Game controller

Abstract

The invention provides a game controller. An input unit is disposed on the front surface of the main body of the game controller. The first handle and the second handle protrude downward from the left and right sides of the main body and are held by a user. The first button is arranged on the first handle. The second button is arranged on the second handle. The first holder is provided in the first handle. The first substrate is provided in the first handle, is fixed to the first holder, and has a first detection unit that detects an input operation on the first button. The first vibration component is disposed in the first handle and is fixed to the first holder. The second holder is provided in the second handle. The second substrate is provided inside the second handle, is fixed to the second holder, and has a second detection unit that detects an input operation on the second button. The second vibration component is disposed in the second handle and is fixed to the second holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a controller for user input operations. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were controllers that could be held with both hands by gripping handles located on the left and right sides (for example, see International Publication No. 2017 / 212663). In addition, the handles of the aforementioned controllers were equipped with vibrating elements.

[0003] When a vibrating element is installed inside the handle, a newly constructed controller is desired.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a controller with a novel construction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following structures (1) to (11). (1)

[0007] An example of the present invention provides a game controller comprising a main body, a first handle and a second handle, a first button, a second button, a first holder, a first substrate, a first vibrating component, a second holder, a second substrate, and a second vibrating component. An input section is disposed on the front of the main body. The first and second handles protrude downwards from the left and right sides of the main body and are held by the user. The first button is disposed on the first handle. The second button is disposed on the second handle. The first holder is disposed within the first handle. The first substrate is disposed within the first handle and fixed to the first holder, and has a first detection unit for detecting input operation to the first button. The first vibrating component is disposed within the first handle and fixed to the first holder. The second holder is disposed within the second handle. The second substrate is disposed within the second handle and fixed to the second holder, and has a second detection unit for detecting input operation to the second button. The second vibrating component is disposed within the second handle and fixed to the second holder.

[0008] (2) Based on the structure described in (1) above, the game controller may also include a third substrate, a first connector, and a second connector. The third substrate is disposed within the main body and processes signals from the first detection unit. The first connector is provided with wiring connected to the first substrate and wiring connected to the first vibration component. The second connector is disposed on the third substrate and is electrically connected to the first connector.

[0009] (3) According to the structure of (1) or (2) above, a buffer member may also be provided between the first substrate and the first vibrating component.

[0010] (4) According to any one of the structures in (1) to (3) above, the game controller may also have a button rubber. The button rubber is disposed between the first retainer and the first detection unit, applies force to the first button on the outside of the game controller, deforms according to the first button being pressed, and contacts the first detection unit.

[0011] (5) According to the structure of (4) above, the first retainer may also have a support surface that contacts the inner side of the first button when the first button is pressed.

[0012] (6) According to the structure in (5) above, the first button may have an operating surface and a protrusion protruding from the opposite side of the operating surface. Alternatively, the first retainer may be located between the button rubber and the operating surface and have a portion with a hole. Alternatively, the protrusion may have a first protrusion of a size that does not penetrate the hole, and a second protrusion located at a position closer to the top of the first protrusion and penetrating the hole. Alternatively, the button rubber may deform under the pressure of the second protrusion when the operating surface is pressed. Alternatively, the first protrusion may contact the support surface after the button rubber deforms due to the second protrusion when the operating surface is pressed.

[0013] (7) According to any one of the structures in (1) to (3) above, a hole may be provided between the operating 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. Alternatively, the first button may have a protrusion extending from the back side of the operating surface and passing through the hole. Alternatively, the game controller may have an elastic member. Alternatively, the elastic member may be deformed by being pressed by the protrusion when the first button is pressed, and thus come into contact with the first detection unit.

[0014] (8) According to any one of the structures in (1) to (7) above, the first retainer may have a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion. Alternatively, the first base plate may be fixed to the first retainer portion, and the first retainer portion may be fixed to the inner wall of the first handle. The first vibration component may be fixed to the second retainer portion, and the second retainer portion may be fixed to the first retainer portion.

[0015] (9) According to the structure in (8) above, the first retainer portion may also have a guide portion. The guide portion guides the second retainer portion toward a fixed position between it and the first retainer portion.

[0016] (10) According to the structure of (9) above, the game controller may also have a housing. The housing is a single housing having the first handle and the second handle, and having an opening on at least the upper surface of the game controller. Alternatively, the guide portion may be configured to guide the second retainer portion toward the top of the first handle relative to the first retainer portion fixed to the inside of the first handle.

[0017] (11) According to any one of the structures in (8) to (10) above, the game controller may also have a housing. The housing is a single housing having the first handle and the second handle, and having an opening on at least the upper surface of the game controller. Alternatively, the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion fixed to the inner side of the first handle may be fixed by a fastening member toward the top of the first handle.

[0018] Based on the controller described above, a controller with a novel construction can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the casing of a game controller.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a six-sided view of an example of a game controller.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the front side.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the back.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the front side.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the back.

[0026] Figure 8 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the front side.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an example of what it looks like when a user is holding a game controller, viewed from the back.

[0028] Figure 10This is an image representing an example of the first menu item.

[0029] Figure 11 This is an image representing an example of the second menu.

[0030] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of the right side of the upper surface of an example of a game controller.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a rear view of an example of a game controller, representing a variation of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is an example diagram showing the fingers operating the right handle button when viewed from the side.

[0033] Figure 15 This is an enlarged view of an example of the area around the right handle button on a game controller.

[0034] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the first frame and membrane.

[0035] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a configuration in which various components, such as joysticks and buttons on the upper surface, are mounted relative to the first frame.

[0036] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the constituent elements to be installed on the rear side of the first frame are mounted relative to the first frame.

[0037] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the right handle button and flange rubber included in the right handle unit.

[0038] Figure 20 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the components of the component retainer unit of the right handle unit.

[0039] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the components of the vibration retainer unit of the right handle unit.

[0040] Figure 22 It means to Figure 19 The diagram shows an example of a right-hand handle button mounted on the housing.

[0041] Figure 23 It means to Figure 20 The diagram shows an example of a component retainer unit being mounted onto a housing.

[0042] Figure 24This is an exploded perspective view of an example of the right handle button and component retainer unit viewed from the front.

[0043] Figure 25 It means to Figure 21 The diagram shows an example of a vibration cage unit being installed onto a component cage unit.

[0044] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing an example of a connector that connects to the handle base plate and the vibration motor.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the game controller near the right handle button.

[0046] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a game controller located near the right handle unit in a modified version.

[0047] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating an example of mounting the first frame to the outer casing.

[0048] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first frame being fixed to the outer shell.

[0049] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first frame being fixed to the outer shell.

[0050] Figure 32 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a case where the top cover or the like is mounted relative to the first frame.

[0051] Figure 33 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure around the rotation axis of the R button.

[0052] Figure 34 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second frame and the components held by the second frame.

[0053] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a scenario where the second frame is installed relative to the first frame.

[0054] Figure 36 This is a cross-sectional view of an example game controller, obtained by cutting a plane perpendicular to the left and right direction and passing through the position of the cross keys.

[0055] Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the protrusion of the second frame and the axes of the ZR and ZL buttons.

[0056] Figure 38 This is a diagram showing an example of a game controller before the locking parts are installed.

[0057] Figure 39 This is a diagram showing an example of a game controller after the locking mechanism has been installed.

[0058] Figure 40 This diagram shows an example of a case where the front cover is mounted relative to the outer casing 2.

[0059] Figure 41 This is a diagram showing an example of the housing of a game controller as a variation of the above-described embodiment.

[0060] Figure 42 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller that is a variation of the above-described embodiment.

[0061] Figure 43 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller that is a variation of the above-described embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Hereinafter, a game controller, which is an example of a controller in this embodiment, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of a game controller according to this embodiment. In this 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, sending operation data to the game device representing input operations performed on the input components of the game controller 1 (specifically, buttons, analog sticks, etc., discussed later). In this embodiment, the game controller 1 communicates wirelessly with the game device. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 may also communicate with the game device via a wired connection.

[0063] [1. Overview of Game Controllers]

[0064] First, refer to Figures 2-5 The general structure of game controller 1 is described below. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the casing of a game controller. Figure 3 This is a six-sided view of an example of a game controller. Figures 4-9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a user holding game controller 1. Figure 4 , Figure 6 ,as well as Figure 8 This is a frontal view of the game controller 1 held by the user's hands. Figure 5 , Figure 7 ,as well as Figure 9 This is a view of the game controller 1 held by the user's hands from the back side. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,as well as Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are three examples representing different ways of operating the game controller 1 and different sizes of the user's hand holding the game controller 1.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the game controller 1 has two handles: handle 5 and handle 6. Figures 4-9 As shown, the user can hold the game controller 1 with one handle 5 in their right hand and another handle 6 in their left hand. The following will describe the user's actions within the game controller 1... Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,or Figure 8 and Figure 9 The 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] like Figure 3 As 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The game controller 1 has buttons 17 and 18 in the aforementioned left-side area. Buttons 17 and 18 are located to the right of the aforementioned left analog stick 23. Button 17 is positioned vertically, overlapping with button 15 (i.e., the vertical position of button 17 overlaps with the vertical position of button 15). Button 18 is positioned vertically, overlapping with button 16. Button 17 is positioned to the left of button 18.

[0076] The game controller 1 has a D-pad 21 in the aforementioned left-side area. The D-pad 21 is located at the lower right of the aforementioned left analog stick 23.

[0077] The aforementioned buttons 11-15 and 17 are used, for example, to provide instructions as specified in the game application running on the gaming device. Functions defined in the game application are assigned to the aforementioned buttons 11-15 and 17. Additionally, the D-pad 21 and various joysticks 22 and 23 are used, for example, to provide directional instructions as specified in the game application running on the gaming device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the various joysticks 22 and 23 can be used for directional input not only by tilting them in any direction (up, down, left, or right), but also for input by pressing the joystick head. Furthermore, the various joysticks 22 and 23 may also be types of joysticks that cannot be used for input by pressing the joystick head. Additionally, predetermined functions defined in the gaming device are assigned to buttons 16 and 18. Buttons 16 and 18 are generally assigned functions independent of the application running on the gaming device, or they may be assigned functions corresponding to that application. Button 16, for example, is used to indicate the display of the gaming device's menu screen (the first menu discussed later) when the game application is running on the gaming device. Button 18 is used, for example, to indicate the capture of an image generated and displayed by the gaming device (i.e., the display screen of the gaming device, or an image displayed on a display device connected to the gaming device).

[0078] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 has a button 19 on its front side. The button 19 is positioned centrally in the left-right direction on the front side of the game controller 1. Specifically, when viewing the game controller 1 from the front, the operating surface of the button 19 is positioned overlapping the central axis in the left-right direction of the game controller 1. The user can operate the button 19 with either their right or left thumb. In this embodiment, the button 19 is located in the lower area of ​​the front side of the game controller 1. The button 19 is located at the bottom of the input components on the front side of the game controller 1. When viewing the game controller 1 from the front, the button 19 is located closest to the bottom of the front cover 3 among the input components on the front side of the game controller 1. The lower end of the operating surface of the button 19 is located below the lower end of the head of the right analog stick 22 when not in use, and below the lower end of the operating surface of the D-pad 21. The upper end of the operating surface of button 19 is located above the lower end of the operating surface of the D-pad 21 and the lower end of the head of the right analog stick 22 when not in operation, and is located below the center of the operating surface of the D-pad 21 and the head of the right analog stick 22, respectively. The operating surface of button 19 is positioned horizontally between the operating surface of the D-pad 21 and the head of the right analog stick 22 when not in operation (more specifically, between the right end of the operating surface of the D-pad 21 and the left end of the head of the right analog stick 22). The operating surface of button 19 is positioned horizontally between the operating surfaces of button 15 and button 17 (more specifically, between the left end of the operating surface of button 15 and the right end of the operating surface of button 17). The operating surface of button 19 is positioned horizontally between the operating surfaces of button 16 and button 18 (more specifically, between the left end of the operating surface of button 16 and the right end of the operating surface of button 18). When viewed from the front, the operating surface of button 19 is positioned vertically, overlapping with the sound terminal 39 (details to be discussed later).

[0079] Furthermore, the shape of the front of the game controller 1 (i.e., the front of the front cover 3) is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, it is a shape that bulges towards the front side and is inclined in the vertical and horizontal directions, extending backward as it moves outward. The operating surface of the button 19 is arranged along the surface of the front cover 3 surrounding the button 19 (that is, inclined along the inclination of that surface). In other words, the operating surface of the button 19 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the surface of the front cover 3 surrounding the button 19. This improves the tactile feedback when the button 19 is pressed and reduces the user's concern about accidentally pressing the button 19. In addition, in this embodiment, the operating surface of the button 19 faces downward compared to the operating surfaces of at least one of the buttons 15-18. For example, the normal at the center of the operating surface of the button 19 faces downward compared to the normal at the center of the operating surface of at least one of the buttons 15-18.

[0080] Figure 10 This is an image representing the first menu. The first menu is, for example, the main menu. The first menu opens when the user operates button 16. The first menu, for example, has multiple game application selection sections. In the first menu, the user can select the game application corresponding to the desired game application from among the multiple game application selection sections. The first menu opens even when the game device is running a game application, based on the operation of button 16. At this time, the game device can also temporarily pause the game application. Alternatively, the game device can continue running the game application without temporarily pausing it. Furthermore, the game device can either open the first menu in all situations when button 16 is operated, or it can choose not to open the first menu depending on the situation.

[0081] The first menu has multiple items, including the fourth item. For example, the first menu has a first item, a second item, a third item, and a fourth item. The first item is the item that performs a first function when selected. The first function is, for example, opening the second menu for communication. Users can also use the game device to communicate with users using other game devices. Communication in this embodiment includes, for example, video chat, voice chat, and text chat. Additionally, the game screen can be used for communication. The second item is the item that performs a second function when selected. The second function is, for example, opening a photo album. The photo album stores screenshots, motion images, etc., previously taken by the user. The third item is the item that performs a third function when selected. The third function is, for example, accessing an online store. The fourth item is the item that performs a fourth function when selected. The fourth function is, for example, changing settings in the game device. The first, second, third, and fourth functions are all different.

[0082] Figure 11 This is an image representing the second menu. The second menu is, for example, a contact menu. The second menu opens when the user operates button 19. Button 19 is used, for example, to indicate the display of the second menu when the game device is running a game application. When the user operates button 19, the contact menu screen opens. Even while the game application is running, the game device can open the second menu by operating button 19. At this time, the game device can continue running the game application without pausing it, and the second menu can be opened. Alternatively, the game device can pause the game application while the second menu is open. The second menu can also display multiple menu items. For example, it can have a fifth item, a sixth item, and a seventh item. The fifth item is an item that performs a fifth function when selected. The fifth function is, for example, a function that opens a screen for selecting users to invite to chat. The sixth item is an item that performs a sixth function when selected. The sixth function is, for example, a function that opens a screen for selecting chats the user can join. The seventh item is an item that performs a seventh function when selected. The seventh function is, for example, a function that opens a screen for changing contact-related settings. Functions 5, 6, and 7 are different from each other. Furthermore, when button 19 is operated, the game device can either always open the communication menu screen, or it can choose not to open the communication menu screen depending on the situation. For example, if the game device is already performing a communication function with another game device, the main unit 3 can open a menu for changing settings related to the ongoing communication based on the operation of button 19.

