A game handle key switching module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of gamepad key switching module, it is related to gamepad technical field.It includes carousel, key circuit board and key cap, key circuit board is fixed in carousel and is equipped with two different hand feeling keys, key cap is located above key and is equipped in handle shell, the bottom of carousel is provided with notch.Notch can be in the position of center of circle or non-center of circle, corresponding rotating member is connected.Key is when conductive glue and microswitch, it is equipped with integrally-formed conductive glue pad on circuit board, and it has conductive glue pressing protrusion and microswitch key slot on it, microswitch key is set in microswitch key slot, and microswitch key slot can be equipped with protective film.Keypad bottom pressing end head diameter is greater than key gap, and bottom edge is rounded.The module solves the switching precision, operation experience and other problems of prior art, realizes stable and convenient switching, improves handle use experience, and has popularization value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of game controller technology, and in particular to a game controller button switching module, which enables convenient switching between different feel buttons on a game controller to improve the gaming experience. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to achieve different button feels on the same game controller, existing game controller function button modules typically use a rotating dial to switch between different buttons (such as micro-switch shaped buttons and conductive rubber buttons), changing the button type corresponding to the same keycap, thereby achieving different button feels. For example, the button module structure disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN220627655 U, entitled "Gear-Driven Button Module and Game Controller," includes a rotating dial with teeth of a preset length and a gear drive assembly, which includes a drive part and a transmission part, the transmission part meshing with the teeth of the preset length. Another example is the button module structure disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN220821370U, entitled "Automatic Button Mode Switching Button Module and Game Controller," which includes a rotating dial with teeth of a preset length and an electric drive assembly, the output end of which meshes with the teeth of the preset length. It is easy to see that this structural design relies on the rotation and meshing of gears and teeth for transmission. After a period of use, the clearance between the gear teeth increases, affecting the rotational accuracy. Moreover, the gear transmission structure is inconvenient not only in terms of production process but also in terms of assembly process.

[0003] Furthermore, the button module structure disclosed in the utility model patent with Chinese patent announcement number CN 220526798 U, entitled "Button Module of Game Controller and Game Controller", includes a rotating component comprising a turntable and a toggle lever. The turntable is connected to the toggle lever, and the toggle lever drives the turntable to rotate under the action of external force. This method relies on manual operation on the one hand, and on the other hand, the toggle end of the toggle lever is located next to the function button. During the game, the opening of the toggle lever or the toggle lever itself can easily hit the finger, affecting the game operation experience.

[0004] For example, the utility model patents CN 220821370 U and CN 220526798 U, entitled "Button Module and Game Controller with Automatic Switching Button Mode," disclose button module structures where a silicone pad is placed between the bottom of the keycap and the button, and the silicone pad has button protrusions corresponding to the buttons on the game controller. This structure, on the one hand, creates a layer of silicone between the microswitch and the keycap, thus losing the original tactile feel of the microswitch and becoming similar to a conductive rubber button. On the other hand, it creates two silicone pressing heads between the conductive rubber button and the keycap, making the keycap too soft to press, with too much cushioning travel, and because the two layers of silicone are not a single piece, the keycap will wobble and be unstable when pressed. Although the button module structure disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent with patent announcement number CN 220627655 U, entitled "Gear-driven button module and game controller" does not include the silicone pad, when the silicone pad is missing, the keycap may sink and fall into the gap between the two types of buttons during rotation switching.

[0005] Therefore, developing a game controller button switching module to solve the problems existing in the aforementioned prior art has become an urgent problem for those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model provides a game controller button switching module, which solves the problems of poor button switching rotation accuracy, poor operation experience, poor button feel and keycap stability in the prior art, and realizes stable and convenient switching of buttons with different feel, thereby improving the game controller user experience.

[0007] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a game controller button switching module, including a turntable, a button circuit board and keycaps, wherein the button circuit board is fixed on the turntable, and the button circuit board is provided with two buttons with different tactile feel. The two buttons with different tactile feel can be integrated on the button circuit board in parallel connection. The button circuit board is connected to the main control circuit board through wires. The keycaps are located directly above the buttons and are installed on the game controller housing. The bottom of the turntable is provided with at least one slot.

