A back key locking mechanism of a gamepad

Abstract

The utility model discloses a gamepad back key locking mechanism belongs to game equipment field, including handle casing, back key, pressure surface and pressure piece. Back key is installed on the back of handle casing, and the pressure surface is equipped on the elastic support arm or key cap, and the pressure piece is installed on the handle casing. Operating pressure piece presses pressure surface, can drive key cap to sink and press the key, and the back key is inactivated after 3-5 seconds of the key pressure detection of PCB board, the reverse operation pressure piece makes it loose pressure surface, and the key cap resets, and the back key restores function. The mechanism is simple in structure, need not to change the original back key main part, and the space occupation is small, and the assembly is convenient and low in cost, and the effective solution existing locking structure complex problem, adapts to a variety of gamepad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of game equipment technology, specifically relating to a game controller back button locking mechanism that is simple in structure and easy to assemble. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of game controllers, back buttons are an important component for improving ease of operation. Their locking function can meet players' needs to disable back buttons in specific scenarios (such as avoiding accidental touches or adapting to different game operation logics). However, the locking structures of existing game controller back buttons generally suffer from problems such as complex design, large space occupation, and high modification costs.

[0003] For example, the back button locking structures disclosed in the utility model patents with Chinese patent announcement number CN 220404792 U, entitled "A Back Button Locking Structure and Game Controller", and Chinese patent announcement number CN 219681648 U, entitled "Locking Structure of Back Buttons of Game Controller and Game Controller", have extremely complex structural designs. On the one hand, such structures require a large amount of installation space to be reserved inside the controller, which encroaches on the layout space of core components such as batteries and PCB boards. On the other hand, they require significant modifications to the original back button keycaps and elastic support arms, which not only increases the complexity of the back button structure but also increases the difficulty of the assembly process, resulting in reduced production efficiency and increased manufacturing costs.

[0004] Therefore, designing a back key locking mechanism that does not require significant modifications to the original back key structure, occupies little space, and is inexpensive has become a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of existing game controller back button locking structures, such as complex structure, large space occupation, high assembly difficulty and high cost, and to provide a game controller back button locking mechanism that achieves back button locking and unlocking through a simple pressing structure, without modifying the original back button main structure, thus reducing space occupation and manufacturing cost.

[0006] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a game controller back button locking mechanism, including a controller housing and a back button, wherein the back button is installed on the back of the controller housing, the back button includes a keycap and an elastic support arm, the elastic support arm or keycap of the back button is provided with a pressing surface, and a pressing member adapted to the pressing surface is installed on the controller housing; by operating the pressing member to press or release the pressing surface, the keycap of the back button can be driven to sink or reset, thereby locking or unlocking the back button.

[0007] Furthermore, the pressing element is a sliding switch:

[0008] The slide switch is slidably mounted on the handle housing, and the slide switch is provided with a push knob, the inner side of which extends out to form a pressing end;

[0009] The pressing surface is a sloping surface, with positioning platforms at both ends of the sloping surface. Positioning recesses are provided on the positioning platforms. When sliding and pushing in the first direction, the pressing end gradually presses against the elastic support arm or keycap along the sloping surface, causing the keycap to sink and lock the corresponding key. When it reaches the positioning recess of the positioning platform at the other end of the sloping surface, the back key is locked. When sliding and pushing in the opposite direction, the pressing end releases the pressing surface, and the keycap returns to its original position.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressing element is a handwheel switch:

[0011] The handwheel switch is rotatably mounted on the handle housing. The handwheel switch includes a handwheel part, and the handwheel part is provided with a handwheel locking surface. The pressing surface is a horizontal surface.

[0012] When the handwheel is rotated in the first direction, the locking surface of the handwheel gradually presses down on the pressing surface, causing the keycap to sink and lock the corresponding key; when the handwheel is rotated in the opposite direction, the locking surface of the handwheel releases the pressing surface, and the keycap returns to its original position.

