A game controller using optical switches

Abstract

The utility model discloses a game controller of using optical switch, including control panel, be equipped with NPN triode on the control panel, be equipped with optical switch subassembly and control mechanism on the control panel, optical switch subassembly includes several groups with the optical pair tube signal connection of NPN triode, the utility model is based on optical principle, installs through the mode of relative arrangement to multiple optical pair tubes, and each optical pair tube signal connection NPN triode constructs unique optical switch system, realizes the stable control function of shading conduction, light-off disconnect through the control of shading plate movement, abandon traditional optical switch setting light-off hole and so on structure, make light signal stability better, and the controllable range is bigger, and the reaction is more sensitive. Utilize optical signal transmission and NPN triode direct participation circuit response, improve the opening and closing speed, can satisfy the operation demand of high frame rate, fast rhythm game, and when using, is not influenced by temperature and magnetic field change, effectively guarantee the accuracy and stability of switch triggering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of game controller technology, and specifically to a game controller using an optical switch. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are various types of button triggering devices for game controllers on the market. Mechanical switches mainly rely on components such as contacts and springs to achieve circuit switching through the contact and separation of contacts; Hall effect switches utilize the Hall effect, placing a magnet at the button. The button action changes the magnetic field around the Hall element, outputting an electrical signal that needs to be sampled and judged by a chip; in addition, there is a type of optical switch that uses the principle of light blocking to disconnect and light exposure to conduct; these optical switches usually have a fixed light-exposing hole on the light-blocking device. When the button is pressed, the light-blocking device moves, and the light emitted by the light-emitting element shines on the photosensitive element through the light-exposing hole, making the circuit conduct; when the button is released, the light is blocked, and the circuit is disconnected.

[0003] The disadvantages of existing switches are as follows:

[0004] Mechanical switches have several drawbacks. First, due to the frequent contact and separation of the contacts, they are prone to wear and oxidation, resulting in a short service life. Generally, after tens of thousands of uses, malfunctions such as poor contact may occur. Second, the opening and closing process of mechanical switches relies on the movement of mechanical parts, and their opening and closing speed is limited, making it difficult to meet the needs of some game scenarios with extremely high requirements for operational response speed.

[0005] Hall effect switches are susceptible to interference from external magnetic fields. A strong magnetic field can cause the Hall element to output incorrect signals, leading to accidental button triggering on the game controller. Furthermore, the signal output from a Hall effect switch requires sampling and judgment by a chip. Compared to the direct circuit response of a transistor, this increased processing steps result in slower signal processing speeds, failing to meet the rapid response requirements of fast-paced games. In addition, the performance of Hall effect elements is easily affected by temperature. Changes in ambient temperature cause the output voltage of the Hall element to drift, leading to deviations in the detected magnetic field strength, which in turn affects the accuracy of button triggering and reduces the stability of the game controller.

[0006] Existing optical switches employ a light-blocking-off mechanism and a light-exposed-conductivity mechanism. This requires a fixed light-exposed aperture on the light-blocking device, resulting in a complex design that increases manufacturing difficulty and cost. Furthermore, the size and position of the light-exposed aperture must be precisely matched to the optical path, demanding extremely high processing precision and potentially leading to optical path misalignment due to assembly errors, thus affecting the switch's conduction stability and reliability. In addition, the fixed light-exposed aperture design is difficult to adapt to different wavelengths of light sources or varying optical environments, limiting the application scenarios of the optical switch. Moreover, the gap between the light-blocking device and the light-exposed aperture is prone to dust accumulation or impurities entering, which can reduce optical performance and increase maintenance costs over long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a game controller that uses optical switches. This solves the problems of short lifespan, slow opening and closing speed, and unstable state of existing mechanical switches; Hall switches are susceptible to magnetic field interference, have slow signal processing and are greatly affected by temperature; and traditional optical switches have complex structures, difficult-to-adjust stroke, and unstable triggering. The goal is to achieve a game controller with longer, faster, more stable, and more flexible operation response.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a game controller using an optical switch, including a control board, on which an NPN transistor is provided; the control board is provided with an optical switch assembly and a control mechanism; the optical switch assembly includes several sets of optical pairs connected to the NPN transistor for signal transmission, each set of optical pairs including a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor arranged opposite each other; the control mechanism includes a light-shielding plate located between the light-emitting diode and the phototransistor, the light-shielding plate is connected to a control button, pressing the control button can cause the light-shielding plate to block the light emitted by the light-emitting diode.

