by the outer casing 2, the front cover 3, and the top cover 4. Figure 2 (Ref. 7a-7d in the accompanying drawings). In this embodiment, a portion of the edge of opening 2a is not sealed by the cap (i.e., the cap does not contact a portion of the edge). However, in other embodiments, the entire circumference of the edge of opening 2a may be completely sealed by one or more caps (i.e., the entire circumference of the edge contacts the cap).

[0093] like Figure 3As shown, the game controller 1 includes a right handle 5 and a left handle 6. The right handle 5 is formed on the right side of the game controller 1, protruding downwards. The left handle 6 is formed on the left side of the game controller 1, protruding downwards. Both the right handle 5 and the left handle 6 are formed protruding downwards from the main body 9 of the game controller 1.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, various input components are provided on the front of the game controller 1. Specifically, the game controller 1 includes buttons 11-19, a D-pad 21, and analog sticks 22 and 23 as input components on the front. In this embodiment, the input components on the front are provided on the front cover 3. Specifically, the input components on the front are provided in a manner that exposes them through holes provided in the front cover 3. Figure 4 , Figure 6 ,as well as Figure 8 As shown, the input component on the front is positioned so that it can be operated by the right thumb or left thumb of the user holding the game controller 1.

[0095] The game controller 1 has buttons 11-14 on the right side of the front panel (specifically, the area to the right of the center of the front panel in the left-right direction). When the position that will become the center of these four buttons 11-14 is set as the reference position, button 11 is positioned to the right of the reference position, button 12 is positioned below the reference position, button 13 is positioned above the reference position, and button 14 is positioned to the left of the reference position.

[0096] The game controller 1 has buttons 15 and 16 in the aforementioned right-hand area. Buttons 15 and 16 are positioned to the left of the four buttons 11-14. Specifically, button 15 is positioned to the left of button 13. The left-right position of button 15 is to the left of button 14. Similarly, button 16 is positioned to the left of button 14. The left-right position of button 16 is to the left of button 15.

[0097] The game controller 1 has a right analog stick 22 in the aforementioned right-side area. The right analog stick 22 is located at the lower left of the aforementioned four buttons 11-14.

[0098] The game controller 1 has a left analog stick 23 on the left side of the front (specifically, the area on the front that is to the left of the center in the left-right direction). The left analog stick 23 is located on the far left of the input components located in the aforementioned left side area.

[0099] The game controller 1 has the buttons 17 and 18 in the left region described above. The buttons 17 and 18 are provided to the right of the left analog stick 23 described above. The button 17 is provided in the up-and-down direction to overlap the button 15 (i.e., the position in the up-and-down direction of the button 17 overlaps the position in the up-and-down direction of the button 15). The button 18 is provided in the up-and-down direction to overlap the button 16. The position in the left-and-right direction of the button 17 is a position to the left of the button 18.

[0100] The game controller 1 has the cross key 21 in the left region described above. The cross key 21 is provided to the lower right of the left analog stick 23 described above.

[0101] The buttons 11 to 15 and 17 described above are used, for example, to make instructions prescribed in a game application program executed in the game device. Functions set in the game application program are assigned to the buttons 11 to 15 and 17 described above. In addition, the cross key 21 and the analog sticks 22 and 23 are used, for example, to make directional instructions prescribed in a game application program executed in the game device. Further, in the present embodiment, the analog sticks 22 and 23 are capable of inputting, in addition to the directional input by tilting in any of the up-and-down and left-and-right directions, input by pressing the stick head. Further, the analog sticks 22 and 23 can also be sticks of a type incapable of inputting by pressing the stick head. In addition, predetermined functions set in the game device are assigned to the buttons 16 and 18. The buttons 16 and 18 are basically assigned functions independent of the application program being executed in the game device, and can be assigned functions corresponding to the application program. The button 16 is used, for example, to make an instruction to display a menu screen (a first menu described later) of the game device when a game application program is being executed in the game device. The button 18 is used, for example, to make an instruction to capture an image generated by the game device and displayed (i.e., an image of a display screen of the game device, or a screen displayed on a display device connected to the game device).

[0102] In the present embodiment, the game controller 1 is provided with the button 19 on the front surface. The button 19 is provided on the front surface of the game controller 1 in the center in the left-right direction. Specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front surface, the operation surface of the button 19 is provided at a position overlapping with the central axis in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. The user can operate the button 19 with the thumb of the right hand as well as with the thumb of the left hand. In the present embodiment, the button 19 is provided in the lower side region of the front surface of the game controller 1. The button 19 is provided in the lowermost side among the input members provided on the front surface of the game controller 1. When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front surface, the button 19 is provided in the input members provided on the front surface of the game controller 1 at the position closest to the lower end of the front cover 3. The lower end of the operation surface of the button 19 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the head of the right analog stick 22 in the non-operation state, and is located at a position lower than the lower end of the operation surface of the cross key 21. The upper end of the operation surface of the button 19 is located at a position higher than the lower end of the operation surface of the cross key 21 and the lower end of the head of the right analog stick 22 in the non-operation state, and is located at a position lower than the center of each of the operation surface of the cross key 21 and the head of the right analog stick 22. The operation surface of the button 19 is provided in the left-right direction between the operation surface of the cross key 21 and the head of the right analog stick 22 in the non-operation state (more specifically, between the right end of the operation surface of the cross key 21 and the left end of the head of the right analog stick 22). The operation surface of the button 19 is provided in the left-right direction between the operation surface of the button 15 and the operation surface of the button 17 (more specifically, between the left end of the operation surface of the button 15 and the right end of the operation surface of the button 17). The operation surface of the button 19 is provided in the left-right direction between the operation surface of the button 16 and the operation surface of the button 18 (more specifically, between the left end of the operation surface of the button 16 and the right end of the operation surface of the button 18). When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front surface, the operation surface of the button 19 is provided at a position overlapping with the sound terminal 39 (details will be discussed later) in the up-down direction.

[0103] Further, the shape of the front surface of the game controller 1 (i.e., the front surface of the front cover 3) is not particularly limited, and in the present embodiment, is a shape that is convex toward the front surface side, and is inclined in the up-down direction and the left-right direction in a manner that extends toward the rear as it goes outward. The operation surface of the button 19 is provided in a manner that follows the surface of the front cover 3 that is located around the button 19 (i.e., is inclined following the inclination of the surface). In other words, the operation surface of the button 19 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the surface of the front cover 3 that is located around the button 19. Thereby, it is possible to improve the sense of touch when the button 19 is pressed, and in addition, it is possible to reduce the concern that the button 19 will be pressed by the user by accident. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation surface of the button 19 faces downward compared to the operation surface of at least any one of the buttons 15-18. For example, the normal line at the center of the operation surface of the button 19 faces downward compared to the normal line at the center of the operation surface of at least any one of the buttons 15-18.

[0104] Figure 10 is an image diagram that indicates a first menu. The first menu is, for example, a home menu. If the user operates the button 16, the first menu is opened. The first menu has, for example, a plurality of game application selection sections. In the first menu, the user can select a game application selection section corresponding to a game application to be played from among the plurality of game application selection sections. The game device opens the first menu in accordance with the operation of the button 16 even when a game application is being executed. At this time, the game device can also set the game application to a temporarily stopped state. Further, the game device can also not temporarily stop the game application, but continue execution. In addition, the game device can either open the first menu in any case when the button 16 is operated, or not open the first menu depending on the situation.

[0105] The first menu has a plurality of items including a fourth item. The first menu has, for example, a first item, a second item, a third item, and the fourth item. The first item is an item that executes a first function by being selected. The first function is, for example, a function that opens a second menu for a contact function. The user can also be able to contact a user using another game device using the game device. The contact of the present embodiment includes, for example, a video chat, a voice chat, and a text chat. In addition, in the contact, it is also possible to use a game screen. The second item is an item that executes a second function by being selected. The second function is, for example, a function that opens an album. In the album, a screenshot, a moving image, or the like that the user has taken in the past is saved. The third item is an item that executes a third function by being selected. The third function is, for example, a function that accesses an online store. The fourth item is an item that executes a fourth function by being selected. The fourth function is, for example, a function that changes settings in the game device. The first function, the second function, the third function, and the fourth function are different from each other.

[0106] Figure 11 is an image figure indicating a second menu. The second menu is, for example, a menu for contact. If the user operates the button 19, the second menu is opened. The button 19 is, for example, used for an instruction to display the second menu while the game apparatus is executing a game application. If the user operates the button 19, a menu screen for contact is opened. Even if the game application is being executed, the game apparatus can open the second menu according to the operation of the button 19. At this time, the game apparatus can continue to execute the game application without setting it to a temporarily stopped state, and open the second menu. Further, the game apparatus can set the game application to a temporarily stopped state in a case where the second menu is opened. The second menu can also display a plurality of menu items. For example, there are a fifth item, a sixth item, and a seventh item. The fifth item is an item that executes a fifth function by being selected. The fifth function is, for example, a function of opening a screen for selecting a user to be invited to chat. The sixth item is an item that executes a sixth function by being selected. The sixth function is, for example, a function of opening a screen for selecting a chat in which the user can participate. The seventh item is an item that executes a seventh function by being selected. The seventh function is, for example, a function of opening a screen for changing settings related to contact. The fifth function, the sixth function, and the seventh function are different from each other. Further, the game apparatus can either always open the menu screen for contact when the button 19 is operated, or not open the menu screen for contact depending on the situation. As one example, in a case where the game apparatus is already executing a contact function with another game apparatus, the host apparatus 3 can open a menu for changing settings related to the contact being executed according to the operation of the button 19.

[0107] In the present embodiment, there are two methods of opening the menu screen for contact. First, the first method will be described. If the user operates the button 16, the first menu is opened. The first menu is displayed on, for example, the display of the game device. The controller transmits a signal that the button 16 is pressed to the game device. The game device executes, as a process associated with the input of the signal, a process of opening the first menu based on the signal. That is, the game device calls up the first menu in accordance with the operation of the button 16. Next, the user selects a first item for executing a first function from among a plurality of items included in the first menu. The first item can be selected by pressing a predetermined button (for example, the button 11) after moving, for example, a cursor to the first item, or by touching, with a finger, an area on the display on which the first item is displayed. The game device executes, as a process associated with the signal, the first function based on the signal that the first item is selected. Specifically, the game device executes, based on the signal, a process of opening a second menu for contact. The second menu is displayed on, for example, the display of the game device. The second menu is displayed in place of the first menu. The second menu can also be overlaid on the first menu.

[0108] Next, the second method will be described. If the user operates the button 19, the first function is directly executed. Specifically, the controller transmits a signal that the button 19 is pressed to the game device. The game device executes, as a process associated with the input of the signal, a process of opening the second menu based on the signal. That is, the game device calls up the second menu in accordance with the operation of the button 19. Further, as another aspect, it can also be that, based on the pressing of the button 19, the controller generates an instruction to open the second menu and transmits the instruction to the game device. According to the controller of the present embodiment, by providing the button 19 that directly executes the first function, the user is able to access the first function in a short time compared to the case where the first menu is opened by first operating the button 16 and then selecting an item to execute the first function.

[0109] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to display the second menu for contact in accordance with an instruction to open the second menu in the first menu displayed in accordance with an instruction using the button 16, or to display the second menu for contact in accordance with an instruction using the button 19. That is, the above-described button 19 functions as a shortcut key for displaying the second menu with one input.

[0110] Button 16, which is used to open a first menu containing multiple items including an item for performing the first function executed by button 19, is more likely to be used than button 19. Therefore, it is positioned above and closer to buttons 11-14 than button 19, so during operation, the thumb only needs to move slightly from buttons 11-14, thus improving operability. On the other hand, button 19, which is used to perform a specific first function, is positioned further away from button 16 relative to buttons 11-14. Therefore, when the user intends to perform the first function, they need to extend their finger further away to operate it, thus reducing the possibility of accidental operation in the event of accidentally performing the first function. In addition, even if button 16 is accidentally pressed while intending to perform the first function, the first function can still be performed from the first menu, so the target function can be achieved without going back or canceling.

[0111] In this embodiment, the operating surface of button 19 has a different shape (i.e., quadrilateral) than the operating surface of button 16 (i.e., circular) (see reference). Figure 3 (The main view in the image). This reduces the user's concern about accidentally pressing buttons 16 and 19. Furthermore, button 19 is positioned slightly below the center of the right analog stick 22, while button 16 is positioned slightly above the center of the right analog stick 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging buttons 16 and 19 on opposite sides with respect to the right analog stick 22, the concern about accidentally pressing both buttons is also reduced, for example, if the user were to operate buttons 16 and 19 with their right thumb.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating surface of button 18 is quadrilateral, and the shape of the operating surface of button 18 is similar to that of the operating surface of button 19. It is also considered that if there are too many different shapes of the operating surfaces of the buttons in the game controller 1, the user may become confused. Therefore, in this embodiment, this possibility can be reduced by limiting the number of such shapes. Furthermore, the shapes of the buttons provided in the game controller 1 are arbitrary and not limited to the shapes in this embodiment.

[0113] In this embodiment, the amount by which buttons 16, 18, and 19 protrude from the housing 2 (more precisely, the amount when not pressed) is smaller than the amount by which buttons 11-15 and 17 protrude from the housing 2. As described above, buttons 11-15 and 17 are used to perform predetermined instructions as specified in the game application, while buttons 16, 18, and 19 are used to perform functions specified in the game device or game controller 1. Therefore, in order to reduce the possibility of accidental operation of buttons 16, 18, and 19 by the user while the game application is running, the amount by which buttons 16, 18, and 19 protrude is set to be relatively small.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the protruding amount of the button 19 is smaller than that of the button 16. In addition, the protruding amount of the button 19 is larger than that of the button 18. According to the above, the button which is assumed to be operated more frequently among the above-described buttons 16, 18, 19 can be more easily operated. For example, the protruding amount of the button 19 is 0.6 mm, the protruding amount of the button 16 is 0.7 mm, and the protruding amount of the button 18 is 0.5 mm.

[0115] As shown in Figure 3 , the game controller 1 has an R button 31 and an L button 32 on the upper surface. The R button 31 is provided in a right side region (specifically, a region on the right side from the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface) of the upper surface of the game controller 1. In addition, the L button 32 is provided in a left side region (specifically, a region on the left side from the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface) of the upper surface of the game controller 1. In addition, the game controller 1 has a ZR button 33 and a ZL button 34 on the upper surface. The ZR button 33 is provided behind the R button 31 in the right side region of the upper surface of the game controller 1. The ZL button 34 is provided behind the L button 32 in the left side region of the upper surface of the game controller 1. The length of each of the buttons 31 to 34 in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the front-rear direction. Thereby, it is possible to provide a shape which is easy to operate each of the buttons 31 to 34 in a case where the game controller 1 is held as shown in Figures 4-9 , for example. Each of the above-described buttons 31 to 34 is used to perform a predetermined instruction prescribed in a game application program executed in the game device, for example.

[0116] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , in the present embodiment, the upper cover 4 has a substantially cross shape. Specifically, the upper cover 4 has a central portion 4a extending in the front-rear direction and right and left bridge portions 4b and 4c extending in the left-right direction.

[0117] The central portion 4a is provided in the central portion in the left-right direction of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a. In the present embodiment, the central portion 4a extends to the front edge and the rear edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a. In the present embodiment, the central portion 4a widens in width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) as it goes toward the rear. In other words, the central portion 4a narrows in width as it goes toward the front. Further, as a modification, the central portion 4a can also be shaped such that it widens in width as it goes toward the rear in the portion on the rear side of the position at which the right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c, which will be discussed later, are provided, and narrows in width as it goes toward the front in the portion on the front side of the position. Also, for example, the central portion 4a can also be shaped such that it narrows in width as it goes toward the rear in the portion on the rear side of the position, and narrows in width as it goes toward the front in the portion on the front side of the position. In the present embodiment, the front end of the central portion 4a extends to the front edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a, and the rear end of the central portion 4a extends to the rear edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a. However, the front end or the rear end of the central portion 4a can also not extend to the front edge or the rear edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a (i.e., can also not contact the edge of the opening 2a). The front end of the central portion 4a can contact the front cover 3, or a gap can be present between the two. The rear end of the central portion 4a can contact the housing 2, or a gap can be present between the two.

[0118] Further, in the present embodiment, the portion of the upper surface of the game controller 1 in which the upper cover 4 is provided can also be provided with the housing 2. That is, it can also be that the upper surface of the game controller 1 is not provided with an opening, but is instead composed of the housing 2. Also, as described above, the opening 2a can also be provided with a single cover, and the upper cover 4 can also be integral with the front cover 3.

[0119] The right bridge portion 4b is provided so as to extend to the right from the right side portion of the central portion 4a. The left bridge portion 4c is provided so as to extend to the left from the left side portion of the central portion 4a. The right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c extend from a position on the rear side of the front end of the central portion 4a and from a position on the front side of the rear end of the central portion 4a (in the present embodiment, from a position near the center of the central portion 4a in the front-rear direction). The right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c extend from the same position in the front-rear direction. The right bridge portion 4b extends to the right edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a. The left bridge portion 4c extends to the left edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a. However, the right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c can also not extend to the edge of the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a (i.e., can also not contact the edge of the opening 2a).

[0120] In this embodiment, the right bridge portion 4b is positioned between the operating surfaces of the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 in the front-to-back direction, and the left bridge portion 4c is positioned between the operating surfaces of the L button 32 and the ZL button 34 (see reference). Figure 3 (Top view in the image). Additionally, as... Figures 4-9 As shown, the user can operate the R button 31 with the right index finger, the L button 32 with the left index finger, the ZR button 33 with the right index or middle finger, and the ZL button 34 with the left index or middle finger. In this embodiment, because the top cover 4 has bridge portions 4b and 4c, the user can place their index or middle finger in the area above each bridge portion 4b and 4c (i.e., the area between the operating surfaces of the R button 31 and the ZR button 33, and the area between the operating surfaces of the L button 32 and the ZL button 34 when viewed from above). The bridge portions 4b or 4c create gaps between the front buttons (i.e., the R button 31 or the L button 32) and the rear buttons (i.e., the ZR button 33 or the ZL button 34), making it easy for the user to know which button to place their finger on. Furthermore, this reduces the possibility of the user accidentally pressing either the front or rear buttons. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the central portion 4a and each of the bridge portions 4b and 4c are a single component (i.e., integral), thus reducing the number of components. In other embodiments, the top cover 4 may not have the bridge portions 4b and 4c, but may consist only of the central portion 4a. In this case, the ZR button 33 (or ZL button 34) may be positioned behind the R button 31 (or L button 32) without any other components. In other embodiments, each of the bridge portions 4b and 4c may be separately positioned from the central portion 4a. In other embodiments, the outer casing 2 may have the same function as each of the bridge portions 4b and 4c. That is, instead of the top cover 4 lacking the bridge portions 4b and 4c, the outer casing 2 may be configured to extend to positions corresponding to each of the bridge portions 4b and 4c.

[0121] Additionally, the game controller 1 has a connector 35 on its upper surface. The connector 35 is located in the central portion 4a of the top cover 4. The connector 35 is a connector for electrically connecting the game controller 1 to other devices, such as a USB connector. For example, an AC adapter for charging the game controller 1 can be connected to the connector 35. Furthermore, the game controller 1 can also send operation data to the main device via wired communication using the connector 35. In this embodiment, the connector 35 is located at the center of the upper surface in the left-right direction. Additionally, in the front-back direction, the connector 35 is located rearward of the operating surface of the R button 31 (and L button 32).

[0122] Additionally, the game controller 1 has a button 36 on its upper surface. The button 36 is located in the center 4a of the top cover 4. The button 36 is used to instruct the game controller 1 to synchronize communication with the aforementioned game device. In this embodiment, the button 36 is located to the left of the connector 35.

[0123] Furthermore, the game controller 1 includes a first light-emitting part 37 and a second light-emitting part 38. The first light-emitting part 37 and the second light-emitting part 38 are located inside the housing 2 and emit light from a hole in the central portion 4a of the top cover 4 towards the outside of the game controller 1. Each light-emitting part 37, 38 emits light that is visually recognizable to the user, functioning as a notification part to inform the user of the status of the game controller 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first light-emitting part 37 has an LED that emits light during the charging process of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the hole through which the light from the first light-emitting part 37 is emitted is located to the right of the connector 35. Additionally, in this embodiment, the second light-emitting part 38 has four LEDs, and the illumination status of these four LEDs indicates the identification number assigned to each game controller when multiple game controllers are communicating with the game device. Furthermore, the second light-emitting part 38 can also indicate the remaining battery level of the game controller 1, the communication status with the game device, etc. In this embodiment, the four holes through which the light from the second light-emitting part 38 is emitted are respectively located in front of the connector 35. Therefore, even when the cable and connector 35 are connected, the light emitted from the second light-emitting part 38 is easily visible to the user.

[0124] like Figure 3 As shown, the game controller 1 has a sound terminal 39 on its lower surface. In this embodiment, the sound terminal 39 is a terminal capable of outputting sound, and is a headphone jack capable of connecting to earbuds, headphones, etc. The sound terminal 39 is located at the center of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction on its lower surface. Furthermore, the sound terminal 39 can also be used for sound input instead of sound output, or it can be used for sound input in addition to sound output.