[0083] In this embodiment, there are two methods for opening the contact menu screen. First, the first method will be described. If the user operates button 16, the first menu is opened. The first menu is displayed on, for example, the display of a game device. The controller sends a signal to the game device that button 16 has been pressed. Based on this signal, the game device performs a process associated with the input of this signal, such as opening the first menu. That is, the game device brings up the first menu based on the operation of button 16. Then, the user selects a first item from the multiple items included in the first menu to perform a first function. The first item can be selected by pressing a predetermined button (e.g., button 11) after moving, for example, the cursor to the first item, or by touching the area on the display where the first item is displayed with a finger. Based on the signal that the first item has been selected, the game device performs a first function associated with the signal, such as the process associated with this signal. Specifically, the game device performs a process to open the second contact menu based on this signal. 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 may also overlap with the first menu.

[0084] Next, the second method will be described. If the user operates button 19, the first function is executed directly. Specifically, the controller sends a signal to the game device that button 19 has been pressed. Based on this signal, the game device performs a process associated with the input of this signal to open the second menu. That is, the game device displays the second menu based on the operation of button 19. Alternatively, based on the pressing of button 19, the controller may generate a command such as "open the second menu" and send this command to the game device. According to the controller of this embodiment, by providing a button 19 that directly executes the first function, the user can access the first function in a shorter time compared to the case where the first menu is opened by first operating button 16 and then an item is selected to execute the first function.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the second contact menu can be displayed either by an instruction to open the second menu as indicated by the first menu shown using button 16, or by an instruction to open the second menu using button 19. In other words, button 19 functions as a shortcut key for displaying the second menu with a single input.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In this embodiment, the protrusion of button 19 is smaller than that of button 16. Furthermore, the protrusion of button 19 is larger than that of button 18. Based on the above, the button 16, 18, and 19, which is intended to have more opportunities for operation, is easier to operate. For example, the protrusion of button 19 is 0.6 mm, the protrusion of button 16 is 0.7 mm, and the protrusion of button 18 is 0.5 mm.

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, the game controller 1 has an R button 31 and an L button 32 on its upper surface. The R button 31 is located on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller 1 (specifically, to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface). The L button 32 is located on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller 1 (specifically, to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface). Additionally, the game controller 1 has a ZR button 33 and a ZL button 34 on its upper surface. The ZR button 33 is located behind the R button 31 on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller 1. The ZL button 34 is located behind the L button 32 on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller 1. The length of each button 31-34 in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the front-back direction. Therefore, it can be configured to, for example, be positioned so that when the user... Figures 4-9 The shapes shown make it easy to operate the buttons 31-34 when holding the game controller 1. These buttons 31-34 are used, for example, to perform predetermined instructions specified in the game application running on the gaming device.

[0092] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the top cover 4 is approximately cross-shaped. Specifically, the top cover 4 has a central portion 4a extending in the front-rear direction and a right bridge portion 4b and a left bridge portion 4c extending in the left-right direction.

[0093] A central portion 4a is provided in the central part of the portion above the opening 2a in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the central portion 4a extends to the front and rear edges of the portion above the opening 2a. In this embodiment, the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the central portion 4a increases as it moves rearward. In other words, the width of the central portion 4a decreases as it moves forward. Furthermore, as a variation, the central portion 4a may also be shaped such that, in the portion rearward of the location where the right bridge portion 4b and left bridge portion 4c (discussed later) are provided, the width increases as it moves rearward, and in the portion forward of the location, the width increases as it moves forward. Alternatively, for example, the central portion 4a may also be shaped such that, in the portion rearward of the location, the width decreases as it moves rearward, and in the portion forward of the location, the width decreases as it moves forward. In this embodiment, the front end of the central portion 4a extends to the front edge of the portion above the opening 2a, and the rear end of the central portion 4a extends to the rear edge of the portion above the opening 2a. However, the front end or the rear end of the central portion 4a may not extend to the front or rear edge of the portion above the opening 2a (i.e., it may not contact the edge of the opening 2a). The front end of the central portion 4a may contact the front cover 3, or a gap may be formed between them. The rear end of the central portion 4a may contact the outer casing 2, or a gap may be formed between them.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portion of the upper surface of the game controller 1 for mounting the top cover 4 can also be provided with a housing 2. That is, it is also possible that no opening is provided on the upper surface of the game controller 1, and instead the upper surface of the game controller 1 is composed of the housing 2. In addition, as mentioned above, a single cover can also be provided at the opening 2a, and the top cover 4 can also be integral with the front cover 3.

[0095] The right bridge portion 4b is provided to extend to the right from the right side of the central portion 4a. The left bridge portion 4c is provided to extend to the left from the left side of the central portion 4a. The right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c extend from a position rearward of the front end of the central portion 4a and forward of the rear end of the central portion 4a (in this embodiment, 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 upper portion of the opening 2a. The left bridge portion 4c extends to the left edge of the upper portion of the opening 2a. However, the right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c may not extend to the edge of the upper portion of the opening 2a (i.e., they may not contact the edge of the opening 2a).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Each handle button 41, 42 may be assigned an operation input to the game controller 1 (e.g., pressing any other button different from handle buttons 41, 42). That is, when each handle button 41, 42 is operated, the same processing as when any other assigned button is operated is performed. The assignment of other buttons relative to each handle button 41, 42 may be predefined by the game device or the game application running on the game device, or it may be set by the user. Furthermore, the assignment settings may be stored in the game device or in the game controller 1. In the case where the assignment is stored in the game device, the game device, upon receiving operation data from the game controller 1 indicating that handle button 41 or handle button 42 has been operated, may instruct the game program that the button assigned to the operated handle button has been operated. On the other hand, in the case where the assignment is stored in the game controller 1, the game controller 1 may send operation data indicating that the button assigned to the operated handle button has been operated to the game device, based on the operation of handle button 41 or handle button 42. Furthermore, for the handle button, instead of assigning an operation to only one button, it's possible to assign simultaneous operations to two buttons. Alternatively, the handle button may not be assigned any other buttons. That is, depending on the application, the processing performed when the handle button is operated may differ from the processing performed when other buttons are operated.

[0104] The types, functions, positions, quantities, shapes, and sizes of the various components (such as buttons, analog sticks, and other input elements, notification units, connectors, and audio terminals) provided on the game controller 1 are arbitrary and not limited to the above. For example, in other embodiments, the positions of the left analog stick 23 and the D-pad 21 on the front of the game controller 1 may be reversed. Additionally, for example, the game controller 1 may have four buttons corresponding to the four directions (up, down, left, and right) instead of the D-pad 21. Furthermore, the game controller may not have at least one of the aforementioned components, or it may have other components with functions other than those described above.

[0105] For example, users can Figures 4-9 The game controller 1 described above is held in this manner. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is an example of how the game controller 1 is held when the buttons on its upper surface are operated with the index and middle fingers. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the user can hold the game controller 1 in the following manner: operate the buttons 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with the index and middle fingers of the left and right hands respectively, and operate the handle buttons 41 and 42 with the ring fingers of the left and right hands respectively. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is an example of the grip configuration when the index finger operates the buttons on the upper surface of the game controller 1. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the user can hold the game controller 1 in the following manner: operate the buttons 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with the left and right index fingers, and operate the handle buttons 41 and 42 with the left and right middle fingers.

[0106] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It indicates the ratio of hands. Figures 4-7 The diagram shown illustrates an example of a user with small hands holding game controller 1. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, users with smaller hands can hold the game controller 1 in the following manner: operate the buttons 31-34 on the upper surface of the game controller 1 with their left and right index fingers, and place their left and right middle fingers against the back of the game controller 1 while operating the handle buttons 41 and 42 with their left and right ring fingers. Furthermore, although not shown, even users with smaller hands can... Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,or Figure 6 and Figure 7 The controller is held in the form shown. Alternatively, it can be configured so that the user holds it stably by placing it on, for example, their lap or a table (that is, with the lower ends of each handle 5 or 6 abutting against their lap or table). As described above, the game controller 1 becomes a structure that is easy to hold even for users with small hands.

[0107] [2. Shell structure without side dividing lines]

[0108] Next, the detailed structure of the outer shell 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the outer shell 2 is a single component. That is, the outer shell 2 is not constructed by combining, for example, two components, a front outer shell and a rear outer shell. In this embodiment, the outer shell 2 does not have a dividing line. That is, the outer shell 2 is seamless. For example, the outer shell 2 is not formed by fixing multiple components together using fasteners, adhesives, or snap-fits. For example, the outer shell 2 cannot be disassembled. The outer shell 2 is manufactured by, for example, molding. The outer shell 2 can also be made of, for example, resin. The outer shell 2 can be manufactured by single-shot molding, or by using multiple resin materials such as double-shot molding. The manufacturing method of the outer shell 2 is not limited. For example, the outer shell 2 can also be manufactured using a 3D printer or by injection molding with a water-soluble resin core.

[0109] The outer casing 2 includes a base 25, a right handle portion 26, and a left handle portion 27 (see reference). Figure 2The right handle portion 26 and the left handle portion 27 extend from the lower right and lower left portions of the base 25, respectively. In this embodiment, the base 25 may be the portion above the right handle portion 26 and the left handle portion 27. In this embodiment, an opening 2a may be provided in the base 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right handle 5 may be considered substantially the same as the right handle portion 26, and the left handle 6 may be considered substantially the same as the left handle portion 27.

[0110] The outer casing 2 has an opening 2a extending from the front to the top surface of the game controller 1. That is, the outer casing 2 has a cavity with openings on the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. Alternatively, the cavity can be described as being formed by the outer casing 2, including the edge of the opening 2a. Furthermore, the outer casing 2 forms at least a portion of the back surface of the game controller 1. Additionally, the outer casing 2 forms at least a portion of the side surface of the game controller 1. Moreover, the outer casing 2 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the game controller 1 (i.e., the surface including a portion of the front, right, back, and left sides of the game controller 1) that extends from one edge of the opening 2a on the front to the edge of the opening 2a on the front. The outer casing 2 forms at least a portion of the side surface and the front surface extending from the back surface of the game controller 1 to the edge of the opening 2a on the front surface. Additionally, the outer casing 2 may also form the outer peripheral surface of the entire circumference of the handle. The interiors of the left handle portion 27 and the right handle portion 26 can also be spaces. That is, the interiors of the left handle portion 27 and the right handle portion 26 can also be part of a cavity formed by the outer casing 2, opening on the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, with the structure of the housing 2, the game controller 1 does not have a dividing line on the handle or sides. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from contacting the dividing line when holding the housing 2. Furthermore, a dividing line refers to a part that forms a boundary between objects. In this embodiment, the boundary between the button and the surrounding housing 2 is not included in the dividing line. In this embodiment, the boundary between the housing 2 and the cover 3 or cover 4 is an example of a dividing line.

[0111] like 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, on the front 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 2c and the portion forming the left end of the left edge portion 2d is wider than the width at the top end and the width at the bottom end. This allows for a wider opening 2a in the aforementioned portion, and the edges of the opening 2a are moved away from the sides on the upper and lower sides of this portion, thus preventing the user's hand holding the game controller 1 from contacting the dividing line. Furthermore, the aforementioned portion is located above the center of the opening 2a in the vertical direction. That is, the vertical length of the right edge portion 2c from the right end to the bottom end is longer than its vertical length from the right end to the top end. Similarly, the vertical length of the left edge portion 2d from the left end to the bottom end is longer than its vertical length from the left end to the top end. In this embodiment, the right end of the right edge portion 2c overlaps with the button 11 in the vertical direction. The left end of the left edge portion 2d overlaps with the left analog stick 23 in the vertical direction.

[0117] Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the edge portions 2c and 2d extend forward from the end of the lower edge portion 2b, and then extend backward from the middle (see reference). Figure 3 (Side view). In this embodiment, the portion that becomes the right end of the front right edge portion 2c is located above the portion that becomes the front end of the front right edge portion 2c. Additionally, the portion that becomes the left end of the front left edge portion 2d is located above the portion that becomes the front end of the front right edge portion 2c.

[0118] Furthermore, based on the above, the space for arranging input components on the front cover 3 can be increased. Specifically, in the front cover 3, the length in the left-right direction increases in the area above the area near the lower end. Therefore, the space for arranging input components in this area is larger than the space for arranging input components in the lower area. This increases the freedom of arranging input components on the front of the game controller 1. For example, in this embodiment, four buttons 11-14 can be arranged in the upper right direction from the right analog stick 22 located near the lower end of the front cover 3 in the right-side area of ​​the front of the game controller 1. Therefore, the right analog stick 22 and the four buttons 11-14 can be arranged in a position easily operated by the user's right thumb. In addition, for example, in this embodiment, the left analog stick 23 can be arranged in the upper left direction from the D-pad 21 located near the lower end of the front cover 3 in the left-side area of ​​the front of the game controller 1. Therefore, the D-pad 21 and the left analog stick 23 can be arranged in a position easily operated by the user's left thumb.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] On the right side of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the front side of the right bridge portion 4b, a right front opening 7a is formed by the housing 2 (more specifically, the right edge portion 2e of the upper surface), the front cover 3, and the top cover 4. An R button 31 (exposed from the right front opening 7a) is provided in the right front opening 7a. In this embodiment, the R button 31 is positioned such that its operating surface protrudes from the right front opening 7a.

[0126] Additionally, on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the front side of the left bridge portion 4c, a left front opening 7b is formed by the outer shell 2 (more specifically, the left edge portion 2f of the upper surface), the front cover 3, and the top cover 4 (see reference). Figure 2 The L button 32 is provided in the left front opening 7b (exposed from the left front opening 7b). In this embodiment, the L button 32 is provided with its operating surface protruding from the left front opening 7b.

[0127] Based on the above, the right edge portion 2c is positioned forward of the rear end of the operating surface of the R button 31, and the left edge portion 2d is positioned forward of the rear end of the operating surface of the L button 32. Here, there is a possibility that the user's finger (e.g., index finger) operating the R button 31 and L button 32 may come into contact with the side of the game controller 1. However, in this embodiment, by arranging the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d as described above, it is difficult for the finger to come into contact with the dividing line formed between the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d of the housing 2. Therefore, the grip of the game controller 1 can be improved.

[0128] In this embodiment, the aforementioned right front opening 7a and left front opening 7b are formed at the right end of the right edge portion 2e of the upper surface and the left end of the left edge portion 2f of the upper surface (that is, the portion with the longest length in the left-right direction of opening 2a) (see reference). Figure 3 (Top view). Therefore, the R button 31 and L button 32 can be positioned further out in the left and right directions of the game controller 1, making it easier for the user to operate the R button 31 and L button 32.