[0009] The game controller provided in this technical solution is based on optical principles, installing multiple sets of optical transistors in a relatively arranged manner. Each set of optical transistors is connected to an NPN transistor to construct a unique optical switching system. By controlling the movement of a light-shielding plate, stable control functions such as light blocking and light exposure disconnection are achieved. It abandons the traditional optical switch structure with light-exposing holes, resulting in better optical signal stability, a wider controllable range, and more sensitive response. Utilizing optical signal transmission and the direct participation of NPN transistors in circuit response, compared to the physical movement of mechanical parts and the Hall effect switch's reliance on chip sampling and signal processing, the opening and closing speed is greatly improved, meeting the operational requirements of high frame rate, fast-paced games. Furthermore, it is unaffected by temperature and magnetic field changes during use, effectively ensuring the accuracy and stability of switch triggering.

[0010] Preferably, the control button includes a button housing, a guide post inside the button housing, a light shield passing through the control panel at the lower end of the guide post, and a keycap at the upper end of the button housing for controlling the movement of the guide post.

[0011] Preferably, the button housing is provided with a reset spring sleeved on the guide post, and the light shield automatically resets under the action of the reset spring after the keycap is pressed.

[0012] Preferably, the lower end of the button housing is provided with a fixing buckle, and the control board is provided with a switch fixing groove that fits into the fixing buckle.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes an assembly assembly, which includes a housing for mounting the control panel, and the surface of the housing is provided with a plurality of button holes for mounting keycaps.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By optimizing the optical switch design, its lifespan is significantly extended compared to traditional optical switch game controllers, reducing the frequency and cost of device replacement for users. It can meet the operating habits of different players and the operational needs of various games, improving the user experience. Simultaneously, the stable and reliable switch triggering mechanism reduces misoperations caused by switch problems during gameplay. The photoelectric signal conversion enables rapid opening and closing response, allowing players to obtain a smoother and more precise control experience in games. Furthermore, the device's temperature-independent nature allows the game controller to work stably in different environments, further expanding the product's application scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a game controller using an optical switch provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure of a game controller using an optical switch provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the button structure of a game controller using an optical switch provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: control board 100, switch fixing slot 110, NPN transistor 200, light-emitting diode 300, phototransistor 400, light shield 500, control button 600, button shell 610, guide post 620, keycap 630, fixing buckle 640, reset spring 650, outer shell 700. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a specific embodiment of this utility model provides a game controller using an optical switch. This game controller, through optimized optical switch design, significantly extends its service life compared to traditional optical switch game controllers, reducing the frequency and cost of device replacement for users. Specifically, it includes a control board 100, on which an NPN transistor 200 is mounted. The control board 100 also includes an optical switch assembly and a control mechanism. The optical switch assembly includes several sets of optical pairs connected to the NPN transistor 200 for signal transmission. Each set of optical pairs includes a light-emitting diode 300 and a phototransistor 400 arranged opposite each other. The control mechanism includes a light-shielding plate 500 located between the light-emitting diode 300 and the phototransistor 400. The light-shielding plate 500 is connected to a control button 600. Pressing the control button 600 causes the light-shielding plate 500 to block the light emitted by the light-emitting diode 300.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, through the above configuration, the game controller provided in this embodiment is based on optical principles, installing multiple sets of optical transistors in a relatively arranged manner. Each set of optical transistors is connected to an NPN transistor 200 to construct a unique optical switch system. By controlling the movement of the light-shielding plate 500, a stable control function of light blocking and light exposure disconnection is achieved. This eliminates the need for traditional optical switches with light-exposure holes, resulting in better optical signal stability, a wider controllable range, and more sensitive response. Furthermore, the absence of a light guide hole allows for the design of the movement stroke of the light-shielding plate 500 as needed, thereby adjusting the keycap pressing stroke of the game buttons and providing players with a more personalized control experience during game operation. Utilizing optical signal transmission and the direct participation of the NPN transistor 200 in circuit response significantly improves the opening and closing speed compared to the physical movement of mechanical parts and the signal processing method of Hall switches that relies on chip sampling and calculation. This meets the operational requirements of high frame rate and fast-paced games. Moreover, it is unaffected by temperature and magnetic field changes during use, effectively ensuring the accuracy and stability of switch triggering.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, it is understandable that in order to realize control and power supply functions such as optical path signal conversion, the control board also needs to be equipped with a USB interface, power supply circuit, crystal oscillator and control chip module. The above structural modules are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0026] As mentioned earlier, since the optical pair needs to be installed in phase, in order to ensure its stable installation on the control board 100, the light-emitting diode 300 and the phototransistor 400 are welded and fixed to the control board.