[0125] In this embodiment, a button 19 is provided on the lower side of the front of the game controller 1, and a sound terminal 39 is provided on the lower surface of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, among buttons 15-19, button 19 is positioned closest to the sound terminal 39. As described above, button 19 is operated by the user when communicating with other users via voice chat, and when operating button 19, it is considered that the user will insert earphones, headphones, etc., into the sound terminal 39. Therefore, by arranging button 19 and sound terminal 39 nearby as in this embodiment, it is easy to perform a series of operations such as inserting earphones, headphones, etc., into the sound terminal 39 and pressing button 19, thereby improving the operability of the game controller 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, button 19 and sound terminal 39 are arranged in an overlapping position in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, it becomes easier to perform the series of operations described above.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, the game controller 1 has a right handle button 41 and a left handle button 42. The right handle button 41 is located on the back side of the right handle 5. The left handle button 42 is located on the back side of the left handle 6. Figure 5 , Figure 7 ,as well as Figure 9 As shown, a user can operate the right handle button 41 with the middle or ring finger of their right hand holding the game controller 1, and can operate the left handle button 42 with the middle or ring finger of their left hand holding the game controller 1. Handle button 41 or handle button 42 can also be operated with the index or little finger of the hand holding the handle. Further details of each handle button 41, 42 will be discussed below.

[0127] The operation input to the game controller 1 (for example, an operation of pressing any one of the other buttons other than the handle buttons 41, 42) is assigned to each of the handle buttons 41, 42, for example. That is, it can also be that, when each of the handle buttons 41, 42 is operated, the same processing as when any one of the other buttons to which the respective handle buttons 41, 42 are assigned is operated is performed. The assignment of the other buttons with respect to each of the handle buttons 41, 42 can be prescribed in advance by the game device or a game application program executed in the game device, or can be settable by the user. In addition, the setting of the assignment can be stored in the game device or in the game controller 1. In the case where the above assignment is stored in the game device, it can also be that the game device receiving operation data indicating the case where the handle button 41 or the handle button 42 is operated from the game controller 1 indicates to the game program the case where the button assigned to the operated handle button is operated. On the other hand, in the case where the above assignment is stored in the game controller 1, it can also be that the game controller 1 transmits operation data indicating the case where the button assigned to the operated handle button is operated to the game device according to the case where the handle button 41 or the handle button 42 is operated. Furthermore, with respect to the handle buttons, instead of assigning the operation of one button, the simultaneous operation of two buttons can be assigned. In addition, the handle buttons can not be assigned the other buttons. That is, it can also be that, according to the difference in application program, for example, different processing from when the other button is operated is performed when the handle button is operated.

[0128] The kind, function, position, number, shape, and size of each of the constituent elements (as one example, the input members such as the buttons, the analog sticks, the notification portion, the connector, and the sound terminal) of the game controller 1 are arbitrary and are not limited to the above. For example, in another embodiment, the position of the left analog stick 23 and the position of the cross key 21 in the front surface of the game controller 1 can also be reversed. In addition, for example, the game controller 1 can also be provided with four buttons corresponding to the four directions of up, down, left, and right instead of the cross key 21. In addition, the game controller can not be provided with at least any one of the above-described constituent elements, or can be provided with another constituent element having a function other than the above-described constituent elements.

[0129] For example, the user can hold the above-described game controller 1 as shown in Figures 4-9 . Figure 4 and Figure 5 is one example of the holding form in the case where the index finger and the middle finger operate the buttons on the upper surface of the game controller 1. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the user can hold the game controller 1 in such a manner that the left and right index fingers and the middle fingers respectively operate the buttons 31 to 34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1, and the left and right ring fingers operate the handle buttons 41, 42.Figure 6 and Figure 7 is one example of a holding posture in a case where the user operates the buttons on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with the index fingers. As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the user can hold the game controller 1 in such a manner that the user operates the buttons 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with the left and right index fingers, and operates the grip buttons 41, 42 with the left and right middle fingers.

[0130] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is one example of a case where a user with a small hand holds the game controller 1. As shown in Figures 4-7 and Figure 8 , the user with a small hand can hold the game controller 1 in such a manner that the user operates the buttons 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with the left and right index fingers, and rests the left and right middle fingers against the back surface of the game controller 1 while operating the grip buttons 41, 42 with the left and right ring fingers. Further, although not shown, even the user with a small hand can hold in the posture shown in Figure 9 and Figure 4 , or Figure 5 and Figure 6 , or Figure 7 . At this time, it can be configured such that the user stably holds the game controller 1 by placing the game controller 1 on, for example, the user's own knees or a table (that is, by bringing the lower ends of the respective grips 5, 6 into abutment with the knees or the table). As described above, the game controller 1 is configured to be easy to hold even for a user with a small hand.

[0131] [2. Shell structure without side portion division line]

[0132] Next, the detailed structure of the shell 2 will be described. In the present embodiment, the shell 2 is a single component. That is, the shell 2 is not configured by combining two components such as a front shell and a rear shell. In the present embodiment, the shell 2 does not have a division line. That is, the shell 2 is seamless. For example, the shell 2 is not formed by fixing a plurality of components with fastening, an adhesive, or engagement. For example, the shell 2 cannot be disassembled. The shell 2 is produced by, for example, mold forming. The shell 2 can be produced from, for example, resin. The shell 2 can be produced by single-shot molding, or by using a plurality of resin materials such as double-shot molding. The method of producing the shell 2 is not limited. For example, the shell 2 can be produced using a 3D printer, or injection molding using a water-soluble resin.

[0133] The shell 2 includes a base portion 25, a right grip portion 26, and a left grip portion 27 (see FIG. 2). The base portion 25 is a portion that is positioned on the lower surface of the game controller 1. The right grip portion 26 is a portion that is positioned on the right side surface of the game controller 1. The left grip portion 27 is a portion that is positioned on the left side surface of the game controller 1. Figure 2The right grip portion 26 and the left grip portion 27 extend from the right lower portion and the left lower portion of the base portion 25, respectively. In the present embodiment, the portions of the right grip portion 26 and the left grip portion 27 that are closer to the upper portion can also be the base portion 25. In the present embodiment, the opening 2a can also be provided in the base portion 25. In the present embodiment, the right grip 5 can also be considered to be substantially the same as the right grip portion 26, and the left grip 6 can also be considered to be substantially the same as the left grip portion 27.

[0134] The housing 2 has the opening 2a from the front surface to the upper surface of the game controller 1. That is, the housing 2 has a chamber that is open from the front surface and the upper surface of the game controller 1. It can also be said that the chamber is formed by the housing 2 including the rim of the opening 2a. In addition, the housing 2 forms at least a portion of the back surface of the game controller 1. In addition, the housing 2 forms at least a portion of the side surface of the game controller 1. Furthermore, the housing 2 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the game controller 1 (that is, the surface including a portion of the front surface, the right side surface, the back surface, and the left side surface of the game controller 1) that is connected by the rim of the opening 2a from the left and right of the opening 2a in the front surface to the back surface side. The housing 2 forms at least a portion of the side surface and the front surface that extends from the back surface of the game controller 1 to the rim of the opening 2a in the front surface. In addition, the housing 2 can also form the outer peripheral surface of the entire circumference of the grip. The interiors of the left grip portion 27 and the right grip portion 26 can also be spaces. That is, the interiors of the left grip portion 27 and the right grip portion 26 can also be portions of the chamber that is open from the front surface and the upper surface of the game controller 1 and is formed by the housing 2. In the present embodiment, with such a structure of the housing 2, the game controller 1 does not have a boundary line in the grip and the side surface. Thus, it is possible to suppress contact of the hand with the boundary line when the user holds the housing 2. Furthermore, the boundary line refers to a portion that becomes a boundary between objects. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the boundary between the button and the housing 2 around the button is not included in the boundary line. In the present embodiment, the boundary between the housing 2 and the cover 3 or the cover 4 is an example of the boundary line.

[0135] As Figure 3As shown, on the front of the game controller 1, the opening 2a occupies more than half the size of the front area of ​​the main body 9. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 9 refers to the portions where the right handle 5 and left handle 6 extend from the lower right and lower left portions, respectively. The main body 9 may also include a base 25, a front cover 3, and a top cover 4. When viewing the game controller 1 from the front, the lower end of the opening 2a is located below the center of the main body 9 in the vertical direction. Additionally, when viewing the game controller 1 from the front, the left end of the opening 2a is located to the left of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction, and the right end of the opening 2a is located to the right of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction. The vertical length of the opening 2a on the front is greater than half the vertical length of the main body 9. Furthermore, the horizontal length of the opening 2a on the front is greater than half the horizontal length of the main body 9. Additionally, when viewing the game controller 1 from above, the left end of the opening 2a is located to the left of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction, and the right end of the opening 2a is located to the right of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction. The length of the opening 2a in the front-rear direction on the upper surface is greater than half the length of the main body 9 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the length of the opening 2a in the left-right direction on the upper surface is greater than half the length of the main body 9 in the left-right direction. As described above, in this embodiment, the opening 2a is provided to be relatively large on the front and upper surfaces of the game controller 1. Therefore, it is easy to insert the components disposed inside the housing 2 (e.g., the first frame 51, the main body substrate 66, etc., discussed later) into the housing 2 through the opening 2a, thus facilitating the assembly of the game controller 1. Additionally, for example, when the housing 2 is manufactured by mold molding, the mold located inside each handle portion 26, 27 can be easily pulled out through the opening 2a. Therefore, it is easy to provide space inside each handle portion 26, 27.

[0136] In this embodiment, the portion of opening 2a located on the front of the game controller 1 is larger than the portion located on the upper surface of the game controller 1. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the portion of opening 2a located on the upper surface of the game controller 1 may also be larger than the portion located on the front of the game controller 1.

[0137] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower edge portion (hereinafter referred to as the "lower edge portion") 2b of the housing 2, on the lower side of the opening 2a, is formed in such a way that it extends in the left-right direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (see reference). Figure 3(Front view). In this embodiment, the lower edge portion 2b extends straight in the left-right direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front. The right end of the lower edge portion 2b is located near the left end of the root of the right handle 5 in the left-right direction. Similarly, the left end of the lower edge portion 2b is located near the right end of the root of the left handle 6 in the left-right direction. If the two ends of the lower edge portion 2b are too close to the left and right ends of the game controller 1 (that is, the lower edge portion 2b is too long), there is a possibility that the user's hand holding the game controller 1 may easily come into contact with the dividing line formed by the lower edge portion 2b. Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting the lower edge portion 2b to an appropriate length, it is possible to suppress the user's hand from coming into contact with the dividing line.

[0138] The edges of the opening 2a of the housing 2 extend upwards from the left and right ends of the lower edge portion 2b, respectively. Hereinafter, the portion 2c of the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 that extends from the right end of the lower edge portion 2b to the button 31 (specifically, to...) Figure 3 and Figure 12 The portion at position A shown is called the right edge of the front side. The portion 2d extending from the left end of the lower edge portion 2b to the L button 32 in the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 is called the left edge of the front side (see reference). Figure 3 (Front view). The right front edge portion 2c and the left front edge portion 2d are the dividing lines between the portion of the cover that seals the opening 2a located on the front of the game controller 1 and the outer casing 2.

[0139] like Figure 3 As shown, the right edge portion 2c extends diagonally upwards to the right from the right end of the lower edge portion 2b, and then diagonally upwards to the left from the middle. Similarly, the left edge portion 2d extends diagonally upwards to the left from the left end of the lower edge portion 2b, and then diagonally upwards to the right from the middle. In this embodiment, the portion forming the right end of the right edge portion 2c and the portion forming the left end of the left edge portion 2d are points; in other embodiments, these portions may be lines (specifically, straight lines extending in the vertical direction). Furthermore, the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d are symmetrical, and the vertical position of the right end of the right edge portion 2c is the same as the vertical position of the left end of the left edge portion 2d.

[0140] As described above, in the present embodiment, the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the opening 2a at the portion that becomes the right end of the front surface right edge portion 2c and the portion that becomes the left end of the front surface left edge portion 2d is wider than the width at the upper end portion and the width at the lower end portion. Thus, the width of the opening 2a is widened at the above-mentioned portions, and the edges of the opening 2a are distanced from the side surface at the upper side and the lower side of the portions, and thus, it is possible to suppress the user's hand holding the game controller 1 from contacting the division line. Further, the above-mentioned portions are located at positions that are higher than the center in the up-down direction of the opening 2a. That is, the length in the up-down direction of the front surface right edge portion 2c from the right end to the lower end is longer than the length in the up-down direction from the right end to the upper end. In addition, the length in the up-down direction of the front surface left edge portion 2d from the left end to the lower end is longer than the length in the up-down direction from the left end to the upper end. In the present embodiment, the right end of the front surface right edge portion 2c is located at a position that overlaps the button 11 in the up-down direction. The left end of the front surface left edge portion 2d is located at a position that overlaps the left analog stick 23 in the up-down direction.

[0141] Further, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the side, each edge portion 2c, 2d extends first in the forward direction from the end portion of the lower edge portion 2b, and then extends in the rearward direction from the middle (see the side view of FIG. 10). Figure 3 In the present embodiment, the portion that becomes the right end of the front surface right edge portion 2c is located at a position that is higher than the portion that becomes the front end of the front surface right edge portion 2c. In addition, the portion that becomes the left end of the front surface left edge portion 2d is located at a position that is higher than the portion that becomes the front end of the front surface right edge portion 2c.

[0142] Further, according to the above, it is possible to increase the space in which the input member is arranged in the front surface cover 3. Specifically, in the front surface cover 3, the length in the left-right direction is longer in the region that is higher than the region near the lower end, and thus, the space in which the input member is arranged is larger in this region than in the region on the lower side. Thus, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the input member in the front surface of the game controller 1. For example, in the present embodiment, in the right side region of the front surface of the game controller 1, it is possible to arrange the four buttons 11-14 in the right upward direction from the right analog stick 22 that is arranged near the lower end of the front surface cover 3, and thus, it is possible to arrange the right analog stick 22 and the four buttons 11-14 at positions that are easily operated by the user's right thumb. In addition, for example, in the present embodiment, in the left side region of the front surface of the game controller 1, it is possible to arrange the left analog stick 23 in the left upward direction from the cross key 21 that is arranged near the lower end of the front surface cover 3, and thus, it is possible to arrange the cross key 21 and the left analog stick 23 at positions that are easily operated by the user's left thumb.

[0143] Furthermore, as described above, on the front of the game controller 1, the portion of the opening 2a of the housing 2 that is higher than the right end of the right edge portion 2c and the left end of the left edge portion 2d is formed in a way that narrows inward as it faces upward. Thus, in the area near the upper part of the front of the game controller 1, the dividing line between the housing 2 and the front cover 3 is located on the side away from the game controller 1. Here, as... Figure 4 As shown, the upper area on the side of the game controller 1 is a position that the user's hand can easily reach when holding the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the dividing line can be set at a position away from such a position.

[0144] On the upper surface of the game controller 1, the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 has an upper end extending from the right edge portion 2c of the aforementioned front side ( Figure 3 and Figure 12 The portion extending rearward from position A (hereinafter referred to as the "right edge of the upper surface") 2e (refer to) Figure 3 (Right side view and top view). A right-side edge portion 2c and a right-side edge portion 2e of the upper surface form an angle that protrudes inwards towards the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. The right-side edge portion 2e of the upper surface extends diagonally to the right rearward from the upper end of the right-side edge portion 2c of the front surface, and then extends diagonally to the left rearward from the middle. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the game controller 1, the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 has a portion (hereinafter referred to as the "left-side edge portion of the upper surface") 2f extending rearward from the upper end of the left-side edge portion 2d of the front surface (refer to...). Figure 3 (Left side view and top view). An angle protruding inwards towards the game controller 1 is formed by the front left edge portion 2d and the upper surface left edge portion 2f in the left-right direction. The upper surface left edge portion 2f extends diagonally to the left and then diagonally to the right from the middle of the upper surface left edge portion 2d. In this embodiment, the portion forming the right end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the portion forming the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f are points; in other embodiments, this portion may also be a line (specifically, a straight line extending in the front-back direction). Furthermore, the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the upper surface left edge portion 2f are symmetrical, and the position of the right end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e in the front-back direction is the same as the position of the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f in the front-back direction. Additionally, the rear end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e is connected to the rear end of the upper surface left edge portion (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view).

[0145] As described above, in this embodiment, on the upper surface of the game controller 1, the opening 2a is shaped such that the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the portion forming the right end of the right edge portion 2e and the portion forming the left end of the left edge portion 2f is wider than the width in the front-back direction of the end. Therefore, on the upper surface of the game controller 1, similarly to the front, the opening 2a can be enlarged in the aforementioned portions, making it easier to insert components disposed inside the housing 2 through the opening 2a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned portions are located on the upper surface of the game controller 1 at a position further forward than the center in the front-back direction. That is, the length in the front-back direction from the right end of the right edge portion 2e to the rear end is longer than the length in the front-back direction from the right end to the front end. Additionally, the length in the front-back direction from the left end to the rear end of the left edge portion 2f is longer than the length in the front-back direction from the left end to the front end.

[0146] In this embodiment, the rear end of the edge of the opening 2a (i.e., the rear end of the right edge portion 2e and the left edge portion 2f of the upper surface) is located on the upper surface of the game controller 1 at a position further back than the center in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the game controller 1, as well as the front surface, makes it easy to insert the components into the interior of the housing 2 through the opening 2a, thus making the manufacture of the game controller 1 easier.

[0147] Furthermore, when viewing the game controller 1 from the rear, the rear end of the edge of the opening 2a is located above the center of the main body 9 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the rear end of the edge of the opening 2a is located above each input member provided on the front cover 3 (see reference). Figure 3 (Front view and rear view). Therefore, in this embodiment, the strength of the housing 2 can be maintained. Furthermore, even when the user holds the game controller 1 with their fingers (e.g., middle or ring finger) resting against the back of the controller 1, the likelihood of the dividing line formed by the rear edge of the opening 2a touching the fingers can be reduced. In other embodiments, the opening 2a may also be provided to extend to the back of the housing 2.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper surface portion of opening 2a is divided into four openings 7a-7d by the top cover 4. Specifically, the front portion of opening 2a is covered by the front cover 3, and the upper surface portion of opening 2a is covered by the cross-shaped top cover 4, thereby forming four openings 7a-7d.

[0149] On the right side portion of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the front side of the right bridge portion 4b, a right front side opening 7a is formed by the housing 2 (more specifically, the upper surface right edge portion 2e), the front cover 3, and the upper cover 4. The R button 31 (in a manner exposed from the right front side opening 7a) is provided in the right front side opening 7a. In the present embodiment, the R button 31 is provided in a manner that the operation surface is in a position protruding from the right front side opening 7a.

[0150] In addition, on the left side portion of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the front side of the left bridge portion 4c, a left front side opening 7b (refer to Figure 2 ) is formed by the housing 2 (more specifically, the upper surface left edge portion 2f), the front cover 3, and the upper cover 4. The L button 32 (in a manner exposed from the left front side opening 7b) is provided in the left front side opening 7b. In the present embodiment, the L button 32 is provided in a manner that the operation surface is in a position protruding from the left front side opening 7b.

[0151] According to the above, the front right edge portion 2c is in a position further forward than the rear end of the operation surface of the R button 31, and the front left edge portion 2d is in a position further forward than the rear end of the operation surface of the L button 32. Here, there is a possibility that the finger (for example, the index finger) of the user operating the R button 31 and the L button 32 comes into contact with the side surface of the game controller 1. However, in the present embodiment, by configuring the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d as described above, the finger is less likely to come into contact with the boundary line of the housing 2 generated at the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d. Thereby, it is possible to improve the grip feeling of the game controller 1.

[0152] In the present embodiment, the above right front side opening 7a and the left front side opening 7b are formed in portions that are the right end of the above upper surface right edge portion 2e and the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f (that is, portions in which the length in the left-right direction of the opening 2a is the largest) (refer to Figure 3 the plan view). Thereby, it is possible to configure the R button 31 and the L button 32 in a position further outward in the left-right direction of the game controller 1, so it is possible for the user to easily operate the R button 31 and the L button 32.

[0153] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the right side region of the upper surface of the game controller 1. As Figure 12 indicated in the present embodiment, the front right edge portion 2c is in a position further forward as approaching the upper end ( Figure 12The upper surface right edge portion 2e extends from the position A to the back side and to the inner side in the left-right direction. Also, the upper surface right edge portion 2e extends from the position A to the back side and to the outer side in the left-right direction. At the position A, the front face right edge portion 2c intersects with the upper surface right edge portion 2e in a manner to form a corner that is convex to the inner side in the left-right direction. Also, the edge of the upper side of the front face cover 3 is connected to the upper surface right edge portion 2e in a linear manner at the position A. From another viewpoint, at the position A, the front face right edge portion 2c intersects with the line formed by the edge of the upper side of the front face cover 3 and the upper surface right edge portion 2e. The same structure is also applied to the left side region of the upper surface of the game controller 1.

[0154] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D). Figure 12 Figure 12 Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D). Figure 12 Figure 12 Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D).

[0155] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D).

[0156] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D). Figure 2 Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the front face right edge portion 2c (indicated by a position A) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (indicated by a position B). Also, the upper end of the front face left edge portion 2d (indicated by a position C) is located at a position that is closer to the front side than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32 (indicated by a position D).

[0157] Figure 2 ​​​). The ZL button 34 is provided in the left rear opening 7d in such a manner that the operation surface is exposed from the left rear opening 7d. In the present embodiment, the ZL button 34 is provided in such a manner that the operation surface is positioned to protrude from the left rear opening 7d.

[0158] According to the above, the front right edge portion 2c is positioned more forward than the ZR button 33, and the front left edge portion 2d is positioned more forward than the ZL button 34. Thus, in the present embodiment, the fingers (e.g., middle fingers) of the user who operate the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34 are unlikely to come into contact with the boundary line between the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d of the housing 2. Thereby, it is possible to improve the grip feeling of the game controller 1.

[0159] Further, in other embodiments, the positional relationship between the openings 2a of the housing 2 (specifically, the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d) and the respective buttons 31-34 is arbitrary. For example, the upper ends of the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d can be positioned to overlap the respective bridge portions 4b, 4c in the up-down direction, or can be positioned to overlap the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34 in the up-down direction.