[0008] Furthermore, the slot is located at the center of the bottom of the turntable, and there is only one slot. The slot is a non-circular slot structure, and a rotating component is inserted into the slot. The rotating component has an insertion end that matches the shape of the slot.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotating component is the output shaft of a drive motor.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the rotating component is provided with a central fixing hole and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotating component is connected to a manual knob, which is located on the back of the game controller.

[0012] Furthermore, the slot is located at a non-center position on the bottom of the turntable, and there is at least one slot. The slot is connected to a rotating component. The bottom of the rotating component is provided with a central fixing hole connected to the drive motor and connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. The top of the rotating component is provided with a number of insertion ends that are the same as the number of slots and are inserted into the slots.

[0013] Furthermore, the two different types of buttons are a conductive rubber button and a micro switch button, respectively. The button circuit board is provided with a conductive rubber pad corresponding to the conductive rubber button. The conductive rubber pad is integrally formed and has conductive rubber pressing protrusions and a micro switch button slot. The micro switch button is set in the micro switch button slot.

[0014] Furthermore, the conductive pad has an integrally formed protective film in the micro switch button slot, which covers the micro switch button. The upper surface of the conductive pad's pressing protrusion is flush with the upper surface of the protective film covering the micro switch.

[0015] Furthermore, the keycap has a pressing end at its bottom, the diameter of which is larger than the gap width between two adjacent keys. This ensures that when switching keys, the lower end of the pressing end is already resting on the upper end of the adjacent key before the upper end of the original key has completely left its original position, preventing the keycap from sinking and falling into the gap between the adjacent keys.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom edge of the pressing end is rounded to facilitate smooth switching without any lag.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. Upgraded transmission structure to avoid gear defects: Existing technology uses gears and teeth to achieve button switching. After long-term use, the clearance between the gears and teeth tends to increase, leading to a decrease in rotational accuracy. Furthermore, its production and assembly processes are complex. This invention replaces traditional gear transmission with an insertion fit between the slot at the bottom of the turntable and the rotating component. This avoids the accuracy reduction caused by tooth wear, simplifies the production and assembly process, and reduces production costs.

[0019] 2. Convenient Operation Without Interfering with Gameplay: In some existing manual switching mechanisms, the toggle end is located next to the button, which can easily bump into fingers during gameplay, affecting operation. This utility model provides two switching methods: automatic switching via a drive motor and manual knob switching. The manual knob is installed on the outside of the handle housing in a non-operational area, so it will not interfere with game operation; the motor-driven method requires no manual operation at all. Regardless of the method, it ensures that players can smoothly switch buttons during gameplay without affecting the operating experience.

[0020] 3. Ensuring Key Feel and Lifespan: In existing technologies, conductive rubber pads and microswitch buttons are superimposed with silicone pads, making the microswitch button resemble conductive rubber and causing unstable pressing feel, resulting in a vague key feel. This invention uses an integrally molded conductive rubber pad to clearly differentiate the soft touch of the conductive rubber button from the crisp feel of the microswitch; simultaneously, the microswitch button slot on the conductive rubber pad has an integrally molded protective film that effectively isolates dust and sweat, extending the lifespan of the microswitch; furthermore, the rounded corner design at the bottom of the keycap pressing end reduces frictional resistance during switching, making the pressing feel smoother.

[0021] 4. Preventing Keycap Sinking and Jamming: Existing key switching structures lack anti-sinking designs, causing keycaps to easily fall into the key gaps during switching. This invention addresses this by ensuring that the diameter of the keycap's pressing end is larger than the width of the gap between adjacent keys. This ensures that during switching, the lower surface of the pressing end is already resting on the adjacent key before it has completely left the upper surface of the original key, preventing the keycap from sinking. Combined with the rounded corner design of the pressing end and the precise positioning of the slot transmission, this effectively avoids jamming during switching, making key switching more stable and smooth. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point BB.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the initial position of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the state during the switching process of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the state after the switch in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 11 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a semi-exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a semi-exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 15 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 2 of this utility model (using a rotating component of another shape).

