Joysticks, gamepads and arcade machines with eight microswitches

Abstract

The application provides a joystick with eight micro switches, a gamepad and an arcade machine, which comprises a base, a joystick shaft and eight micro switches; the joystick shaft is rotationally connected with the base, and the joystick shaft is sleeved with a trigger piece; the micro switches are fixed on the base, and the eight micro switches are divided into four groups of micro switches and are respectively located in four control directions of the trigger piece; two trigger surfaces of two key shafts in the group of micro switches are configured to increase the contact area of the trigger piece and the group of micro switches, and the trigger piece of the joystick shaft is configured to move towards any control direction to trigger the group of micro switches located in the direction. According to the application, the joystick with eight micro switches, the gamepad and the arcade machine can improve the triggering accuracy and the control feeling, disperse the stress, reduce the switch wear, significantly prolong the service life of the joystick and the operation stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of game technology, and in particular to a joystick, game controller, and arcade machine with eight microswitches. Background Technology

[0002] As a core control component widely used in game controllers, arcade machines, industrial control consoles, and other devices, the joystick's directional triggering structure directly determines its control accuracy and lifespan. Existing four-way joysticks generally employ a design where a single microswitch corresponds to a single control direction; that is, one microswitch is configured for each of the four positive directions: forward, backward, left, and right. Directional signals are triggered by the joystick's movement pressing against the microswitch. This design is simple and is the mainstream solution in the industry.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned traditional single micro switch structure has significant defects: First, the trigger contact area is small, and the pressing deviation is easy to occur when the joystick swings, resulting in inaccurate triggering, false triggering or failure to trigger effectively, and poor control feel and operation consistency; Second, the force is concentrated at a single point, which can easily cause excessive wear, elastic fatigue and poor contact of the micro switch after long-term use, greatly shortening the overall service life of the joystick and making it difficult to meet the needs of high frequency and high stability use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a joystick, game controller and arcade machine with eight microswitches. The eight microswitches are divided into four groups, with two microswitches in each group. This makes the trigger contact surface wider by the two microswitches together in each control direction, thereby improving the trigger accuracy and control feel, distributing the force and reducing switch wear, and significantly extending the joystick's service life and operational stability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a rocker arm with eight microswitches, characterized in that it includes a base, a rocker arm shaft, and eight microswitches; the rocker arm shaft is rotatably connected to the base, and a trigger element is sleeved on the rocker arm shaft; the microswitches are fixed on the base, and the eight microswitches are divided into four groups of microswitches and are respectively located in the four operating directions of the trigger element; each microswitch is a mechanical shaft push-button switch and includes a fixed base and a key shaft protruding from the fixed base; the key shaft can trigger the microswitch when it is pressed by the trigger element; the two trigger surfaces of the two key shafts in the microswitch group are configured to increase the contact area between the trigger element and the microswitch group, and the trigger element of the rocker arm shaft is configured to trigger the microswitch group located in any of the operating directions when it moves in that direction. In this configuration, the eight microswitches are divided into four groups and located in the four control directions of the trigger, allowing two microswitches (i.e., one microswitch group) to be arranged in each control direction. By configuring the orientation of the two trigger surfaces of the two key shafts in the microswitch group, the contact area between the trigger and each microswitch group can be increased. This improves trigger accuracy and control feel, distributes force, reduces switch wear, and significantly extends the lifespan and operational stability of the joystick.

[0006] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the invention, optionally, each pair of adjacent microswitches is combined to form the microswitch group and located in the eight operating directions of the trigger.

[0007] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the present invention, optionally, the eight microswitches are evenly distributed in a regular octagon around the central axis of the base and the trigger.

[0008] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the present invention, the trigger element may optionally be cylindrical.

[0009] Optionally, the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the invention may also include a circuit board electrically connected to the microswitches.

[0010] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the invention, optionally, the rocker arm shaft further includes a shaft body and a grip portion located at the top of the shaft body.

[0011] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the invention, the base may optionally include a limiting member.

[0012] In the rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the first aspect of the present invention, optionally, the triggering element includes a triggering part and a limiting part, wherein the limiting part is disposed on the triggering part and located within the limiting element.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a game controller comprising the game controller described in the first aspect.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention provides an arcade machine that includes the game controller described in the first aspect.

[0015] According to the present invention, a joystick, game controller and arcade machine with eight microswitches can be provided, which improves trigger accuracy and control feel, distributes force and reduces switch wear, and significantly extends the joystick's service life and operational stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram showing the overall structure of the rocker arm with eight microswitches involved in the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view showing an example 1 of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a bottom view showing eight microswitches involved in the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing another layout of the eight microswitches involved in the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing an example 2 of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: Base…1; Rocker shaft…2; Micro switch…3; Circuit board…4; Frame…11; Base plate…12; Limiting member…13; Trigger…21; Rotating member…22; Shaft…23; Grip part…24; Fixing seat…31; Key shaft…32; Trigger part…211; Limiting part…212; Spherical groove part…221; Hemispherical part…222. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0026] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram showing the overall structure of the rocker arm with eight microswitches involved in the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view showing an example 1 of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a bottom view showing eight microswitches involved in the present invention arranged on a circuit board.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides a rocker arm (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a rocker arm) having eight microswitches 3. The rocker arm may include a base 1, a rocker arm shaft 2, and eight microswitches 3.