[0160] Next, the details of the right grip 5 and the left grip 6 of the game controller 1 will be described. The right grip 5 is provided in such a manner that at least a part thereof extends downward from the right lower portion of the main body portion 9. In the present embodiment, the right grip 5 is provided in such a manner that at least a part thereof extends rearward and to the right as it goes downward (see the rear view of Fig. 6). Figure 3 Further, the left grip 6 is provided in such a manner that at least a part thereof extends downward from the left lower portion of the main body portion 9. In the present embodiment, the left grip 6 is provided in such a manner that at least a part thereof extends rearward and to the left as it goes downward (see the rear view of Fig. 6). Figure 3 Further, in other embodiments, the respective grips 5, 6 can be provided in such a manner that they extend downward, or can be provided in such a manner that they do not extend in the left-right direction but extend downward and rearward.

[0161] Further, the respective grips 5, 6 are provided to such a length that the user can hold them with two fingers, the ring finger and the little finger, or three fingers, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger. For example, the length LI (see the rear view of Fig. 6) of the respective grips 5, 6 in the up-down direction from the lower end of the main body portion 9 to the lower end of the grip is preferably 3 to 6 cm. Figure 3

[0162] In the present embodiment, on the back surface of the game controller 1, the boundary between the portion of the back surface side of the main body portion 9 (hereinafter referred to as "main body back surface portion") 8 and the respective grips 5 or 6 forms a valley (see the rear view of Fig. 6). In the present embodiment, the respective grips 5, 6 are provided in such a manner that the valley is formed between the respective grips 5, 6 and the main body back surface portion 8. Figure 3 Figure 3 ​​In the rear view, the deepest part of the valley (referred to as the "valley bottom") is indicated by dashed lines around each handle button 41, 42. The valley formed between the right handle 5 and the back of the main body 8 extends to the upper right from near the lower end of the main body 9. Similarly, the valley formed between the left handle 6 and the back of the main body 8 extends to the upper left from near the lower end of the main body 9. Thus, the valleys formed between the handles 5 or 6 and the back of the main body 8 extend outwards in the left and right directions, pointing upwards. Therefore, by placing the fingers near the base of the handle (in... Figure 5 The middle finger (ring finger) overlaps with the valley finger, allowing the grip to be held in a position where the second joint of that finger is moderately bent. This improves the ease of holding the game controller 1.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned valley (when looking back at the game controller 1) Figure 3 The line formed by the dashed lines shown is called a curve (refer to...). Figure 3 (See rear view shown). More specifically, when viewing the game controller 1 from the rear, the aforementioned curve bends towards the center of the main body 9 (more specifically, the upper left side for the valley of the right handle 5, and the upper right side for the valley of the left handle 6). This allows the user's fingers near the base of the handles to... Figure 5 When the middle (ring finger) overlaps with the valley finger, it can be positioned such that the first joint of that finger is slightly bent, thus allowing for easy gripping of the game controller 1. Additionally, it facilitates the placement of fingers near the base of the handle against the surface of the handle, making it easy and reliable to grip the handle.

[0164] In this embodiment, the valley floor extends to the left and right ends of the game controller 1 (see reference). Figure 3 (See rear view shown). In other words, the back part 8 of the main body extends to the left and right ends of the game controller 1 above the handles 5 and 6. That is, when viewing the game controller 1 from the rear, there is a gap between the upper end of the handle 5 or handle 6 and the upper end of the main body 9. In addition, in this embodiment, the back part 8 of the main body is inclined in the left and right direction in a way that extends forward as it moves outward. Therefore, the area between the right handle 5 and the left handle 6 in the back part 8 of the main body is formed gently, and in this area, the back part 8 of the main body does not protrude in the rear direction. The portion above the valley formed by the handles 5 and 6 in the back part 8 of the main body curves forward as it moves from the center of the game controller 1 in the left and right direction. Therefore, when the user holds the game controller 1, it is easy to place the fingers on the area between the upper end of the handle 5 or handle 6 of the back part 8 of the main body and the upper end of the main body 9. For example, it is easy for the user to place the fingers not used for button operation (in) Figure 9 In the example shown, the middle finger rests on the aforementioned area, and the finger used to operate the handle button (in...)Figure 5 The example shown is the ring finger, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the middle finger is slightly bent and rests against the aforementioned area without operating the handle button. This allows the user to stably hold the game controller 1 by supporting the main body 9 with this finger. For example, the game controller 1 may also be equipped with an inertial sensor such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope, allowing for operation that moves the game controller 1 itself. The user can perform this operation by resting the main body of their finger against the back portion 8 to stably hold the game controller 1. On the other hand, when the user wants to bend their finger resting against the back portion 8 to operate the handle button 41 or handle button 42, the back portion 8 is less likely to become an obstacle, thus improving the operability of the handle button. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the length L2 of the handle 5 or handle 6 from the top end to the top end of the main body 9 (refer to...) Figure 3 The length of the valley (as shown in the rear view) is preferably about the width of one or two fingers of the user (e.g., 1-3 cm). Furthermore, the valley may not extend to the left or right ends of the game controller 1.

[0165] In this embodiment, the area between the right handle 5 and the left handle 6 on the back surface 8 of the main body is formed flat. This makes the back surface 8 less of an obstacle when the user bends their fingers to operate the handle button 41 or handle button 42, thus improving the operability of the handle button. Furthermore, no protrusions (e.g., recesses formed by threaded holes, connectors, etc., or protrusions formed by buttons, etc.) are provided in the area between the right handle button 41 and the left handle button 42 on the back surface 8 of the main body. This prevents contact between the protrusions and the user's fingers when operating the handle button 41 or handle button 42, thus improving the tactile feedback of the handle button. Alternatively, the area between the right handle 5 and the left handle 6 may also be formed unevenly.

[0166] Figure 13 This is a rear view of an example of a game controller, representing a variation of this embodiment. Figure 13 In the rear view shown, it is also similar to Figure 3 Similarly, in the rear view shown, dashed lines are used to mark the locations of the valleys formed at the boundaries between each handle 5 or handle 6 and the rear body portion 8. In other embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the valley bottom may also be formed such that it does not extend to the left and right ends of the back part 8 of the main body, but extends to the upper part of the back part 8 of the main body.

[0167] [3. Details of the handle button]

[0168] Next, the details of the respective handle buttons 41, 42 provided in the handles will be described. The right handle button 41 is provided in such a manner that it penetrates a hole provided in the back surface of the right handle 5 of the casing 2. The left handle button 42 is provided in such a manner that it penetrates a hole provided in the back surface of the left handle 6 of the casing 2. As described above, in the present embodiment, the casing 2 is configured in such a manner that it includes the portion of the handle 5 or 6 and has no division line on the side surface and the back surface, and therefore, the division line does not come into contact with the user's hand when the user operates the handle button 41 or 42. Thus, the feeling of use of the game controller 1 when the handle button 41 or 42 is operated can be improved. Further, in other embodiments, the shape of the casing 2 is not limited to the above-described shape, and the handle 5 or 6 can be configured by a plurality of casings, or a division line of the casing can be generated in the handle 5 or 6.

[0169] The user can press the respective handle buttons 41, 42, for example, by moving the finger resting on the back surface portion 8 in such a manner that it is held in the respective handles 5 or 6. In this case, it is difficult to operate the respective handle buttons 41 or 42 in a state where the finger is resting on the back surface portion 8, and therefore, the concern about accidental operation of the respective handle buttons 41 or 42 can be reduced.

[0170] In the present embodiment, the respective handle buttons 41, 42 are provided along the above-described valley formed by the handle 5 or 6 and the back surface portion 8 (see the rear view in FIG. 6). Figure 3 In the present embodiment, the respective handle buttons 41, 42 are provided on the side of the handle 5, 6, not in the valley formed by the handle 5, 6 and the back surface portion 8. In addition, the portion of the outer edge of the operation surface of the respective handle buttons 41, 42, which is close to the valley, extends in substantially the same direction as the valley. Thus, the user easily holds the game controller 1 with the finger overlapping the valley without accidentally pressing the respective handle buttons 41, 42, and easily stably holds the game controller 1. In addition, the user can easily operate the respective handle buttons 41, 42 with the finger overlapping the valley.

[0171] The distance between the "outer edge extending in substantially the same direction as the valley" in the handle button and the valley does not need to be strictly constant. As one example, the outer edge of the valley of the respective handle buttons 41, 42 can extend in such a manner that it moves away from the valley as it goes upward. Further, in the present specification, the "same direction" is not strictly limited to the same direction, and can include substantially the same direction.

[0172] Further, in the present embodiment, a gap to the extent that each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is not pressed by the user's fingers holding the game controller 1 by accident is provided between the valley and each of the grip buttons 41, 42. For example, in a case where the user holds the game controller 1 with the fingers overlapping the valley, a state where the side surface of the finger overlaps the valley is made, and in this state, the side surface side portion of the palm (i.e., the side surface opposite to the nail) contacts the grip. The above gap can be set to the length to the extent that the side surface side portion of the palm does not contact the grip button or even if it contacts, the force enough to press it is not transmitted. As one example, the above gap can be set to the length of 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more. In addition, in the present embodiment, the above gap is set to the length to the extent that each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is pressed by the user's fingers holding the game controller 1 by making the fingers overlapping the valley to grip each of the grips 5, 6. More specifically, if the user grips the fingers from the state where the side surface of the finger overlaps the valley and the side surface side portion of the palm contacts the grip, the more central side portion in the width direction of the palm is strongly pressed to the grip side. The above gap is set to the length to the extent that each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is pressed by this portion. As one example, the gap can be set to the length of 1 cm or less, 9 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. In summary, the above gap is preferably set to the length (e.g., the length of 1 mm or more and 1 cm or less) to the extent that each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is not pressed by accident in the state where the user holds the game controller 1 with the fingers overlapping the valley and each of the grip buttons 41, 42 can be easily operated according to the user's grip of each of the grips 5, 6.

[0173] In the present embodiment, each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is provided at a position higher than the center in the vertical direction of each of the grips 5, 6 (see the rear view of FIG. 10). Figure 3 That is, the lower end of each of the grip buttons 41, 42 is positioned at a position higher than the center in the vertical direction of each of the grips 5, 6. That is, in the present embodiment, the grip button is not provided in the portion of each of the grips 5, 6 lower than the center in the vertical direction. According to the above, each of the grips 5, 6 can be easily held by a finger different from the finger operating each of the grip buttons 41, 42 (e.g., the ring finger and the little finger in a case where the middle finger operates each of the grip buttons 41, 42, or the little finger in a case where the ring finger operates each of the grip buttons 41, 42). Further, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the grip buttons 41, 42 can be provided at each of the valley sides of the end portions of each of the grips 5, 6 and each of the valleys. Figure 3

[0174] ​In this embodiment, each handle button 41, 42 is positioned above the lower end of the main body 9. More specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the rear, the lower ends of each handle button 41, 42 are positioned above the lower end of the center portion in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. That is, in this embodiment, no handle buttons are provided on the portion of each handle 5, 6 below the lower end of the aforementioned center portion. Based on the above, when the user holds each handle 5, 6 without operating each handle button 41, 42 (that is, when the handle buttons 41, 42 are not used), the risk of the user accidentally pressing the handle buttons 41, 42 with their fingers (e.g., ring finger, little finger) holding each handle 5, 6 can be reduced.

[0175] In this embodiment, each handle button 41, 42 is located in a position that is not visible when viewing the game controller 1 from the front (see reference). Figure 3 (The main view in the image). That is, the handle buttons 41 and 42 are not visible to the outside and inside of the handles 5 and 6 when viewed from the main view of the game controller 1. Based on the above, it is possible to prevent accidental operation of the handle buttons 41 and 42 by the fingers or palms holding the handles 5 and 6.

[0176] In this embodiment, each handle button 41, 42 is located in a position that is not visible when viewing the game controller 1 from the side (see reference). Figure 3 (Right and left views in the diagram). Furthermore, each handle button 41, 42 can also be located on the inner side of the housing 2 facing the game controller 1. The operating surfaces of each handle button 41, 42 are arranged facing the inner side of the game controller 1 (i.e., the normal of the operating surface has an inner component). Here, when the user holds each handle 5, 6, the fingertips face the outer side of the game controller 1 (see...). Figure 5 Therefore, by setting the handle buttons in an inward-facing manner, it is easy to operate the handle buttons 41 and 42 with the fingers holding the handles 5 and 6. In addition, according to the above, it is possible to prevent the handle buttons 41 and 42 from being accidentally operated by the fingers or palms holding the handles 5 and 6.

[0177] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the fingers operating the right handle button 41 when viewed from the side. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In the diagram, the left half of the game controller 1 is cut off (the cross-section of the structure inside the casing 2 is omitted and represented by a diagonal line). Additionally, in... Figure 14The image shows only the middle, ring, and little fingers of the user's right hand holding the game controller 1. In this embodiment, each handle button 41, 42 is provided on the upward-facing surface of each handle 5 or handle 6. That is, at least a portion of the operating surface of each handle button 41, 42 is arranged in an upward-facing manner (i.e., the normal of the operating surface has an upward component). Here, as... Figure 14 As shown, the fingers holding the handle of game controller 1 (in...) Figure 14 When the middle, ring, and little fingers are bent, the fingertips move diagonally downwards (refer to...). Figure 14 (See the arrow shown). Therefore, as in this embodiment, by setting the operating surfaces of each handle button 41, 42 to face upwards, compared to the case where the operating surfaces do not face upwards (for example, the normal direction of the operating surface is parallel to the front-back direction), the user can press the operating surfaces with a natural movement of their fingers. As a result, the operability of each handle button 41, 42 can be improved.

[0178] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, each handle button 41, 42 has a line extending along the back of the main body 8 when viewed from the side of the game controller 1 (e.g., discussed later). Figure 15 (See the upper side line 41a). In this way, the user can press the handle button 41 or handle button 42 by bending their finger along the back of the main body 8, thus improving the operability of each handle button 41, 42.

[0179] In this embodiment, the left end of the right handle button 41 is located to the right of the left end of the R button 31 (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view in the image). The left end of the right handle button 41 is located to the right of the left end of the ZR button 33 (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view). Furthermore, the right end of the left handle button 42 is positioned to the left of the right end of the L button 32. The right end of the left handle button 42 is positioned to the left of the right end of the ZL button 34. Thus, the inner ends of each handle button 41, 42 in the left-right direction are positioned to the outermost position than the inner ends of each button 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, the user operates the buttons 31-34 located on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with their fingers extended, and operates the handle buttons 41 and 42 with their fingers bent. Therefore, by arranging the inner ends of the handle buttons 41 and 42 as described above, the handle buttons 41 and 42 can be operated easily.

[0180] In the present embodiment, the rear end of the operation surface of the right handle button 41 is located at a position further forward than the rear end of the right handle 5. Also, the rear end of the operation surface of the left handle button 42 is located at a position further forward than the rear end of the left handle 6. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that a user's finger (for example, the little finger) that is holding the handle 5 or the handle 6 but not used for the operation of the handle button 41 or the handle button 42, accidentally operates the handle button 41 or the handle button 42.

[0181] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the right handle button 41 of the game controller 1. As shown in Figure 15 the present embodiment, the outer shape of the right handle button 41 (specifically, the outer shape of the operation surface of the right handle button 41) includes an upper side line 41a extending along the valley bottom formed by the right handle 5 and the main body back surface portion 8, and a lower side line 41b opposite to the upper side line 41a. The upper side line 41a extends in the same direction as the valley bottom. It can also be said that the operation surface of the right handle button 41 as a whole has a shape extending along the valley bottom. According to the above, even in a case where the user presses a position of the operation surface of the right handle button 41 further from the valley bottom, it is possible to easily operate the right handle button 41 by bending the finger holding the game controller 1 in the direction along the valley bottom.

[0182] In the present embodiment, the lower side line 41b extends in a manner that moves away from the upper side line 41a as it goes outward in the left-right direction. That is, the operation surface of the right handle button 41 has a shape in which the width (that is, the length in the direction perpendicular to the upper side line 41a) widens as the upper side line 41a goes outward in the left-right direction. Also, in Figure 15 only the right handle button 41 is shown in

[0183] As described above, the operation surface of each handle button 41, 42 has a shape in which the width widens as it goes outward in the left-right direction. Here, for example, in a case where a user with a small hand holds the game controller 1, there is a possibility that the fingertip of the finger operating the handle button 41 or the handle button 42 does not reach the inner side portion of the handle button but only reaches the outer side portion in the left-right direction. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the wider the handle button 41, 42 is on the outer side, the wider the width is, and thus even a user with a small hand is likely to operate the handle button 41, 42.

[0184] Further, the operation surface of each of the handle buttons 41, 42 can also have a shape in which the width of the outer side in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the inner side in the left-right direction (see Figure 3 the rear view in FIG. 10, Figure 15 ). Each of the handle buttons 41, 42 can also not have at least one of the upper side line 41a and the lower side line 41b, or can also have a line. In this case as well, the width of the outer side can be wider than the width of the inner side. Further, as one example, the width of the operation surface can refer to the length of the operation surface in a direction orthogonal to the length direction, and in the present embodiment, can refer to the length in a direction perpendicular to the upper side line.

[0185] As shown in Figure 15 , in the present embodiment, the outer shape of the operation surface of the right handle button 41 includes an inner side line 41c that connects the upper side line 41a and the lower side line 41b on the inner side in the left-right direction (specifically, the inner side with respect to the center of the operation surface), and an outer side line 41d that connects the upper side line 41a and the lower side line 41b on the outer side in the left-right direction (specifically, the outer side with respect to the center of the operation surface). Here, the outer side line 41d can also not be curved more than the inner side line 41c. In this case as well, even in the case where the outer side portion of the handle button 41 or the handle button 42 is pressed, the user is easily able to operate the handle buttons 41, 42. Further, the outer side line 41d can also be such that the curvature of the most curved portion is smaller than the curvature of the most curved portion of the inner side line 41c. In addition, the outer side line 41d can also be closer to a straight line as a whole compared to the inner side line 41c. In addition, the outer side line 41d can also be a straight line. The outer side line 41d has a straight line portion, and has a curved line portion that connects the straight line portion and the upper side line 41a, and a curved line portion that connects the straight line portion and the lower side line 41b. The inner side line 41c can also not have a straight line portion, and in the case where the outer side line 41d has a straight line portion, can also have a straight line portion that is shorter than the straight line portion of the outer side line 41d. In addition, in the present embodiment, four corners of the operation surface of the right handle button 41 are visible. As the order of the curvature from small to large, the corners in the order of the corner between the upper side line 41a and the inner side line 41c, the corner between the lower side line 41b and the inner side line 41c, the corner between the lower side line 41b and the outer side line 41d, and the corner between the upper side line 41a and the outer side line 41d. In addition, as the order of the curvature from small to large, the corners in the order of the upper side and inner side corner, the lower side and inner side corner, the lower side and outer side corner, and the upper side and outer side corner. Further, in the present specification, a "straight line" is not limited to a strict straight line, and can also include an approximately straight line.

[0186] In the present embodiment, the difference between the inner side distance and the outer side distance in the left-right direction between the lower side line 41b and the first valley line is larger than the difference between the inner side distance and the outer side distance in the left-right direction between the upper side line 41a and the first valley line. In addition, the upper side line 41a is longer than the inner side line 41c and longer than the outer side line 41d. The lower side line 41b is longer than the inner side line 41c and longer than the outer side line 41d. In addition, the upper side line 41a can be longer than the lower side line 41b, and the straight line portion of the upper side line 41a can be longer than the straight line portion of the lower side line 41b. In addition, the outer side line 41d can be longer than the inner side line 41c. The number of lines, the length, the direction, the number of corners of the operation surface, the curvature, and the angle are not limited to the above-described cases.

[0187] For example, the operation surface of the grip buttons 41 and 42 can also be a shape that matches the shape of the portion of the finger from the first joint to the fingertip. When the user holds the game controller 1, the portion of the finger from the first joint to the fingertip is considered to be directed toward the center side in the left-right direction and the lower side in the up-down direction of the game controller 1. The operation surface is curved in a manner that matches the shape of the finger, for example, in a manner that, when a straight line corresponding to the first joint, that is, a straight line perpendicular to the direction in which the finger extends, is observed as a base, the length of the base direction narrows from the base toward the center side in the left-right direction and the lower side in the up-down direction of the game controller 1, and the tip is projected toward the center side in the left-right direction and the lower side in the up-down direction of the game controller 1.

[0188] In the present embodiment, the width of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is a length (for example, 1 to 2 cm) that is the length of one of the fingers (for example, the middle finger, the ring finger, or the little finger) that operates the grip button or slightly more than the length of one of the fingers. In this case, the user can reliably operate the grip button that is not visible from the front side, and the concern that a different finger (for example, the little finger in the case where the ring finger is used for operation) will accidentally operate the grip button 41 or the grip button 42 can be reduced. For example, in the case where the user operates each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 with the middle finger, the user can suppress the middle finger from accidentally pressing each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 even if the ring finger is not arranged separately from the middle finger that operates each of the grip buttons 41 and 42. Therefore, the user can easily hold each of the grips 5 and 6 while operating each of the grip buttons 41 and 42.

[0189] In addition, in the present embodiment, the interval between the upper side line of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 and the valley bottom is smaller than the width of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42. Therefore, regardless of the size of the user's finger, the user can easily operate each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 with the finger holding the game controller 1 so as to overlap the valley bottom.

[0190] In the present embodiment, the surface around the portion of the back surface of each handle 5, 6 in which the handle button 41 or the handle button 42 is provided is a curved surface that is convex to the outside. The operation surface of each handle button 41, 42 is composed of a curved surface along the curved surface of each handle 5, 6. More specifically, the operation surface of the right handle button 41 is a curved surface along the curved surface of the right handle 5 around the right handle button 41. In addition, the operation surface of the left handle button 42 is a curved surface along the curved surface of the left handle 6 around the left handle button 42. For example, the operation surface of each handle button 41, 42 is provided in a manner that slightly protrudes from or is flush with the curved surface of each handle 5, 6. In addition, the operation surface of each handle button 41, 42 is composed of a curved surface that is convex to the surface side when the operation surface is set to the surface side. As described above, by providing the operation surface of each handle button 41, 42 along the curved surface of each handle 5, 6, it is difficult to notice the presence of each handle button 41, 42 without operating each handle button 41, 42, and thus, it is possible to further improve the grip feeling of each handle 5, 6. In addition, it is possible to reduce the concern that the user will accidentally operate the handle button 41 or the handle button 42.