[0037] Figure 16 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 2 of this utility model (using a rotating component of another shape).

[0038] Figure 17 This is a semi-exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 2 of this utility model (using a rotating component of another shape).

[0039] Figure 18 This is a semi-exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 2 of this utility model (using a rotating component of another shape).

[0040] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention (using a rotating component of another shape).

[0041] Figure 20 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 21 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0044] Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 24 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0046] Figure 25 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side angle of Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0048] Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the other side angle of Embodiment 4 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the game controller button switching module of this embodiment includes a turntable 1, a button circuit board 2, keycaps 3, and a drive motor 4. The button circuit board 2 is fixedly mounted on the turntable 1, and has two types of buttons with different tactile sensations: conductive rubber buttons 5 and micro switch buttons 6. The conductive rubber buttons 5 and micro switch buttons 6 are connected in parallel. On the button circuit board 2, there is also an integrally molded conductive rubber pad 7 corresponding to the conductive rubber buttons 5. The conductive rubber pad 7 has conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 and micro switch button slots 702. The micro switch button slots 702 have a protective film 703 integrally molded with the conductive rubber pad 7. The protective film 703 covers the micro switch buttons 6, and the upper surface of the conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 is flush with the upper surface of the protective film 703 covering the micro switch buttons 6.

[0052] The turntable 1 has a non-circular slot 8 at its bottom center. In this embodiment, the non-circular slot 8 is a "D-shaped slot". The output shaft of the drive motor 4 directly serves as a rotating component 9. Its top has a plug-in end 901 that matches the shape of the slot. By inserting the plug-in end 901 into the non-circular slot 8 at the bottom of the turntable 1, the drive motor 4 is connected to the turntable 1. The keycap 3 is located directly above the button and is mounted on the game controller housing. Its bottom has a pressing end 301, which is cylindrical with a bottom diameter larger than the gap width between two adjacent buttons. The bottom edge of the pressing end 301 is rounded 302.

[0053] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, during operation, the drive motor 4 is powered on and rotated by the control buttons on the game controller. The output shaft drives the turntable 1 to rotate, thereby switching the corresponding button below the keycap 3. When the turntable 1 rotates and switches the keycap 3 from the conductive rubber button 5 to the micro switch button 6, because the diameter of the pressing end 301 is larger than the button gap, it is already placed on the protective film 703 on the upper surface of the micro switch button 6 before the lower end of the pressing end 301 has completely left the upper end of the conductive rubber button 5, preventing the keycap 3 from sinking and falling into the gap. At the same time, the rounded corner 302 design at the bottom of the pressing end 301 also makes the switching process smoother. The cooperation between the conductive rubber pad 7 and the micro switch ensures the different feel of the two buttons.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] like Figures 10 to 19 As shown, the game controller button switching module of this embodiment includes a turntable 1, a button circuit board 2, keycaps 3, a rotating component 9, and a drive motor 4. The button circuit board 2 is flatly fixed to the upper surface of the turntable 1, and two types of buttons with different tactile sensations, conductive rubber buttons 5 and micro switch buttons 6, are arranged on it. Corresponding to the conductive rubber buttons 5 is an integrally molded conductive rubber pad 7, which has conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 and micro switch button slots 702. An integrally molded micro switch protective film 703 is also provided at the micro switch button slot 702, covering the micro switch button 6. The upper surface of the conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 and the upper surface of the protective film 703 covering the micro switch button 6 are on the same plane.