[0129] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of the right side of the upper surface of game controller 1. (See image below.) Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the right edge portion 2c of the front end moves closer to the upper end ( Figure 12The upper surface right edge portion 2e extends rearward and inward in the left-right direction from position A. Furthermore, the upper surface right edge portion 2e extends rearward and outward in the left-right direction from position A. At position A, the front right edge portion 2c intersects the upper surface right edge portion 2e at an angle forming an inward convex angle in the left-right direction. Additionally, the upper edge of the front cover 3 connects to the upper surface right edge portion 2e at position A in a linear fashion. From another perspective, at position A, the front right edge portion 2c intersects the line formed by the upper edge of the front cover 3 and the upper surface right edge portion 2e. The left side region of the upper surface of the game controller 1 also has the same structure.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper end of the right edge portion 2c on the front ( Figure 12 Position A, which can also be described as the angle between the right edge of the front surface 2c and the right edge of the upper surface 2e, is located at the right end of the operating surface of button R 31. Figure 12 Position B) shown is on the front side. Furthermore, although in Figure 12 Not shown, but the upper end of the left edge portion 2d on the front is located on the front side, closer to the left end of the operating surface of the L button 32. In this way, it is difficult for the user's fingers operating the R button 31 and L button 32 to come into contact with the dividing line between the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d on the front of the housing 2, thus improving the grip of the game controller 1.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d of the front are located on the front side of the cover 4, closer to the front than the bridge portions 4b and 4c of the cover 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the user places their finger on the bridge portions 4b and 4c, or on the area between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 and the L button 32 and the ZL button 34 located above the bridge portions 4b and 4c, it is difficult for the finger to come into contact with the dividing line of the outer casing 2.

[0132] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the rear side of the right bridge portion 4b, a right rear opening 7c is formed by the housing 2 and the top cover 4. A ZR button 33 (exposed from the right rear opening 7c) is provided in the right rear opening 7c. In this embodiment, the ZR button 33 is positioned such that its operating surface protrudes from the right rear opening 7c.

[0133] Additionally, on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller 1, on the rear side of the left bridge portion 4c, a left rear opening 7d is formed by the housing 2 and the top cover 4 (see reference). Figure 2The ZL button 34 is provided in the left rear opening 7d (exposed from the left rear opening 7d). In this embodiment, the ZL button 34 is provided with its operating surface protruding from the left rear opening 7d.

[0134] Based on the above, the right edge portion 2c of the front is positioned forward of the ZR button 33, and the left edge portion 2d of the front is positioned forward of the ZL button 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is difficult for the user's finger (e.g., the middle finger) operating the ZR button 33 and ZL button 34 to come into contact with the dividing line formed by the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d of the front of the casing 2. This improves the grip of the game controller 1.

[0135] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the positional relationship between the opening 2a of the housing 2 (specifically, the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d on the front) and each button 31-34 is arbitrary. For example, the upper ends of the right edge portion 2c and the left edge portion 2d on the front can be positioned to overlap with each bridge portion 4b, 4c in the vertical direction, or they can be positioned to overlap with the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34 in the vertical direction.

[0136] Next, the details of the right handle 5 and left handle 6 of the game controller 1 will be explained. The right handle 5 is provided such that at least a portion extends downward from the lower right portion of the main body 9. In this embodiment, the right handle 5 is provided such that at least a portion extends backward and to the right as it moves downward (see reference). Figure 3 Furthermore, the left handle 6 is provided such that at least a portion extends downward from the lower left portion of the main body 9. In this embodiment, the left handle 6 is provided such that at least a portion extends backward and to the left as it moves downward (see reference). Figure 3 In addition, in other embodiments, each handle 5, 6 may be arranged to extend in a downward direction, or it may be arranged to extend downward and backward instead of in the left and right direction.

[0137] Furthermore, each handle 5 and 6 is designed to a length that allows the user to grip it with either their ring and little fingers, or their middle, ring, and little fingers. For example, the vertical length L1 of each handle 5 and 6 from the lower end of the main body 9 to the lower end of the handle (see reference). Figure 3 The ideal diameter for the rear view (of the object) is 3-6 cm.

[0138] In this embodiment, on the back of the game controller 1, a valley is formed between the back side portion of the main body 9 (hereinafter referred to as the "main body back portion") 8 and each handle 5 or handle 6. Figure 3 (The rear view shown). Figure 3In 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 part 8. On the other hand, when the user wants to bend their finger resting against the back part 8 to operate the handle button 41 or handle button 42, the back part 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 to the top 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] [3. Details of the handle button]

[0144] Next, the details of the handle buttons 41 and 42 provided on the handle will be described. The right handle button 41 is provided through a hole that passes through the back of the right handle 5 already provided in the housing 2. The left handle button 42 is provided through a hole that passes through the back of the left handle 6 already provided in the housing 2. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 2 is constructed in a manner that includes the handle 5 or handle 6 and has no dividing lines on the sides and back. Therefore, when the user operates the handle button 41 or handle button 42, the dividing lines will not come into contact with the user's hand. This improves the usability of the game controller 1 when operating the handle button 41 or handle button 42. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shape of the housing 2 is not limited to the above shape, and may also be a structure in which the handle 5 or handle 6 is composed of multiple housings, with dividing lines between the housings on the handle 5 or handle 6.

[0145] For example, the user can press each handle button 41 or handle button 42 by moving the fingers resting on the back 8 of the main body to grip each handle 5 or handle 6. In this way, it is difficult to operate each handle button 41 or handle button 42 when the fingers are resting on the back 8 of the main body, thus reducing the worry of accidentally operating each handle button 41 or handle button 42.

[0146] In this embodiment, each handle button 41, 42 is arranged along the valley formed by the handle 5 or handle 6 and the back part 8 of the main body (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view in the diagram). In this embodiment, the handle buttons 41 and 42 are located on the sides of the handles 5 and 6, and not at the valley formed by the handles 5 and 6 and the back of the main body 8. Furthermore, the portion of the outer edge of the operating surface of each handle button 41 and 42 closest to the valley extends in a direction approximately the same as the valley near the valley. Therefore, the user can easily grip the game controller 1 by overlapping their fingers with the valley without accidentally pressing the handle buttons 41 and 42, thus easily and stably gripping the game controller 1. Additionally, the user can easily operate the handle buttons 41 and 42 using their fingers overlapping the valley.

[0147] The distance between the "outer edge extending in approximately the same direction as the valley floor" of the handle button and the valley floor does not need to be strictly fixed. As an example, the outer edge of the valley floor of each handle button 41, 42 may also extend away from the valley floor as it faces upwards. Furthermore, in this specification, "same direction" is not strictly limited to the same direction, but may also include approximately the same direction.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gap is provided between the valley floor and each handle button 41, 42, such that the handle buttons 41, 42 cannot be accidentally pressed by the user's fingers holding the game controller 1. For example, when the user holds the game controller 1 with their fingers overlapping the valley floor, the side of the finger overlaps the valley floor, and in this state, a portion of the side of the fingertip (i.e., the side opposite to the nail) contacts the handle. The gap can also be set to a length such that the portion of the side of the fingertip does not contact the handle button, or even if it does contact, it does not transmit a force sufficient to press it down. As an example, the gap can be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more. In addition, in this embodiment, the gap is set to a length such that the handle buttons 41, 42 can be pressed by gripping each handle 5, 6 with the fingers overlapping the valley floor. More specifically, if a user grips the game controller 1 with their fingers overlapping the bottom of the handle and the side of their fingertip partially in contact with the handle, the portion of the fingertip closer to the center in the width direction is forcefully pressed against the handle. The aforementioned gap is set to the length of the distance to which each handle button 41, 42 is pressed. As an example, the gap can be set to a length of 1 cm or less, 9 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. In summary, it is preferable to set the aforementioned gap to a length of (for example, a length of more than 1 mm and less than 1 cm) such that the handle buttons 41, 42 will not be accidentally operated when the user grips the game controller 1 with their fingers overlapping the bottom of the handle, and operation can be easily performed depending on whether the user grips the handle 5 or the handle 6.

[0149] In this embodiment, the handle buttons 41 and 42 are positioned slightly above the center of each handle 5 and 6 in the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view). That is, the lower ends of each handle button 41, 42 are located above the center of each handle 5, 6 in the vertical direction. In other words, in this embodiment, handle buttons are not provided in the portion of each handle 5, 6 below the center in the vertical direction. According to the above, each handle 5, 6 can be easily held with a finger different from the finger used to operate handle buttons 41, 42 (for example, the ring finger and little finger when operating handle buttons 41, 42 with the middle finger, or the little finger when operating handle buttons 41, 42 with the ring finger). Furthermore, as Figure 3 As shown, the handle buttons 41 and 42 can also be located at the ends of the handles 5 and 6 and on the sides of the valleys.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] In this embodiment, the rear end of the operating surface of the right handle button 41 is located forward of the rear end of the right handle 5. Similarly, the rear end of the operating surface of the left handle button 42 is located forward of the rear end of the left handle 6. This reduces the likelihood of the user accidentally operating the handle button 41 or handle button 42 with a finger (e.g., the little finger) that is not used to operate the handle button 41 or handle button 42 while holding the handle 5 or handle 6.

[0157] Figure 15 This is an enlarged view of the area around the right handle button 41 on game controller 1. (See image.) Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape of the right handle button 41 (specifically, the shape of the operating surface of the right handle button 41) includes an upper side line 41a extending along the valley formed by the right handle 5 and the back part 8 of the main body, 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. It can also be said that the operating surface of the right handle button 41 is generally shaped to extend along the valley. According to the above, even when the user presses the side of the operating surface of the right handle button 41 that is farther from the valley, the right handle button 41 can be easily operated by bending the finger holding the game controller 1 in the direction along the valley.

[0158] In this embodiment, the lower side line 41b extends away from the upper side line 41a as it moves outward in the left-right direction. That is, the operating surface of the right handle button 41 has a shape whose width (i.e., length in the direction perpendicular to the upper side line 41a) increases as the upper side line 41a moves outward in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in Figure 15 Only the right handle button 41 is shown in the diagram. In this embodiment, the left handle button 42 is symmetrical to the right handle button 41. That is, the left handle button 42 is also shaped like the right handle button 41, including an upper side line extending along the valley floor and a lower side line opposite to the upper side line, extending away from the upper side line as it moves outward in the left-right direction.

[0159] As described above, the operating surfaces of each handle button 41, 42 are shaped to widen as they move outwards in the left-right direction. Here, for example, if a user with small hands holds the game controller 1, there is a possibility that the fingertip of the finger operating handle button 41 or 42 may not reach the inner portion of the handle button in the left-right direction, but only the outer portion. In this embodiment, the handle buttons 41, 42 are wider towards the outer edge, thus making it easier for even users with small hands to operate them.

[0160] In addition, the operating surfaces of each handle button 41, 42 can also be shaped such that the outer width in the left-right direction is wider than the inner width in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 3 The rear view in Figure 15 Each handle button 41, 42 may not have at least one of the upper side line 41a and the lower side line 41b, or it may also have a line. In this case, the outer width may also be wider than the inner width. Furthermore, as an example, the width of the operating surface may refer to the length of the operating surface in the direction orthogonal to the length direction, and in this embodiment, it may also be the length in the direction perpendicular to the upper side line.

[0161] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape of the operating surface of the right handle button 41 includes an inner line 41c connecting the upper line 41a and the lower line 41b on the inner side in the left-right direction (specifically, the inner side relative to the center of the operating surface), and an outer line 41d connecting the upper line 41a and the lower line 41b on the outer side in the left-right direction (specifically, the outer side relative to the center of the operating surface). Here, the outer line 41d may not be curved like the inner line 41c. In this way, even when the outer portion of the handle button 41 or handle button 42 is pressed, the user can easily operate the handle buttons 41 and 42. Furthermore, the curvature of the most curved portion of the outer line 41d may be smaller than the curvature of the most curved portion of the inner line 41c. Additionally, the outer line 41d may be nearly straight compared to the inner line 41c. Alternatively, the outer line 41d may be a straight line. The outer line 41d has a straight portion, and also has a curved portion connecting the straight portion and the upper line 41a, and a curved portion connecting the straight portion and the lower line 41b. The inner line 41c may not have a straight portion, and if the outer line 41d has a straight portion, it may have a straight portion shorter than the straight portion of the outer line 41d. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating surface of the right handle button 41 shows four corners. For the four corners, the order of curvature from smallest to largest is: the corner between the upper line 41a and the inner line 41c, the corner between the lower line 41b and the inner line 41c, the corner between the lower line 41b and the outer line 41d, and the corner between the upper line 41a and the outer line 41d. Additionally, for the four corners, the order of curvature from smallest to largest is: the upper and inner corner, the lower and inner corner, the lower and outer corner, and the upper and outer corner. Furthermore, in this specification, "straight line" is not limited to being strictly a straight line, but may also include approximately a straight line.

[0162] In this embodiment, the difference between the inner and outer distances in the left-right direction between the lower side line 41b and the first valley line is greater than the difference between the inner and outer distances in the left-right direction between the upper side line 41a and the first valley line. Furthermore, 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. Additionally, the upper side line 41a may be longer than the lower side line 41b, and the straight portion of the upper side line 41a may be longer than the straight portion of the lower side line 41b. Furthermore, the outer side line 41d may be longer than the inner side line 41c. Moreover, the number, length, direction, number of angles, curvature, and angle of each line are not limited to the above-described cases.

[0163] For example, the operating surfaces of the handle buttons 41 and 42 can also be shaped to match the shape of a finger from the first joint to the fingertip. Consider a user holding the game controller 1, with the portion of the user's finger from the first joint to the fingertip facing the center side in the left-right direction and the lower side in the up-down direction of the game controller 1. The operating surface is curved in a way that matches the shape of the finger, for example, as follows: when viewed with the straight line corresponding to the first joint (i.e., the straight line perpendicular to the direction in which the finger extends) as the bottom edge, the length in the bottom edge direction extends from the bottom edge towards the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1 and the lower side in the up-down direction, narrowing, and the top protrudes towards the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller 1 and the lower side in the up-down direction.

[0164] In this embodiment, the width of each handle button 41, 42 is a length (e.g., 1-2 cm) that is one finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) used to operate the handle button. This allows the user to reliably operate the handle buttons, which are not visible from the front, and reduces the risk of accidentally operating the handle buttons 41 or 42 with a finger different from the finger used to operate them (e.g., the little finger if the ring finger is used). For example, even if the user operates each handle button 41, 42 with their middle finger, the user can prevent accidental pressing of each handle button 41, 42 by the ring finger even if the ring finger is not positioned separately from the middle finger used to operate the handle buttons 41, 42. Therefore, it is possible to easily hold each handle 5, 6 while operating each handle button 41, 42.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the upper edge of each handle button 41, 42 and the valley floor is smaller than the width of each handle button 41, 42. Therefore, regardless of the size of the user's fingers, the user can easily operate each handle button 41, 42 with their fingers overlapping the valley floor while holding the game controller 1.

[0166] In this embodiment, the surface surrounding the portion of the back of each handle 5, 6 where the handle button 41 or handle button 42 is located is a curved surface that convexes outward. The operating surface of each handle button 41, 42 is formed by a curved surface along the aforementioned curved surface of each handle 5, 6. More specifically, the operating surface of the right handle button 41 is a curved surface along the curved surface of the right handle 5 surrounding the right handle button 41. Similarly, the operating surface of the left handle button 42 is a curved surface along the curved surface of the left handle 6 surrounding the left handle button 42. For example, the operating surfaces of each handle button 41, 42 are arranged to slightly protrude from or be flush with the aforementioned curved surfaces of the surrounding handles 5, 6. Furthermore, the operating surface of each handle button 41, 42 is formed by a curved surface that convexes outward when the operating surface is set as the surface side. As described above, by arranging the operating surfaces of each handle button 41 and 42 along the curved surfaces of each handle 5 and 6, the presence of each handle button 41 and 42 is difficult to notice when not in use, thus further improving the grip of each handle 5 and 6. In addition, it reduces the user's concern about accidentally activating handle button 41 or handle button 42.