[0191] Further, in other embodiments, the position and shape of the buttons (handle buttons in the present embodiment) provided on the back surface of the game controller 1 are arbitrary and are not limited to the position and shape in the present embodiment. For example, the buttons provided on the back surface of the game controller 1 can be provided at an arbitrary position of the handle or can be provided on the back surface of the main body portion 9. In addition, in other embodiments, the buttons can not be provided on the back surface of the game controller 1.

[0192] [4. Internal structure of game controller]

[0193] Next, one example of the internal structure of the game controller 1 will be described. Hereinafter, the internal structure will be described in the order of assembly of the game controller 1. However, the assembly method described below is one example, and the game controller 1 can be assembled in an arbitrary order. In addition, the internal structure described below is one example, and the game controller 1 can not have any of the constituent elements described below or can have a constituent element different from the constituent elements described below.

[0194] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view that shows one example of the first frame and the diaphragm. In the present embodiment, the game controller 1 is provided with the first frame 51 and the diaphragm 52 inside the housing 2 as shown in Figure 16 In the present embodiment, the diaphragm 52 is attached to the first frame 51. The first frame 51 is a shape in which the length in the vertical direction and the length in the lateral direction are longer than the thickness in the front-rear direction.

[0195] The diaphragm 52 includes detection units 54a-54n for detecting inputs to buttons 11-19 and the crosshair 21 located on the front of the game controller 1, and buttons 31-34 located on the upper surface of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 52 is mounted on the first frame 51, thereby the detection units 54a-54n included in the diaphragm 52 are disposed on the first frame 51. Figure 16 As shown, the diaphragm 52 has a front portion 52a facing the front direction and an upper portion 52b facing the upward direction. The upper portion 52b is respectively positioned at the upper right and upper left of the front portion 52a. The diaphragm 52 is attached to the first frame 51 with the front portion 52a positioned on the front portion 51a of the first frame and the upper portion 52b positioned on the upper portion 51b of the first frame. In the assembled state of the game controller 1, each detection part 54a-54n of the diaphragm 52 is positioned corresponding to the input part detected by the detection part, as will be discussed in detail later. That is, for each input part 11-19, 21 provided on the front of the game controller 1, on the front side of the front portion 52a, the detection parts 54a-54j corresponding to the input part are respectively positioned behind the input part. Furthermore, for each button 31-34 located on the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the upper surface side of the upper portion 52b, the detection portions 54k-54n corresponding to the input portion are respectively located below the button.

[0196] The specific structure of the aforementioned detection units 54a-54n is arbitrary. Detection units 54a-54n can be, for example, detection circuits in a rubber switch (i.e., the rubber switch can also be composed of a detection unit and a rubber button), or tactile switches. In this embodiment, for buttons 16, 18, and 19, to reduce the possibility of accidental user touches being detected, tactile switches are installed as detection units on the diaphragm 52. Furthermore, for buttons 11-15, 17, 19, 21, and 31-34 (other than these), to improve the user's tactile feedback when pressing the button, the aforementioned detection circuits are formed on the diaphragm 52 as detection units.

[0197] In the present embodiment, the front surface of the first frame 51 has a concave-convex and a slope along which the film 52 is mounted, and details thereof will be discussed later. In addition, as described above, the film 52 is provided across the front surface portion 51a and the upper surface portion 51b of the first frame 51. Here, as in the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of detection portions are provided in different heights (i.e., positions in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the detection portions are provided) and / or inclinations, if a rigid substrate is assumed to be used, a plurality of rigid substrates and a flexible substrate connecting these substrates are required, and thus the number of components and manufacturing costs can increase. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the film 52 can be used to provide a plurality of detection portions having different heights and / or inclinations on one first frame 51. Thus, the number of components and manufacturing costs can be reduced, and in addition, space saving in the housing 2 can be sought. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a rigid substrate and / or a flexible substrate can be used instead of the film 52.

[0198] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the case where the analog sticks 22, 23 and the components related to the buttons on the upper surface are mounted with respect to the first frame 51. As shown in Figure 17 , in the present embodiment, the key rubbers 61-64, the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34, and the analog sticks 22, 23 related to the buttons on the upper surface are mounted with respect to the first frame 51 on which the film 52 is mounted.

[0199] In Figure 17 , the key rubbers 61-64 correspond to the respective buttons 31-34 provided on the upper surface of the game controller 1. The key rubber corresponding to the R button 31 (referred to as "R key rubber") 61 is provided on the film 52 mounted to the upper surface of the first frame 51 above the detection portion 54k corresponding to the R button 31. The key rubber corresponding to the L button 32 (referred to as "L key rubber") 62 is provided on the film 52 above the detection portion 54l corresponding to the L button 32. The key rubber corresponding to the ZR button 33 (referred to as "ZR key rubber") 63 is provided on the film 52 above the detection portion 54m corresponding to the ZR button 33. The key rubber corresponding to the ZL button 34 (referred to as "ZL key rubber") 64 is provided on the film 52 above the detection portion 54n corresponding to the ZL button 34.

[0200] Each button rubber 61-64 is pressed down from the back side of the operating surface of the corresponding button 31-34 when the operating surface of the corresponding button 31-34 is pressed. Each button rubber 61-64 elastically deforms upon being pressed by the corresponding button 31-34 and comes into contact with the detection units 54k-54n below. The detection units 54k-54n detect whether the corresponding button 31-34 has been operated by detecting the contact of the button rubbers. In addition, each button rubber 61-64 applies upward force to the corresponding button 31-34, and when the button 31-34 is not pressed, each button rubber 61-64 is in its normal, undeformed state.

[0201] In this embodiment, in the first frame 51, the installation positions of the detection units 54k and 54l corresponding to the R button rubber 61 and L button rubber 62, and the installation positions of the detection units 54m and 54n corresponding to the ZR button rubber 63 and ZL button rubber 64, are different in height (i.e., in the vertical direction). (Refer to...) Figure 17 In this embodiment, considering the position of the operating surface and the amount of movement of the operating surface (i.e., the amount of pressure when pressing) of the operating surface, which makes it easy for the user to operate each button 31-34, the detection units 54m and 54n corresponding to ZR button rubber 63 and ZL button rubber 64 are positioned lower than the detection units 54k and 54l corresponding to R button rubber 61 and L button rubber 62. Here, in this embodiment, the detection units 54a-54n are arranged on the first frame 51 using a diaphragm 52. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to set rigid substrates at different heights and it is not necessary to provide a structure such as an FPC (flexible printed circuit) for connecting the substrates, thus reducing the number of components.

[0202] like Figure 17 As shown, the ZR button 33 is positioned above the ZR button rubber 63, and the ZL button 34 is positioned above the ZL button rubber 64. The ZR button 33 is mounted on the first frame 51 in a manner that allows it to rotate using an axis 33b located in front of the operating surface 33a and extending in the left-right direction. The ZL button 34 is mounted on the first frame 51 in a manner that allows it to rotate using an axis 34b located in front of the operating surface 34a and extending in the left-right direction. With this structure, the buttons 33 and 34 are configured such that the operating surface can move in the vertical direction (more precisely, rotate around the aforementioned axis).

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in Figure 17 In the shown state, the R button 31 and L button 32 have not yet been installed on the first frame 51. In this embodiment, the R button 31 and L button 32 are installed on the first frame 51 after the first frame 51 is installed on the housing 2, as will be discussed in detail later.

[0204] In the present embodiment, each analog stick 22, 23 has a stick head (i.e., right stick head 22a and left stick head 23a shown in FIG. 2), a stick shaft (i.e., right stick shaft 22b and left stick shaft 23b shown in FIG. 2), and a stick housing (i.e., right stick housing 22c and left stick housing 23c shown in FIG. 2) respectively. In the present embodiment, each stick head 22a, 23a is installed before each constituent element provided on the back side of the first frame 51. Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 18 Figure 17

[0205] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the case where each constituent element provided on the back side of the first frame 51 is installed with respect to the first frame 51. As shown in Figure 18 , the game controller 1 is provided with an antenna 65, a main body substrate 66, a rechargeable battery 67, a battery case 68, a bearing receiving member 69, and a terminal substrate 70. These constituent elements 65-70 are provided on the back side of the first frame 51 inside the housing 2.

[0206] As shown in Figure 18 , the stick shaft 22b, 23b and the stick housing 22c, 23c of each analog stick 22, 23 are installed on the back side of the first frame 51 by screwing, for example. Here, holes 51i, 51j are provided at the installation positions of each analog stick 22, 23 of the first frame 51 respectively (see FIG. 2). The stick housing 22c, 23c is installed on the back of the first frame 51 in such a manner that the stick shaft 22b, 23b protrudes to the front side from the back side of the first frame 51 through the above-mentioned hole 51i or hole 51j respectively. In the present embodiment, the bearing receiving member 69 is installed on the back side of the left analog stick 23 by screwing, for example. The bearing receiving member 69 is provided in such a manner as to cover the back side of the left analog stick 23 (specifically, the stick housing 23c). Thereby, the durability against the load applied to the left analog stick 23 from the front side to the back side (e.g., the load applied when inputting a press-in stick head) can be improved. Further, in the present embodiment, the main body substrate 66 is arranged behind the right analog stick 22. Therefore, the main body substrate 66 functions as the same as the bearing receiving member against the above-mentioned load applied to the right analog stick 22, and the durability can be improved by the main body substrate 66. Further, in other embodiments, it can be that the bearing receiving member is installed on the back side of the right analog stick 22 as well. Figure 18

[0207] ​​​​​The terminal board 70 is a board on which the aforementioned audio input terminal 39 is provided. The terminal board 70 is mounted on the back side of the first frame 51 by means of, for example, screws. Furthermore, the terminal board 70 is connected to the main board 66 via an FPC, and transmits and receives signals with the SoC (System-on-a-Chip) mounted on the main board 66. The terminal board 70 is mounted on the lower portion of the first frame 51. In this embodiment, the terminal board 70 is mounted on the first frame 51 such that the audio input terminal 39 protrudes downwards from the first frame 51. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal board 70 and the main board 66 are constructed from separate boards; alternatively, the audio input terminal 39 may be provided on the main board 66 instead of the terminal board 70.

[0208] Antenna 65 is secured to the back of the first frame 51 by means of, for example, screws. Antenna 65 is, for example, an NFC antenna. Antenna 65 can be any type of antenna used for wireless communication between the game controller 1 and other devices.

[0209] The main substrate 66 is fixed to the back side of the first frame 51 by means of, for example, screws. In this embodiment, the main substrate 66 is disposed on the back side of the antenna 65. A control circuit for performing various processes in the game controller 1 is provided on the main substrate 66. The control circuit is electrically connected to electronic components housed in the housing 2 (e.g., the detection units 54a-54h, the rechargeable battery 67, the terminal substrate 70, the handle substrate discussed later, etc.). The control circuit performs, for example, processing based on signals sent from the detection units 54a-54h (e.g., processing to generate operation data representing operations performed on the game controller 1), processing to control the transmission and reception of data with other devices, and power control related to the rechargeable battery 67 (e.g., control of charging the rechargeable battery 67, control of supplying power to the electronic components from the rechargeable battery 67). In addition, the main substrate 66 is provided with connectors for electrically connecting several electronic components housed in the housing 2 (e.g., the handle substrate discussed later) and the control circuit, as well as various electronic components such as LEDs included in the light-emitting unit.

[0210] The rechargeable battery 67 is mounted to the battery case 68 by means of, for example, adhesive bonding. The battery case 68, on which the rechargeable battery 67 is mounted, is mounted to the back of the main substrate 66 by means of, for example, screws.

[0211] like Figure 17 As shown, the rocker heads 22a and 23a of various types of rocker arms 22 and 23 are mounted on the front side of the first frame 51. Specifically, each rocker head 22a is mounted on a rocker shaft 22b protruding from the hole 51i of the first frame 51 toward the front side, and each rocker head 23a is mounted on a rocker shaft 23b protruding from the hole 51j of the first frame 51 toward the front side.

[0212] The first frame 51 on which various components are mounted as described above is attached to the housing 2. Here, in the present embodiment, before the first frame 51 described above is attached to the housing 2, a handle unit is attached to the inside of each of the handles 5, 6 of the housing 2. The handle unit is provided with a detection portion for detecting an input to the handle button 41 or 42 described above, and is provided with a vibration component, the details of which will be discussed later. Hereinafter, the structure of the handle unit will be described taking, as an example, the right handle unit provided in the right handle 5. Figures 19-28 The handle unit will be described. Hereinafter, the structure of the handle unit will be described taking, as an example, the right handle unit provided in the right handle 5.

[0213] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing one example of a right handle button and a flange rubber included in the right handle unit. As shown in Figure 19 , the right handle button 41 has an operation surface 41e, a wall surface 41f, and a flange portion 41g. The operation surface 41e is a surface exposed to the outside of the housing 2 from the hole of the right handle 5 (see the rear view in Figure 3 . Further, in the following description of the right handle unit, the side toward which the operation surface 41e faces will be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the front side will be referred to as the back side. The wall surface 41f extends around the operation surface 41e toward the back side of the operation surface 41e. In the present embodiment, the wall surface 41f is provided on the entire circumference of the operation surface 41e, and has a ring shape. The flange portion 41g extends from the end of the back side of the wall surface 41f toward the outside (more specifically, the outside of the ring shape of the wall surface 41f). In the present embodiment, the flange portion 41g is provided on the entire circumference of the wall surface 41f, and has a ring shape. The right handle button 41 is sized such that the operation surface 41e passes through the hole (the hole 5a shown in Figure 22 , which will be described later) of the right handle 5, and the flange portion 41g does not pass through the hole.

[0214] As shown in Figure 19 , in the present embodiment, the flange rubber 80 is attached to the right handle button 41. The flange rubber 80 is attached so as to cover the flange portion 41g of the right handle button 41. Specifically, the flange rubber 80 covers the front side and the back side of the flange portion 41g. Further, the flange rubber 80 can cover at least the front side of the flange portion 41g. In the present embodiment, the flange rubber 80 has a ring shape, and is provided on the entire circumference of the flange portion 41g.

[0215] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of a component holder unit possessed by the right handle unit. As shown in Figure 20 , the component holder unit 81 has a component holder portion 82, a handle key rubber 83, and a handle substrate 84. As shown in Figure 20As shown, the handle button rubber 83 and the handle base plate 84 are respectively mounted on the component retainer portion 82. Here, in this embodiment, the retainer of the right handle unit consists of the component retainer portion 82 and the vibration motor retainer portion discussed later (see...). Figure 21 The components are configured as follows: The component retainer portion 82 is the portion of the retainer included in the right handle unit that mounts the handle base plate 84. The handle button rubber 83 is a button rubber used to apply force to the right handle button 41 in the outward direction. The handle base plate 84 is a base plate provided with a detection section corresponding to the right handle button 41.

[0216] The handle button rubber 83 and the handle base plate 84 are respectively mounted on the back of the component retainer portion 82. Specifically, as... Figure 20 As shown, a recess 82b with a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle button rubber 83 and a recess 82c with a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle base plate 84 are provided on the back side of the component holder portion 82. The handle button rubber 83 is provided in the recess 82b. Thus, the handle button rubber 83 is positioned in a direction horizontal to the back side of the component holder portion 82. The handle base plate 84 is provided in the recess 82c. The handle base plate 84 is provided on the back side of the component holder portion 82 such that the handle button rubber 83 is clamped between the component holder portion 82 and the handle base plate 84. The handle base plate 84 is fixed to the component holder portion 82 by screws. Based on the above, the handle button rubber 83 and the handle base plate 84 are fixed to the component holder portion 82.

[0217] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the components of the vibration retainer unit within the right handle unit. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the vibration retainer unit 85 includes a vibration motor retainer portion 86, a vibration motor 87, and a buffer member 88. The vibration motor 87 is an example of a vibrating component that imparts vibration to the housing 2 through its own vibration, transmitting vibration to the hand of the user holding the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the vibration motor 87 is a cuboid, but its shape is arbitrary. The vibration motor retainer portion 86 is part of the retainer in the right handlebar unit; more specifically, it is the portion of the right handlebar unit's retainer that holds the vibration motor 87. That is, the vibration motor 87 is fixed to the vibration motor retainer portion 86. The vibration motor retainer portion 86 has a bottom surface and walls extending perpendicularly from the four sides of the bottom surface (see reference). Figure 21) is fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86 by, for example, adhesion. The vibration motor 87 is disposed so that the surface fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86 and the four surfaces adjacent to the surface abut against (or are opposite to) the wall surfaces of the vibration motor holder portion 86. In addition, a cushion member 88 is provided in the vibration motor 87 on the surface opposite to the surface fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86. The cushion member 88 is in a plate-like shape and is fixed to the vibration motor 87 by, for example, adhesion so as to extend along the above-mentioned surface of the vibration motor 87.

[0218] In the present embodiment, the installation of the handle unit with respect to the case 2 is performed in accordance with each component as shown in Figures 19-21 Figure 22 is a view showing one example of the installation of the right handle button 41 shown in Figure 19 to the case 2. As shown in Figure 22 , in the present embodiment, the right handle button 41 to which the flange rubber 80 is attached is installed so that the operation surface 41e is exposed to the outside of the case 2 from the hole 5a provided in the right handle 5. At this time, the flange rubber 80 is provided between the flange portion 41g of the right handle button 41 and the inner wall of the case 2 (refer to the later-described Figure 27 ). In this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the vibration of the case 2 to be transmitted to the right handle button 41. Therefore, in the case where the case 2 vibrates due to the vibration motor described later, it is possible to suppress the generation of a high-frequency vibration sound in the right handle button 41 and to improve the operation feeling of the right handle button 41.

[0219] Figure 23 is a view showing one example of the installation of the component holder unit 81 shown in Figure 20 to the case 2. Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the right handle button 41 and the component holder unit 81 as viewed from the surface side. In addition, in Figure 24 , the case 2 is omitted and only the right handle button 41, the flange rubber 80, and the component holder unit 81 are shown. As shown in Figure 23 , the component holder unit 81 is attached to the case 2 to which the right handle button 41 is attached. Specifically, the component holder portion 82 is attached to the back side of the right handle button 41 inside the case 2. The component holder portion 82 is attached so as to extend along the back surface of the operation surface 41e of the right handle button 41. In addition, as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 24 , a hole 82a that penetrates from the surface side to the back side is provided in the component holder portion 82. In addition, a shaft portion 41h that extends toward the back side is provided on the back side of the operation surface 41e of the right handle button 41 (refer to Figure 23 ​The component holder portion 82 is fixed to the housing 2 with the shaft portion 41h of the right handle button 41 passing through the aforementioned hole 82a. Furthermore, with the component holder portion 82 fixed to the housing 2, the right handle button 41 can move in the direction of the back of the operating surface 41e.

[0220] In this embodiment, holes 82d and 82e are respectively provided in the component holder portion 82, and a protrusion 2h and a threaded hole 2i (see reference) are provided on the inner wall of the outer casing 2 (specifically, the inner wall of the right handle 5). Figure 23 With the protrusion 2h engaged with the hole 82d, the screw is threaded into the threaded hole 2i, passing through the hole 82e, thereby securing the component holder portion 82 relative to the housing 2. Furthermore, the position where the component holder portion 82 is fixed to the housing 2 does not need to be the right handle 5 (specifically, the inner wall of the right handle 5). For example, the component holder portion 82 may extend from the inside of the right handle 5 to the inner wall of the main body 9, and the inner wall of the main body 9 of the game controller 1 is fixed to the component holder portion 82. By fixing the component holder portion 82 to the housing 2 at the position of the inner wall of the main body 9 or the inner wall of the right handle 5, it is easy to fix the component holder portion 82 to the housing 2 using screws or the like. Additionally, in this embodiment, each handle 5 or handle 6 is composed of a single component, but an opening 2a is provided on the front of the game controller 1, thus facilitating the aforementioned screw fixing at the position of the inner wall of the main body 9 or the inner wall of the right handle 5 via the opening 2a.

[0221] Figure 25 It means to Figure 21 The diagram shows an example of a vibration cage unit 85 being mounted onto a component cage unit 81. Figure 25 As shown, the vibration retainer unit 85 is mounted relative to the component retainer unit 81 mounted to the housing 2. Thus, the handle unit is entirely mounted to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the vibration retainer unit 85 is mounted to the component retainer unit 81 (see reference 2) by being inserted downwards and towards the interior of the right handle 5 through an opening on the upper side of the right handle 5. Figure 25 (The dashed arrows are shown). Thus, the vibration retainer unit 85 can be easily installed relative to the right handle 5, which consists of a single component.

[0222] In the present embodiment, the component holder portion 82 has guide portions 82i. The guide portions 82i are walls extending in a direction along which the component holder unit 81 extends in the right handle 5, i.e., a direction from the root to the tip of the right handle 5. In the present embodiment, the guide portions 82i are provided at both ends of the component holder portion 82 in a direction perpendicular to the above direction. It can also be said that the component holder portion 82 has a groove with the two guide portions 82i as side walls. The width of the groove is the same as or slightly longer than the width of the vibration holder portion. At the time of attachment of the vibration holder unit 85 to the component holder unit 81, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is guided by the guide portions 82i toward a fixing position between the component holder portion 82 and the vibration motor holder portion 86. That is, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is inserted into the right handle 5 toward the tip direction of the right handle 5 between the two guide portions 82i to be attached to the component holder portion 82 in the inserted state. In the state where the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81, a part of the side wall of the vibration motor holder portion 86 opposes the guide portions 82i. According to the above, the vibration holder unit 85 is easily attached by the guide portions 82i.