[0013] Furthermore, the pressing element is a toggle switch:

[0014] The toggle switch is rotatably mounted on the handle housing. The toggle switch includes a cam part and a toggle end, the toggle end is connected to the cam part, and the cam part is provided with a cam locking surface.

[0015] When the toggle switch is moved in the first direction, the cam locking surface of the cam part presses down the abutment surface, causing the keycap to sink and lock the corresponding key; when it is moved in the opposite direction, the cam locking surface releases the abutment surface, and the keycap returns to its original position.

[0016] Furthermore, the handle housing is equipped with a PCB board. When the keycap presses the button down, the PCB board detects that the button is under continuous pressure for 3-5 seconds and automatically disables the back button function. When the keycap resets, the PCB board detects that the button is released and automatically restores the back button function.

[0017] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are:

[0018] 1. Simple structure and small space occupation: Locking is achieved through the simple cooperation of "pressure part + pressure surface", without the need for complex linkages and buckle components, which greatly reduces the internal space occupied by the handle and is compatible with the core component layout of existing handles;

[0019] 2. No need to modify the original back key structure: Only a pressure surface needs to be set on the elastic support arm or keycap of the back key. There is no need to make major modifications to the back key body (keycap, elastic support arm), reducing modification costs and assembly difficulty.

[0020] 3. Convenient operation and reliable locking: Locking / unlocking can be achieved by sliding, rotating or flicking the pressing part, and the operation logic is clear; when locked, the keycap presses down on the button to trigger the PCB board to disable the function, avoiding accidental touch problems caused by mechanical locking failure;

[0021] 4. Low cost and wide compatibility: The pressure components (slide switch, handwheel switch, toggle switch) are all mature and standardized parts, with low procurement costs. They can also be flexibly selected according to the appearance design of the game controller, adapting to different types of game controllers. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the right half.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial assembly structure diagram of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at point BB.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at point CC.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Sectional view at point DD.

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Sectional view at EE.

[0033] Figure labeling: 1-Handle housing; 2-Back button; 21-Keycap; 22-Elastic support arm; 3-Pressure surface; 31-Positioning platform; 32-Positioning recess; 41-Slide switch; 411-Push knob; 412-Pressure end; 42-Handwheel switch; 421-Handwheel part; 422-Handwheel locking surface; 43-Toggle switch; 431-Cam part; 432-Toggle end; 433-Cam locking surface; 5-Button; 6-PCB board. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0035] Example 1: Slide switch type locking mechanism.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the core of the locking mechanism in this embodiment is a combination structure of "sliding switch 41 + ramp surface pressing surface 3": the sliding switch 41 is installed on the side of the back of the handle housing 1, and the elastic support arm 22 of the back key 2 is provided with a ramp surface (pressing surface 3); by sliding the push knob 411, the pressing end 412 slides along the ramp surface and presses against the elastic support arm 22, causing the keycap 21 to sink down and press the key 5, triggering the PCB board 6 to disable the back key function.

[0037] Component fabrication and assembly in this embodiment:

[0038] Handle housing 1: Made of ABS plastic through one-piece injection molding, with a long strip groove on the back for installing the slide switch 41; the housing has reserved mounting positions for the back button 2, button 5 and PCB board 6, consistent with the layout of a conventional handle;

[0039] Back key 2: The keycap 21 and the elastic support arm 22 are integrally molded from PC plastic. The elastic support arm 22 has an integrally molded sloping surface (pressure surface 3) on the side near the slide switch 41. The sloping surface has an inclination angle of 15° to ensure that the pressure end 412 slides smoothly. The sloping surface (pressure surface 3) has a positioning platform 31 at both ends, and the positioning platform 31 has a positioning recess 32.

[0040] Slide switch 41: The push knob 411 is an ABS plastic part with an integrally formed cylindrical pressing end 412 on the inner side; the slide switch 41 slides with the handle housing 1 through a sliding groove, and the push knob 411 is partially exposed on the surface of the housing for easy operation;

[0041] PCB board 6: Uses a standard game controller PCB board, integrating a button detection circuit, with a preset program logic of "disabling the back button when the button is continuously pressed for 3 seconds". Button 5 is soldered to the position of back button 2 on PCB board 6.