[0167] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the position and shape of the button (in this embodiment, a handle button) located on the back of the game controller 1 are arbitrary and not limited to the position and shape in this embodiment. For example, the button located on the back of the game controller 1 can be located at any position on the handle, or it can be located on the back of the main body 9. In addition, in other embodiments, the button may not be located on the back of the game controller 1.

[0168] [4. Internal Structure of the Game Controller]

[0169] Next, an example of the internal structure of the game controller 1 will be described. The internal structure will be described below according to the assembly order of the game controller 1. However, the assembly method described below is an example, and the game controller 1 can be assembled in any order. Furthermore, the internal structure described below is an example; the game controller 1 may not have any of the constituent elements described below, or it may have constituent elements different from those described below.

[0170] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the first frame and diaphragm. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 is disposed inside the housing 2. Figure 16 The first frame 51 and diaphragm 52 are shown. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 52 is mounted on the first frame 51. The first frame 51 has a shape in which the length in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction are longer than the thickness in the front-back direction.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] In this embodiment, the front surface of the first frame 51 has concave and convex surfaces and bevels, and a diaphragm 52 is mounted along these surfaces, as will be discussed in detail later. Furthermore, as described above, the diaphragm 52 is disposed across the front portion 51a and the upper portion 51b of the first frame 51. Here, as in this embodiment, when multiple detection units are disposed with different heights (i.e., positions in the direction perpendicular to the surface where the detection unit is disposed) and inclinations, if a rigid substrate is used, multiple rigid substrates and flexible substrates connecting these substrates are required, potentially increasing the number of components and manufacturing costs. In contrast, in this embodiment, multiple detection units with different heights and / or inclinations can be disposed on a single first frame 51 using the diaphragm 52. This reduces the number of components, lowers manufacturing costs, and also allows for space-saving within the housing 2. Furthermore, in other embodiments, rigid substrates and / or flexible substrates may be used instead of the diaphragm 52.

[0174] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the mounting of various components, such as joysticks 22 and 23 and buttons related to the upper surface, relative to the first frame 51. (See attached image.) Figure 17 As shown, in this embodiment, button rubbers 61-64, ZR button 33 and ZL button 34, and various joysticks 22 and 23 related to the buttons on the upper surface are installed on the first frame 51 on which the diaphragm 52 is installed.

[0175] exist Figure 17 In this design, the rubber buttons 61-64 correspond to the buttons 31-34 respectively located on the upper surface of the game controller 1. The rubber button 61 corresponding to the R button 31 (referred to as "R button rubber") is positioned on the diaphragm 52 mounted on the upper surface of the first frame 51, above the detection section 54k corresponding to the R button 31. The rubber button 62 corresponding to the L button 32 (referred to as "L button rubber") is positioned on the diaphragm 52, above the detection section 54l corresponding to the L button 32. The rubber button 63 corresponding to the ZR button 33 (referred to as "ZR button rubber") is positioned on the diaphragm 52, above the detection section 54m corresponding to the ZR button 33. The rubber button 64 corresponding to the ZL button 34 (referred to as "ZL button rubber") is positioned on the diaphragm 52, above the detection section 54n corresponding to the ZL button 34.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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.

[0180] In this embodiment, each of the various types of joysticks 22 and 23 has a joystick head (i.e., Figure 17 The right joystick head 22a and left joystick head 23a shown), and the joystick axis (i.e., Figure 18 The right joystick axis 22b and left joystick axis 23b shown, and the joystick housing (i.e., Figure 18 The right analog stick housing 22c and the left analog stick housing 23c are shown. In this embodiment, during installation... Figure 17 Each of the rocker heads 22a and 23a shown is a component that is installed on the back side of the first frame 51.

[0181] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the constituent elements located on the rear side of the first frame 51 relative to the first frame 51. (See attached image.) Figure 18 As shown, the game controller 1 includes an antenna 65, a main board 66, a rechargeable battery 67, a battery compartment 68, a bearing connector 69, and a terminal board 70. These components 65-70 are disposed on the rear side of the first frame 51 within the housing 2.

[0182] like Figure 18 As shown, the rocker shafts 22b and 23b and the rocker housings 22c and 23c of various rocker arms 22 and 23 are mounted on the back side of the first frame 51 by means of, for example, screws. Here, holes 51i and 51j are respectively provided at the mounting positions of various rocker arms 22 and 23 on the first frame 51 (see reference). Figure 18 The joystick housings 22c and 23c are mounted on the back side of the first frame 51, respectively, with the joystick shafts 22b and 23b protruding from the back side of the first frame 51 through the holes 51i or 51j and towards the front side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a bearing mounting part 69 is mounted on the back side of the left analog joystick 23 by, for example, screws. The bearing mounting part 69 is provided to cover the back side of the left analog joystick 23 (specifically, the joystick housing 23c). This improves durability relative to loads applied to the left analog joystick 23 from front to rear (e.g., loads applied when pressing in the joystick head). In addition, in this embodiment, a main board 66 is disposed behind the right analog joystick 22. Therefore, for the aforementioned loads applied to the right analog joystick 22, the main board 66 functions similarly to the bearing mounting part, and durability can be improved using the main board 66. In addition, in other embodiments, a bearing connector may also be mounted on the back side of the right analog stick 22.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] The first frame 51, with various components mounted as described above, is installed on the outer casing 2. In this embodiment, before installing the first frame 51 onto the outer casing 2, handle units are installed inside each of the handles 5 and 6 of the outer casing 2. Each handle unit includes a detection unit for detecting input to the handle button 41 or handle button 42, and also includes a vibration component, which will be discussed in detail later. Referring hereafter... Figures 19-28 The handle unit will be explained. Furthermore, the structure of the handle unit will be explained below using the right handle unit located within the right handle 5 as an example.

[0189] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the right handle button and flange rubber included in the right handle unit. (See image below.) Figure 19 As shown, the right handle button 41 has an operating surface 41e, a wall surface 41f, and a flange 41g. The operating surface 41e is the surface exposed from the hole in the right handle 5 to the outside of the housing 2 (see reference). Figure 3 (Rear view in the diagram). Furthermore, in the following description of the right handle unit, the side facing the operating surface 41e is designated as the front side, and the opposite side is designated as the back side. The wall surface 41f extends around the operating surface 41e toward the back side of the operating surface 41e. In this embodiment, the wall surface 41f is provided around the entire circumference of the operating surface 41e, forming a ring shape. The flange portion 41g extends outward from the end of the back side of the wall surface 41f (more specifically, outward from the ring shape of the wall surface 41f). In this embodiment, the flange portion 41g is provided around the entire circumference of the wall surface 41f, forming a ring shape. The right handle button 41 is a hole through which the operating surface 41e passes in the right handle 5 (discussed later). Figure 22 The hole 5a) shown is of a size in which the flange portion 41g does not pass through the hole.

[0190] like Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, a flange rubber 80 is installed on the right handle button 41. The flange rubber 80 is installed such that it covers the flange portion 41g of the right handle button 41. Specifically, the flange rubber 80 covers both the front and back sides of the flange portion 41g. Alternatively, the flange rubber 80 may cover at least the front side of the flange portion 41g. In this embodiment, the flange rubber 80 is annular and is disposed on the entire circumference of the flange portion 41g.

[0191] Figure 20 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the components of the component retainer unit of the right handle unit. For example... Figure 20 As shown, the component retainer unit 81 includes a component retainer portion 82, a handle button rubber 83, and a handle base plate 84. 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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 21In this embodiment, one side of the vibration motor 87 (specifically, the side parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vibration motor 87) is fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor retainer portion 86 by, for example, adhesive bonding. The vibration motor 87 is arranged such that the side fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor retainer portion 86 and its four adjacent sides abut against (or opposite to) the wall surface of the vibration motor retainer portion 86. Furthermore, a buffer member 88 is provided on the side of the vibration motor 87 opposite to the side fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor retainer portion 86. The buffer member 88 is plate-shaped and is fixed to the vibration motor 87 by, for example, adhesive bonding, in a manner extending along the aforementioned side of the vibration motor 87.

[0194] In this embodiment, according to as follows Figures 19-21 The components shown are used to mount the handle unit relative to the housing 2. Figure 22 It means to Figure 19 The diagram shows an example of the right handle button 41 being mounted onto the housing 2. Figure 22 As shown, in this embodiment, the right handle button 41, on which the flange rubber 80 is mounted, is installed such that the operating surface 41e is exposed to the outside of the housing 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 housing 2 (see the following discussion). Figure 27 In this way, it is difficult for the vibration of the housing 2 to be transmitted to the right handle button 41. Therefore, when the housing 2 vibrates due to the vibration motor discussed later, it is possible to suppress the generation of high-frequency vibration sound in the right handle button 41 and improve the operation feel of the right handle button 41.

[0195] Figure 23 It means to Figure 20 The figure shows an example of a component retainer unit 81 being mounted onto the housing 2. Figure 24 This is an exploded perspective view of the right handle button 41 and the component retainer unit 81, viewed from the front. Furthermore, in Figure 24 In the image, the outer casing 2 is omitted; only the right handle button 41, the flange rubber 80, and the component retainer unit 81 are shown. Figure 23 As shown, the component retainer unit 81 is mounted relative to the housing 2 on which the right handle button 41 is mounted. Specifically, the component retainer portion 82 is mounted inside the housing 2 on the back side of the right handle button 41. The component retainer portion 82 is mounted such that it extends along the back side of the operating surface 41e of the right handle button 41. Additionally, as... Figure 20 and Figure 24 As shown, a hole 82a is provided in the component holder portion 82, extending from the front side to the back side. Additionally, a shaft portion 41h extending towards the back side is provided on the back side of the operating surface 41e of the right handle button 41 (see reference). Figure 23The 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] In this embodiment, the component retainer portion 82 has guide portions 82i. The guide portions 82i are walls extending along the direction of the right handle 5 (i.e., from the base to the tip of the right handle 5) when the component retainer unit 81 is installed onto the right handle 5. In this embodiment, the guide portions 82i are provided at both ends of the component retainer portion 82 in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned direction. Alternatively, the component retainer portion 82 can be described as having grooves with the two guide portions 82i as sidewalls. The width of the groove is the same as or slightly longer than the width of the vibration retainer portion. When the vibration retainer unit 85 is installed onto the component retainer unit 81, the vibration motor retainer portion 86 is guided by the guide portions 82i toward a fixed position between the component retainer portion 82 and the vibration motor retainer portion 86. That is, the vibration motor retainer portion 86 passes between the two guide portions 82i and is inserted into the right handle 5 toward the tip of the right handle 5, thus being installed in the component retainer portion 82 in an inserted state. With the vibration retainer unit 85 installed on the component retainer unit 81, a portion of the side wall of the vibration motor retainer portion 86 faces the guide portion 82i. Based on the above, the vibration retainer unit 85 can be easily installed using the guide portion 82i.

[0199] Furthermore, the vibration cage unit 85 (specifically, the vibration motor cage portion 86) is fixed to the component cage portion 82 by, for example, screws. In this embodiment, the screw fixing for mounting the vibration cage unit 85 to the component cage unit 81 is performed by inserting the screw downwards from the opening on the upper side of the right handle 5 toward the interior of the right handle 5 (see reference). Figure 25 Therefore, screw fixing can be easily performed when installing the vibration retainer unit 85 in the right handle 5, which is composed of a single component. Furthermore, a protrusion 82h extending towards the opening side of the right handle 5 can be provided in the component retainer portion 82. In this case, the vibration retainer unit 85 can also be screwed in a state of engagement with the protrusion 82h. Thus, the vibration retainer unit 85 and the component retainer unit 81 can be positioned and fixed together.

[0200] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fastening operation based on a fastening member (e.g., a screw) is performed via an opening 2a provided from the front of the game controller 1 to the upper surface, heading towards the tip of the handle. Here, the opening provided in the housing 2 can be provided at least on the upper surface or at least on the front. When an opening is provided on at least the upper surface, the aforementioned fastening operation can be performed via the opening, and the operation is facilitated by positioning the fastening member towards the tip of the handle. Additionally, even when an opening is provided on the front, the aforementioned fastening operation can still be performed via the opening, and the operation is facilitated by positioning the fastening member towards the tip of the handle.

[0201] In this embodiment, the vibration retainer unit 85 is mounted to the component retainer portion 82 in a manner that abuts against the inner wall of the housing 2. For example, with the vibration retainer unit 85 mounted to the component retainer portion 82, a portion of the back side of the vibration motor retainer portion 86 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 2. As a result, the vibration generated by the vibration motor 87 can be efficiently transmitted to the housing 2.

[0202] As described above, in this embodiment, the retainer of the right handlebar unit has a vibration motor retainer portion 86 fixed to the vibration motor 87 and a component retainer portion 82 fixed to the handlebar base plate 84. Therefore, when installing the right handlebar unit to the housing 2, the vibration motor retainer portion 86 can be installed after the component retainer portion 82 is installed first, thus facilitating the installation of the right handlebar unit. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the retainer of the right handlebar unit may also be composed of a single component.

[0203] In this embodiment, holes 86a and 86b are respectively provided in the vibration motor retainer portion 86 (see reference). Figure 25 The portion of the vibration motor retainer portion 86 with holes 86a and 86b is an example of a fastening part for fastening to the component retainer portion 82. Here, in the component retainer portion 82, threaded holes 82f and 82g are provided at positions corresponding to the holes 86a and 86b in the vibration motor retainer portion 86. By threading a screw through the holes 86a or 86b into the threaded holes 82f or 82g, the vibration motor retainer portion 86 is fastened to the component retainer portion 82. Furthermore, the holes 86a and 86b and the threaded holes 82f and 82g are formed such that they extend from the main body 9 of the game controller 1 along the direction extending from the right handle 5. This facilitates the screw fastening operation when installing the vibration motor retainer portion 86 to the component retainer portion 82.

[0204] In addition, in this embodiment, the retainer of the right handle unit holds the handle base plate 84 on one side (i.e., the side of the component retainer portion 82) and holds the vibration motor 87 on the other side (i.e., the side of the vibration motor retainer portion 86). In this way, it is difficult for the vibration generated by the vibration motor 87 to be transmitted to the handle base plate 84, and concerns about high-frequency vibration sound generated on the handle base plate 84 can be reduced.

[0205] As described above, in this embodiment, the handle base plate 84 is disposed inside the right handle 5 (see reference). Figure 23 Therefore, the detection unit corresponding to the right handle button 41 can be arranged on the back side of the right handle button 41.

[0206] In other embodiments, the detection unit may be positioned on the main body 9 of the game controller 1 (e.g., on the main body substrate). In this configuration, for example, a rod-shaped member extending from the handle button 41 to the main body 9, with one end rotatably supported within the main body 9, is provided. The detection unit is positioned at a point where the rod-shaped member, which rotates according to the pressing of the handle button 41, contacts the button. This allows the detection unit on the main body substrate to detect the operation of the handle button 41. However, in this configuration, the handle button 41 is far from the rotation axis, thus requiring a larger pressing amount to detect the press. Therefore, the responsiveness of the handle button 41 may be reduced. Furthermore, in this configuration, the pressing amount required to detect the press differs between the case where the handle button 41 is pressed close to the rotation axis and the case where it is pressed far from the rotation axis. Therefore, the tactile feedback of the handle button 41 may be reduced.