[0223] In addition, the vibration holder unit 85 (specifically, the vibration motor holder portion 86) is fixed to the component holder portion 82 by, for example, screwing. In the present embodiment, the screwing for attaching the vibration holder unit 85 to the component holder unit 81 is performed by inserting a screw downward from an opening on the upper side of the right handle 5 toward the inside of the right handle 5 (see FIG. 6). Thus, the screwing at the time of attachment of the vibration holder unit 85 can be easily performed in the right handle 5 composed of a single component. Figure 25 ). Thus, the screwing at the time of attachment of the vibration holder unit 85 can be easily performed in the right handle 5 composed of a single component. Further, a protruding portion 82h extending toward the opening side of the right handle 5 can be provided in the component holder portion 82. At this time, the vibration holder unit 85 can be screwed in a state of engaging with the protruding portion 82h. Thus, the vibration holder unit 85 and the component holder unit 81 can be positioned and fixed.

[0224] Further, in the present embodiment, the fastening work based on a fastening member such as a screw toward the tip direction of the handle is performed via the opening 2a provided from the front surface to the upper surface of the game controller 1. Here, the opening provided in the housing 2 can be provided in at least the upper surface or at least the front surface. In the case where the opening is provided in at least the upper surface, the above fastening work can be performed via the opening, and the work is easily performed by directing the fastening member toward the tip direction of the handle. In addition, even in the case where the opening is provided in the front surface, the above fastening work can be performed via the opening, and the work is easily performed by directing the fastening member toward the tip direction of the handle.

[0225] In the present embodiment, the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder portion 82 in a manner to abut against the inner wall of the housing 2. For example, in a state where the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder portion 82, a part of the back side of the vibration motor holder portion 86 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 2. Thereby, the vibration generated by the vibration motor 87 can be efficiently transmitted to the housing 2.

[0226] As described above, in the present embodiment, the holder of the right handle unit has the vibration motor holder portion 86 fixed to the vibration motor 87 and the component holder portion 82 fixed to the handle base plate 84. Thereby, when the right handle unit is attached to the housing 2, the vibration motor holder portion 86 can be attached after the component holder portion 82 is first attached, and thus the attachment of the right handle unit becomes easy. Further, in other embodiments, the holder of the right handle unit can also be composed of a single component.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is provided with holes 86a, 86b (refer to Figure 25 ) respectively. The portions of the vibration motor holder portion 86 where the holes 86a, 86b are provided are one example of fastening portions for fastening to the component holder portion 82. Here, in the component holder portion 82, screw holes 82f, 82g are provided at positions corresponding to the holes 86a, 86b of the vibration motor holder portion 86. By causing a screw to threadedly engage with the screw hole 82f or the screw hole 82g in a state of passing through the hole 86a or the hole 86b, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is fastened to the component holder portion 82. Further, the holes 86a, 86b and the screw holes 82f, 82g are formed in a manner to extend in a direction extending along the right handle 5 from the main body portion 9 of the game controller 1. In this way, the screw fastening work at the time of attaching the vibration motor holder portion 86 to the component holder portion 82 is easily performed.

[0228] Further, in the present embodiment, the holder of the right handle unit holds the handle base plate 84 on one side (i.e., the side of the component holder portion 82) and holds the vibration motor 87 on the other side (i.e., the side of the vibration motor holder portion 86). In this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the vibration generated by the vibration motor 87 to be transmitted to the handle base plate 84, and it is possible to reduce the concern that a high frequency vibration sound is generated in the handle base plate 84.

[0229] As described above, in the present embodiment, the handle base plate 84 is provided inside the right handle 5 (refer to Figure 23 ). Thereby, it is possible to arrange the detection portion corresponding to the right handle button 41 on the back side of the right handle button 41.

[0230] Further, in other embodiments, the detection section described above can also be configured on the side of the main body section 9 of the game controller 1 (for example, the detection section can be provided on the main body substrate). In this configuration, for example, by providing a rod-shaped member extending from the grip button 41 to the main body section 9, with one end of the rod-shaped member being rotatably supported in the main body section 9, the detection section is provided at a position where the rod-shaped member, which has moved in rotation in accordance with a press of the grip button 41, comes into contact, and thus the operation of the grip button 41 is detected by the detection section on the main body substrate. However, in the configuration described above, the grip button 41 is distanced from the rotation axis, and thus the amount of press required for the detection section to detect a press of the grip button 41 is increased. Therefore, the responsiveness of the grip button 41 can be reduced. In addition, in the configuration described above, the amount of press required for the detection section to detect a press differs between a case where the grip button 41 is pressed at a position close to the rotation axis and a case where the grip button 41 is pressed at a position distanced from the rotation axis. Therefore, the operation feeling of the grip button 41 can be reduced.

[0231] In contrast, in the present embodiment, by providing the grip substrate 84 inside the right grip 5, the detection section can be configured on the back side of the right grip button 41. In this way, the concern that the responsiveness of the operation of the grip button 41 is reduced or the amount of press differs depending on the position of the press surface can be reduced, and thus the operability of the grip button 41 can be improved.

[0232] Further, in Figure 20 , Figure 21 , Figure 23 , and Figure 25 , although not illustrated, the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87 are electrically connected to the main body substrate 66 described above by means of a single connector. Figure 26 is a view showing one example of a connector connected to the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87. As shown in Figure 26As shown, in the present embodiment, the game controller 1 is provided with a connector 89. The connector 89 is electrically connected to the wiring of the handle base plate 84, and is electrically connected to the wiring of the vibration motor 87. Although not shown, the connector 89 is connected to the connector provided on the main body base plate 66. Thus, the control circuit provided on the main body base plate 66 is electrically connected to the detection section and the vibration motor 87. The control circuit processes the signal from the detection section (for example, generates the above-mentioned operation data based on the signal and transmits it to the game device), and, in addition, transmits a signal for controlling the vibration motor 87 to the vibration motor 87. Further, it can also be that, at the time of manufacturing the game controller 1, for example, after the right handle unit is attached to the right handle 5 and the first frame 51 on which the main body base plate 66 is attached is attached to the housing 2, the above-mentioned connector 89 is connected to the connector provided on the main body base plate 66. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to separately connect two electronic components (i.e., the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87) to the main body base plate 66, and thus it is possible to reduce the number of parts (for example, the number of connectors) of the game controller 1, and it is possible to reduce the man-hours of assembly. Further, in other embodiments, the connector connected to the wiring of the handle base plate 84 can be independent of the connector connected to the wiring of the vibration motor 87, and these connectors can be connected to the connector of the main body base plate 66, respectively.

[0233] Figure 27 is a view showing one example of a cross section of the game controller 1 in the vicinity of the right handle button 41. As shown, Figure 27 The handle button rubber 83 is provided in the back side direction of the shaft portion 41h of the right handle button 41. The shaft portion 41h of the right handle button 41 penetrates the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82 and abuts against the surface side of the handle button rubber 83. It is provided in such a manner that, in a state in which the right handle button 41 is not operated, the right handle button 41 is urged by the handle button rubber 83 in the surface side direction, and the operation surface 41e protrudes from the surface of the right handle 5 or is flush with the surface. In addition, the handle base plate 84 is provided on the back side of the handle button rubber 83. The detection section 90 of the handle base plate 84 is provided at a position at which the handle button rubber 83 that has been elastically deformed depending on whether the right handle button 41 is pressed contacts the handle base plate 84. In the present embodiment, the handle button rubber 83 is directly or indirectly supported by the handle base plate 84, and the right handle button 41 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the surface direction of the handle base plate 84. That is, the right handle button 41 is straight. Further, depending on the pressing method and the pressing position of the user, the operation surface 41e is allowed to slightly move obliquely.

[0234] According to the above, when the operating surface 41e of the right handle button 41 is pressed, the handle button rubber 83 is pressed by the shaft portion 41h and elastically deformed, coming into contact with the detection unit 90. The detection unit 90 detects whether the right handle button 41 is operated by detecting the contact or pressing of the handle button rubber 83. Furthermore, the handle button rubber 83 applies force to the right handle button 41 in the surface direction, so when the right handle button 41 is not pressed, the handle button rubber 83 is in its normal, non-elastically deformed state. Furthermore, the specific structure of the detection unit 90 is arbitrary. The detection unit 90 can be, for example, a detection circuit in a rubber switch or a detection circuit in a tactile switch. Furthermore, the elastic member that applies force to the right handle button 41 in the surface direction and deforms according to the pressing of the right handle button 41 is not limited to the handle button rubber 83. For example, when using a tactile switch, the right handle button 41 can also be forceped by the elastic member of that tactile switch.

[0235] like Figure 27 As shown, in this embodiment, a vibration motor 87 is provided on the back side of the handle base plate 84. That is, in this embodiment, no retainer (i.e., retainer portions 82, 86) for the right handle unit is provided between the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87. This allows for miniaturization of the right handle unit's retainer, enabling efficient and flexible use of the space within the right handle 5. For example, it facilitates the placement of a larger vibration motor, and prevents the right handle 5 from becoming excessively large. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a retainer (i.e., component retainer portion 82 or vibration motor retainer portion 86) for the right handle unit may be provided between the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87. For example, the component retainer portion 82 may be provided opposite to both the surface and back side of the handle base plate 84.

[0236] In this embodiment, the handle base plate 84 is disposed on the vibration motor 87 via the buffer member 88 (see reference). Figure 27 In this way, the vibration of the vibration motor 87 can be suppressed from being transmitted to the right handle button 41 via the handle base plate 84, and the high-frequency vibration sound generated in the right handle button 41 due to the vibration of the vibration motor 87 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the handle base plate 84 and the buffer member 88 may not be in contact. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the buffer member 88 may not be provided, and the vibration motor 87 may be provided on the back side of the handle base plate 84 without being separated by the buffer member 88. In this case, the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87 may or may not be in contact.

[0237] Furthermore, as described above, the handle base plate 84 is fixed to the retainer (specifically, the component retainer portion 82) of the right handle unit by screws. Therefore, the handle base plate 84 is fixed relative to the retainer with its surface pressed against it. The retainer (specifically, the component retainer portion 82) is fixed to the right handle 5. Therefore, the distance from the hole 5a in the right handle 5 to the detection portion 90 on the surface of the handle base plate 84 is determined by the component retainer portion 82 and is not affected by the thickness of the handle base plate 84. Therefore, even if the thickness of the handle base plate 84 deviates, the aforementioned distance is not affected, thus reducing concerns about deviations in the tactile feedback of the handle button 41.

[0238] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating one example of a variation of the right-handle unit. Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of the game controller near the right handle unit in a modified example. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 28 As shown, alternatively, the component retainer portion 82 can be disposed on the back side of the handle base plate 84 and fixed to the back side of the handle base plate 84. Furthermore, in Figure 28 In the example shown, no component retainer portion 82 is provided on the surface of the handle button rubber 83, and the handle button rubber 83 is positioned by the right handle button 41. However, in other examples, the structure may also be as follows: in the form where the component retainer portion 82 is fixed to the back of the handle base plate 84, it is also... Figure 27 Similarly, in the structure shown, the component retainer portion 82 extends to the surface of the handle button rubber 83, which is positioned by the component retainer portion 82. The method of fixing the component retainer portion 82 to the handle base plate 84 can be, for example, a structure fixed by adhesive or a structure fixed by screws.

[0239] In addition, such as Figure 27 As shown, in this embodiment, a handle button rubber 83 is provided between the component holder portion 82 and the detection portion 90.

[0240] Furthermore, in other embodiments, such as Figure 28As shown, the handle button rubber 83 may not be disposed between the component holder portion 82 and the detection portion 90. In other embodiments, for example, the component holder portion 82 may not be disposed on the surface of the handle button rubber 83, but the handle base plate 84 may be fixed around the handle button rubber 83. Alternatively, for example, the handle button rubber 83 may be disposed on the surface of the component holder portion 82. In this case, the handle button 41 shaft portion 41h is disposed so as to pass through the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82a instead of the protrusion on the back of the handle button rubber 83 passing through the hole 82a. Furthermore, when the right handle button 41 is pressed, the handle button rubber 83 elastically deforms and the protrusion contacts the detection portion 90.

[0241] like Figure 27 As shown, the handle button 41's shaft portion 41h has: a first shaft portion larger than the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82, and a second shaft portion smaller than the hole 82a, located at a position closer to the top (i.e., the end in the back direction) of the first shaft portion. Furthermore, in the above description, "the first shaft portion is larger than the hole" means that the first shaft portion is a size that does not penetrate the hole; for example, it means that in at least one direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shaft portion 41h, the length of the first shaft portion is longer than the length of the hole. Conversely, in the above description, "the second shaft portion is smaller than the hole" means that the second shaft portion is a size that can penetrate the hole; for example, it means that in all directions perpendicular to the movement direction of the shaft portion 41h, the length of the second shaft portion is shorter than the length of the hole. According to the above, when the handle button 41 is pressed, the support surface 82j of the component holder portion 82 facing the handle button 41 contacts a portion of the inner side of the handle button 41 (specifically, the first shaft portion). In this case, the second shaft portion protrudes towards the back of the component holder portion 82 through the hole 82a to press the handle button rubber or detection part, while the first shaft portion does not pass through the hole 82a. Therefore, the movement of the handle button 41 towards the back can be restricted by the component holder portion 82. Consequently, concerns about the pressed handle button 41 exerting excessive force on the handle base plate 84 can be reduced. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shaft portion 41h may not have a portion larger than the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82, or it may be the entire size that passes through the hole 82a.

[0242] In the present embodiment, the left handle 6 is provided with a left handle unit that is left-right symmetrical to the right handle unit provided in the right handle 5. Specifically, the left handle unit has a left handle button 42, a handle substrate that has a detection portion that detects an input operation to the left handle button 42, and a vibration motor that is disposed inside the left handle 6. The detection portion and the vibration motor act in the same manner as the detection portion and the vibration motor disposed inside the right handle 5. Thus, in the left handle 6 as well, the effects described above with respect to the right handle 5 can be achieved.

[0243] After the right handle unit and the left handle unit are mounted to the housing 2, the first frame 51 is mounted to the housing 2. Figure 29 is a view that shows one example of a case where the first frame is mounted to the housing. The first frame 51 is mounted to the housing 2 in the state where the main substrate 66, the analog joysticks 22, 23, and the like are mounted (refer to Figure 18 ) as described above. In the present embodiment, the opening 2a is provided from the front surface to the upper surface of the housing 2, and thus, when the game controller 1 is assembled, it is easy to insert the first frame 51 into the inside of the housing 2 from the opening 2a.

[0244] For example, first, the lower side portion of the first frame 51 is inserted into the housing 2 (refer to the arrow of (1) shown in Figure 29 ), and in the state where the lower side portion is inserted into the housing 2, the upper side portion is rotated to be inserted into the housing 2 (refer to the arrow of (2) shown in Figure 29 ), and thus, the first frame 51 as a whole is housed in the housing 2. Here, in the present embodiment, the sound terminal 39 mounted to the main substrate 66 protrudes downward from the lower end of the first frame 51. In addition, the sound terminal 39 is provided in a manner that is exposed to the outside of the housing 2 from a hole provided in the lower surface of the housing 2. Thus, when the first frame 51 is housed in the housing 2, by inserting the sound terminal 39 into the hole of the housing 2 when the lower side portion is inserted into the housing 2, it is easy to arrange the first frame 51 at the appropriate position in the housing 2. In this way, in the present embodiment, the sound terminal 39 can be used for the alignment when the first frame 51 is fitted.

[0245] The first frame 51 housed in the housing 2 is fixed to the housing 2 by, for example, a screw. Here, in the present embodiment, at least the left and right sides of the first frame 51 and the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing 2 (i.e., the wall surfaces of the back sides of the side surfaces) are fixed. Figure 30 and Figure 31 is a view that shows one example of a state where the first frame 51 is fixed to the housing 2. Figure 30 is a view that shows the game controller 1 in the above-described state as viewed from the front surface, Figure 31is a view of the game controller 1 in the above state as viewed from above. In the present embodiment, the first frame 51 is provided with holes 51c, 51d (refer to Figure 16 ) at portions on both left and right sides that abut against inner walls of the side surface of the housing 2. The holes 51c, 51d are located at positions that are left-right symmetrical. As shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31 , the first frame 51 is fastened to the housing 2 by causing the screws 91 to threadedly engage with the holes provided in the inner walls of the side surface of the housing 2 in a state of passing through the holes 51c. Further, only the right side portion of the first frame 51 is shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31 , but the left side portion of the first frame 51 is also fastened to the housing 2 by causing the screws to threadedly engage in a state of passing through the holes 51d in the same manner as the right side portion.

[0246] Here, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with the opening 2a from the front surface to the upper surface, and thus, in a case where a force is applied to the housing 2, the housing 2 can be deformed around the opening 2a. Specifically, in a case where forces are applied to the two grips 5, 6 in a manner of being twisted toward different directions, the housing 2 can be deformed such that the width of the opening 2a (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) changes, or the left and right edges of the opening 2a are located at positions that are offset in the front-rear direction. In relation to this, in the present embodiment, by the left and right side surfaces of the housing 2 being fixed by the first frame 51, the rigidity of the game controller 1 can be improved, and thus, the concern of the deformation of the housing 2 can be reduced. Further, the first frame 51 can also have the same rigidity as or greater rigidity than the rigidity of the housing 2.

[0247] In the present embodiment, the position at which the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fixed is the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2, and is a position that is located on the upper side of the center in the vertical direction of the opening 2a when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (refer to Figure 30 ). In the present embodiment, the opening 2a is provided from the front surface to the upper surface of the housing 2, and thus, the housing 2 is easily deformed in a region on the upper side of the center of the opening 2a. Therefore, by fixing the first frame 51 and the housing 2 at the above position, the deformation of the housing 2 can be effectively suppressed. Further, in the present embodiment, the position at which the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fixed is a position on the upper side of the positions C shown in Figure 30 , but in other embodiments, the first frame 51 and the housing 2 can also be fixed at the positions of the left and right ends, or positions on the lower side of the positions of the left and right ends.

[0248] In the present embodiment, the holes 51c, 5 Id of the first frame 51, which are provided in order to fasten the first frame 51 and the case 2, extend in the up-down direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, an opening 2a is provided in the upper surface of the case 2. Thus, in the present embodiment, the screw fastening work with respect to the holes 51c, 5 Id can be easily performed from the portion on the upper side of the opening 2a.

[0249] In addition, as shown in Figure 31 , in the present embodiment, the hole 51c is located at a position that does not overlap the ZR button 33 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. Specifically, the hole 51c is located on the front side in the front-rear direction than the ZR button 33. In addition, at the point of time when the first frame 51 is attached to the case 2, the R button 31 and the L button 32 are not yet attached to the first frame 51 (see Figure 30 ). Thus, in the present embodiment, the screw fastening work with respect to the hole 51c, 5 Id can be more easily performed.

[0250] Further, in the present embodiment, the hole 51c is located at a position that overlaps the right bridge portion 4b of the upper cover 4 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. That is, the hole 51c is located at a position between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. Therefore, it is also possible to attach the R button 31 and the L button 32 to the first frame 51 before the first frame 51 is attached to the case 2. At this time, the screw 91 can be inserted from between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 to perform the screw fastening work with respect to the hole 51c.

[0251] As shown in Figure 31 , in the present embodiment, the hole 51c (more specifically, a portion of the hole 51c) is located at a position that overlaps the case 2 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 30 , the hole 51c is slightly inclined in a direction toward the inside in the left-right direction (i.e., the left direction) with reference to the upward direction of the game controller 1. Therefore, the screw fastening work can be performed in the above-described direction, and thus, even in the case where the hole 51c is located at a position that overlaps the case 2, the screw fastening work can be easily performed.

[0252] In the present embodiment, the positions at which the first frame 51 and the inner wall of the side surface of the case 2 are fixed are one position each on the left and right side surfaces, and can be fixed at a plurality of positions on one side surface.

[0253] In Figure 29Although not shown, in the present embodiment, the first frame 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the back surface of the housing 2 in addition to the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2. Specifically, a screw is screwed into a hole provided in the inner wall of the back surface of the housing 2 in a state where the screw passes through a hole that penetrates from the front surface to the back surface of the first frame 51, thereby fastening the first frame 51 to the housing 2. Thus, the first frame 51 can be more firmly fixed to the housing 2.

[0254] In other embodiments, the position at which the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fixed is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the first frame 51 can be fixed to the back surface of the housing 2 without being fixed to the side surface of the housing 2, or the first frame 51 can be fixed to the side surface of the housing 2 without being fixed to the back surface of the housing 2.

[0255] After the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2, the upper cover 4 and the like are attached to the first frame 51. Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the attachment of the upper cover 4 and the like to the first frame 51. In the present embodiment, the opening 2a also extends to the upper surface of the housing 2, and thus, the attachment of the upper cover 4 and the like to the first frame 51 is also facilitated. Figure 32 The attachment of the components shown above to the upper side of the first frame 51 is facilitated.

[0256] As shown in Figure 32 The R button 31 and the L button 32 are attached to the first frame 51. The R button 31 is disposed above the R key rubber 61, and the L button 32 is disposed above the L key rubber 62. In the present embodiment, the R button 31 is attached to the first frame 51 in a manner that allows the R button 31 to rotate using a shaft 31b that is disposed to the left of the operation surface 31a and extends in the front-rear direction. The L button 32 is attached to the first frame 51 in a manner that allows the L button 32 to rotate using a shaft 32b that is disposed to the right of the operation surface 32a and extends in the front-rear direction. Through the above, each of the buttons 31 and 32 is disposed in a manner that allows the operation surface to move (more accurately, to perform rotational movement about the shaft) in the up-down direction.