[0027] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the control button 600 for controlling the movement of the light-shielding plate 500 includes a button housing 610. A guide post 620 is provided inside the button housing 610. The light-shielding plate 500, which passes through the control plate 100, is disposed at the lower end of the guide post 620. A keycap 630 for controlling the movement of the guide post 620 is provided at the upper end of the button housing 610. Thus, the keycap 630 can be directly pressed, causing the light-shielding plate 500 to move unidirectionally via the guide post 620. The movement of the light-shielding plate 500 achieves the purpose of blocking or conducting the emission of light from the diode. Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a return spring sleeved on the guide post 620 inside the button housing 610. After pressing the keycap 630, the light-shielding plate 500 automatically resets under the action of the return spring 650. Therefore, after being pressed, the keycap 630 can automatically reset the position of the light-shielding plate 500 under the action of the return spring 650. In actual operation, the user presses the keycap 630 to make the guide post 620 move downward, and the light shield 500 moves downward simultaneously to block the light path. After releasing the keycap 630 and losing downward pressure, the guide post 620, keycap 630 and light shield 500 return to their original positions by the elastic force of the return spring 650, and the light path is connected, thus realizing the control of the light path signal.

[0028] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a fixing buckle 640 is provided at the lower end of the button housing 610, and a switch fixing groove 110 is provided on the control board 100 to fit the fixing buckle 640. After assembly, the button housing 610 can be stably installed in the switch fixing groove 110 by means of the fixing buckle 640, ensuring the installation stability of the button housing 610.

[0029] In practical applications, this embodiment also provides an assembly assembly, which includes a housing 700 for mounting the control board 100. The surface of the housing 700 is provided with a plurality of button holes for mounting keycaps 630. Thus, the structure of the housing 700 allows for the installation of a switch device, facilitating its use.

[0030] When installing the optical pair, the central axes of the light-emitting diode and the phototransistor are aligned, leaving space in between for the light-shielding plate to move up and down; the button assembly with the light-shielding plate is installed on the back of the control board via a snap-fit ​​device, and the light-shielding plate connected to the button assembly is located between the optical pairs, ensuring that the light-shielding plate can open and close the optical path between the optical pairs by moving up and down; then connect the output terminal of the phototransistor to the base of the NPN transistor; connect the collector of the NPN transistor to the main control circuit of the game controller, and ground the emitter.

[0031] After installation, the game controller was functionally tested. Pressing the button checked for circuit continuity, and releasing the button checked for circuit disconnection. The test showed that the optical switch of the game controller could reliably achieve the function of conduction when blocked from light and disconnection when exposed to light, with a rapid response and no false triggering.

[0032] This solution utilizes a stable and reliable switch triggering mechanism, reducing misoperations caused by switch malfunctions during gameplay. The rapid on / off response speed achieved through photoelectric signal conversion allows players to enjoy a smoother and more precise control experience, making it particularly suitable for shooting and fighting games that demand high responsiveness, thus enhancing the product's market competitiveness.

[0033] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model 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 or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.

Claims

1. A game controller using an optical switch, comprising a control board (100), wherein the control board (100) is provided with an NPN transistor (200), characterized in that; The control board (100) is equipped with an optical switch assembly and a control mechanism; The optical switch assembly includes several sets of optical pairs connected to the NPN transistor (200) for signal transmission. Each set of optical pairs includes a light-emitting diode (300) and a phototransistor (400) arranged opposite each other. The control mechanism includes a light shield (500) located between the light-emitting diode (300) and the phototransistor (400). The light shield (500) is connected to a control button (600). Pressing the control button (600) can cause the light shield (500) to block the light emitted by the light-emitting diode (300).

2. The game controller using an optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that; The control button (600) includes a button housing (610), a guide post (620) is provided inside the button housing (610), a light shield (500) passing through the control plate (100) is provided at the lower end of the guide post (620), and a keycap (630) for controlling the movement of the guide post (620) is provided at the upper end of the button housing (610).

3. The game controller using an optical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that; The button housing (610) is provided with a reset spring (650) sleeved on the guide post (620). After the keycap (630) is pressed, the light shield (500) automatically resets under the action of the reset spring (650).

4. The game controller using an optical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that; The button housing (610) is provided with a fixing buckle (640) at the lower end, and the control board (100) is provided with a switch fixing groove (110) that fits into the fixing buckle (640).

5. The game controller using an optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that; It also includes an assembly assembly, which includes a housing (700) for mounting the control panel (100), and the surface of the housing (700) is provided with a plurality of button holes for mounting keycaps (630).

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