[0207] In contrast, in this embodiment, by providing the handle base plate 84 inside the right handle 5, the detection unit can be positioned on the back side of the right handle button 41. This reduces concerns about decreased responsiveness of the handle button 41 or variations in the amount of pressure applied due to different positions of the pressing surface, thus improving the operability of the handle button 41.

[0208] In addition, Figure 20 , Figure 21 , Figure 23 ,as well as Figure 25 Although not shown in the figure, the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87 are electrically connected to the main base plate 66 via a single connector. Figure 26 This diagram shows an example of a connector that connects to the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87. (See diagram for example.) Figure 26As shown, in this embodiment, the game controller 1 includes a connector 89. The connector 89 is electrically connected to the wiring of the handle base plate 84 and to the wiring of the vibration motor 87. Although not shown, the connector 89 is connected to a 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 unit and the vibration motor 87. The control circuit processes signals from the detection unit (e.g., generates the aforementioned operation data based on the signal and sends it to the game device), and also sends signals to the vibration motor 87 for controlling the vibration motor 87. Alternatively, during the manufacture of the game controller 1, for example, after installing the right handle unit onto the right handle 5 and installing the first frame 51 on which the main body base plate 66 is mounted onto the housing 2, the connector 89 can be connected to the connector provided on the main body base plate 66. As described above, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to connect the two electronic components (i.e., the handle base plate 84 and the vibration motor 87) separately to the main body base plate 66. Therefore, the number of parts in the game controller 1 (e.g., the number of connectors) can be reduced, and assembly time can be reduced. In addition, in other embodiments, the connectors connected to the wiring of the handle base plate 84 can be independent of the connectors connected to the wiring of the vibration motor 87, and these connectors can also be connected to the connectors of the main body base plate 66 respectively.

[0209] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing an example cross-section of the game controller 1 near the right handle button 41. (See diagram for example.) Figure 27 As shown, the handle button rubber 83 is disposed on the back side of the shaft portion 41h of the handle button 41. The shaft portion 41h of the handle button 41 passes through the hole 82a of the component retainer portion 82 and abuts against the surface of the handle button rubber 83. It is configured such that, when the handle button 41 is not operated, the handle button 41 is subjected to force by the handle button rubber 83 in the surface direction, and the operating surface 41e protrudes from or is flush with the surface of the right handle 5. Furthermore, the handle base plate 84 is disposed on the back side of the handle button rubber 83. The detection portion 90 of the handle base plate 84 is disposed at the position where the handle button rubber 83, which elastically deforms according to the pressing of the right handle button 41, contacts the handle base plate 84. In this 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 moves linearly. Furthermore, depending on the user's pressing method and pressing position, the operating surface 41e is allowed to move slightly at an angle.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] In this embodiment, a left handle unit is provided in the left handle 6, which is symmetrical to the right handle unit provided in the right handle 5. Specifically, the left handle unit includes: a left handle button 42; a handle base plate having a detection unit for detecting input operations performed on the left handle button 42; and a vibration motor disposed within the left handle 6. The detection unit and vibration motor operate in the same manner as the detection unit and vibration motor disposed in the right handle 5. Therefore, the left handle 6 can also achieve the effects described above for the right handle 5.

[0219] After installing the right handle unit and the left handle unit onto the housing 2, the first frame 51 is installed onto the housing 2. Figure 29 This diagram illustrates an example of mounting the first frame to the outer casing. The first frame 51 is mounted as described above, including the main board 66, analog rocker arms 22 and 23, etc. (see reference). Figure 18 The first frame 51 is installed into the housing 2. In this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided from the front to the upper surface of the housing 2, so that when assembling the game controller 1, it is easy to insert the first frame 51 into the housing 2 through the opening 2a.

[0220] For example, firstly, the lower part of the first frame 51 is placed towards the outer shell 2 (refer to...). Figure 29 As shown by the arrow in (1), with the lower part inserted into the outer casing 2, rotate the upper part to insert it into the outer casing 2 (refer to...). Figure 29 As shown by the arrow in (2), the first frame 51 is thus entirely housed within the housing 2. In this embodiment, the sound terminal 39 mounted on the main substrate 66 protrudes downwards from the lower end of the first frame 51. Furthermore, the sound terminal 39 is positioned to expose to the outside of the housing 2 through a hole provided on the lower surface of the housing 2. Therefore, when housing the first frame 51 within the housing 2, the sound terminal 39 is inserted into the aforementioned hole in the housing 2 when the lower portion is inserted, making it easy to position the first frame 51 appropriately within the housing 2. Thus, in this embodiment, the sound terminal 39 can be used for alignment during the insertion of the first frame 51.

[0221] The first frame 51, housed within the outer casing 2, is fixed to the outer casing 2 by means of, for example, screws. Here, in this embodiment, at least the left and right sides of the first frame 51 and the inner walls (i.e., the back walls of the sides) of the outer casing 2 are fixed. Figure 30 and Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which the first frame 51 is fixed to the outer shell 2. Figure 30 This is a diagram showing the game controller 1 viewed from the front in the above-described state. Figure 31This is a diagram showing the game controller 1 viewed from above in the aforementioned state. In this embodiment, holes 51c and 51d (see reference) are provided on the left and right sides of the first frame 51, in the portions abutting against the inner walls of the sides of the outer casing 2. Figure 16 Holes 51c and 51d are located in a position that is symmetrical about left and right. For example... Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the first frame 51 is fastened to the housing 2 by threading the screw 91 through the hole 51c into the hole threaded into the inner wall of the side of the housing 2. Furthermore, in Figure 30 and Figure 31 Only the right side of the first frame 51 is shown. The left side of the first frame 51 is also fastened to the housing 2 by threading screws through holes 51d, just like the right side.

[0222] In this embodiment, the outer casing 2 has an opening 2a extending from the front to the top surface. Therefore, when a force is applied to the outer casing 2, it is possible for the outer casing 2 to deform around the opening 2a. Specifically, when a force is applied to the two handles 5 and 6 in opposite directions, the outer casing 2 may deform, causing a change in the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the opening 2a, or causing the left and right edges of the opening 2a to be offset in the front-back direction. In contrast, in this embodiment, the rigidity of the game controller 1 is increased by fixing the left and right sides of the outer casing 2 to the first frame 51, thus reducing concerns about deformation of the outer casing 2. Furthermore, the first frame 51 may have the same rigidity as the outer casing 2 or greater rigidity.

[0223] In this embodiment, the first frame 51 and the outer shell 2 are fixed at the inner wall of the side of the outer shell 2, and at a position slightly above the center of the opening 2a in the vertical direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (see reference). Figure 30 In this embodiment, the opening 2a extends from the front of the outer casing 2 to its upper surface. Therefore, the outer casing 2 is prone to deformation in the area above the center of the opening 2a. Thus, by fixing the first frame 51 and the outer casing 2 at the aforementioned position, deformation of the outer casing 2 can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 and the outer casing 2 are fixed at a position above the left and right ends of the opening 2a. Figure 30 As shown in position C), which is located on the upper side, in other embodiments, the first frame 51 and the outer shell 2 may also be fixed at the left and right ends, or at a position lower than the left and right ends.

[0224] In this embodiment, the holes 51c and 51d in the first frame 51, which are provided to secure the first frame 51 and the outer casing 2, extend vertically. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided on the upper surface of the outer casing 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, screw fastening operations can be easily performed from the upper part of the opening 2a relative to the holes 51c and 51d.

[0225] In addition, such as Figure 31 As shown, in this embodiment, the hole 51c is located at a position that does not overlap with the ZR button 33 when viewed from above the game controller 1. Specifically, the hole 51c is positioned further forward than the ZR button 33 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, at the time the first frame 51 is installed onto the housing 2, the R button 31 and L button 32 are not yet installed on the first frame 51 (see reference). Figure 30 Therefore, in this embodiment, it is easier to perform screw fixing operations relative to the holes 51c and 51d.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 51c is located at a position that overlaps with the right bridge portion 4b of the top cover 4 when viewed from above the game controller 1. That is, when viewed from above the game controller 1, the hole 51c is located between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33. Therefore, the R button 31 and the L button 32 can be installed on the first frame 51 before the first frame 51 is installed on the outer casing 2. At this time, a screw 91 can be inserted between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 to perform screw fixing relative to the hole 51c.

[0227] like Figure 31 As shown, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, the hole 51c (more specifically, a portion of the hole 51c) is located overlapping with the housing 2. Here, in this embodiment, as... Figure 30 As shown, hole 51c is slightly tilted inward in the left-right direction (i.e., to the left) with reference to the upward direction of game controller 1. Therefore, screw fixing can be performed along the aforementioned direction, and even when hole 51c is located at a position overlapping with housing 2, screw fixing is easy.

[0228] In this embodiment, the first frame 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the side of the outer shell 2 at one location on each of the left and right sides, or it can be fixed at multiple locations on one side.

[0229] exist Figure 29Although not illustrated, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 is fixed not only to the inner wall of the side of the outer casing 2, but also to the inner wall of the back of the outer casing 2. Specifically, screws are threaded into holes provided on the inner wall of the back of the outer casing 2 while passing through holes extending from the front to the back of the first frame 51, thereby fastening the first frame 51 to the outer casing 2. This allows for a more secure fixation of the first frame 51 relative to the outer casing 2.

[0230] In other embodiments, the position where the first frame 51 and the outer shell 2 are fixed is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the first frame 51 may be fixed to the back of the outer shell 2 but not to the side of the outer shell 2, or it may be fixed to the side of the outer shell 2 but not to the back of the outer shell 2.

[0231] After the first frame 51 is installed onto the outer casing 2, the top cover 4 and the like are installed onto the first frame 51. Figure 32 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the case where the top cover 4, etc., is mounted relative to the first frame 51. In this embodiment, the opening 2a also extends to the upper surface of the outer casing 2, thus facilitating... Figure 32 The operation of installing components onto the upper side of the first frame 51 as shown.

[0232] like Figure 32 As shown, an R button 31 and an L button 32 are mounted relative to the first frame 51. The R button 31 is positioned above the R button rubber 61, and the L button 32 is positioned above the L button rubber 62. In this embodiment, the R button 31 is mounted on the first frame 51 in a manner that allows it to rotate using an axis 31b located to the left of the operating surface 31a and extending in the front-rear direction. The L button 32 is mounted on the first frame 51 in a manner that allows it to rotate using an axis 32b located to the right of the operating surface 32a and extending in the front-rear direction. Thus, the buttons 31 and 32 are configured such that the operating surface can move vertically (more precisely, rotate around the aforementioned axis).

[0233] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axes 31b-34b of each button 31-34 are positioned vertically in a position overlapping with the top cover 4 (i.e., the position obscured by the top cover 4 when the game controller 1 is viewed from the top surface). Specifically, the axes 32b of each button 31, 32 are positioned below the central portion 4a of the top cover 4. Additionally, the axis 33b of the ZR button 33 is positioned below the right bridge portion 4b of the top cover 4, and the axis 34b of the ZL button 34 is positioned below the left bridge portion 4c of the top cover 4. Based on the above, the entire operating surface of each button 31-34 can move downwards. Therefore, the user can operate the button 31-34 by pressing any position on its operating surface, thus improving the operability of each button 31-34.

[0234] Figure 33 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure surrounding the rotation axis of the R button. In this embodiment, the R button 31 is mounted to be rotatable relative to the first frame 51 by inserting the shaft 31b of the R button 31 into the bearing joint 51e provided on the first frame 51. The bearing joint 51e has an opening on its upper side when viewed from the front. Here, the top cover 4 has a downwardly protruding protrusion 4h on its lower surface. The top cover 4 is mounted to the first frame 51 such that the protrusion 4h is inserted into the opening of the bearing joint 51e. Furthermore, Figure 33 The top cover 4 is indicated by a dashed line. Based on the above, the possibility of the shaft 31b of the R button 31 detaching from the bearing joint 51e can be reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the L button 32 mounted on the first frame 51 is symmetrical to the configuration of the R button 31 mounted on the first frame 51. And, with the top cover 4 mounted on the first frame 51, the protrusion of the top cover 4 is inserted into the bearing joint corresponding to the shaft 32b of the L button 32. Therefore, the possibility of the shaft 31b of the L button 32 detaching from the bearing joint can be reduced.

[0235] Alternatively, to absorb the impact of the button hitting the top cover 4 when the pressed operating surface returns to its normal state, or to reduce high-frequency vibration noise generated by vibrations (discussed later), a cushioning material may be provided at an appropriate location between the top cover 4 and each button 31-34. For example, for the R button 31 and L button 32, a cushioning material may be provided between the arm portion connecting the operating surface 31a or 32a and the shaft 31b or 32b and the top cover 4. The cushioning material may be installed on the top cover 4 or on each button 31-34.

[0236] like 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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 mounted 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.

[0240] 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 button rubber (72-78) shown is used to hold the component in place. Figure 34 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second frame and the components held by the second frame.

[0241] like Figure 34 As shown, the second frame 71 is longer in the vertical and horizontal directions than in the front-back direction. Holes are provided on the front of the game controller 1 on the second frame 71 at positions corresponding to the positions of buttons 11-19 and the crosshair 21. Each button 11-19 and the crosshair 21 has a flange and a protrusion including an operating surface. Each protrusion extends in the front-back direction, penetrating the hole in the second frame 71. The flange extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions from the rear end of the protrusion. The flange is arranged in a ring around the entire circumference of the protrusion (however, a notch for positioning relative to the second frame 71 may be provided in a portion of the ring). Each button 11-19 and the crosshair 21 is positioned where their respective operating surfaces protrude from the hole in the second frame 71 toward the front side. Based on the above, each button 11-19 and the crosshair 21 is arranged such that they are positioned using the second frame 71 in the vertical and front-back directions and are movable in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, for each button 11-14, in order to absorb the impact when each button 11-14 comes into contact with the second frame 71, a sound-silencing rubber 79 is provided between the flange of each button 11-14 and the second frame 71.

[0242] like 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] As described above, on the diaphragm 52 mounted on the front of the first frame 51, at positions corresponding to the buttons 11-19 and the cross button 21 on the front of the game controller 1 (i.e., positions behind the buttons 11-19 and the cross button 21), detection units 54a-54j are provided (see reference). Figure 16 Therefore, depending on whether each button 11-19 and the crosshair 21 is pressed, the corresponding button rubber elastically deforms and contacts or presses the detection units 54a-54j behind it. The detection units 54a-54j detect whether the corresponding button has been operated by detecting the contact or pressing of the button rubber. In addition, each button rubber applies force to the top of the corresponding button (i.e., each button 11-19 and the crosshair 21) in the forward direction. When the top of the button is not pressed, each button rubber is in its normal state without elastic deformation.

[0245] Here, as described above, the front cover 3 is inclined in a manner that extends rearward in both the vertical and horizontal directions as it moves outward. Therefore, in this embodiment, the buttons and cross keys provided on the front cover 3 are constructed in the manner described below.

[0246] First, the operating surface of button 11 is positioned rearward from the operating surfaces of the other three buttons 12-14. Thus, the operating surfaces of the four buttons 11-14 are arranged in accordance with the tilt of the front cover 3, making these buttons 11-14 easy to operate.