[0030] In some examples, the rocker arm 2 can be rotatably connected to the base 1. The rocker arm 2 can be fitted with a trigger element 21.

[0031] In some examples, the microswitches 3 can be fixed to the base 1. The eight microswitches 3 can be divided into four groups and located in the four operating directions of the trigger 21. The four operating directions can be the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west).

[0032] In some examples, each microswitch 3 can be a mechanical axis push-button switch. Each microswitch may include a mounting base 31 and a key shaft 32 protruding from the mounting base. The key shaft 32 can actuate the microswitch 3 when pressed by the trigger member 21.

[0033] In some examples, the two trigger surfaces of the two key shafts 32 in the microswitch assembly can be configured to increase the contact area between the trigger 21 and the microswitch assembly. The trigger 21 of the joystick shaft 2 can be configured to trigger the microswitch assembly located in any control direction by moving it in that direction. For example, controlling the joystick shaft 2 to move the trigger 21 eastward will directly trigger the microswitch assembly located in the east direction.

[0034] In this configuration, the eight microswitches 3 are divided into four groups and located in the four control directions of the trigger 21, allowing two microswitches (i.e., one microswitch group) to be arranged in each control direction. By configuring the orientation of the two trigger surfaces of the two key shafts 32 in the microswitch group, the contact area between the trigger 21 and each microswitch group can be increased. This improves trigger accuracy and control feel, distributes force and reduces switch wear, and significantly extends the lifespan and operational stability of the joystick.

[0035] In some examples, two microswitches 3 in a microswitch group can be integrated together. Then, four microswitch groups are assembled together and arranged around the trigger 21. The distance between adjacent microswitch groups can be equal or unequal.

[0036] In some examples, the trigger face of each key shaft 32 in the micro switch assembly can be set facing the trigger element. The line connecting the axis of the trigger element 21 and the trigger face can be perpendicular to the trigger face. The trigger face can be the end face of the key shaft 32 facing the trigger element 21.

[0037] In some examples, the joystick axis 2 may also include a shaft body 23 and a grip portion 24 located at the top of the shaft body 23. The grip portion 24 facilitates gripping and thus operation of the joystick axis 2. The shape of the grip portion 24 may be spherical, cylindrical, or other irregular shapes.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing another layout of the eight microswitches involved in the present invention. Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing an example 2 of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a rocker arm with eight microswitches according to the present invention.

[0039] In some examples, every two adjacent microswitches 3 are grouped into microswitch groups and located in the eight control directions of the trigger. The eight control directions can be east, south, west, north, northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest. By arranging two microswitches 3 (i.e., a microswitch group) in each of the eight control directions, remote control of all eight directions can be achieved. Moreover, compared with the existing technology that only sets four microswitches in the four cardinal directions, the triggering accuracy and control feel of each direction can be improved, the force can be distributed and the switch wear can be reduced, and the lifespan and operational stability of the joystick can be significantly extended.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 or Figure 4 The eight microswitches 3 can be designated as microswitches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3h. Microswitches 3a and 3b can form an east-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3b and 3c can form a northeast-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3c and 3d can form a north-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3d and 3e can form a northwest-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3e and 3f can form a west-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3f and 3g can form a southwest-facing microswitch group; microswitches 3g and 3h can form a south-facing microswitch group; and microswitches 3a and 3h can form a southeast-facing microswitch group.

[0041] In some examples, the eight microswitches 3 can be evenly distributed in a regular octagon around the central axis L of the base 1 (the center of the central axis L in the top view direction). Specifically, the trigger distance i can be defined as the distance between the trigger 21 and the trigger surface, ensuring that the trigger distances i of the eight microswitches 3 are equal and the angle θ between the lines containing adjacent trigger distances is 45 degrees. The central axis L of the base 1 can also be the central axis of the joystick axis 2. In this case, the trigger 21 can trigger any two adjacent microswitches in eight directions, and because the eight microswitches 3 are evenly distributed in a regular octagon, the microswitch group can be triggered in eight control directions to achieve essentially the same effect. This further improves the trigger accuracy and control feel in each direction, distributes force and reduces switch wear, and significantly extends the joystick's lifespan and operational stability.

[0042] In some examples, the trigger 21 can be cylindrical or generally cylindrical.

[0043] In some examples, the joystick may also include a circuit board 4 electrically connected to a micro switch 3. The micro switch 3 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 4 via wires, electrodes, etc.