[0257] Further, in the present embodiment, the shafts 31b to 34b of the respective buttons 31 to 34 are disposed in the upper and lower direction at a position overlapping the upper cover 4 (i.e., a position that is blocked by the upper cover 4 when the game controller 1 is viewed from the upper surface). Specifically, the shafts 32b, 32b of the respective buttons 31, 32 are disposed below the central portion 4a of the upper cover 4. Further, the shaft 33b of the ZR button 33 is disposed below the right bridge portion 4b of the upper cover 4, and the shaft 34b of the ZL button 34 is disposed below the left bridge portion 4c of the upper cover 4. According to the above, the entire surface of the operation surface of each button 31 to 34 can be moved downward. Therefore, the user can operate any position of the operation surface of each button 31 to 34, and thus the operability of each button 31 to 34 can be improved.

[0258] Figure 33 is a view showing one example of the structure around the rotating shaft of the R button. In the present embodiment, the R button 31 is installed so as to be rotatable with respect to the first frame 51 by inserting the shaft 31b of the R button 31 into the bearing receiving portion 51e provided to the first frame 51. The bearing receiving portion 51e is in a shape that is open upward when viewed from the front. Here, the upper cover 4 has a protruding portion 4h protruding downward on the lower surface. The upper cover 4 is installed to the first frame 51 in a manner such that the protruding portion 4h is inserted into the opening of the bearing receiving portion 51e. Further, the bearing receiving portion 51e is disposed so as to be positioned below the operation surface 31a of the R button 31 when the upper cover 4 is installed to the first frame 51. Figure 33 In the view, the upper cover 4 is shown in a dashed line. According to the above, the possibility that the shaft 31b of the R button 31 will be pulled out of the bearing receiving portion 51e can be reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the L button 32 is installed to the first frame 51 is left-right symmetrical to the configuration in which the R button 31 is installed to the first frame 51. Also, in a state in which the upper cover 4 is installed to the first frame 51, the protruding portion of the upper cover 4 is inserted into the bearing receiving portion corresponding to the shaft 32b of the L button 32. Thereby, the possibility that the shaft 31b of the L button 32 will be pulled out of the bearing receiving portion can be reduced.

[0259] Further, a cushioning material can be provided between the upper cover 4 and each button 31 to 34 at an appropriate position in order to absorb the impact when the button hits the upper cover 4 at the time of returning the operation surface to the normal state after being pressed, or to reduce the high frequency vibration sound generated by the vibration to be discussed later. For example, a cushioning material can be provided between the arm portion connecting the operation surface 31a or the operation surface 32a and the shaft 31b or the shaft 32b of the R button 31 and the L button 32 and the upper cover 4. The cushioning material can be installed to the upper cover 4 or to each button 31 to 34.

[0260] As Figure 32As shown, a button 36 and a corresponding button rubber 92 are provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The button rubber 92 is positioned above a detection unit (e.g., a tactile switch) provided on the main substrate 66. The button 36 is positioned at a location exposed through the hole 4d in the top cover 4 and above the button rubber 92. The button rubber 92 elastically deforms according to the button 36 being pressed, and contacts the detection unit below. The detection unit detects that the button 36 has been operated by detecting that it itself has been pressed by the button rubber 92.

[0261] like Figure 32 As shown, a first lens 93, which is part of the first light-emitting part 37, and a second lens 94, which is part of the second light-emitting part 38, are provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The first lens 93 is positioned to be exposed through the hole 4e in the top cover 4. Furthermore, an LED of the first light-emitting part 37 is provided on the main substrate 66, below the first lens 93. Thus, when the LED of the first light-emitting part 37 is lit, light from the LED passes through the first lens 93 and the hole 4e and is emitted to the outside of the game controller 1.

[0262] In this embodiment, the second lens 94 is a structure in which four lenses are integrated, with the upper surface of each of the four lenses exposed through the four holes 4f of the top cover 4. The second lens 94 is mounted on the upper surface of the first frame 51. Each of the four lenses of the second lens 94 has a rearward-facing incident surface on its lower side. On the main substrate 66, four LEDs of the second light-emitting unit 38 are disposed near each of the aforementioned incident surfaces. Thus, when the LEDs of the second light-emitting unit 38 emit light, the light from the LEDs passes through the second lens 94 and the lenses and holes 4f corresponding to the LEDs and is emitted to the outside of the game controller 1.

[0263] like Figure 32 As shown, the aforementioned top cover 4 is provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The top cover 4 is fixed relative to the first frame 51 by screws. Furthermore, the top cover 4 is temporarily installed on the first frame 51 with the aforementioned button 36, button rubber 92, and first lens 93 temporarily fixed to it. Thus, the button 36, button rubber 92, and first lens 93 are fixed between the first frame 51 and the top cover 4. Additionally, in Figure 32 Although not shown in the figure, the connector 35 described above is mounted on the main substrate 66 in a manner that exposes it through the hole 4g ​​in the top cover 4.

[0264] Next, the second frame installed on the first frame 51 will be described. The second frame includes the buttons 11-19, the cross key 21, and the button rubber ( Figure 34The illustrated key rubber 72-78) is held by the component. Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view showing one example of the second frame and the component held by the second frame.

[0265] As Figure 34 illustrated, the second frame 71 has a shape in which the length in the up-down direction and the length in the left-right direction are longer than the thickness in the front-back direction. In the second frame 71, holes are provided at positions on the front surface of the game controller 1 corresponding to the positions of the respective buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21. The respective buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 each have a flange portion and a protruding portion including an operation surface. The respective protruding portions extend in the front-back direction so as to pass through the holes of the second frame 71. The flange portions extend in the up-down direction and the left-right direction from the rear end of the protruding portions. The flange portions are provided annularly on the entire circumference of the protruding portions (however, a notch for positioning with respect to the second frame 71 can be provided on a part of the annular portion). The respective buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 are provided at positions at which the respective operation surfaces protrude from the holes of the second frame 71 to the front surface side. According to the above, the respective buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 are each provided in a manner in which the button or the cross key is positioned in the up-down direction and the front-back direction by the second frame 71 and is movable in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, with respect to the respective buttons 11-14, a mute rubber 79 is provided between the flange portion of each button 11-14 and the second frame 71 in order to absorb the impact when the respective buttons 11-14 come into contact with the second frame 71.

[0266] As Figure 34As shown, button rubbers 72-78, corresponding to the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21, are respectively provided behind each button 11-19 and the cross key 21, which serve as the top of the buttons. The four button rubbers 72 are button rubbers corresponding to the four buttons 11-14. Each of the four button rubbers 72 has an abutment portion located behind each button 11-14 and a flange portion extending from the rear end of each abutment portion in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Each abutment portion of the four button rubbers 72 applies force to each button 11-14 in the forward direction by abutting against the back side of the operating surface of each button 11-14. Furthermore, each button rubber 73-77 corresponding to each button 15-19 has: an abutment portion located behind the corresponding button; a flange portion extending from the rear end of the abutment portion in the vertical and horizontal directions; and a wall portion extending from the outer periphery of each flange portion in the forward direction. Each button rubber 73-77 corresponding to each button 15-19 applies force to the button in the forward direction by abutting with the back side of the corresponding button's operating surface through its abutting portion. The cross-shaped button rubber 78 corresponding to the cross-shaped key 21 has: an abutting portion located behind the four operating surfaces of the cross-shaped key 21 (up, down, left, and right); and a flange portion extending from the rear end of each flange in the up-down and left-right directions. Each abutting portion of the cross-shaped button rubber 78 applies force to the cross-shaped key 21 (specifically, the four operating surfaces) in the forward direction by abutting with the back side of the four operating surfaces of the cross-shaped key 21. Furthermore, although not shown, in this embodiment, a protrusion surrounded by the wall portions of each button rubber 72-78 is provided on the back side (also referred to as the inside) of the second frame 71. Each button rubber 72-78 is positioned relative to the second frame 71 in the up-down and left-right directions by engaging with the protrusion through its wall portion.

[0267] The second frame 71 is covered by the top cover 4 and installed on the first frame 51 (see reference). Figure 32 Then install it onto frame 51. Figure 35 This diagram illustrates an example of mounting the second frame 71 relative to the first frame 51. (See diagram for example.) Figure 35 As shown, the second frame 71 is temporarily fixed. Figure 34 The components shown are mounted on the first frame 51. Furthermore, holes are provided in the second frame 71 at positions corresponding to the analog joysticks 22 and 23 mounted on the first frame 51. The second frame 71 is mounted to the first frame 51 such that the analog joysticks 22 and 23 pass through these holes. The second frame 71 is fixed to the first frame 51 by, for example, screws. The button rubbers 72-78 are fixed relative to each frame 51 and 71 by being clamped by the first frame 51 and the second frame 71. In this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided on the front of the housing 2, thus allowing for easy screw fixing and other operations from the front, facilitating the installation of the second frame 71.

[0268] As described above, on the membrane 52 installed on the front surface of the first frame 51, detection portions 54a to 54j are provided at positions corresponding to the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21 provided on the front surface of the game controller 1 (i.e., positions behind the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21) (see FIG. 6). Thus, depending on whether the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21 are pressed, the corresponding button rubber elastically deforms to come into contact with or press the detection portion 54a to 54j behind. The detection portions 54a to 54j respectively detect that the corresponding button is operated by detecting the contact or pressing of the button rubber. Further, the respective button rubbers apply a force to the corresponding button top (i.e., the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21) in the front surface direction, and in a state where the button top is not pressed, the respective button rubbers are in an ordinary state where they are not elastically deformed. Figure 16 ). Thus, depending on whether the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21 are pressed, the corresponding button rubber elastically deforms to come into contact with or press the detection portion 54a to 54j behind. The detection portions 54a to 54j respectively detect that the corresponding button is operated by detecting the contact or pressing of the button rubber. Further, the respective button rubbers apply a force to the corresponding button top (i.e., the respective buttons 11 to 19 and the cross key 21) in the front surface direction, and in a state where the button top is not pressed, the respective button rubbers are in an ordinary state where they are not elastically deformed.

[0269] Here, as described above, the front cover 3 is inclined in a manner that extends rearward as it goes outward in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, with respect to the buttons and the cross key provided on the front cover 3, the structure described below is adopted.

[0270] First, with respect to the button 11, the operation surface is arranged in a manner that is positioned further rearward than the operation surfaces of the other three buttons 12 to 14. Thus, the operation surfaces of the four buttons 11 to 14 are arranged in correspondence with the inclination of the front cover 3, and therefore, these buttons 11 to 14 can be easily operated.

[0271] Here, if it is assumed that the surface on which the respective detection portions 54a to 54d corresponding to the above-described four buttons 11 to 14 are provided is made flush, since the operation surface of the button 11 is arranged further rearward than the operation surfaces of the buttons 12 to 14 in correspondence with the inclination of the front cover 3, the distance from the operation surface of the button 11 to the detection portion 54a is shorter than the distance from the operation surfaces of the other three buttons 12 to 14 to the detection portions 54b to 54d. At this time, the sense of touch of the operation of the button 11 becomes a sense of touch different from that of the other three buttons 12 to 14, and the operation sense of the four buttons 11 to 14 can be different.

[0272] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first frame 51 is formed in a manner that the surface corresponding to the button 11 (i.e., the surface on which the detection portion 54a corresponding to the button 11 is provided) 51f is positioned further rearward than the surfaces 51g corresponding to the other three buttons 12 to 14 (see FIG. 6). In this way, it is possible to reduce the difference in the respective distances from the respective buttons 11 to 14 to the respective detection portions 54a to 54d, and it is possible to suppress the operation senses of the buttons 11 to 14 from being different. Figure 35

[0273] ​Further, in the present embodiment, in correspondence with the case where the above face 51f is located at a position further to the rear side than the face 51g, the four button rubbers 72 also become a shape in which the flange portion corresponding to the button 11 is located at a position further to the rear side than the flange portions corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see FIG. 10). Figure 34 Further, in the present embodiment, the button rubber corresponding to the button 11 (that is, the abutting portion and the flange portion corresponding to the button 11) is integrated with the button rubbers corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see FIG. 10). Figure 34 If it is assumed that the two button rubbers are provided separately, there is a possibility that the button rubber corresponding to the button 11 will deviate in a manner in which the abutting portion is rotated as a center. In the present embodiment, however, the two are integrated, and thus this possibility is reduced.

[0274] The cross key 21 is provided in a face in the front face cover 3 that is inclined in a manner extending to the rear side as it goes downward. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the game controller 1 taken by a face that is perpendicular to the left-right direction and that passes through the position of the cross key. Further, in Figure 36 , structures that are not related to the explanation (for example, the 2nd frame and the like) are omitted from the illustration.

[0275] As shown in Figure 36 , in the present embodiment, the cross key 21 is provided in a manner inclined in correspondence with the inclination of the front face cover 3 with respect to the operating face (see the single-dot chain line shown in Figure 36 ). Specifically, the cross key 21 is provided in an inclined manner from the front direction to the downward direction. Thereby, it is possible to improve the sense of operation of the cross key 21. It can also be that the operating face of the cross key 21 faces the downward direction as compared to the directions in which the operating faces of the respective buttons 11-18 (which are buttons disposed further to the upper side than the cross key 21) face.

[0276] Here, if it is assumed that the portion 51h of the 1st frame 51 in which the respective detection portions 54j corresponding to the cross key 21 are provided is perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the game controller 1, the difference between the distance from the lower-side operating face to the detection portion 54j and the distance from the upper-side operating face to the detection portion 54j in the cross key 21 becomes large. At this time, the sense of touch in the case where the lower-side operating face of the cross key 21 is pressed is different from the sense of touch in the case where the upper-side operating face is pressed, and thus there is a possibility that the sense of operation of the cross key 21 will be reduced.

[0277] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the 1st frame 51 is formed in a manner in which the portion (that is, the face in which the detection portion 54j corresponding to the cross key 21 is provided) 51h corresponding to the cross key 21 is inclined to the downward direction with respect to the front-rear direction of the game controller 1 (see Figure 36). That is, the normal direction of the surface 51h corresponding to the cross key 21 faces the downward direction compared with the front-rear direction of the game controller 1. Also, the rubber surface (refer to the dotted line shown in Figure 36 Fig. 17) of the key rubber 78 corresponding to the cross key 21 also faces the downward direction compared with the front-rear direction of the game controller 1. The above-mentioned surface 51h faces the downward direction with respect to the surface of the detection portion 54a-54h where each button 11-18 is provided. Further, the above-mentioned surface 51h, the rubber surface of the key rubber 78, and the operation surface (refer to the single-dot chain line shown in Figure 36 Fig. 17) of the cross key 21 can be arranged in parallel with each other.

[0278] According to the above, in the present embodiment, for the four operation surfaces of the cross key 21, it is possible to make the distance to the detection portion 54j equal, or to reduce the difference in the distance. Thereby, it is possible to make the sense of touch when the four operation surfaces of the cross key 21 are pressed close to uniform, and it is possible to improve the sense of operation of the cross key 21.

[0279] In the present embodiment, the detection portions 54a-54j are arranged on the first frame 51 using the diaphragm 52, and thus it becomes easy to arrange the detection portions on the surfaces having different positions in the front-rear direction, or to arrange the detection portions on the inclined surfaces, as described above.

[0280] As shown in Figure 35 Fig. 18, the second frame 71 has protruding portions 71a, 71b extending from the back surface toward the rear direction. Figure 37 Fig. 19 is a view showing an example of the positional relationship between the protruding portions of the second frame and the shafts of the ZR button and the ZL button. In Figure 37For the purpose of clearly illustrating their positional relationship, only the second frame 71, ZR button 33, and ZL button 34 are shown. In this embodiment, the shaft 33b of ZR button 33 is separately configured with the top of the button, including the operating surface 33a of ZR button 33. Furthermore, with the shaft 33b inserted into the hole at the top of the button, ZR button 33 is mounted on the first frame 51 by inserting the shaft 33b into the bearing joint located on the right side of the first frame 51. At this time, the shaft 33b is inserted into the bearing joint of the first frame 51 in a manner that moves from the inside to the outside (i.e., to the right) in the left-right direction, and because the outer end abuts against the first frame 51, it does not move outward by a certain amount. Here, the protrusion 71a extending rearward from the right side region of the back of the second frame 71 is provided to extend to the left of the shaft 33b. Specifically, the protrusion 71a is provided to the left of the inner end of the shaft 33b. In other words, after the ZR button 33 is installed onto the first frame 51, the second frame 71 is installed onto the first frame 51, thereby preventing the shaft 33b, which is inserted into the hole at the top of the button, from moving inward (i.e., to the left) and dislodging from the bearing joint. Furthermore, the bearing joint on the left side of the first frame 51, the protrusion 71b extending rearward from the left side of the back of the second frame 71, and the ZL button 34 are respectively symmetrically configured with respect to the bearing joint, protrusion 71a, and ZR button 33 on the right side of the first frame 51. Therefore, the protrusion 71b extending rearward from the left side of the back of the second frame 71 is positioned to extend to the side of the shaft 34b of the ZL button 34 already installed on the first frame 51. This prevents the shaft 34b from dislodging from the bearing joint of the first frame 51.

[0281] In this embodiment, the second frame 71, which is mounted on the first frame 51, is also fixed to the outer casing 2. In this embodiment, the second frame 71 is fixed to the outer casing 2 using a locking part, which is an example of a fixing member. Figure 38 This is a diagram showing an example of a game controller before the locking parts are installed. Figure 39 This is a diagram showing an example of a game controller after the locking mechanism has been installed.

[0282] like Figure 38 As shown, the game controller 1 includes a right locking part 95 and a left locking part 96. The right locking part 95 is positioned across the front side and right edge of the opening 2a, securing the right side portion of the second frame 71 and the right side portion of the housing 2. The left locking part 96 is positioned across the front side and left edge of the opening 2a, securing the left side portion of the second frame 71 and the left side portion of the housing 2.

[0283] The right locking part 95 has a second frame opposing portion 95a and a housing opposing portion 95b. The second frame opposing portion 95a is the portion opposite to the second frame 71 when the right locking part 95 is installed. The housing opposing portion 95b is the portion opposite to the housing 2 when the right locking part 95 is installed. The housing opposing portion 95b is located on the back side of the second frame opposing portion 95a. Specifically, the front side of the second frame opposing portion 95a is located on the front side of the game controller 1, which is closer to the front side of the housing opposing portion 95b than the front side of the housing opposing portion 95b. The second frame opposing portion 95a is provided with holes through which screws for fastening the second frame 71 and the right locking part 95 pass. That is, the second frame opposing portion 95a has a fastening portion for fastening to the second frame 71 by means of a fastening member. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned holes are provided near both ends of the second frame opposing portion 95a in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the housing opposing portion 95b is provided with holes for engaging with the protrusion 2j of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the aforementioned holes are respectively provided near both ends of the outer casing opposing portion 95b in the longitudinal direction. Two protrusions 2j are provided in the inner wall of the outer casing 2 at positions corresponding to the holes in the outer casing opposing portion 95b. Each protrusion 2j is provided near the edge of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2. Furthermore, the left locking member 96 has a shape that is symmetrical to the right locking member 95, and has the same second frame opposing portion 96a and outer casing opposing portion 96b as the right locking member 95. In addition, two protrusions 2k are provided in the inner wall of the outer casing 2 at positions symmetrical to the two protrusions 2j.

[0284] When installing the right locking part 95 onto the housing 2 and the second frame 71, first, insert the right locking part 95 into the gap between the housing 2 and the second frame 71 at the edge of the opening 2a (see reference). Figure 38 (As shown by the dashed arrow), so that the hole of the inserted outer casing 95b engages with the protrusion 2j of the outer casing 2 (refer to...). Figure 39 At this time, such as Figure 39 As shown, the threaded hole in the second frame 71 and the hole in the opposing portion 95a of the second frame are in the same position when viewed from the front. In this state, the right locking part 95 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 by threading a screw through the hole in the opposing portion 95a of the second frame into the threaded hole of the second frame 71. Thus, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 are fixed together by the right locking part 95. In addition, an opening 2a is provided on the front side of the controller, so the operation of fixing the screw with respect to the hole in the opposing portion 95a of the second frame and the threaded hole in the second frame 71 becomes easy.

[0285] Further, the left locking member 96 is also fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 in the same manner as the right locking member 95. That is, the left locking member 96 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 by making a screw pass through the hole of the second frame relative portion 96a and be screwed into the threaded hole of the second frame 71 in a state where the housing relative portion 96b is engaged with the protruding portion 2k of the housing 2.

[0286] As described above, in the present embodiment, the locking members 95, 96 are provided so as to straddle the edge of the front surface side of the opening 2a of the housing 2, and the housing 2 and the second frame 71 are fixed to each other. Thus, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 can be fixed to each other at the edge portion of the opening 2a. Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with the opening 2a from the front surface to the upper surface, and thus, in the case where a force is applied to the housing 2, the housing 2 can be deformed in the vicinity of the opening 2a. In this regard, by fixing the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to each other at the edge portion of the opening 2a using the locking members 95, 96 as described above, it is possible to suppress deformation of the housing 2. Further, in other embodiments, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 can be directly fixed to each other without using the locking members. For example, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 can be directly fastened by screws.

[0287] Further, each of the locking members 95, 96 has a portion having a hole into which the protruding portions 2j, 2k protruding from the inner wall of the housing 2 are inserted (i.e., the housing relative portions 95b, 96b), and a portion fastened to the second frame 71 by a fastening member (i.e., the second frame relative portions 95a, 96a). In this case, it is not necessary to provide the protruding portions and the holes on the surface of the housing 2 in order to fix the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to each other using the locking members 95, 96, and thus, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the grip feeling of the housing 2 due to the protruding portions and the holes. Further, by engaging the locking members 95, 96 and the housing 2, it is possible to make the assembly work of the game controller 1 easy. Moreover, by fastening the locking members 95, 96 and the second frame 71, it is possible to firmly fix them to each other. Further, the method of fixing the locking members 95, 96 and the housing 2 and the method of fixing the locking members 95, 96 and the second frame 71 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the locking members 95, 96 can be fixed to the housing 2 by fastening, and the locking members 95, 96 can be fixed to the second frame 71 by engagement.