[0247] Here, assuming that the surfaces of the detection units 54a-54d corresponding to the four buttons 11-14 are flush, the operating surface of button 11 is positioned further back than the operating surfaces of buttons 12-14 due to the inclination of the front cover 3. Therefore, the distance from the operating surface of button 11 to the detection unit 54a is shorter than the distance for the other three buttons 12-14. Consequently, the tactile sensation of operating button 11 is different from that of the other three buttons 12-14, and the operating sensation of the four buttons 11-14 may differ.

[0248] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 is formed such that the surface corresponding to the button 11 (that is, the surface where the detection part 54a corresponding to the button 11 is provided) 51f is located further back than the surface 51g corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see reference). Figure 35 In this way, the difference in distance from each button 11-14 to each detection unit 54a-54d can be reduced, and the difference in the operating feel of the buttons 11-14 can be suppressed.

[0249] Furthermore, in this embodiment, corresponding to the case where surface 51f is located further back than surface 51g, the four button rubbers 72 are also shaped such that the flange corresponding to button 11 is located further back than the flange corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see reference). Figure 34 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the button rubber corresponding to button 11 (i.e., the abutting portion and flange portion corresponding to button 11) is integrated with the button rubber corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see reference). Figure 34 If we assume that the two button rubbers are separate, there is a possibility that the button rubber corresponding to button 11 may deviate by rotating around the contact part. In this embodiment, by making them one piece, we reduce this possibility.

[0250] The cross key 21 is located on the front cover 3, on a surface that is tilted so as to extend backward as it faces downward. Figure 36 This is a cross-sectional view of the game controller 1, obtained by cutting along a plane perpendicular to the left and right directions and passing through the position of the cross buttons. Furthermore, in Figure 36 In the illustration, structures that are not related to the description (e.g., the second frame, etc.) are omitted.

[0251] like Figure 36 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross key 21 has an operating surface (refer to...) Figure 36 The single-dot dash (shown) is tilted in a manner corresponding to the tilt of the front cover 3. Specifically, the cross key 21 is tilted downwards from the front direction. This improves the ergonomics of the cross key 21. Alternatively, the operating surface of the cross key 21 may face downwards compared to the direction in which the operating surfaces of the buttons 11-18 (which are located above the cross key 21) face.

[0252] Here, if we assume that the portion 51h of the first frame 51, which has each detection unit 54j corresponding to the cross button 21, is perpendicular to the front-back direction of the game controller 1, then the difference between the distance from the lower operating surface of the cross button 21 to the detection unit 54j and the distance from the upper operating surface of the cross button 21 to the detection unit 54j becomes larger. In this case, the tactile sensation when pressing the lower operating surface of the cross button 21 is different from the tactile sensation when pressing the upper operating surface, therefore, there is a possibility that the tactile feedback of the cross button 21 will be reduced.

[0253] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 is formed such that the portion corresponding to the cross button 21 (that is, the surface where the detection part 54j corresponding to the cross button 21 is provided) 51h is inclined downward relative to the game controller 1 in the front-back direction (see reference). Figure 36In other words, compared to the front-back direction of the game controller 1, the normal direction of the surface 51h corresponding to the D-pad 21 faces downwards. Additionally, compared to the front-back direction of the game controller 1, the rubber surface of the button rubber 78 corresponding to the D-pad 21 (refer to...) Figure 36 The dotted line shown also points downwards. The aforementioned surface 51h points downwards relative to the surface of the detection units 54a-54h where each button 11-18 is located. Furthermore, the aforementioned surface 51h, the rubber surface of the button rubber 78, and the operating surface of the cross key 21 (see...) Figure 36 The single-dot dashed lines shown can also be configured in a parallel manner.

[0254] Based on the above, in this embodiment, the distances to the detection unit 54j from the four operating surfaces of the cross key 21 can be made equal, or the difference in those distances can be reduced. This makes the tactile sensation when pressing the four operating surfaces of the cross key 21 nearly uniform, thereby improving the tactile feel of the cross key 21.

[0255] In this embodiment, the detection units 54a-54j are arranged on the first frame 51 using a diaphragm 52. Therefore, it is easy to arrange the detection units on surfaces with different positions in the front-rear direction, or to arrange the detection units on an inclined surface, as described above.

[0256] like Figure 35 As shown, the second frame 71 has protrusions 71a and 71b extending rearward from the back side. Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the protrusion of the second frame and the axes of the ZR and ZL buttons. 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] Furthermore, the left locking part 96 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 in the same way as the right locking part 95. That is, the left locking part 96 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 by threading a screw through the hole of the opposite part 96a of the second frame and into the threaded hole of the second frame 71 while the hole of the opposite part 96b of the housing engages with the protrusion 2k of the housing 2.

[0262] As described above, in this embodiment, locking parts 95 and 96 are arranged across the edge of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2 on the front side, thereby fixing the outer casing 2 and the second frame 71 to each other. This allows the outer casing 2 and the second frame 71 to be fixed together at the edge of the opening 2a. Here, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the outer casing 2 has an opening 2a extending from the front to the top surface; therefore, when a force is applied to the outer casing 2, it may deform near the opening 2a. To address this, by fixing the outer casing 2 and the second frame 71 together at the edge of the opening 2a using locking parts 95 and 96 as described above, deformation of the outer casing 2 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in other embodiments, locking parts may not be used, and the outer casing 2 and the second frame 71 may be directly fixed together. For example, the outer casing 2 and the second frame 71 may also be directly fastened together using screws.

[0263] Furthermore, each locking part 95, 96 has the following portions: a portion having holes for inserting protrusions 2j, 2k protruding from the inner wall of the housing 2 (i.e., housing-facing portions 95b, 96b); and a portion fastened to the second frame 71 by means of a fastening member (i.e., second frame-facing portions 95a, 96a). In this way, it is unnecessary to provide protrusions or holes on the surface of the housing 2 for fixing the housing 2 and the second frame 71 using each locking part 95, 96, thus preventing the grip of the housing 2 from deteriorating due to protrusions or holes. Furthermore, by engaging each locking part 95, 96 to the housing 2, the assembly of the game controller 1 can be facilitated. Moreover, by fastening each locking part 95, 96 to the second frame 71, the two can be securely fixed together. Furthermore, the methods for fixing each locking part 95, 96 to the housing 2 and to the second frame 71 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, each locking part 95, 96 can be fastened to the housing 2, or each locking part 95, 96 can be engaged to the second frame 71.

[0264] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the number of holes provided in the second frame opposite portions 95a, 96a and the outer shell opposite portions 95b, 96b of each locking part 95, 96 is not limited to two, but may be one or more.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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 38This shortens the distance in the front-rear direction from the front of the second frame 71 (excluding the area where the opposing portion of the second frame is located) to the front of the outer casing 2, thus reducing the thickness of the game controller 1. Furthermore, by forming the aforementioned area at the end of the second frame 71, a gap is created between the second frame 71 and the outer casing 2. The outer casing opposing portion of the locking part is inserted into the outer casing 2 through this gap (see reference...). Figure 38 (As shown by the arrow), this facilitates the installation of the locking component. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shape of the locking component is arbitrary; for example, it can be a flat shape.

[0269] In addition, in this embodiment, a method for fixing the inner wall of the side of the housing 2 and the first frame 51 is used in conjunction with the method of fixing the housing 2 and the second frame 71 using locking parts (see [reference]). Figure 30 and Figure 31 Therefore, deformation of the outer casing 2 can be effectively suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, by using the two fixing methods described above, deformation of the outer casing 2 can be effectively suppressed even without increasing the portion of the opening 2a of the outer casing 2 for the locking parts. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the configuration of the input parts, threaded holes, etc. in the second frame 71 from being restricted by the configuration of the locking parts.

[0270] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the side of the outer casing 2 and the position where the first frame 51 is fixed (i.e., Figure 30 and Figure 31 The position of screw 91 (as shown) is higher than that of locking part 95 in the vertical direction. This allows for more effective suppression of deformation of the housing 2. Furthermore, in other embodiments, either of the two methods described above may be used. Even using only one of the two methods described above, deformation of the housing 2 can be suppressed.

[0271] After the second frame 71 is installed inside the housing 2, the front cover 3 is installed onto the housing 2. Figure 40 This diagram illustrates an example of the front cover 3 being mounted relative to the outer casing 2. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71 within the outer casing 2. For example, the front of the second frame 71 is fixed to the back of the front cover 3 by adhesive bonding. Furthermore, the front cover 3 has holes at positions corresponding to the input sections (i.e., buttons 11-19, D-pad 21, and analog sticks 22, 23) located on the front of the game controller 1. The front cover 3 is mounted to the outer casing 2 such that each input section passes through its corresponding hole. Thus, each input section is positioned to protrude from the front of the front cover 3.

[0272] As described above, in this embodiment, the front cover 3 is provided to cover the front of the second frame 71, which is located on the front side of the first frame 51. The second frame can be protected by covering its front. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the game controller 1 may not need to have both the second frame 71 and the front cover 3; it may only have the second frame 71. In this case, the second frame 71 may also function to block at least a portion of the opening 2a (that is, the second frame 71 may also function as the front cover 3).

[0273] Furthermore, when the front cover 3 is not installed, the fixing member (specifically, the screw) used to fix the second frame 71 to the first frame 51 is exposed on the front of the second frame 71. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is configured to cover the fixing member. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user's hand holding the game controller 1 will not come into contact with the fixing member, thus improving the usability and grip of the game controller 1.

[0274] Furthermore, the front cover 3 is provided to cover the aforementioned locking parts 95 and 96. Therefore, the user's hand holding the game controller 1 will not come into contact with the locking parts 95 and 96, thus improving the usability and grip of the game controller 1. Additionally, it prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the housing 2 through the gap between the locking parts 95 and 96 and the housing 2 or the second frame 71.

[0275] Furthermore, the front cover 3 does not need to cover the entire second frame 71. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 may also be shaped to not cover the position of the fixing member used to fix the second frame 71 to the first frame 51, or it may be shaped to not cover the position of the aforementioned locking parts 95, 96.

[0276] In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed not only to the second frame 71 but also to the outer casing 2. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 40As shown, in this embodiment, the front cover 3 has first engaging portions 3a and 3b on the outer edge of the back side. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 has a first engaging portion 3a on the upper right and a first engaging portion 3b on the upper left. The first engaging portions 3a and 3b are, for example, claw-shaped members protruding towards the back side. Furthermore, the outer casing 2 has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion 3a or 3b at the position where the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71. The second engaging portion is, for example, a portion of the outer casing 2 with recesses formed for engaging with the claw-shaped first engaging portions 3a and 3b of the front cover 3. According to the above, the front cover 3 is fixed relative to the outer casing 2 by engaging with the second engaging portion of the outer casing 2 through the first engaging portions 3a and 3b. Based on the above, the front cover 3 can be installed without the use of screws or other fastening components. Therefore, there is no need to create protrusions or recesses on the surface of the game controller 1 for fixing the front cover 3 to the housing 2 using screws or threaded holes. Thus, these protrusions and recesses will not come into contact with the user's hand holding the game controller 1, thereby improving the usability and 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 removed from the housing 2. Furthermore, "able to be removed" means that the design allows for multiple installation and removal operations by the user. For example, "able to be removed" means that it can be installed or removed without using tools or applying excessive force. In addition, the front cover 3 can also be removed.

[0277] In this embodiment, the first engaging portions 3a and 3b are located at different positions than the locking parts 95 and 96. Specifically, the locking parts 95 and 96 are located on the right edge portion 2c or the left edge portion 2d of the front of the housing 2, slightly lower than the center in the vertical direction, while the first engaging portions 3a and 3b are located on the right edge portion 2c or the left edge portion 2d, slightly higher than the center in the vertical direction. This allows the edge of the opening 2a to be secured at multiple locations, thus reducing concerns about deformation of the housing 2.

[0278] like Figure 40As shown, in this embodiment, the outer casing 2 has a protrusion 2m near the edge of the opening 2a, which extends inward toward the opening 2a when viewed from the front. The protrusion 2m protrudes inward toward the opening 2a from a position on the back side of the front of the outer casing 2, beyond the front side. The front cover 3 can be fixed to either the protrusion 2m or the outer casing 2. For example, the back side of the front cover 3 can be glued to the front side of the protrusion 2m. Based on the above, the front cover 3 and the outer casing 2 can be firmly fixed together, and concerns about gaps between the outer casing 2 and the front cover 3 can be reduced. Furthermore, the distance in the front-rear direction from the edge of the opening 2a to the front side of the protrusion 2m can be set to be the same as the thickness of the front cover 3. As a result, the front side of the outer casing 2 can be flush with the front side of the front cover 3, thus improving the grip of the game controller 1.

[0279] Furthermore, the position and number of the protrusions 2m are arbitrary; they can be provided in at least a portion of the lower edge portion 2b, the right edge portion 2c, and the left edge portion 2d of the front opening 2a, or in all of the aforementioned portions 2b-2d. Alternatively, the outer casing 2 may not have the protrusions 2m.

[0280] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 may be fixed only relative to one of the second frame 71 and the outer casing 2. Additionally, the methods for fixing the front cover 3 to the second frame 71 and the methods for fixing the front cover 3 to the outer casing 2 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 and the second frame 71 may also be fastened with screws. Additionally, for example, the front cover 3 and the outer casing 2 may also be fastened with screws.

[0281] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a game controller having the following structure.

[0282] • At least one operating part is accessible from the front of the game controller and can be operated by the user.

[0283] ·main body.

[0284] • First handle button and second handle button.

[0285] The main body seamlessly comprises: a rear portion; a first handle portion extending from the left side of the main body to cover the periphery of the interior space; and a second handle portion extending from the right side of the main body to cover the periphery of the interior space.

[0286] • The first handle button is located on the first handle part, and the second handle button is located on the second handle part.

[0287] • A first groove is formed at the transition portion from the rear of the main body to the rear of the first handle portion. The first groove has a bottom of a curved track along the lower side of the rear of the main body, closer to the central axis of the game controller, toward the left side of the game controller.

[0288] A second groove is formed at the transition from the rear of the main body to the rear of the second handle, the second groove having a bottom along a curved track from the lower side of the rear of the main body toward the right side of the game controller.

[0289] • The first handle button is located at the bottom of the first groove, near the end of the first handle portion and the bottom of the first groove.

[0290] The second handle button is located near the end of the second handle and at the bottom of the second groove.

[0291] • The side of the first handle button near the bottom of the first groove has the same curvature as the bottom of the first groove.

[0292] • The side of the second handle button near the bottom of the second groove has the same curvature as the bottom of the second groove.

[0293] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a game controller having the following structure.

[0294] ·panel.

[0295] • Top cover.

[0296] ·main body.

[0297] The main body includes: a rear portion; a first handle portion formed to cover the periphery of the interior space; and a second handle portion formed to cover the periphery of the interior space.

[0298] The first handle portion and the second handle portion extend from opposite sides of the rear portion, and are seamlessly formed between the rear portion, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion.

[0299] A first valley is formed at the transition portion from the rear of the main body to the rear of the first handle.

[0300] The first valley has a first valley floor that extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially to the left in the horizontal direction.