[0042] The workflow of this embodiment:

[0043] Locking: Slide the pusher 411 inward along the length of the handle, and the pressing end 412 slides along the slope surface (pressing surface 3) of the elastic support arm 22, gradually applying downward pressure to the elastic support arm 22; after the elastic support arm 22 is subjected to force, it causes the keycap 21 to sink down until the pressing end 412 reaches the positioning recess 32 of the positioning platform 31 at the upper end of the slope surface (pressing surface 3), and the keycap 21 completely presses down on the button 5 below; the PCB board 6 detects that the button 5 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds and automatically disables the function of the back key 2, thus achieving locking;

[0044] Unlock: Slide the push knob 411 in the opposite direction, the pressing end 412 releases the ramp surface (pressing surface 3), the elastic support arm 22 resets under its own elasticity, driving the keycap 21 to rise and release the key 5; the PCB board 6 detects the release of the key 5, automatically restores the function of the back key 2, and completes the unlocking.

[0045] Example 2: Handwheel switch type locking mechanism.

[0046] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the core of the locking mechanism in this embodiment is a combination structure of "handwheel switch 42 + horizontal surface pressing surface 3": the handwheel switch 42 is installed on the back of the handle housing 1, and the edge of the keycap 21 of the back key 2 is provided with a horizontal surface (pressing surface 3); by rotating the handwheel part 421, the handwheel locking surface 422 presses down the horizontal surface (pressing surface 3), causing the keycap 21 to sink down and press the key 5, and at the same time, the damping structure of the handwheel part 421 achieves positioning, and completes the back key locking with the PCB board 6.

[0047] The component preparation and assembly in this embodiment only differ from those in Embodiment 1:

[0048] Handle housing 1: A mounting hole is provided on the back, through which a handwheel switch 42 is rotatably mounted;

[0049] Back button 2: A horizontal surface (pressure surface 3) is integrally formed on the edge of the keycap 21 near the handwheel switch 42; the elastic support arm 22 has the same structure as in embodiment one, ensuring reset capability;

[0050] Handwheel switch 42: The handwheel part 421 is made of ABS plastic with anti-slip texture on the surface and a handwheel locking surface 422 integrally formed on the inner side; the center of the handwheel part 421 is connected to the handle housing 1 through a damping shaft;

[0051] PCB board 6: Preset program logic of "disabling the back button when the button is continuously pressed for 4 seconds" to adapt to the operation rhythm of the handwheel switch. The other parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0052] The workflow of this embodiment:

[0053] Locking: Rotate the handwheel 421 clockwise. The handwheel locking surface 422 on the inner side of the handwheel 421 gradually contacts and presses down the pressing surface 3 of the keycap 21. The keycap 21 sinks under pressure, causing the elastic support arm 22 to deform until the locking surface 422 and the pressing surface 3 are completely in contact. At this time, the keycap 21 completely presses down the key 5. The PCB board 6 detects that the key 5 is continuously pressed for 4 seconds and automatically disables the back key 2 function. At the same time, the damping structure of the handwheel 421 prevents it from rotating on its own, thus achieving double locking.

[0054] Unlock: Rotate the handwheel 421 counterclockwise to the initial position. The handwheel locking surface 422 gradually disengages from the pressing surface 3. The elastic support arm 22 drives the keycap 21 to reset, releasing the key 5. The PCB board 6 detects the release of the key 5 and immediately restores the function of the back key 2. The handwheel 421 returns to the initial position, completing the unlocking process.

[0055] Example 3: Toggle switch type locking mechanism.

[0056] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the core of the locking mechanism in this embodiment is a combination structure of "lever switch 43 + cam locking surface 433 + pressing surface 3": the lever switch 43 is installed on the grip edge on the back of the handle housing 1. By moving the lever end 432 that extends to the outside of the housing, the cam part 431 is driven to rotate, so that the cam locking surface 433 presses down the pressing surface 3 on the elastic support arm 22 of the back key 2, thereby realizing the sinking and locking of the keycap 21.