[0056] A non-circular slot 8 is formed at the center of the bottom of the turntable 1. The non-circular slot 88 can be a triangular slot (e.g., Figures 10 to 14 (as shown) or elliptical groove (such as) Figures 15 to 19 (As shown). The bottom of the rotating component 9 is provided with a fixing hole 902, through which the output shaft of the drive motor 4 is fixedly connected to the rotating component 9 by an interference fit. The top of the rotating component 9 is provided with a plug end 901 that matches the shape of the groove at the bottom of the turntable 1. The plug end 901 is inserted into the groove at the bottom of the turntable 1, so that the drive motor 4, the rotating component 9 and the turntable 1 form a transmission connection structure. The keycap 3 is installed on the game controller housing, located directly above the button. Its bottom is provided with a pressing end 301. The diameter of the pressing end 301 is larger than the gap width between two adjacent buttons, and the bottom edge of the pressing end 301 is rounded 302.

[0057] When a key switch is needed, the drive motor 4 is powered on and operates. The output shaft of the drive motor 4 drives the rotating component 9 to rotate, which in turn drives the turntable 1 to rotate. During the rotation of the turntable 1, the key corresponding to the keycap 3 is switched. Because the diameter of the pressing end 301 of the keycap 3 is larger than the key gap, during the switching process, before the lower end of the pressing end 301 has completely left the upper end of the conductive rubber key 5, it is already placed on the protective film 703 on the upper end of the micro switch key 6, effectively preventing the keycap 3 from sinking and falling into the gap. At the same time, the rounded corner 302 design at the bottom of the pressing end 301 makes the switching process smoother, and the cooperation between the conductive rubber pad 7 and the micro switch ensures that the user can experience the unique feel of different keys.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] like Figures 20 to 23 As shown, the game controller button switching module of this embodiment includes a turntable 1, a button circuit board 2, keycaps 3, a rotating component 9, and a manual knob 10. The button circuit board 2 is firmly fixed on the turntable 1 and is equipped with a conductive rubber button 5 and a micro switch button 6. Adapted to the conductive rubber button 5 is an integrally molded conductive rubber pad 7. The conductive rubber pad 7 has a conductive rubber pressing protrusion 701 and a micro switch button slot 702. The micro switch button slot 702 also has an integrally molded micro switch protective film 703. The protective film 703 covers the micro switch button 6, and the upper surface of the conductive rubber pressing protrusion 701 is flush with the upper surface of the protective film 703 covering the micro switch button 6.

[0060] A non-circular slot 8 is provided at the center of the bottom of the turntable 1. The top of the rotating component 9 has a plug-in end 901 that matches the shape of the non-circular slot 8. By inserting the plug-in end 901 into the non-circular slot 8, the rotating component 9 is connected to the turntable 1. A manual knob 10 is connected to the center of the bottom of the rotating component 9. The manual knob 10 is installed on the back of the game controller shell for easy user operation without affecting game operation. The keycap 3 is installed on the game controller shell, directly above the button. The diameter of the pressing end 301 at its bottom is larger than the gap width between two adjacent buttons, and the bottom edge of the pressing end 301 is designed with rounded corners 302.

[0061] When a user wants to switch the key feel, they manually turn the manual knob 10. The knob 10 rotates the rotating component 9, which in turn rotates the turntable 1. As the turntable 1 rotates, the corresponding key under the keycap 3 switches. During the switching process, the special design of the keycap 3's pressing end 301 effectively prevents the keycap 3 from sinking and falling into the key gaps. At the same time, the rounded corner 302 of the pressing end 301 makes the switching operation smoother, and the cooperation between the conductive rubber pad 7 and the micro switch allows the user to clearly feel the difference in feel between the two different keys.

[0062] Example 4:

[0063] like Figures 24 to 27 As shown, the game controller button switching module of this embodiment includes a turntable 1, a button circuit board 2, keycaps 3, a rotating component 9, and a drive motor 4. The button circuit board 2 is fixed on the turntable 1 and is provided with a conductive rubber button 5 and a micro switch button 6, as well as a matching integrally molded conductive rubber pad 7. The conductive rubber pad 7 has conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 and micro switch button slots 702. The micro switch button slots 702 are provided with integrally molded micro switch protective films 703, which cover the micro switch button 6. The upper surface of the conductive rubber pressing protrusions 701 is flush with the upper surface of the protective film 703 covering the micro switch button 6.