[0301] A second valley is formed at the transition portion from the rear of the main body to the rear of the second handle.

[0302] • 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 horizontal direction.

[0303] • It has an operation unit located on the front side of the game controller, which can be operated by the user, including at least one of buttons and directional inputs.

[0304] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a structure having the following features.

[0305] (A-1)

[0306] An example of the present invention is a game controller for input operations by a user. The game controller includes a first input section, a housing, and a first cover. The first input section is located on the front of the game controller. The housing is a component having at least a portion of a first handle portion and a second handle portion extending downwards on the left and right sides, respectively, and having openings across the front and top surfaces of the game controller. The first cover blocks at least a portion of the openings on the front of the game controller.

[0307] (A-2)

[0308] According to the structure described in (A-1) above, the housing may also form at least a portion of the back of the game controller.

[0309] (A-3)

[0310] According to the structure described in (A-1) or (A-2) above, the outer casing may also form the left and right edges of the opening from the back of the game controller to the front of the game controller, forming part of the left and right sides of the game controller and the front of the game controller.

[0311] (A-4)

[0312] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-3) above, the first cover may have a first hole through which the first input portion passes. Alternatively, the game controller may also have a second cover that blocks at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller.

[0313] (A-5)

[0314] According to the structure described in (A-4) above, the openings on the upper surface of the game controller may be divided by a second cover into a right front opening, a right rear opening, a left front opening, and a left rear opening. The right front opening is formed on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the first cover, and the outer shell. The right rear opening is located on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller, positioned further back than the right front opening, and is formed by the second cover and the outer shell. The left front opening is formed on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller by the second cover, the first cover, and the outer shell. The left rear opening is located on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller, positioned further back than the left front opening, and is formed by the second cover and the outer shell. Alternatively, the game controller may include: a second input unit located in the right front opening; a third input unit located in the left front opening; a fourth input unit located in the right rear opening; and a fifth input unit located in the left rear opening.

[0315] (A-6)

[0316] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-5) above, the first cover may be directly or indirectly assembled to the outer shell.

[0317] (A-7)

[0318] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-6) above, the first cover may have a first hole through which the first input section passes. Alternatively, a detection section for detecting input operations performed on the first input section may be housed in the internal space formed by the outer shell and the first cover.

[0319] (A-8)

[0320] According to the structure described in (A-7) above, the game controller may also include: a first frame having a detection unit; and a second frame having a second hole through which the first input unit passes. The second frame holds the first input unit 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.

[0321] (A-9)

[0322] According to the structure described in (A-8) above, the first frame and the second frame may also be fixed together by the first fixing member. Alternatively, the first cover may cover at least a portion of the first fixing member.

[0323] (A-10)

[0324] According to the structure described in (A-8) or (A-9) above, the first cover may also be fixed to the second frame and the outer shell.

[0325] (A-11)

[0326] According to the structure described in (A-10) above, the back side of the first cover and the front side of the second frame may also be fixed together by means of an adhesive. Alternatively, a first engaging portion located on the outer edge of the back side of the cover may engage with a second engaging portion located on the outer casing.

[0327] (A-12)

[0328] According to any one of the structures in (A-8) to (A-11) above, the game controller may also include a second fixing member. The second fixing member is provided across the edge of the opening in the front of the game controller, fixing the inner surface of the housing and the second frame together.

[0329] (A-13)

[0330] According to the structure described in (A-12) above, the second fixing member may also have a shell-facing portion opposite to the inner surface of the shell and a second frame-facing portion opposite to the second frame. Alternatively, the shell-facing portion may have an opening into which a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the shell can be inserted. Alternatively, the second frame-facing portion may have a fastening portion that is fastened to the second frame by means of a fastening member.

[0331] (A-14)

[0332] According to the structure described in (A-12) or (A-13) above, the opening edge in the front of the game controller may also 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. Alternatively, the second fixing member may be arranged across the second edge portion.

[0333] (A-15)

[0334] According to any one of the structures in (A-12) to (A-14) above, the second fixing member may be disposed above the first handle portion and the second handle portion respectively.

[0335] (A-16)

[0336] According to any one of the structures in (A-12) to (A-15) above, it is also possible that at least a portion of the second fixing member is covered by the first cover.

[0337] (A-17)

[0338] According to any of the structures in (A-12) to (A-16) above, the second fixing member may be disposed on the left and right sides respectively, spanning the left and right edges of the opening in the front of the game controller. Alternatively, the inner surface of the housing may be fixed to the fixing part, which is located above the second fixing member when the game controller is viewed from the front, and is disposed on the left and right sides of the first frame respectively.

[0339] (A-18)

[0340] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-3) above, the opening edge may also 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 from the left side of the front of the game controller. The second edge portion extends backward and to the left from the upper end of the first edge portion on the upper surface of the game controller. The third edge portion extends upward and to the left from the right side of the front of the game controller. The fourth edge portion extends backward and to the right from the upper end of the third edge portion on the upper surface of the game controller.

[0341] (A-19)

[0342] According to the structure described in (A-18) above, the opening edge on the front of the game controller may include a 5th edge portion, a 6th edge portion, and a 7th edge portion. The 5th edge portion extends in a left-right direction. The 6th edge portion extends upward and to the left from the left end of the 5th edge portion. The 7th edge portion extends upward and to the right from the right end of the 5th edge portion. Alternatively, the 1st edge portion extends upward and to the right from the upper end of the 6th edge portion. Alternatively, the 3rd edge portion extends upward and to the left from the upper end of the 7th edge portion.

[0343] (A-20)

[0344] According to the structure described in (A-18) or (A-19) above, the game controller may also include a second cover that blocks at least a portion of an opening in the upper surface of the game controller by dividing it from left to right. Alternatively, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller may be a left-side opening formed by the second cover, the first cover, and a second edge portion of the housing, on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller, divided from left to right by the second cover. Alternatively, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller may be a right-side opening formed by the second cover, the first cover, and a fourth edge portion of the housing, on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller, divided from left to right by the second cover. Alternatively, the game controller may include a second input portion provided in the left-side opening and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening. Alternatively, the upper end of the first edge portion may be located forward of the left end of the second input portion. Alternatively, the upper end of the third edge portion may be located forward of the right end of the third input portion.

[0345] (A-21)

[0346] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-3) above, the opening edge may include a front left edge portion, an upper surface left edge portion, a front right edge portion, and an upper surface right edge portion. The front left edge portion extends vertically on the left side of the front of the game controller. The upper surface left edge portion extends vertically on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller in a front-rear direction, forming a first angle with the front left edge portion that protrudes inward toward the game controller in a left-right direction. The front right edge portion extends vertically on the right side of the front of the game controller. The upper surface right edge portion extends vertically on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller in a front-rear direction, forming a second angle with the front right edge portion that protrudes inward toward the game controller in a left-right direction.

[0347] (A-22)

[0348] According to the structure described in (A-21) above, the game controller may also include a second cover that blocks at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller by dividing it left and right. Alternatively, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller may be a right-side opening formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the left edge of the upper surface, on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller, divided by the second cover. Alternatively, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller may be a left-side opening formed by the second cover, the first cover, and the right edge of the upper surface, divided by the second cover. Alternatively, the game controller may include a second input portion provided in the left-side opening and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening. Alternatively, the first corner may be located forward of the left end of the second input portion. Alternatively, the second corner may be located forward of the right end of the third input portion.

[0349] (A-23)

[0350] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-3) above, the opening edge may include a left edge portion and a right edge portion of the upper surface. The left edge portion of the upper surface extends in a front-rear direction on the left side of the upper surface of the game controller, starting from the upper end of the first dividing line between the portion of the cover that serves as the front and left side of the game controller and the outer shell. The right edge portion of the upper surface extends in a front-rear direction on the right side of the upper surface of the game controller, starting from the upper end of the second dividing line between the portion of the cover that serves as the front and right side of the game controller and the outer shell.

[0351] (A-24)

[0352] According to the structure described in (A-23) above, the game controller may also include a second cover that blocks at least a portion of the opening in the upper surface of the game controller by dividing it left and right. Alternatively, the opening in the upper surface of the game controller may include a left-side opening and a right-side opening formed by the left and right division by the second cover. The left-side opening in the upper surface of the game controller is formed by the second cover, the upper left portion of the first cover extending to the right from the upper end of the first dividing line, and the left edge portion of the upper surface of the outer casing. The right-side opening in the upper surface of the game controller is formed by the second cover, the upper right portion of the first cover extending to the left from the upper end of the second dividing line, and the right edge portion of the upper surface of the outer casing. Alternatively, the game controller may include a second input portion provided in the left-side opening and a third input portion provided in the right-side opening. Alternatively, the upper end of the first dividing line may be located forward of the left end of the second input portion. Alternatively, the upper end of the second dividing line may be located forward of the right end of the third input portion.

[0353] (A-25)

[0354] According to any one of the structures (A-1) to (A-24) above, the first handle portion and the second handle portion may have an internal space communicating with the opening.

[0355] (A-26)

[0356] According to the structures (A-20), (A-22) or (A-24) above, the length of the second input section and the third input section in the left-right direction may be longer than the length in the front-back direction.

[0357] (A-27)

[0358] Another example of the invention is a game controller for input operations by a user. The game controller includes a housing, a first cover, and a first input section. The housing includes a base, a first handle portion, and a second handle portion. At least a portion of the first and second handle portions extends downwards from the left and right sides of the base, respectively. The base, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion are configured as a single component. The base, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion form at least a portion of a cavity opening upwards and forwards. The first cover covers at least a portion of the cavity from the front. The first input section is located in a position operable from the front of the game controller and includes at least one of a button and a directional input section.

[0359] (A-28)

[0360] According to the structure described above (A-27), the base may also include at least a portion of the back of the game controller, at least a portion of the left side, at least a portion of the right side, and at least a portion of the front, including the left and right edges that divide the front side to form the chamber.

[0361] (A-29)

[0362] According to the structure described in (A-27) or (A-28) above, the game controller may also have a second cover that covers at least a portion of the upper chamber.

[0363] (A-30)

[0364] According to the structure described in (A-29) above, the second cover may be shaped as the upper part dividing the chambers in the front, back, left, and right directions. Alternatively, the second cover, the first cover, and the outer shell may form a right front opening. Alternatively, the second cover and the outer shell may form a right rear opening behind the right front opening. Alternatively, the second cover, the first cover, and the outer shell may form a left front opening. Alternatively, the second cover and the outer shell may form a left rear opening behind the left front opening. Alternatively, the game controller may include: a second input unit located at the right front opening; a third input unit located at the left front opening; a fourth input unit located at the right rear opening; and a fifth input unit located at the left rear opening.

[0365] (A-31)

[0366] According to any one of the structures in (A-27) to (A-30) above, the outer shell dividing the chamber may have a first edge portion, a second edge portion, a third edge portion, and a fourth edge portion. At the front and left side of the game controller, at least a portion of the first edge portion extends upward and to the right. At the upper and left side of the game controller, at least a portion of the second edge portion extends rearward and to the left from the upper end of the first edge portion. At the front and right side of the game controller, at least a portion of the third edge portion extends upward and to the left. At the upper and right side of the game controller, at least a portion of the fourth edge portion extends rearward and to the right from the upper end of the third edge portion.

[0367] (A-32)

[0368] According to the structure described in (A-31) above, it is also possible that, on the front side of the game controller, the outer shell dividing the chamber includes a fifth edge portion, a sixth edge portion, and a seventh edge portion. The fifth edge portion extends in a left-right direction. At least a portion of the sixth edge portion extends upward and to the left from the left end of the fifth edge portion. At least a portion of the seventh edge portion extends upward and to the right from the right end of the fifth edge portion. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first edge portion extends upward and to the right from the upper end of the sixth edge portion. Alternatively, at least a portion of the third edge portion extends upward and to the left from the upper end of the seventh edge portion.

[0369] (A-33)

[0370] Another example of the invention is a game controller comprising a panel, a top cover, and a main body. The main body includes: a rear portion; a first handle portion formed to cover the periphery of an interior space; and a second handle portion formed to cover the periphery of an interior space. The first handle portion and the second handle portion extend from opposite sides of the rear portion. The rear portion, the first handle portion, and the second handle portion are seamlessly formed together. A first valley is formed at the transition from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the first handle portion, the first valley having a first valley bottom that extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially to the left in the horizontal direction. A second valley is formed at the transition from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the second handle portion, the second valley having a second valley bottom that extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially to the right in the horizontal direction. The game controller also includes an operation section located at the front of the game controller, operable by a user, including at least one of a button and a directional input section.

[0371] In one aspect, the above-described embodiments disclose a structure having the following features.

[0372] (B-1)

[0373] An example of the present invention is a game controller for input operations by a user. The game controller includes: a main body, an input section, a left handle, a right handle, a first button, and a second button. The input section is located on the front of the main body. The left handle protrudes from the left side of the main body at least partially downward and at least partially backward, forming a first valley on the back of the game controller and the main body, the first valley having a first valley bottom extending upward toward the side of the game controller. The right handle protrudes from the right side of the main body at least partially downward and at least partially backward, forming a second valley on the back of the game controller and the main body, the second valley having a second valley bottom extending upward toward the side of the game controller. The first button is separate from the first valley bottom and is located on the left handle along the first valley bottom. The second button is separate from the second valley bottom and is located on the right handle along the second valley bottom. The width of the side surfaces of the first and second buttons on the game controller in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the center side in the left-right direction.

[0374] (B-2)

[0375] Based on the structure described in (B-1) above, it is also possible that the wider the operation surface of the first button and the operation surface of the second button are, the further away from the center side of the game controller in the left-right direction towards the side side.

[0376] (B-3)

[0377] According to the structure described in (B-1) or (B-2) above, the outer edges of the operating surfaces of the first and second buttons may have: a first line extending upwards toward the side of the game controller and along the first and second valleys respectively; and a second line further away from the first and second valleys than the first line and opposite to the first line. Alternatively, the distance between the first and second lines may be longer on the side of the game controller in the left-right direction than on the center side in the left-right direction.

[0378] (B-4)

[0379] According to the structure described in (B-1) or (B-2) above, the outer edges of the operating surfaces of the first and second buttons may also have: a first line extending upwards towards the side of the game controller, respectively along the first valley and the second valley; and a second line, which is further away from the first valley and the second valley than the first line, respectively, and opposite to the first line. Alternatively, the distance between the first and second lines may increase as they move towards the side of the game controller.

[0380] (B-5)

[0381] According to the structure described in (B-1) or (B-2) above, the outer edges of the operating surfaces of the first button and the second button may have a first line and a second line, respectively. The first line extends upwards towards the side of the game controller, extending along the first valley and the second valley, respectively. The second line is further away from the first valley and the second valley than the first line, and is opposite to the first line. Alternatively, the difference between the distance between each first line at the center side of the game controller in the left-right direction and the corresponding first or second valley is larger than the difference between the distance between each first line at the side side of the game controller in the left-right direction and the corresponding first or second valley.

[0382] (B-6)

[0383] According to any one of the structures in (B-3) to (B-5) above, the outer edges of the operating surfaces of the first button and the second button may each have: a third line connecting the central end of the first line and the second line in the left-right direction of the game controller; and a fourth line connecting the ends of the first line and the second line in the left-right direction of the game controller opposite to the central end.