[0288] Further, in other embodiments, the number of holes provided in the second frame relative portions 95a, 96a and the housing relative portions 95b, 96b of the locking members 95, 96 is not limited to two, but can be one, or more than three.

[0289] In this embodiment, each locking part 95, 96 is arranged such that it spans the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2, and extends upward from the end of the lower edge portion 2b extending in the left-right direction on the front side as the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d are respectively (see reference). Figure 39 From another perspective, the locking parts 95 and 96 are respectively positioned above the handles 5 and 6. Here, the aforementioned portions 2c and 2d (or, the positions above the handles 5 and 6) are prone to deformation of the housing 2 due to the application of force to the handles 5 and 6. In this embodiment, by providing locking parts 95 and 96 to the aforementioned portions 2c and 2d, the aforementioned deformation can be effectively suppressed.

[0290] Furthermore, the position of the locking parts is arbitrary. For example, in this embodiment, each locking part 95 and 96 is provided on the portion of the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d of the front side that is lower than the center in the vertical direction. In other embodiments, they may also be provided on the portion of the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d of the front side that is higher than the center in the vertical direction. Alternatively, for example, the locking parts may also be provided on the lower edge portion 2b of the opening 2a of the housing 2.

[0291] In addition, such as Figure 39 As shown, in this embodiment, the right locking part 95 is positioned in the left-right direction, overlapping with buttons 11 and 12. The right locking part 95 is positioned in the up-down direction, overlapping with button 12. The right locking part 95 is positioned in the up-down direction, overlapping with button 19. Furthermore, the left locking part 96 is positioned below the lower end of the left analog stick 23. The left locking part 96 is positioned below the lower end of the hole through which the left analog stick 23 passes. The left locking part 96 is positioned to the left of the lower key portion of the cross key 21. The left locking part 96 is positioned in the left-right direction, overlapping with the cross key 21 (more specifically, the left key portion of the cross key 21). By arranging the locking parts 95 and 96 as described above, the second frame 71 and the outer casing 2 can be fixed together within the limited space of the second frame 71.

[0292] In this embodiment, each locking part 95 and 96 is shaped to have a second frame opposing portion and a housing opposing portion (that is, the portion opposing the second frame 71 is located on the front side, and the portion opposing the housing 2 is located on the rear side). Furthermore, the front surface of the second frame 71 is recessed in an area for the second frame opposing portion to be disposed (see reference). Figure 38). Thus, the distance in the front-rear direction from the front surface of the second frame 71 (except for the area where the second frame opposing portion is provided) to the front surface of the casing 2 can be shortened, and thus the thickness of the game controller 1 can be suppressed. Further, by providing the above-described area at the end portion of the second frame 71, a gap is created between the second frame 71 and the casing 2. By inserting the casing opposing portion of the locking member into the casing 2 from this gap (see the arrow), the mounting of the locking member can be facilitated. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shape of the locking member is arbitrary, and can be, for example, a flat shape. Figure 38

[0293] Further, in the present embodiment, the method of fixing the inner wall of the side surface of the casing 2 and the first frame 51 is used together with the method of fixing the casing 2 and the second frame 71 with the locking member (see Figure 30 and Figure 31 ). Thus, the deformation of the casing 2 can be effectively suppressed. That is, in the present embodiment, by using the above-described two fixing methods, the deformation of the casing 2 can be effectively suppressed even without increasing the portion of the rim of the opening 2a of the casing 2 where the locking member is provided. Thus, the arrangement of each input portion, screw hole, and the like in the second frame 71 can be suppressed from being limited by the arrangement of the locking member.

[0294] Further, in the present embodiment, the position at which the inner wall of the side surface of the casing 2 and the first frame 51 are fixed (i.e., the position of the screw 91 shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31 ) is a position on the upper side in the up-down direction than the locking member 95. Thus, the deformation of the casing 2 can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, in other embodiments, only one of the above-described two methods can be used. The deformation of the casing 2 can be suppressed even if only one of the above-described two methods is used.

[0295] After the second frame 71 is mounted in the casing 2, the front cover 3 is mounted to the casing 2. Figure 40 is a view showing one example of the case where the front cover 3 is mounted with respect to the casing 2. In the present embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71 in the casing 2. For example, the front surface of the second frame 71 and the back surface of the front cover 3 are fixed by adhesion. Further, in the front cover 3, holes are provided at positions corresponding to each input portion (i.e., the buttons 11 to 19, the cross key 21, and the analog sticks 22 and 23) arranged on the front surface of the game controller 1. The front cover 3 is mounted to the casing 2 such that each input portion passes through the hole corresponding thereto. Thus, each input portion is arranged in a state protruding from the front surface of the front cover 3.

[0296] ​As described above, in the present embodiment, the front cover 3 is provided so as to cover the front surface of the second frame 71 provided on the front surface side of the first frame 51. The second frame 71 can be protected by covering the front surface of the second frame with the cover. Further, in other embodiments, the game controller 1 need not separately include the second frame 71 and the front cover 3, and can be configured to include only the second frame 71. In this case, the second frame 71 can also have a function of blocking at least a part of the opening 2a (that is, the second frame 71 can also have the function of the front cover 3).

[0297] Further, in a state in which the front cover 3 is not attached, a fixing member (specifically, a screw) for fixing the second frame 71 to the first frame 51 is exposed on the front surface of the second frame 71. In the present embodiment, the front cover 3 is disposed so as to cover the fixing member. Thus, in the present embodiment, the hand of the user who holds the game controller 1 does not come into contact with the fixing member, and thus the sense of use and the sense of grip of the game controller 1 can be improved.

[0298] Further, the front cover 3 is provided so as to cover the above-described locking members 95 and 96. Thus, the hand of the user who holds the game controller 1 does not come into contact with the locking members 95 and 96, and thus the sense of use and the sense of grip of the game controller 1 can be improved. Further, entry of dust and the like from the gap between the locking members 95 and 96 and the housing 2 or the second frame 71 into the housing 2 can be suppressed.

[0299] Further, the front cover 3 need not cover the entire second frame 71. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 can be shaped so as not to cover the position of the fixing member for fixing the second frame 71 to the first frame 51, and can be shaped so as not to cover the position of the above-described locking members 95 and 96.

[0300] In the present embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71 as well as the housing 2. As described above, the front cover 3 is provided so as to cover the front surface of the second frame 71. Thus, the second frame 71 can be protected by covering the front surface of the second frame with the front cover 3. Figure 2 and Figure 40In the present embodiment, the front cover 3 has first engaging portions 3a, 3b at the outer edge of the back surface. In the present embodiment, the front cover 3 has the first engaging portion 3a at the upper right portion and the first engaging portion 3b at the upper left portion. The first engaging portions 3a, 3b are, for example, claw-like members that are provided protruding toward the back surface. In addition, the housing 2 has second engaging portions that engage with the first engaging portions 3a, 3b at positions where the front cover 3 engages with the first engaging portions 3a, 3b in a state where the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71. The second engaging portions are, for example, portions in the housing 2 that have recesses into which the claw-like first engaging portions 3a, 3b of the front cover 3 engage. According to the above, the front cover 3 is fixed with respect to the housing 2 by the first engaging portions 3a, 3b of the front cover 3 engaging with the second engaging portions of the housing 2. According to the above, the front cover 3 can be attached without using fastening members such as screws, and thus, it is not necessary to provide concavities and convexities formed by screws and screw holes for fixing the front cover 3 to the housing 2 on the surface of the game controller 1. Thus, these concavities and convexities do not come into contact with the hand of a user who holds the game controller 1, and thus, it is possible to improve the feeling of use and the feeling of grip of the game controller 1. In this way, the front cover 3 is directly or indirectly assembled to the housing 2. That is, the front cover 3 cannot be disassembled with respect to the housing 2. Furthermore, being able to be disassembled means a configuration in which a user can perform a plurality of attachment operations and detachment operations. For example, being able to be disassembled means that the front cover 3 can be disassembled without using a tool or without applying a very large force. Furthermore, the front cover 3 can also be able to be disassembled.

[0301] In the present embodiment, the first engaging portions 3a, 3b are provided at positions different from the above-described locking members 95, 96. Specifically, the locking members 95, 96 are provided at positions lower than the center in the vertical direction on the front right edge portion 2c or the front left edge portion 2d of the housing 2, and the first engaging portions 3a, 3b are provided at positions higher than the center in the vertical direction on the front right edge portion 2c or the front left edge portion 2d. In this way, it is possible to fix the edge of the opening 2a at a plurality of positions, and thus, it is possible to reduce the concern that deformation of the housing 2 will occur.

[0302] As Figure 40As shown, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 has a protruding portion 2m extending toward the inside of the opening 2a when the housing 2 is viewed from the front side, in the vicinity of the edge of the opening 2a. The protruding portion 2m protrudes in a manner extending toward the inside of the opening 2a from a position of the edge of the opening 2a on the back side from the front side of the housing 2. The front cover 3 can be fixed to the protruding portion 2m as described above, or can be fixed to the housing 2. For example, the back side of the front cover 3 can be adhered to the front side of the protruding portion 2m. According to the above, the front cover 3 and the housing 2 can be firmly fixed, and the concern that a gap will occur between the housing 2 and the front cover 3 can be reduced. Further, the distance in the front-back direction from the front side of the housing 2 to the front side of the protruding portion 2m of the edge of the opening 2a can be set to be the same as the thickness of the front cover 3. Thus, the front side of the housing 2 and the front side of the front cover 3 can be flush, and the grip feeling of the game controller 1 can be improved.

[0303] Further, the position and the number of the protruding portion 2m are arbitrary, and can be provided in at least one of the lower edge portion 2b, the front right edge portion 2c, and the front left edge portion 2d of the opening 2a, or can be provided in all of the portions 2b to 2d. Alternatively, the housing 2 can not have the protruding portion 2m.

[0304] Further, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 can be fixed only to one of the second frame 71 and the housing 2. Further, the method of fixing the front cover 3 to the second frame 71 and the method of fixing the front cover 3 to the housing 2 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 and the second frame 71 can be fastened by screws. Further, for example, the front cover 3 and the housing 2 can be fastened by screws.

[0305] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a game controller having the following structure.

[0306] • At least one operation portion accessible from the front side of the game controller and operable by a user.

[0307] • A main body.

[0308] • A first grip button and a second grip button.

[0309] • The main body seamlessly has: a back portion; a first grip portion extending from the left side of the main body formed in a manner to cover the periphery of the internal space; and a second grip portion extending from the right side of the main body formed in a manner to cover the periphery of the internal space.

[0310] • The first grip button is provided to the first grip portion, and the second grip button is provided to the second grip portion.

[0311] • A first groove is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the first grip portion, the first groove having a bottom portion of a curved track toward a left side of the game controller along from a portion of a lower side of the rear portion of the main body closer to a central axis of the game controller.

[0312] • A second groove is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the second grip portion, the second groove having a bottom portion of a curved track toward a right side of the game controller along from a portion of a lower side of the rear portion of the main body closer to a central axis of the game controller.

[0313] • The first grip button is located in a position close to an end portion of the first grip portion and the bottom portion of the first groove.

[0314] • The second grip button is located in a position close to an end portion of the second grip portion and the bottom portion of the second groove.

[0315] • One side of the first grip button on the side of the bottom portion of the first groove is curved in the same manner as the bottom portion of the first groove.

[0316] • One side of the second grip button on the side of the bottom portion of the second groove is curved in the same manner as the bottom portion of the second groove.

[0317] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a game controller having the following structure.

[0318] • A panel.

[0319] • An upper cover.

[0320] • A main body.

[0321] • The main body includes: a rear portion; a first grip portion formed in a manner to cover a periphery of an internal space; and a second grip portion formed in a manner to cover a periphery of the internal space.

[0322] • The first grip portion and the second grip portion each extend from opposite sides of the rear portion, the rear portion, the first grip portion, and the second grip portion being formed seamlessly.

[0323] • A first valley is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the first grip portion.

[0324] • The first valley has a first valley bottom portion extending upward at least partially in a vertical direction and extending leftward at least partially in a horizontal direction.

[0325] • A second valley is formed at a transition from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the second grip portion.

[0326] • The second valley has a second valley bottom that extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially to the right in the lateral direction.

[0327] • The game controller includes an operation portion that is located on a front side of the game controller and is operable by a user, and includes at least one of a button and a direction input portion.

[0328] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a game controller having the following structure.

[0329] (A-1)

[0330] One example of the present application is a game controller for a user to hold and perform input operations. The game controller includes a main body portion, an input portion, a left grip, a right grip, a first button, and a second button. The input portion is provided on a front surface of the main body portion. The left grip protrudes at least partially downward and at least partially rearward from a left side portion of the main body portion in such a manner that a first valley is formed at least partially between the rear surface of the game controller and the main body portion, the first valley having a first valley bottom that extends toward a side surface of the game controller as it goes upward. The right grip protrudes at least partially downward and at least partially rearward from a right side portion of the main body portion in such a manner that a second valley is formed at least partially between the rear surface of the game controller and the main body portion, the second valley having a second valley bottom that extends toward the side surface of the game controller as it goes upward. The first button is separated from the first valley bottom and is provided along the first valley bottom in the left grip. The second button is separated from the second valley bottom and is provided along the second valley bottom in the right grip. The width of the side surface side of each of the operation surface of the first button and the operation surface of the second button in the lateral direction of the game controller is wider than the width of the center side in the lateral direction of the game controller.

[0331] (A-2)

[0332] According to the structure of (A-1) described above, it can also be that the wider the width of each of the operation surface of the first button and the operation surface of the second button is, the more toward the side surface side from the center side in the lateral direction of the game controller.

[0333] (A-3)

[0334] According to the structure of any one of (A-1) to (A-5) described above, the outer edge of the operation surface of the first button and the outer edge of the operation surface of the second button can have a first line extending toward the side surface of the game controller along the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, and a second line extending toward the side surface of the game controller away from the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, opposite to the first line. The distance between the first line and the second line can be longer toward the side surface of the game controller.

[0335] (A-4)

[0336] According to the structure of any one of (A-1) to (A-5) described above, the outer edge of the operation surface of the first button and the outer edge of the operation surface of the second button can have a first line extending toward the side surface of the game controller along the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, and a second line extending toward the side surface of the game controller away from the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, opposite to the first line. The distance between the first line and the second line can be longer toward the side surface of the game controller.

[0337] (A-5)

[0338] According to the structure of any one of (A-1) to (A-5) described above, the outer edge of the operation surface of the first button and the outer edge of the operation surface of the second button can have a first line extending toward the side surface of the game controller along the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, and a second line extending toward the side surface of the game controller away from the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, opposite to the first line. The distance between the first line and the second line can be longer toward the side surface of the game controller.

[0339] (A-6)

[0340] According to the structure of any one of (A-1) to (A-5) described above, the outer edge of the operation surface of the first button and the outer edge of the operation surface of the second button can have a first line extending toward the side surface of the game controller along the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, and a second line extending toward the side surface of the game controller away from the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom, respectively, opposite to the first line. The distance between the first line and the second line can be longer toward the side surface of the game controller.

[0341] (A-7)

[0342] According to the structure of the above (A-6), it can also be that the fourth line is longer than the third line.

[0343] (A-8)

[0344] According to the structure of the above (A-6) or (A-7), it can also be that both the first line and the second line are longer than the fourth line.

[0345] (A-9)

[0346] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-3) to (A-8), it can also be that the first line is longer than the second line.

[0347] (A-10)

[0348] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-6) to (A-8), it can also be that the fourth line is a straight line or a curve that is gentler than the third line.

[0349] (A-11)

[0350] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-10), it can also be that, for the corners of the operation surface of the first button and the operation surface of the second button, respectively, on the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller, the curvature of the upper corner is smaller than the curvature of the lower corner.

[0351] (A-12)

[0352] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-11), it can also be that the operation surface of the first button and the operation surface of the second button are shapes that match the shape from the first joint to the fingertip of the finger on the lower side in the up-down direction toward the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller.

[0353] (A-13)

[0354] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-12), it can also be that the left handle and the right handle are part of a housing that is one component having an opening across the front surface and the upper surface of the game controller. It can also be that the game controller is provided with a first cover that seals at least part of the opening in the front surface of the game controller.

[0355] (A-14)

[0356] According to the structure of any one of (A-1) to (A-13) described above, the game controller can include a first holder provided in the left handle, a first substrate, and a first vibration component. The first substrate can be fixed to the first holder and have a first detection portion that detects an input operation to the first button. The first vibration component can be fixed to the first holder. The game controller can include a second holder provided in the right handle, a second substrate, and a second vibration component. The second substrate can be fixed to the second holder and have a second detection portion that detects an input operation to the second button. The second vibration component can be fixed to the second holder.

[0357] (A-15)

[0358] Another example of the present application is a game controller for a user to hold and perform an input operation. The game controller includes a main body portion, an input portion, a left handle, a right handle, a first button, and a second button. The input portion is provided on a front surface of the main body portion. The left handle protrudes downward and at least partially rearward from a left side portion of the main body portion so as to form a first valley with the main body portion at least partially on a rear surface of the game controller, the first valley having a first valley bottom extending toward a side surface of the game controller as it goes upward. The right handle protrudes downward and at least partially rearward from a right side portion of the main body portion so as to form a second valley with the main body portion at least partially on the rear surface of the game controller, the second valley having a second valley bottom extending toward the side surface of the game controller as it goes upward. The first button is provided in a vicinity of the first valley bottom of the left handle and on a side opposite the main body portion across the first valley bottom. The second button is provided in a vicinity of the second valley bottom of the right handle and on a side opposite the main body portion across the second valley bottom. Outer edges of an operation surface of the first button and an operation surface of the second button have a first line, a second line, a third line, and a fourth line. The first line respectively extends toward the side surface of the game controller as it goes upward and respectively along the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom. The second line is respectively farther from the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom than the first line and opposite the first line. The third line connects center side end portions of the first line and the second line in a left-right direction of the game controller. The fourth line connects end portions of the first line and the second line on a side opposite the center side end portions in the left-right direction of the game controller. The first line and the second line are longer than the third line and the fourth line.

[0359] (A-16)

[0360] According to the structure of (A-15) described above, the fourth line can be longer than the third line.

[0361] (A-17)

[0362] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-15) to (A-16), it can also be that the first line is longer than the second line.

[0363] (A-18)

[0364] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-15) to (A-17), it can also be that the farther from the center side toward the side surface side in the left-right direction of the game controller, the second line is farther from the first valley bottom or the second valley bottom corresponding to each second line, and farther from the first line.

[0365] (A-19)

[0366] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-18), it can also be that in the front-rear direction, the rear end of the operation surface of the first button is located at a position on the front side than the rear end of the left handle, and the rear end of the operation surface of the second button is located at a position on the front side than the rear end of the right handle.

[0367] (A-20)

[0368] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-19), it can also be that the first button and the second button are provided at a position that is visible when the game controller is viewed from the back side and is not visible when the game controller is viewed from the front side and the side surface.

[0369] (A-21)

[0370] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-20), it can also be that the first button has an operation surface that is a curved surface along a curved surface of the left handle around the first button, and the second button has an operation surface that is a curved surface having a curved surface of the right handle around the second button.

[0371] (A-22)

[0372] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-21), it can also be that the game controller has a first substrate, a second substrate, and a third substrate. At least a part of the first substrate is provided inside the main body portion. At least a part of the second substrate is provided inside the left handle and has a first detection portion that outputs a signal corresponding to depression of the first button. At least a part of the third substrate is provided inside the right handle and has a second detection portion that outputs a signal corresponding to depression of the second button. It can also be that the second substrate and the third substrate are electrically connected to the first substrate, respectively.

[0373] (A-23)

[0374] According to the structure of the above (A-22), the game controller can have a first holder and a second holder. At least a part of the first holder is disposed inside the left grip, and the first substrate and the first vibration member are fixed to the first holder. At least a part of the second holder is disposed inside the right grip, and the second substrate and the second vibration member are fixed to the second holder.

[0375] (A-24)

[0376] According to the structure of any one of the above (A-1) to (A-23), the back surface of the game controller can be curved toward the front from above the first valley bottom and the second valley bottom toward the side surface from the center in the left-right direction of the game controller.

[0377] (A-25)

[0378] Another example of the present application is a game controller including at least one operation part, a main body, and a first grip button and a second grip button. The operation part is accessible from a front side of the game controller and is operable by a user. The main body seamlessly has a rear portion, a first grip portion extending from a left side of the main body to cover a periphery of an internal space, and a second grip portion extending from a right side of the main body to cover the periphery of the internal space. The first grip button is provided in the first grip portion. The second grip button is provided in the second grip portion. A first groove is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the first grip portion. The first groove has a bottom portion of a curved track toward a left side of the game controller from a portion of the rear portion of the main body closer to a center axis of the game controller. A second groove is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the second grip portion. The second groove has a bottom portion of a curved track toward a right side of the game controller from a portion of the rear portion of the main body closer to the center axis of the game controller. The first grip button is positioned closer to an end portion of the first grip portion and the bottom portion of the first groove than to the bottom portion of the first groove. The second grip button is positioned closer to an end portion of the second grip portion and the bottom portion of the second groove than to the bottom portion of the second groove. One side of the first grip button on the side of the bottom portion of the first groove is curved in the same manner as the curved manner of the bottom portion of the first groove. One side of the second grip button on the side of the bottom portion of the second groove is curved in the same manner as the curved manner of the bottom portion of the second groove.

[0379] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a structure having the following.