[0044] In some examples, a rotating member 22 may also be fitted onto the shaft 23. In some examples, the rotating member 22 may include a hemispherical member 222 and a spherical groove member 221. The spherical groove member 221 may be located within the spherical groove member 221. The shaft 23 can drive the hemispherical member 222 to rotate within the spherical groove member 221.

[0045] Specifically, the hemispherical component 222 is placed inside the spherical groove component 221 and can rotate omnidirectionally relative to the spherical groove component 221, so that the rocker shaft 2 can rotate omnidirectionally relative to the substrate 11, and the center of the spherical groove / hemispherical component 23 is the rotation center of the rocker shaft 2.

[0046] In some examples, the spherical groove 221 can be fixedly connected to the base 1.

[0047] In some examples, the base 1 may include a substrate 12 and a frame 11. A spherical groove 221 may be fixed between the substrate 12 and the frame 11.

[0048] In some examples, the base 1 may also include a limiting member 13. The limiting member 13 may be fixed in the receiving space formed by the frame 11. The limiting member 13 may be used to control the setting of the maximum angle of rotation of the trigger member 21, ensuring that the trigger member 21 can accurately trigger the micro switch group in a specific direction without accidentally triggering the micro switch group in other directions. The setting of the hemispherical member 222 may also play a certain limiting role in the rotation of the rocker arm shaft 2. For example, to ensure that when the trigger member 21 rotates in the east direction, it can accurately trigger the micro switch group located in the east direction, without accidentally triggering the micro switch group located in the west direction.

[0049] In some examples, the circuit board 4 may include two circuit components located above and below the eight microswitches 3. The circuit board 4 and the eight microswitches 3 may be fixed in the receiving space formed by the frame 11 and placed under the limiting member 13.

[0050] In some examples, the trigger 21 may include a trigger portion 211 and a limiting portion 212. The trigger portion 211 and the limiting portion 212 may be integrally formed. The limiting portion 212 may be disposed on the trigger portion 211 and located within the limiting member 13. The trigger portion 211 may be used to trigger a micro switch, and the limiting portion 212 may be used to limit the rotation angle of the rocker arm shaft 2.

[0051] In some examples, the trigger part 211 and the trigger surface of the micro switch 3 can be matched in an arc shape to ensure uniform force during triggering.

[0052] In some examples, the gap between the outer contour of the limiting part 212 and the inner wall of the limiting member 13 can be controlled within 0.1 to 10 mm. This allows for a balance between smooth rotation, angular accuracy, and trigger sensitivity.

[0053] In some examples, a reset element can also be provided between the rocker arm shaft 2 and the base. This allows the rocker arm shaft 2 to automatically reset after rotation triggers the microswitch 3. The reset element can be a spring or a torsion spring, etc.

[0054] In some examples, the substrate 12, frame 11, and limiting member 21 can be fixedly connected. The connection method of the substrate 12, frame 11, and limiting member 21 can be snap-fit, screw-fit (screw fixing), etc.

[0055] A second aspect of the present invention also provides a game controller, which includes the game controller of the first aspect.

[0056] A third aspect of the invention also provides an arcade machine that includes the game controller of the first aspect.

[0057] According to the present invention, a joystick, game controller and arcade machine with eight microswitches can be provided, which improves trigger accuracy and control feel, distributes force and reduces switch wear, and significantly extends the joystick's service life and operational stability.

[0058] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rocker arm with eight microswitches, characterized in that, The device includes a base, a rocker shaft, and eight microswitches. The rocker shaft is rotatably connected to the base, and a trigger element is sleeved on the rocker shaft. The microswitches are fixed on the base, and the eight microswitches are divided into four groups, each located in one of the four operating directions of the trigger element. Each microswitch is a mechanical key switch and includes a fixed base and a key shaft protruding from the fixed base. When the key shaft is pressed by the trigger element, it can trigger the microswitch. The two trigger surfaces of the two key shafts in the microswitch group are configured to increase the contact area between the trigger element and the microswitch group. The trigger element of the rocker shaft is configured to trigger the microswitch group located in any of the operating directions when it moves in that direction.

2. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each pair of adjacent microswitches forms a microswitch group and is located in one of the eight operating directions of the trigger.

3. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 2, characterized in that, The eight microswitches are evenly distributed in a regular octagon around the central axis of the base and the trigger.

4. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger element is cylindrical.

5. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit board electrically connected to the micro switch.

6. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The joystick axis also includes a shaft body and a grip portion located at the top of the shaft body.

7. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base also includes a limiting element.

8. The rocker arm with eight microswitches according to claim 7, characterized in that, The triggering element includes a triggering part and a limiting part, wherein the limiting part is disposed on the triggering part and located within the limiting element.

9. A game controller, characterized in that, Includes the joystick as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An arcade machine, characterized in that, Includes the joystick as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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