Gamepad protection structure and game console protective sleeve

Abstract

This application discloses a game controller protective structure and a game console protective cover. The game controller includes a back, a front, and an outer and inner side connecting the back and front. The protective structure includes: a bottom shell configured to cover the back and outer side of the game controller; a first limiting wall extending from the bottom shell along a first direction to adhere to a portion of the front; and a second limiting wall extending from the bottom shell along a second direction to adhere to a portion of the inner side. The protective structure is fitted onto the game controller, and is fixed to the game controller by limiting the front and inner sides through the first and second limiting walls. This application adopts a semi-enclosed structure including a portion of the front, a portion of the inner side, and the outer side of the game controller, achieving stable omnidirectional limiting and avoiding the impact of full coverage on the user experience while achieving fixation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic product protection devices, and in particular relates to a game controller protection structure and a game console protective cover. Background Technology

[0002] The Nintendo Switch 2 is Nintendo's flagship product, featuring a hybrid design that combines home console and handheld gaming capabilities. Figure 4 As shown, it consists of a main unit and two detachable Joy-Con game controllers, which are magnetically attached to the sides of the main unit.

[0003] Existing game console protective cases mainly provide basic physical protection and grip functions. They are mainly divided into separate and integrated types. Integrated protective cases cover both the game controller and the console in one piece. However, since game controllers are frequently disassembled and used, using integrated protective cases can make it inconvenient to remove the game controller.

[0004] While game controller protective cases separate the controller from the console, existing game controller cases typically suffer from the following problems: 1. Semi-enclosed cases rely on double-sided tape or silicone to increase friction for fixation, making them prone to accidental detachment and lacking effective protection. 2. Full-coverage game controller cases offer better fixation, but because they completely cover the controller's control surfaces, the feel and texture during use and operation are poor, impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a game controller protective structure and a game console protective cover, aiming to solve the problems of existing game controller protective covers being inconvenient to use, easy to fall off, and having poor operating feel.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a protective structure for a game controller, the game controller including a back side, a front side, and an outer side and an inner side connecting the back side and the front side, characterized in that the protective structure includes:

[0007] The bottom shell is configured to cover the back and outer sides of the game controller;

[0008] A first limiting wall extends from the bottom shell along a first direction so as to be attached to a portion of the front side;

[0009] A second limiting wall extends from the bottom shell along a second direction so as to adhere to a portion of the inner surface;

[0010] The protective structure is fitted onto the game controller and is fixed to the game controller by limiting the front and inner sides with the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall.

[0011] Furthermore, the thickness of the first limiting wall is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the first limiting wall extends 1 mm to 2 mm along the first direction to be configured to attach to at least part of the edge where the front and outer sides connect.

[0013] Furthermore, the second limiting wall extends 1 mm to 2 mm along the second direction, and is configured to attach to at least a portion of the edge where the back surface connects to the inner side surface and / or at least a portion of the edge where the outer side surface connects to the inner side surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the first limiting wall has an arc-shaped outer edge.

[0015] Furthermore, the cross-section of the second limiting wall is rectangular.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom shell is made of high-hardness TPU material.

[0017] Furthermore, the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall are made of high-hardness TPU material.

[0018] On the other hand, this application provides a game controller protection structure, wherein the game console includes two game controllers, and the game console protective cover includes two game controller protection structures as described above for protecting the two game controllers.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, this application adopts a semi-enclosed structure that includes part of the front, part of the inner side and the outer side of the game controller, achieving stable all-round positioning. While achieving fixation, it avoids the impact of full enclosedness on the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A protective structure for a game controller and a schematic diagram of the game controller in use are provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of the game controller protection structure of the embodiment shown;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the illustrated embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A side view of the embodiment shown in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a Nintendo game console in the application scenario described in this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the disassembly structure of a game console protective case provided in this application.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Game console; 2. Game console protective case; 21. Protective structure; 22. Bottom cover; 23. Top cover; 11. Game controller; 12. Main unit; 211. Bottom shell; 212. First limiting wall; 213. Second limiting wall; 221. Front; 222. Inner side. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" generally refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions indicated by reference to the accompanying drawings. "Inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer directions relative to the outline of the component itself.