[0057] The component preparation and assembly in this embodiment only differ from those in Embodiments 1 and 2:

[0058] Handle housing 1: A groove is opened on the edge of the grip on the back, and a lever switch 43 is rotatably installed in the groove via a pivot.

[0059] Back key 2: The pressing surface 3 is set on the elastic support arm 22;

[0060] Toggle switch 43: Made of ABS plastic in one piece, including cam part 431 and toggle end 432; cam part 431 is provided with cam locking surface 433; toggle switch 43 is rotatably engaged with handle housing 1 through a rotating shaft, and toggle end 432 extends to the outside of handle housing for easy thumb toggle;

[0061] PCB board 6: Preset program logic of "disabling the back button when the button is continuously pressed for 5 seconds" to adapt to the operating habits of the toggle switch. The other parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0062] The workflow of this embodiment:

[0063] Locking: Move the lever switch 43 to one side to the actuating end 432, causing the cam part 431 to rotate around the pivot. The cam locking surface 433 gradually presses down the pressing surface 3 of the elastic support arm 22. The elastic support arm 22 deforms and causes the keycap 21 to sink until the cam locking surface 433 and the pressing surface 3 are in contact, and the keycap 21 completely presses down the key 5. The PCB board 6 detects that the key 5 is continuously pressed for 5 seconds and automatically disables the back key 2 function.

[0064] Unlocking: The toggle switch 43 is reversed, causing the cam locking surface 433 to disengage from the pressing surface 3; the elastic support arm 22 resets, causing the keycap 21 to rise and release the key 5; the PCB board 6 detects the release of the key 5, restores the function of the back key 2, and the toggle switch 43 returns to its initial position, completing the unlocking process.

[0065] General compatibility instructions for this utility model:

[0066] In the three embodiments, the type of pressing element can be flexibly selected according to the handle's appearance design and operating habits: the sliding switch is suitable for the side layout, the handwheel switch is suitable for the corner layout, and the lever switch is suitable for the edge area that is easily accessible; the position of the pressing surface 3 (elastic support arm or keycap) can be adjusted according to the back key structure. As long as the core concept of "pressing element pressing to drive the keycap to sink" is adopted, it falls within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0067] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A game controller back button locking mechanism, comprising a controller housing (1) and a back button (2), wherein the back button (2) is mounted on the back of the controller housing (1), and the back button (2) comprises a keycap (21) and an elastic support arm (22), characterized in that: The elastic support arm (22) or keycap (21) of the back key (2) is provided with a pressing surface (3), and the handle housing (1) is equipped with a pressing component that is compatible with the pressing surface (3); by operating the pressing component to press or release the pressing surface (3), the keycap (21) of the back key (2) can be driven to sink or reset.

2. The game controller back button locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing component is a sliding switch (41), which is slidably mounted on the handle housing (1). The sliding switch (41) is provided with a push knob (411), and a pressing end (412) extends from the inner side of the push knob (411). The pressing surface (3) is a slope surface.

3. The game controller back button locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slope surface is provided with positioning platforms at both ends, and positioning recesses are provided on the positioning platforms.

4. The game controller back button locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing component is a handwheel switch (42), which is rotatably mounted on the handle housing (1). The handwheel switch (42) includes a handwheel part (421) and a handwheel locking surface (422) is provided on the handwheel part (421).

5. A game controller back button locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure surface (3) is a horizontal surface.

6. The game controller back button locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing component is a lever switch (43), which is rotatably mounted on the handle housing (1). The lever switch (43) includes a cam part (431) and a toggle end (432). The toggle end (432) is connected to the cam part (431), and the cam part (431) is provided with a cam locking surface (433).

7. A game controller back button locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The handle housing (1) has a PCB board (6) inside. The back button (2) has a button (5) below it. When the keycap (21) sinks down, it can press the button (5). After the PCB board (6) detects that the button (5) is continuously pressed for 3-5 seconds, it disables the function of the back button (2).

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