[0380] (B-1)

[0381] A game controller of one embodiment of the present application includes a main body, a first grip and a second grip, a first button, a second button, a first holder, a first substrate, a first vibration component, a second holder, a second substrate, and a second vibration component. An input portion is provided on the front surface of the main body. The first grip and the second grip protrude downward from the left and right of the main body and are held by the user. The first button is provided in the first grip. The second button is provided in the second grip. The first holder is provided in the first grip. The first substrate is provided in the first grip, is fixed to the first holder, and includes a first detection portion that detects an input operation to the first button. The first vibration component is provided in the first grip and is fixed to the first holder. The second holder is provided in the second grip. The second substrate is provided in the second grip, is fixed to the second holder, and includes a second detection portion that detects an input operation to the second button. The second vibration component is provided in the second grip and is fixed to the second holder.

[0382] (B-2)

[0383] According to the structure of (B-1) above, the game controller can include a third substrate, a first connector, and a second connector. The third substrate is provided in the main body and processes a signal from the first detection portion. The first connector includes a wiring connected to the first substrate and a wiring connected to the first vibration component. The second connector is provided in the third substrate and is electrically connected to the first connector.

[0384] (B-3)

[0385] According to the structure of (B-1) or (B-2) above, a buffer member can be provided between the first substrate and the first vibration component.

[0386] (B-4)

[0387] According to the structure of any one of (B-1) to (B-3) above, the game controller can include a key rubber. The key rubber is provided between the first holder and the first detection portion, applies a force to the first button in the outer side of the game controller, and is deformed to be in contact with the first detection portion depending on whether the first button is pressed.

[0388] (B-5)

[0389] According to the structure of (B-4) above, a support surface that comes in contact with the inner side of the first button depending on whether the first button is pressed can be provided in the first holder on the first button side.

[0390] (B-6)

[0391] According to the structure of the above (B-5), the first button can have an operation surface and a protruding portion protruding from the opposite side of the operation surface. The first holder can be positioned between the key rubber and the operation surface, and can have a portion provided with a hole. The protruding portion can have a first protruding portion having a size that does not pass through the hole, and a second protruding portion provided at a position closer to the top than the first protruding portion and passing through the hole. The key rubber can be pressed and deformed by the second protruding portion depending on the pressing of the operation surface. The first protruding portion can come into contact with the support surface after the key rubber is deformed by the second protruding portion depending on the pressing of the operation surface.

[0392] (B-7)

[0393] According to the structure of any one of the above (B-1) to (B-3), the first holder can have a hole provided between the operation surface of the first button provided on one side of the first holder and the first substrate provided on the other side of the first holder. The first button can have a protruding portion extending from the back side of the operation surface and passing through the hole. The game controller can have an elastic member. The elastic member can be pressed and deformed by the protruding portion depending on the pressing of the first button, and can come into contact with the first detection portion.

[0394] (B-8)

[0395] According to the structure of any one of the above (B-1) to (B-7), the first holder can have a first holder portion and a second holder portion. The first substrate can be fixed to the first holder portion, and the first holder portion can be fixed to the inner wall of the first grip. The first vibration component can be fixed to the second holder portion, and the second holder portion can be fixed to the first holder portion.

[0396] (B-9)

[0397] According to the structure of the above (B-8), the first holder portion can have a guide portion. The guide portion can guide the second holder portion toward a fixed position between the first holder portion.

[0398] (B-10)

[0399] According to the structure of the above (B-9), the game controller can have a housing. The above housing can be a single housing having the above first grip and the second grip, and having an opening on at least the upper surface of the game controller. The guide portion can be configured to guide the second holder portion toward the top end of the first grip with respect to the first holder portion fixed to the inner side of the first grip.

[0400] (B-11)

[0401] According to the structure of any one of the above (B-8) to (B-10), the game controller can have a housing. The above housing is a single housing having the above first handle and the second handle, and having an opening in at least the upper surface of the game controller. The first holder portion and the second holder portion fixed to the inner side of the first handle can be fixed by a fastening member toward the top end direction of the first handle.

[0402] The above structures are one example. In the above structures, a part of the elements can be excluded. The elements can be appropriately combined.

[0403] [Structure of Modification Example]

[0404] The above embodiments are merely examples, and the structures can be appropriately deleted or replaced. For example, in the above embodiments, the housing, the handle button, and the holder in the handle are disclosed as one component, but the controller need not have all of these, and the configurations can be changed.

[0405] Figure 41 is a view showing one example of a housing of a game controller of a modification example of the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 41 In other embodiments, the housing 110 can be a structure in which the opening 110a provided on the front surface and the opening 110b provided on the upper surface are separately provided instead of the structure in which the openings are provided from the front surface to the upper surface. In other words, the housing 110 can be a structure having the rim 110c that divides the upper opening 110b and the lower opening 110a in a manner that the opening 110a provided on the front surface and the opening 110b provided on the upper surface are separately provided. In such a structure, it is possible to provide that no division line is generated on the side surface of the controller.

[0406] The controller can have a cover that seals the openings provided on the back surface, the side surface, and the handle. Alternatively, the controller can not have the cover.

[0407] Figure 42 is a view showing one example of a game controller of a modification example of the above embodiments. Figure 42 is a view of the game controller viewed from the back surface. As shown in Figure 42 In addition to having the above handle buttons 41 and 42, the game controller has additional handle buttons 111 and 112 provided on the handles 5 and 6. Thus, the game controller 1 can be a structure in which a plurality of handle buttons are provided on one handle. At this time, it can be a structure in which at least one handle button is provided along the above valley (V) of the handle. Figure 42(As shown by the dashed lines) The handle buttons may not all be positioned along the valley floor. For example, each handle button 41, 42, 111, 112 may be positioned such that the edge of its respective operating surface closest to the valley floor is aligned with the valley floor. Furthermore, in each handle 5 or handle 6, the operating surface of the upper handle button 41 or handle button 42 is wider than the operating surface of the lower handle button 111 or handle button 112, but the area of ​​each operating surface is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the operating surface of handle button 111 or handle button 112 may also be wider than the operating surface of handle button 41 or handle button 42.

[0408] In addition, Figure 42 In the illustrated structure, the retainer for the handle unit can be one for each handle. That is, the two detection units corresponding to the two handle buttons provided on one handle can also be held by one retainer. Furthermore, the two detection units can be provided on one substrate or on different substrates, each substrate being held by one retainer. In other embodiments, one handle retainer can also be provided for each handle button.

[0409] Figure 43 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller that is a variation of the above-described embodiment. Figure 43 This is a picture showing the game controller from the back. Game controllers can also have... Figure 43 The right handle button 121 and left handle button 122 shown replace the aforementioned handle buttons 41 and 42. Each handle button 121 and 122 is longer in the direction of extension of the handle 5 or handle 6 than the aforementioned handle buttons 41 and 42 in the same direction. Furthermore, in Figure 43 In the example shown, similar to the above implementation, each handle button 121, 122 is along the valley bottom ( Figure 43 The dashed line shown is used for setting. For example... Figure 43 As shown, by setting a handle button that extends a considerable distance in the direction of handle extension, the number of operable parts of the handle button can be increased.

[0410] In addition, Figure 43In the illustrated structure, the game controller can also be provided with a plurality of (for example, two) detection portions for one handle button. Specifically, the game controller can be provided with a first button rubber and a first detection portion on the back side of the upper side portion of the operation surface of the handle button, and a second button rubber and a second detection portion on the back side of the lower side portion of the operation surface. At this time, the first button rubber is elastically deformed in accordance with the upper side portion of the operation surface being pressed down by the user, and comes into contact with the first detection portion on the back side. The first detection portion detects that the upper side portion of the operation surface has been operated by detecting the contact of the first button rubber. In addition, the second button rubber is elastically deformed in accordance with the lower side portion of the operation surface being pressed down by the user, and comes into contact with the second detection portion on the back side. The second detection portion detects that the lower side portion of the operation surface has been operated by detecting the contact of the second button rubber. As described above, each handle button 121, 122 can also have two kinds of operation surfaces corresponding to operation inputs, respectively.

[0411] In addition, the controller can also have an arbitrary detection portion as a detection portion for detecting operation of the handle button (specifically, a structure within the housing). For example, the controller can not have a handle substrate, and the detection portion corresponding to the handle button can be provided to the main body substrate.

[0412] The controller can have an arbitrary shape of housing having a handle. For example, the controller can have a housing of a single component provided with a step or a groove that a user feels as a hand feeling on the handle and / or the side surface of the controller. In addition, the controller can have a housing formed by combining a plurality of housings. For example, the controller can have a housing formed by combining a front-side housing and a rear-side housing. In addition, the controller can have a handle cover covering the handle portion of the combined housing. In addition, the controller can have a housing formed by combining a housing constituting a main body portion and a housing constituting a handle. In addition, the controller can have a housing formed by combining a main body portion and a housing constituting a part of a handle and a housing constituting the remaining part of the handle.

[0413] The controller can have a button at an arbitrary position on the back surface of the controller. For example, the operation surface of the handle button can not follow the valley. For example, the operation surface of the handle button can have a corner protruding toward the valley. For example, a button can be provided on the back surface of the main body portion. For example, a button can be provided from the back surface of the main body portion to the back surface of the handle.

[0414] The number of handles provided to the controller can be an arbitrary number. The holder in the above-described embodiment can be provided inside at least one handle.

[0415] The controller can have a shape that can be held and operated with one hand. For example, the controller can be a game controller having a handle portion and a main body portion, and the handle portion can be provided with a grip portion and a grip portion cover. Figure 1The left controller having the shape of the left side of the center as the overall shape and being held by the left hand, the right controller having the shape of the right side of the center as the overall shape and being held by the right hand, or a set of the left controller and the right controller can be illustrated. Further, at least one of the right side surface of the left controller and the left side surface of the right controller can have a mounting structure, and the left controller or the right controller can be detachably mounted to the game device, the peripheral device, or each other by the mounting structure. The mounting structure is not limited, and for example, at least one of a fitting structure, a locking structure, a press-in structure, and a magnetic attraction structure can be used. At least one of the left controller and the right controller can have a grip button. For example, at least one of the position and the shape of the grip button of the left controller can be based on the position or the shape of the left grip button of the controller in the embodiment. In addition, at least one of the position and the shape of the grip button of the right controller can be based on the position or the shape of the right grip button of the controller in the embodiment. As one example of the position of the grip button of the left controller, the left controller can have a grip that protrudes downward and at least partially toward the back surface in a manner that a valley including a valley bottom extending toward the left side surface as it goes upward is at least partially formed on the back surface and the main body portion, and the grip button can be provided at a position separated from the valley bottom and along the valley bottom. The right controller can be the same. Further, the shape of the left controller and the right controller is not limited. In addition, the shape and the number of the housings of the left controller and the right controller are not limited.

[0416] The fixing method of the various members is one example. In addition, the fastening member in the above embodiment is one example. The fastening member can be, for example, a screw, a rivet, a bolt, a clip, a pin, a hook, or the like.

[0417] The game controller of the above embodiment can be used, for example, for a game application program executed in any information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like. That is, the game controller of the above embodiment can be used by a user to instruct any information processing device that executes a game application program.

[0418] In the above embodiment, the game controller for instructing a game application program is described, but the game controller of the above embodiment can be used, for example, as a controller for instructing an application program other than a game.

[0419] Moreover, the information processing system can not have a part of the structure of the above-described embodiments, and can not execute a part of the processing performed in the above-described embodiments. For example, the information processing system can have a structure for achieving a specific effect of a part of the above-described embodiments, and execute processing for achieving the effect, and can not have other structures, and can not execute other processing.

Claims

1. A game controller, wherein the game controller is held by a user to perform an input operation, and comprises: a first input portion provided on a front surface of the game controller; a housing that is one component, has a first grip portion and a second grip portion each of which extends downward at least in part on left and right sides, and has an opening that spans the front surface and an upper surface of the game controller; and a first cover that closes at least a part of the opening in the front surface of the game controller.

2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the housing forms at least a part of a back surface of the game controller.

3. The game controller according to claim 2, wherein the housing forms left and right side surfaces of the game controller and a part of the front surface of the game controller from the back surface of the game controller to the left and right edges of the opening in the front surface of the game controller.

4. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first cover has a first hole through which the first input portion is inserted, the game controller further comprises a second cover that closes at least a part of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller.

5. The game controller according to claim 4, wherein the opening in the upper surface of the game controller is divided by the second cover into front and back and left and right, on a right side in the upper surface of the game controller, a right front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing, and a right back side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing at a position on the back surface side than the right front side opening, on a left side in the upper surface of the game controller, a left front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing, and a left back side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing at a position on the back surface side than the left front side opening, the game controller comprises: a second input portion provided in the right front side opening; a third input portion provided in the left front side opening; a fourth input portion provided in the right back side opening; and a fifth input portion provided in the left back side opening.

6. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first cover is directly or indirectly assembled to the housing.

7. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first cover has a first hole through which the first input portion is inserted, a detection portion for detecting an input operation performed on the first input portion is housed in an internal space formed by the housing and the first cover.

8. The game controller according to claim 7, wherein the game controller comprises: a first frame in which the detection portion is provided; and a second frame in which a second hole through which the first input portion is inserted is provided, holds the first input portion, and covers at least a part of a front surface of the first frame, the first cover covers at least a part of a front surface of the second frame.

9. The game controller according to claim 8, wherein the first frame and the second frame are fixed by a first fixing member, the first frame and the second frame are fixed by a second fixing member. ​ ​ ​ The first cover covers at least a portion of the first fixing member.

10. The game controller according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The first cover is fixed to the second frame and the housing.

11. The game controller according to claim 10, wherein The back surface of the first cover is fixed to the front surface of the second frame by means of an adhesive, A first engaging portion provided at an outer edge of the back surface of the first cover engages with a second engaging portion provided at the housing.

12. The game controller according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein The game controller is provided with a second fixing member that is provided so as to straddle a rim of the opening in the front surface of the game controller, and fixes the inner surface of the housing and the second frame.

13. The game controller according to claim 12, wherein The second fixing member is provided with a housing opposing portion that opposes the inner surface of the housing, and a second frame opposing portion that opposes the second frame, The housing opposing portion has an opening into which a protrusion portion protruding from the inner surface of the housing is inserted, The second frame opposing portion has a fastening portion that is fastened to the second frame by means of a fastening member.

14. The game controller according to claim 12 or 13, wherein The rim of the opening in the front surface of the game controller includes a first rim portion that extends in the left-right direction, and a second rim portion that extends upward from an end of the first rim portion, The second fixing member is provided so as to straddle the second rim portion.

15. The game controller according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The second fixing member is provided above each of the first grip portion and the second grip portion.

16. The game controller according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein At least a portion of the second fixing member is covered by the first cover.

17. The game controller according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein The second fixing member is provided so as to straddle the rims of the left side and the right side of the opening in the front surface of the game controller, respectively, The inner surface of the housing is fixed to a fixing portion that is located higher than the second fixing member when the game controller is viewed from the front surface, and is provided in a left side portion and a right side portion of the first frame, respectively.

18. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The rim of the opening has: a first rim portion that extends upward and to the right at a position in the front surface of the game controller that is left side; a second rim portion that extends rearward and to the left at a position on the upper surface of the game controller that is left side from an upper end of the first rim portion; a third rim portion that extends upward and to the left at a position in the front surface of the game controller that is right side; and a fourth rim portion that extends rearward and to the right at a position on the upper surface of the game controller that is right side from an upper end of the third rim portion.

19. The game controller according to claim 18, wherein ​ The rim of the opening includes: a front left rim portion extending in the up-down direction in the left side in the front surface of the game controller; a front right rim portion extending in the up-down direction in the right side in the front surface of the game controller; and a top left rim portion extending in the front-back direction in the left side in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that a first corner projecting in the left-right direction toward the inside of the game controller is formed with the front left rim portion, a top right rim portion extending in the front-back direction in the right side in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that a second corner projecting in the left-right direction toward the inside of the game controller is formed with the front right rim portion.

20. The game controller according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the game controller further has a second cover blocking at least a part of the opening in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that the opening is divided left and right by the second cover, the opening in the top surface of the game controller is divided left and right by the second cover, thereby including: a left-side opening in the left side in the top surface of the game controller formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the second rim portion in the case, a right-side opening in the right side in the top surface of the game controller formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the fourth rim portion in the case, the game controller has: a second input portion provided in the left-side opening, and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening, the upper end of the first rim portion is located further forward than the left end of the second input portion, the upper end of the third rim portion is located further forward than the right end of the third input portion.

21. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rim of the opening includes: a front left rim portion extending in the up-down direction in the left side in the front surface of the game controller; a top left rim portion extending in the front-back direction in the left side in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that a first corner projecting in the left-right direction toward the inside of the game controller is formed with the front left rim portion; a front right rim portion extending in the up-down direction in the right side in the front surface of the game controller; and a top right rim portion extending in the front-back direction in the right side in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that a second corner projecting in the left-right direction toward the inside of the game controller is formed with the front right rim portion.

22. The game controller according to claim 21, wherein the game controller further has a second cover blocking at least a part of the opening in the top surface of the game controller in such a manner that the opening is divided left and right by the second cover, the opening in the top surface of the game controller is divided left and right by the second cover, thereby including: a left-side opening in the left side in the top surface of the game controller formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the top left rim portion, a right-side opening in the right side in the top surface of the game controller formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the top right rim portion, the game controller has: a second input portion provided in the left-side opening, and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening, the first corner is located further forward than the left end of the second input portion, the second corner is located further forward than the right end of the third input portion. The second corner is located further forward than a right end of the third input portion.

23. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The rim of the opening includes: a left upper edge portion extending in the front-rear direction in the upper surface of the game controller on the left side from an upper end of a first boundary line that is a boundary line between the first cover and the housing as a front surface of the game controller and on the left side; and a right upper edge portion extending in the front-rear direction in the upper surface of the game controller on the right side from an upper end of a second boundary line that is a boundary line between the first cover and the housing as a front surface of the game controller and on the right side.

24. The game controller according to claim 23, wherein the game controller further includes a second cover that covers at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller in a left-right direction, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller is divided by the second cover in the left-right direction, and thus includes: a left opening in the upper surface of the game controller on the left side formed by the second cover, a left portion of the upper edge of the first cover extending to the right from the upper end of the first boundary line, and the left upper edge portion of the housing; and a right opening in the upper surface of the game controller on the right side formed by the second cover, a right portion of the upper edge of the first cover extending to the left from the upper end of the second boundary line, and the right upper edge portion of the housing, the game controller includes: a second input portion provided in the left opening; and a third input portion provided in the right opening, the upper end of the first boundary line is located further forward than a left end of the second input portion, the upper end of the second boundary line is located further forward than a right end of the third input portion.

25. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the first handle portion and the second handle portion have an internal space that communicates with the opening.

26. The game controller according to claim 20, 22, or 24, wherein the second input portion and the third input portion have a length in the left-right direction that is longer than a length in the front-rear direction.

27. A game controller, wherein the game controller is held by a user to perform input operations, and includes: a housing including a base, a first handle portion, and a second handle portion; a first cover; and a first input portion, at least a portion of the first handle portion and the second handle portion respectively extend downward from the left and right of the base, the base, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion are formed as a single component, the base, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion form at least a portion of a cavity that is open upward and forward, the first cover covers at least a portion of the cavity in the front, the first input portion is located at a position that can be operated from the front side of the game controller, and includes at least one of a button and a direction input portion.

28. The game controller according to claim 27, wherein The base includes at least a portion of a back surface, at least a portion of a left side surface, at least a portion of a right side surface, and at least a portion of a front surface including left and right edges that divide the front surface to form the chamber.

29. The game controller according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The game controller is provided with a second cover that covers at least a portion of the chamber from above.

30. The game controller according to claim 29, wherein The second cover is in the shape of an opening that divides the chamber from above in the front-rear and left-right directions, A right front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing, A right rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing behind the right front side opening, A left front side opening is formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the housing, A left rear side opening is formed by the second cover and the housing behind the left front side opening, The game controller is provided with: a second input portion provided at the right front side opening; a third input portion provided at the left front side opening; a fourth input portion provided at the right rear side opening; and a fifth input portion provided at the left rear side opening.

31. The game controller according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein The edges of the housing that divide the chamber have: a first edge portion that extends at least in part upward and to the right at a position on the front side and to the left of the game controller; a second edge portion that extends at least in part rearward and to the left from an upper end of the first edge portion at a position on the upper side and to the left of the game controller; a third edge portion that extends at least in part upward and to the left at a position on the front side and to the right of the game controller; and a fourth edge portion that extends at least in part rearward and to the right from an upper end of the third edge portion at a position on the upper side and to the right of the game controller.

32. The game controller according to claim 31, wherein On the front side of the game controller, the edges of the housing that divide the chamber include: a fifth edge portion that extends in the left-right direction; a sixth edge portion that extends at least in part upward and to the left from a left end of the fifth edge portion; and a seventh edge portion that extends at least in part upward and to the right from a right end of the fifth edge portion, at least a portion of the first edge portion extends upward and to the right from an upper end of the sixth edge portion, at least a portion of the third edge portion extends upward and to the left from an upper end of the seventh edge portion. provided with: a panel; 33. A game controller, wherein, an upper cover; and a main body, the main body includes: a rear portion; a first handle portion formed so as to cover the periphery of the interior space; and a second handle portion formed so as to cover the periphery of the interior space, the first handle portion and the second handle portion extend from opposite sides of the rear portion, respectively, a seamless space is formed among the rear portion, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion, ​ ​ ​ A first valley is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the first handle portion, the first valley having a first valley bottom extending at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially leftward in the lateral direction, A second valley is formed in a transition portion from the rear portion of the main body to a rear portion of the second handle portion, the second valley having a second valley bottom extending at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially rightward in the lateral direction, The game controller further has an operation portion located on a front side of the game controller and capable of being operated by a user, the operation portion including at least one of a button and a direction input portion.

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