[0029] Similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this application, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Existing game controller protective cases with separate covers typically have the following problems: 1. Semi-enclosed cases rely on double-sided tape or silicone to increase friction for fixation, making them very easy to accidentally fall off and lacking effective protection. 2. Full-coverage game controller cases completely cover the control surfaces, resulting in poor feel and texture during use and operation, affecting the user experience.

[0031] Therefore, this application proposes a game controller protection structure 21, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the game controller 11 includes a back side (not shown), a front side 221, and an outer side (not shown) and an inner side 222 connecting the back side and the front side 221. The front side 221 is the side with buttons, the back side is the opposite side of the front side 221, and the outer side is the opposite side of the inner side 222. The protective structure 21 includes a bottom shell 211, a first limiting wall 212, and a second limiting wall 213. The bottom shell 211 is configured to cover the back side and the outer side of the game controller 11; the first limiting wall 212 extends from the bottom shell 211 in a first direction to attach to a portion; the second limiting wall 213 extends from the bottom shell 211 in a second direction to attach to a portion of the inner side 222; the protective structure 21 is fitted onto the game controller 11 and fixed to the game controller 11 by limiting the front side 221 and the inner side 222 by the first limiting wall 212 and the second limiting wall 213.

[0032] The bottom shell 211 refers to the shell structure covering the back and outer side of the game controller 11. It can be implemented using injection molding, and its contour matches the curved shape of the back and outer side of the controller, forming a basic protective layer. The first limiting wall 212 refers to a protruding structure extending along the connection between the front 221 and the outer side of the controller. It can be implemented using a thin-walled component integrally molded with the bottom shell 211, providing a limiting effect by contacting the edge of the front 221. The second limiting wall 213 refers to a protruding structure extending along the connection between the inner side 222 and the back and outer sides of the controller. It can be implemented using a segmented rib design, forming spatial constraints by contacting the edge of the inner side 222 at multiple points.

[0033] Specifically, when the protective structure 21 is fitted into the game controller 11, the bottom shell 211 completely covers the back and outer side of the controller. The first limiting wall 212 extends along the junction of the front 221 and the outer side of the controller, with its end contacting the edge area of ​​the front 221 but not covering the operation buttons. The second limiting wall 213 extends along the junction of the inner side 222 of the controller and the back and outer sides, with its end contacting the edge area of ​​the inner side 222 but not obstructing the connection interface. Through the contact friction between the first limiting wall 212 and the edge of the front 221, and the contact friction between the second limiting wall 213 and the edge of the inner side 222, a mechanical limiting in three-dimensional space is formed, preventing the protective structure 21 from falling off in any direction.

[0034] This embodiment employs a semi-enclosed structure comprising a portion of the front side 221, a portion of the inner side 222, and the outer side of the game controller 11. This achieves stable omnidirectional positioning, securing the device while avoiding the negative impact of full enclosure on the user experience. Compared to existing technologies, the semi-enclosed protective structure, which relies on adhesive bonding, is replaced by a mechanical positioning structure, preventing fixation failure due to adhesive aging.

[0035] In one specific embodiment, the thickness W of the first limiting wall 212 is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the thickness W of the first limiting wall 212 refers to the dimension of the limiting structure perpendicular to the extension direction. This thickness range ensures the mechanical strength of the limiting structure while avoiding obstruction of the game controller 11 due to excessive thickness. The thickness W parameter of 0.3mm to 0.6mm has been experimentally verified to provide sufficient structural support without affecting the normal installation and removal of the controller.

[0037] It is known that the game controller 11 of the Nintendo game console 1 is magnetically connected to the console 12. There is a physical gap of 0.5mm between the game controller 11 and the console 12. The first limiting wall 212 is set at this gap. By utilizing this gap space, a limiting structure that can be inserted into the gap space is designed to limit and fix the inner side 222 of the game controller 11. Together with the limiting structures in other directions, the game controller 11 is limited in all directions, achieving a better fixing effect without achieving full coverage.

[0038] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the thickness W of the first limiting wall 212 is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. Preferably, the thickness W is 0.5 mm. If the thickness W of the first limiting wall 212 is too thin, it will be detrimental to the fixation of the handle; if it is too thick, it will result in the connection distance between the handle and the host 12 being too far, leading to insufficient magnetic attraction and thus affecting the installation of the game handle 11. Therefore, the thickness of the first limiting wall in this embodiment can better ensure the installation effect of the magnetic connection of the game handle 11 and the anti-detachment effect of the game handle 11.