[0064] The bottom of the turntable 1 has at least one slot 11 of arbitrary shape at a non-central position (three slots are used as an example in this embodiment). The bottom of the rotating component 9 has a fixing hole 902 for connecting to the drive motor 4, and the rotating component 9 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 4 through the fixing hole 902. The top of the rotating component 9 has a number of insertion ends 901 that are the same as the number of slots 11. These insertion ends 901 are respectively inserted into the slots at the bottom of the turntable 1. The keycap 3 is mounted on the game controller housing, located directly above the button. The diameter of the pressing end 301 at its bottom is larger than the gap width between two adjacent buttons, and the bottom edge of the pressing end 301 is rounded 302.

[0065] During operation, the drive motor 4 starts, and the output shaft drives the rotating component 9 to rotate. Due to the cooperation between the insertion end 901 of the rotating component 9 and the slot of the turntable 1, the rotating component 9 drives the turntable 1 to rotate. During the rotation of the turntable 1, the corresponding key below the keycap 3 is switched. Thanks to the fact that the diameter of the pressing end 301 of the keycap 3 is larger than the key gap, during the switching process, before the lower end surface of the pressing end 301 completely leaves the upper end surface of the conductive rubber key 5, it is already resting on the upper end surface of the micro switch key 6, preventing the keycap 3 from sinking and falling into the gap. The rounded corner 302 design at the bottom of the pressing end 301 ensures the smoothness of the switching process, while the reasonable design of the conductive rubber pad 7 and the micro switch allows users to experience the unique feel of different keys.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A gamepad key switching module, comprising a rotating disc, a key circuit board and a key cap, characterized in that: The key circuit board is fixed on the rotating disc, two keys with different hand feelings are arranged on the key circuit board, the key cap is located above the keys and is installed on the game handle shell, and at least one slot is arranged at the bottom of the rotating disc.

2. The gamepad key switching module of claim 1, wherein: The slot is arranged at the center of the bottom of the rotating disc, the slot is one, the slot is arranged as a non-circular slot structure, the slot is inserted with a rotating part, and the rotating part is provided with an insertion end matched with the shape of the slot.

3. The gamepad key switching module of claim 2, wherein: The rotating part is an output shaft of a driving motor.

4. The gamepad key switching module of claim 2, wherein: The rotating part is provided with a center fixing hole at the bottom and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the driving motor.

5. The gamepad key switching module of claim 2, wherein: The rotating part is connected with a manual knob, and the manual knob is located at the back of the game handle.

6. The gamepad key switching module of claim 1, wherein: The slot is arranged at a non-center position of the bottom of the rotating disc, and the slot is at least one, the slot is connected with a rotating part, the rotating part is provided with a center fixing hole matched with the driving motor at the bottom and is connected with the output shaft of the driving motor, and the rotating part is provided with insertion ends consistent with the number of the slots and is inserted into the slots.

7. The gamepad key switching module of claim 1, wherein: The two keys with different hand feelings are conductive glue keys and micro switch keys, the key circuit board is provided with conductive glue pads corresponding to the conductive glue keys, the conductive glue pads are integrally formed, the conductive glue pads are provided with conductive glue pressing protrusions and micro switch key slots, and the micro switch keys are arranged in the micro switch key slots.

8. The gamepad key switching module of claim 7, wherein: The micro switch key slot of the conductive glue pad is provided with an integrally formed protective film, the protective film covers the micro switch key, and the upper end surface of the conductive glue pressing protrusion is flush with the upper end surface of the protective film covering the micro switch.

9. The gamepad key switching module of claim 1, wherein: The key cap is provided with a pressing end at the bottom, and the diameter of the pressing end is greater than the gap width between adjacent two keys.

10. The gamepad key switching module of claim 9, wherein: The bottom edge of the pressing end is arranged as a round angle.

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