[0384] (B-7)

[0385] Based on the structure of (B-6) above, it is also possible that the fourth line is longer than the third line.

[0386] (B-8)

[0387] Based on the structure of (B-6) or (B-7) above, it is also possible that both the first and second lines are longer than the fourth line.

[0388] (B-9)

[0389] Based on the structure of any one of (B-3) to (B-8) above, it is also possible that the first line is longer than the second line.

[0390] (B-10)

[0391] Based on the structure of any one of (B-6) to (B-8) above, the fourth line can also be a straight line or a curve that is gentler than the third line.

[0392] (B-11)

[0393] Based on any of the structures in (B-1) to (B-10) above, it is also possible that, for the operation surfaces of the first button and the second button, the curvature of the upper corner on the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller is smaller than the curvature of the lower corner.

[0394] (B-12)

[0395] According to any of the structures in (B-1) to (B-11) above, the operating surfaces of the first button and the second button can be respectively matched with the shape of the finger from the first joint to the fingertip on the center side in the left-right direction and the lower side in the up-down direction of the game controller.

[0396] (B-13)

[0397] According to any of the structures in (B-1) to (B-12) above, the left and right handles may also be part of a housing as a component, having openings across the front and top surfaces of the game controller. Alternatively, the game controller may have a first cover that seals at least a portion of the opening in the front of the game controller.

[0398] (B-14)

[0399] According to any of the structures in (B-1) to (B-13) above, the game controller may also include a first retainer, a first base plate, and a first vibration component disposed within the left handlebar. Alternatively, the first base plate may be fixed to the first retainer and have a first detection unit for detecting input operation to the first button. The first vibration component is fixed to the first retainer. Alternatively, the game controller may include a second retainer, a second base plate, and a second vibration component disposed within the right handlebar. The second base plate may be fixed to the second retainer and have a second detection unit for detecting input operation to the second button. The second vibration component is fixed to the second retainer.

[0400] (B-15)

[0401] Another example of the present invention is a game controller for input operations by a user. The game controller includes a main body, an input section, a left handle, a right handle, a first button, and a second button. The input section is located on the front of the main body. The left handle protrudes from the left side of the main body, at least partially downward and at least partially backward, forming a first valley on the back of the game controller and the main body. The first valley has a first valley bottom extending upward toward the side of the game controller. The right handle protrudes from the right side of the main body, at least partially downward and at least partially backward, forming a second valley on the back of the game controller and the main body. The second valley has a second valley bottom extending upward toward the side of the game controller. The first button is located near the first valley bottom of the left handle and on the opposite side of the main body, separated by the first valley bottom. The second button is located near the second valley bottom of the right handle and on the opposite side of the main body, separated by the second valley bottom. The outer edges of the operating surfaces of buttons 1 and 2 have lines 1, 2, 3, and 4. Line 1 extends upwards towards the side of the game controller, along the first and second valleys respectively. Line 2 is further away from the first and second valleys than line 1 and is opposite to line 1. Line 3 connects the center ends of lines 1 and 2 in the left-right direction of the game controller. Line 4 connects the ends of lines 1 and 2 on the left-right direction of the game controller opposite to the center ends. Lines 1 and 2 are both longer than lines 3 and 4.

[0402] (B-16)

[0403] Based on the structure described above (B-15), it is also possible that the fourth line is longer than the third line.

[0404] (B-17)

[0405] Based on the structure of (B-15) or (B-16) above, it is also possible that the first line is longer than the second line.

[0406] (B-18)

[0407] According to any of the structures in (B-15) to (B-17) above, it is also possible that the further the second line moves from the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller toward the side side, the further away the second line is from the first valley bottom or the second valley bottom corresponding to each second line, and the further away it is from the first line.

[0408] (B-19)

[0409] Based on the structure of any one of (B-1) to (B-18) above, it is also possible that, in the front-back direction, the rear end of the operating surface of the first button is located in front of the rear end of the left handle, and the rear end of the operating surface of the second button is located in front of the rear end of the right handle.

[0410] (B-20)

[0411] Based on the structure of any one of (B-1) to (B-19) above, the first button and the second button may be positioned in a location that is visible when the game controller is viewed from the back but not visible when the game controller is viewed from the front or side.

[0412] (B-21)

[0413] According to any one of the structures (B-1) to (B-20) above, the first button may have an operating surface that is a curved surface along the left handle around the first button, and the second button may have an operating surface that is a curved surface along the right handle around the second button.

[0414] (B-22)

[0415] According to any one of the structures (B-1) to (B-21) above, the game controller may also include a first substrate, a second substrate, and a third substrate. At least a portion of the first substrate is disposed inside the main body. At least a portion of the second substrate is disposed inside the left handlebar and has a first detection unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing of the first button. At least a portion of the third substrate is disposed inside the right handlebar and has a second detection unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing of the second button. Alternatively, the second substrate and the third substrate may be electrically connected to the first substrate.

[0416] (B-23)

[0417] According to the structure described in (B-22) above, the game controller may also have a first retainer and a second retainer. At least a portion of the first retainer is disposed inside the left handlebar, and the second base plate and the first vibrator are fixed to the first retainer. At least a portion of the second retainer is disposed inside the right handlebar, and the third base plate and the second vibrator are fixed to the second retainer.

[0418] (B-24)

[0419] According to any of the structures in (B-1) to (B-23) above, the back of the game controller may be curved forward above the first valley and the second valley as it moves from the center of the game controller in the left-right direction toward the side.

[0420] (B-25)

[0421] Another example of the invention is a game controller comprising at least one operating part, a main body, and a first handle button and a second handle button. The operating part is accessible from the front of the game controller and is operable by a user. The main body seamlessly comprises: a rear portion; a first handle portion extending from the left side of the main body to cover the periphery of the interior space; and a second handle portion extending from the right side of the main body to cover the periphery of the interior space. The first handle button is disposed on the first handle portion. The second handle button is disposed on the second handle portion. A first groove is formed at the transition from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the first handle portion. The first groove has a bottom along a curved track extending from the lower side of the rear portion of the main body towards the left side of the game controller. A second groove is formed at the transition from the rear portion of the main body to the rear portion of the second handle portion. The second groove has a bottom along a curved track extending from the lower side of the rear portion of the main body towards the right side of the game controller. The first handle button is located near the end of the first handle portion and at the bottom of the first groove. The second handle button is located near the end of the second handle and at the bottom of the second groove. The side of the first handle button closest to the bottom of the first groove has the same curvature as the bottom of the first groove. The side of the second handle button closest to the bottom of the second groove has the same curvature as the bottom of the second groove.

[0422] The structures described above are examples. Within each of these structures, some elements can be excluded. The elements can also be combined appropriately.

[0423] [Structure of the variant example]

[0424] The above embodiments are merely illustrative, and the structures can be appropriately deleted or replaced. For example, the above embodiments disclose a housing, a handle button, and a retainer inside the handle as components, but the controller does not need to have all of these, and the structures can be changed.

[0425] Figure 41 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the housing of a game controller, a variation of the above-described embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 41 As shown, in other embodiments, the housing 110 may also have a structure in which the opening 110a on the front and the opening 110b on the upper surface are separately provided, instead of a structure in which the opening is provided from the front to the upper surface. In other words, the housing 110 may also have a structure in which the upper opening 110b and the lower opening 110a are separated by the opening 110a on the front and the opening 110b on the upper surface. In such a structure, it is also possible to ensure that no dividing line is generated on the side of the controller.

[0426] The controller may also have a cover that seals openings on the back, sides, or handle. Alternatively, the controller may not have a cover.

[0427] Figure 42 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller that is a variation of the above-described embodiment. Figure 42 This is a diagram showing the game controller from the back. (See diagram below.) Figure 42 As shown, in addition to the aforementioned handle buttons 41 and 42, the game controller also has additional handle buttons 111 and 112 on each handle 5 and 6. Thus, the game controller 1 can also have a structure where one handle has multiple handle buttons. In this case, at least one handle button can be positioned along the aforementioned valley 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.

[0428] 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.

[0429] 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 43As 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.

[0430] In addition, Figure 43 In the illustrated structure, the game controller may also have multiple (e.g., two) detection units for a single handle button. Specifically, the game controller may have a first button rubber and a first detection unit on the back side of the upper portion of the operating surface of the handle button, and a second button rubber and a second detection unit on the back side of the lower portion of the operating surface. In this case, the first button rubber elastically deforms when the upper portion of the operating surface is pressed by the user, and contacts the first detection unit on the back side. The first detection unit detects operation on the upper portion of the operating surface by detecting the contact of the first button rubber. Similarly, the second button rubber elastically deforms when the lower portion of the operating surface is pressed by the user, and contacts the second detection unit on the back side. The second detection unit detects operation on the lower portion of the operating surface by detecting the contact of the second button rubber. As described above, each handle button 121, 122 may also have two operating surfaces corresponding to the operation input.

[0431] Alternatively, the controller may also have any detection unit as a detection unit for detecting operations performed on the handle button (specifically, a structure within the housing). For example, the controller may not have a handle base plate, and the detection unit corresponding to the handle button may be located on the main body base plate.

[0432] The controller can have a housing of any shape, and this housing has a handle. For example, the controller can also have a housing with a single component having steps or grooves on the handle and / or the sides of the controller to provide a tactile feel for the user. Alternatively, the controller can also have a housing formed by combining multiple housings. For example, the controller can also have a housing formed by combining a front housing and a rear housing. Additionally, the controller can also have a handle cover that covers the handle portion of the combined housing. Furthermore, the controller can also have a housing formed by combining a housing constituting the main body and a housing constituting the handle. Alternatively, the controller can also have a housing formed by combining the main body, a housing constituting a portion of the handle, and a housing constituting the remaining portion of the handle.

[0433] The controller may also have buttons at any location on the back of the controller. For example, the operating surface of the handle button may not follow the valley floor. For example, the operating surface of the handle button may have an angle protruding towards the valley floor. For example, the button may also be located on the back of the main body. For example, the button may be located from the back of the main body to the back of the handle.

[0434] The controller can have any number of handles. Alternatively, at least one handle may contain a retainer as described in the above embodiments.

[0435] The controller can also be shaped so that it can be held and operated with one hand. For example, the controller can also be... Figure 1 The controller shown can be a left controller with a shape that is integrally shaped to the left of the center and can be held by the left hand, or a right controller with a shape that is integrally shaped to the right of the center and can be held by the right hand, or a kit of these left and right controllers. Furthermore, at least one of the right side of the left controller and the left side of the right controller may have a mounting structure, which allows the left or right controller to be detachably mounted to a game device, peripheral device, or to be detachably mounted to each other. The mounting structure is not limited; for example, it may be at least one of a snap-fit ​​structure, a locking structure, a push-in structure, or a magnetic adsorption structure. At least one of the left and right controllers may also have a handle button. For example, at least one of the position and shape of the handle button on the left controller may be based on the position or shape of the left handle button of the controller in this embodiment. Similarly, at least one of the position and shape of the handle button on the right controller may be based on the position or shape of the right handle button of the controller in this embodiment. As an example of the location of the handle button on the left controller, the left controller may have a handle that protrudes at least partially downwards and at least partially towards the rear, forming a valley on the back and main body, including a valley extending towards the left side as it moves upwards. A handle button is located at a position separate from and along the valley. The right controller is similar. Furthermore, the shapes of the left and right controllers are not limited. Additionally, the shape and number of housings for the left and right controllers are not limited.

[0436] The method of fixing various components is one example. Additionally, the fastening component in the above embodiment is another example. Fastening components can also be, for example, screws, rivets, bolts, clips, pins, hooks, etc.

[0437] The game controller described in the above embodiments can be, for example, a game application that can be executed on any information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet computer. In other words, the game controller described in the above embodiments allows a user to instruct any information processing device executing the game application.

[0438] In the above embodiments, a game controller for instructing applications for games has been described, but the game controller in the above embodiments can also be used as a controller for instructing applications other than games.

[0439] Furthermore, the information processing system may not possess any of the structures described in the above embodiments, nor may it execute any of the processes performed in the above embodiments. For example, the information processing system may only need to possess a structure for achieving a specific effect in order to achieve a certain effect in a part of the above embodiments, and execute processes for achieving that effect; it may not need to possess other structures or execute other processes.

Claims

1. A game controller, wherein, This game controller features: The main body has an input section on its front. The first and second handles protrude downwards from the left and right sides of the main body and are held by the user. The first button is located on the first handle; A second button is located on the second handle; A first retainer is disposed within the first handle; The first substrate, which is disposed inside the first handle and fixed to the first retainer, has a first detection unit for detecting input operation to the first button; The first vibrating component is disposed inside the first handle and fixed to the first retainer; A second retainer is disposed within the second handle; A second substrate, disposed within the second handle and fixed to the second retainer, has a second detection unit for detecting input operation to the second button; and The second vibrating component is disposed inside the second handle and fixed to the second retainer.

2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein, This game controller features: The third substrate is disposed within the main body and processes signals from the first detection unit; A first connector, which is provided with wiring for connecting to the first substrate and wiring for connecting to the first vibrating component; and The second connector is disposed on the third substrate and is electrically connected to the first connector.

3. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A buffer member is provided between the first substrate and the first vibrating component.

4. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The game controller has a button rubber disposed between the first retainer and the first detection unit. The button rubber applies force to the first button on the outside of the game controller and deforms according to the state of the first button being pressed, thus contacting the first detection unit.

5. The game controller according to claim 4, wherein, The first retainer has a support surface on the side of the first button that contacts the inner side of the first button when the first button is pressed.

6. The game controller according to claim 5, wherein, The first button has an operating surface and a protrusion protruding from the opposite side of the operating surface. The first retainer is located between the button rubber and the operating surface, and has a portion with holes. The protrusion has a first protruding portion that does not penetrate the hole, and a second protruding portion that is located at a position higher than the first protruding portion and penetrates the hole. The rubber button is deformed by being pressed down by the second protruding portion when the operating surface is pressed. The first protruding part comes into contact with the support surface after the button rubber deforms due to the second protruding part when the operating surface is pressed.

7. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the first holder, a hole is provided between the operating surface of the first button located on one side of the first holder and the first substrate located on the other side of the first holder. The first button has a protrusion that extends from the back side of the operating surface and passes through the hole. The game controller has an elastic member that is pressed down by the protrusion and deformed according to the first button being pressed, thereby contacting the first detection part.

8. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first retainer has: The first retainer portion, wherein the first base plate is fixed to the first retainer portion, and the first retainer portion is fixed to the inner wall of the first handle; and The first vibration component is fixed to the second retainer portion, and the second retainer portion is fixed to the first retainer portion.

9. The game controller according to claim 8, wherein, The first retainer portion has a guide portion that guides the second retainer portion toward a fixed position between it and the first retainer portion.

10. The game controller according to claim 9, wherein, The game controller has a single housing with the first handle and the second handle, and has an opening on at least the upper surface of the game controller. The guide portion is configured to guide the second retainer portion toward the top of the first handle relative to the first retainer portion fixed to the inside of the first handle.

11. The game controller according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The game controller has a single housing with the first handle and the second handle, and has an opening on at least the upper surface of the game controller. The first retainer portion and the second retainer portion, which are fixed to the inside of the first handle, are secured by fastening members toward the top of the first handle.

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