[0039] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves a better fixing effect without fully covering the game controller, and can also ensure the normal installation and removal of the game controller 11.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the present application further proposes that the first limiting wall 212 extends a distance H of 1 mm to 2 mm along a first direction, so as to be configured to attach to at least a portion of the edge where the front side 221 connects with the outer side side.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the first direction refers to the direction extending from the bottom shell 211 towards the front surface 221 of the game controller 11, which determines the coverage area of ​​the limiting wall on the front surface 221. The extension distance H of 1mm to 2mm means that the length of the limiting wall in the extension direction is limited to a specific range. This distance avoids large-area coverage of the operating area of ​​the front surface 221. The edge refers to the transition area between the front surface 221 and the outer side, specifically defined as the area within 2mm around the perimeter of the linear structure formed by the intersection of the two planes. The attachment of this area provides a limiting and fixing function without affecting the operating surface. Preferably, this distance is 1.2mm.

[0042] Specifically, when the first limiting wall 212 extends from the bottom shell 211 towards the front shell 221, its extension length is controlled within the range of 1mm to 2mm, so that the first limiting wall 212 covers the entire edge area at the junction of the front shell 221 and the outer side. By limiting the attachment range to the edge, a fixing effect can be formed by the clamping action of the bottom shell 211 and the limiting wall, while avoiding obstruction of the operation interface such as buttons and touch areas on the front shell 221. In some other embodiments, the first limiting wall 212 covers part of the edge area at the junction of the front shell 221 and the outer side; that is, the limiting wall can be a complete wall extending along the edge or multiple separate and independent limiting components distributed along the edge. During installation, the limiting wall, through its structural features that wrap around the edge, together with the bottom shell 211, forms a clamping and fixing effect on the game controller 11, achieving a stable connection without relying on external adhesives.

[0043] The semi-enclosed protective structure, which relies on adhesive fixation, has been replaced by a mechanical limiting structure, avoiding fixation failure caused by adhesive aging. Compared to the full-enclosed protective structure that covers the entire operating surface, this solution precisely controls the extension range of the limiting wall, restricting only the edge area of ​​the handle, while keeping the front 221 button area and the inner 222 interface area exposed, ensuring that the operating feel and ease of use are not affected.

[0044] This application solves the problem of easy detachment caused by unstable fixing methods in existing split protective cases, while avoiding the defect of affecting the user's feel due to excessive coverage of the operating surface. By limiting the extension distance and attachment area of ​​the limiting wall, interference with the operating interface is minimized while ensuring a secure fixation effect, thus improving the user experience of the game controller 11.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the present application further proposes that the second limiting wall 213 extends from the bottom shell 211 along the second direction by a distance h of 1 mm to 2 mm, so as to be configured to attach to at least a portion of the edge where the back side is connected to the inner side surface 222 and / or at least a portion of the edge where the outer side surface is connected to the inner side surface 222.

[0046] The second limiting wall 213 refers to a component extending from the bottom shell 211 to restrict the displacement of the protective structure 21. Specifically, it can be implemented as a flange structure integrally formed with the bottom shell 211. Its function is to form a physical limit by contacting the edge area of ​​the inner side surface 222 of the game controller 11. The second direction refers to the extension direction perpendicular to the covering surface of the bottom shell 211. Specifically, it can be implemented as a direction perpendicular to the inner side surface 222 of the controller. Its function is to form a multi-dimensional limiting constraint with the first limiting wall 212. The extension distance of less than 2mm refers to the coverage area of ​​the second limiting wall 213 in the second direction. Since the extension length to this point is mainly to adapt to the structure of the handle, the second limiting wall 213 covers the entire edge area at the junction of the back side and the inner side 222, or covers the entire edge area at the junction of the outer side and the inner side 222. In some other embodiments, the second limiting wall 213 covers part of the edge area at the junction of the back side and the inner side 222, or the second limiting wall 213 covers part of the edge area at the junction of the outer side and the inner side 222; that is, the limiting wall can be a complete wall extending along the edge or multiple separate independent limiting members distributed along the edge.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, the first limiting wall 212 is further provided to have an arc-shaped outer edge.

[0048] The curved outer edge refers to the continuous curved shape of the contour line where the limiting wall contacts the user's palm. This can be achieved by using injection molding to create a smooth, rounded surface on the outer side of the limiting part. This curved structure reduces the hard contact between the palm and the edge of the limiting wall when gripping, avoiding the pressure that right-angled edges can cause to the skin.

[0049] Specifically, when the protective structure 21 is fitted onto the game controller 11, the first limiting wall 212 extends to the edge of the front surface 221 of the controller. Because the outer edge of this limiting wall has an arc-shaped design, its curved contour naturally conforms to the curvature of the user's hand when holding the controller. During frequent button presses by the user, the arc-shaped outer edge will not cause sharp-edged scratches, while maintaining the contact area between the limiting wall and the edge of the front surface 221 of the controller, ensuring the protective structure 21 is securely fixed.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the second limiting wall 213 is proposed to be rectangular.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the second limiting wall 213 refers to a structural component extending from the bottom shell 211 along the second direction. Specifically, it can be made of high-hardness TPU material through injection molding and is used to form a contact limiting with the inner side 222 of the game controller 11. The rectangular cross-section means that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction of the second limiting wall 213 presents a geometric shape with four right angles closed. Specifically, a regular rectangular outline can be directly formed through mold design, thereby providing a uniform support surface during the limiting process.

[0052] Specifically, the second limiting wall 213 is configured to attach to the edge region of the inner side surface 222 of the game controller 11, and its rectangular cross-sectional structure can form surface contact with the edge of the inner side surface 222 of the controller through its four right-angled sides. When the protective structure 21 is fitted onto the game controller 11, the planar support generated by the rectangular cross-section maximizes the contact area between the second limiting wall 213 and the inner side surface 222 of the controller, thereby enhancing the limiting stability. At the same time, the symmetry of the rectangular structure in the vertical direction avoids stress concentration caused by irregular shape, ensuring that the protective structure 21 evenly distributes the load when subjected to external impact.

[0053] Compared with existing technologies, rectangular limiting components are not only easier to manufacture, but also have a better anti-detachment effect.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom shell 211 is made of high-hardness TPU material.

[0055] The high-hardness TPU material refers to a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with a Shore hardness range of 85D to 95D, which can be achieved by adjusting the ratio of hard segments to soft segments in the polymer chain. While maintaining its elastic deformation capability, this material's hardness effectively resists deformation generated during the use of the game controller 11. Combined with the thinner wall thickness in the above embodiments, it can further ensure the fixing effect while achieving an even thinner wall thickness.

[0056] Compared to existing technologies, traditional split protective cases often use ordinary silicone or low-hardness plastic as the shell material, which is prone to loosening of the covering structure due to material creep during frequent disassembly. In contrast, high-hardness TPU material, under the same thickness conditions, can maintain a tight fit between the bottom shell 211 and the game controller 11 for a long time, avoiding the problem of the protective case falling off due to material aging.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, the first limiting wall 212 and the second limiting wall 213 are made of high-hardness TPU material.

[0058] The high-hardness TPU material refers to a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with a Shore hardness range of 85D to 95D. The first limiting wall 212 and the second limiting wall 213 of the high-hardness TPU material generate a rebound force through the elastic deformation of the material itself, ensuring that the limiting walls are tightly attached to the edges of the handle's front side 221 and inner side side 222. Because the tensile strength of high-hardness TPU is higher than that of ordinary silicone, the limiting walls are less prone to permanent deformation during repeated disassembly and reassembly, thus maintaining the fixation effect on the protective structure 21. Simultaneously, the material's hardness characteristics prevent the limiting walls from producing a sticky feeling when in contact with the user's fingers, avoiding any impact on operational sensitivity. Combined with the relatively thin wall thickness in the above embodiments, a thinner wall thickness can be achieved while further ensuring the fixation effect.

[0059] Compared to existing technologies, traditional split-type protective cases often use ordinary silicone or low-hardness plastic for their limiting walls. The excessive elasticity of these materials leads to a loose fit between the limiting wall and the handle edge, and the low-strength materials are prone to plastic deformation after frequent disassembly. The limiting wall made of high-hardness TPU material achieves stable limiting through controllable elastic deformation and maintains structural integrity during long-term use, solving the problems of easy detachment and insufficient material durability in traditional solutions.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, this application also proposes a game console protective case 2. The game console 1 includes two game controllers 11, and the game console protective case 2 includes two independent controller protection structures 21 for protecting the two game controllers 11. Each controller protection structure 21 is as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0061] Specifically, the game console 1 also includes a main unit 12 connected to the inner side 222 of the game controller 11, and the game console protective cover 2 also includes a top cover 23 and a bottom cover 22 installed on the main unit 12. The top cover 23 is configured to cover at least a portion of the top of the main unit 12 and a portion of the front side 221 of the game controller 11, and the bottom cover 22 is used to cover at least a portion of the bottom of the main unit 12.

[0062] The top of the main unit 12 is wrapped to form a drop-proof structure, while the cover extends to the front 221 of the handle to fully cover the buttons and other components. This means that the cover does not completely obstruct operation during use, but provides full protection when not in use. The bottom cover 22 is an independent protective component that covers the bottom area of ​​the main unit 12. It can be implemented by using a snap-fit ​​structure to cooperate with the top cover 23. The bottom cover prevents scratches on the main unit 12 when it is placed, while leaving open areas such as the charging port and stand.

[0063] The top of the main unit 12 refers to the functional area containing heat dissipation holes and the power button. The function button is exposed through the hollow design of the top cover 23, which ensures normal use of the device while maintaining protection.

[0064] The game console protective case 2 of this application forms a fixed protective structure on the top of the main unit 12 by separating the top cover 23 and the bottom cover 22. The controller can be separated by simply releasing the magnetic attraction, avoiding wear and tear on the protective case caused by repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0065] Compared to existing technologies, this application employs a semi-enclosed structure encompassing part of the front, inner, and outer sides of the game controller, achieving stable omnidirectional positioning. While ensuring fixation, it avoids the impact of full coverage on the user experience. Compared to designs where the entire control surface is covered by a full-coverage protective case, this solution precisely controls the extension range of the limiting wall, constraining only the edge area of ​​the controller while leaving the front button area and inner interface area exposed, ensuring that the feel and ease of use are not affected. It achieves better fixation without fully covering the controller and also ensures normal installation and removal of the game controller. Furthermore, this application's game console protective case uses a separate top and bottom cover assembly. While forming a fixed protective structure on the top of the console, the controller can be easily separated by releasing the magnetic attachment, avoiding wear and tear caused by repeated disassembly and reassembly. It does not fully cover the controller during use, thus not affecting operation, while providing full protection when not in use.

[0066] This application has been described through several embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Furthermore, based on the teachings of this application, these features and embodiments can be modified to suit specific circumstances and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims are protected by this application.

Claims

1. A protective structure for a game controller, the game controller comprising a back surface, a front surface, and an outer side surface and an inner side surface connected between the back surface and the front surface, characterized in that, The protective structure includes: The bottom shell is configured to cover the back and outer sides of the game controller; A first limiting wall extends from the bottom shell along a first direction so as to be attached to a portion of the front side; A second limiting wall extends from the bottom shell along a second direction so as to adhere to a portion of the inner surface; The protective structure is fitted onto the game controller and is fixed to the game controller by limiting the front and inner sides with the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall.

2. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first limiting wall is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

3. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The first limiting wall extends 1 mm to 2 mm along the first direction to be configured to attach to at least part of the edge where the front and outer sides meet.

4. The gamepad protection structure of claim 3, wherein, The second limiting wall extends 1 mm to 2 mm along the second direction, and is configured to attach to at least a portion of the edge where the back surface connects to the inner side surface and / or at least a portion of the edge where the outer side surface connects to the inner side surface.

5. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The first limiting wall has an arc-shaped outer edge.

6. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the second limiting wall is rectangular.

7. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The bottom shell is made of high-hardness TPU material.

8. The gamepad protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The first limiting wall and the second limiting wall are made of high-hardness TPU material.

9. A protective case for a gaming machine, characterised in that, The game console includes two game controllers, and the game console protective case includes two game controller protection structures as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 for protecting the two game controllers.

10. The protective case for a gaming machine as defined in claim 9, wherein The game console also includes a main unit connected to the inner side of the game controller, and the protective cover includes a top cover and a bottom cover mounted on the main unit. The top cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the top of the main unit and a portion of the front of the game controller, and the bottom cover is used to cover at least a portion of the bottom of the main unit.

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