Modular key assembly for a gaming device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a modular button assembly structure for a gaming device, belonging to the field of gaming equipment. It includes a gaming device housing and a functional control module. The core design features a first magnetic chuck and a first electrical contact within the module embedding slot of the housing. The functional control module has a corresponding second magnetic chuck and second electrical contact at its bottom. Physical fixation is achieved through magnetic attraction, and circuit connection is achieved through the electrical contacts. A lifting mechanism is provided at the bottom of the module embedding slot for easy removal of the flat module. This structure eliminates the need to disassemble the panel or operate the latches, enabling quick assembly and disassembly of the functional control module. It solves the problem of difficult removal of flat modules and offers advantages such as convenient operation, stable connection, and strong compatibility. It is suitable for various gaming devices that require module replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of gaming equipment technology, specifically relating to a modular button assembly structure for a gaming device. Background Technology

[0002] In the gaming device field, gaming devices with replaceable control modules (button modules), such as game controllers, provide players with a personalized operating experience, but existing technologies have the following drawbacks:

[0003] 1. Panel-fixed structures are cumbersome to operate: Examples include the utility model patents CN 208115140 U ("Freely Switchable Control Module on a Game Controller") and CN 223220952 U ("A Game Controller with Adjustable Directional Keys and Joystick Positions"). These structures fix the control module to a panel. Switching between control modules requires disassembling and reassembling the panel (which is typically secured with clips or screws), making disassembly and reassembly cumbersome and prone to damaging the thin panel.

[0004] 2. Difficulty in removing snap-locked structures: For example, the "interchangeable control module" disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 215461951 U, entitled "A Game Control Device Supporting Button Interchange," uses snap-locks to fix and release the control module. This structure can only loosen the control module. However, not all control modules can be removed by grabbing the joystick cap like a "joystick module." Some control modules (such as D-pad modules or ABXY function key modules) have relatively flat upper control parts without gripping areas, making it difficult to remove the control module even after the snap-lock structure is unlocked. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing game device control modules, such as cumbersome operation and difficulty in removal when replacing them, and to provide a modular button assembly structure that achieves quick assembly and disassembly through magnetic fixation and is equipped with a lifting mechanism for easy removal.

[0006] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a modular button assembly structure for a game device, comprising a game device housing and a function control module. The game device housing is provided with a module embedding slot, and the function control module matches the shape of the module embedding slot. The module embedding slot is provided with a first magnetic attractor and a first electrical contact. The bottom of the function control module is provided with a second magnetic attractor that attracts the first magnetic attractor, and a second electrical contact that is electrically connected to the first electrical contact. When the function control module is placed into the module embedding slot, electrical connection is achieved through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, and physical connection is achieved through the adsorption effect of the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor.

[0007] Furthermore, the function control module includes a joystick module, a directional key module (D-pad module), or a function key module (ABXY key module).

[0008] Furthermore, the function control module includes an embedded base and a control component, with the control component disposed on the embedded base.

[0009] Furthermore, the gaming device can be any type of gaming device such as a game controller, handheld game console, game steering wheel, or game pedal.

[0010] To facilitate the removal of the function control module, a lifting mechanism is provided at the bottom of the module embedding slot.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism is a manual lifting mechanism or an electric lifting mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, the manual lifting mechanism is a pressing lifting mechanism, a pushing lifting mechanism, or a rotating lifting mechanism:

[0013] The push-type lifting mechanism includes a pusher, a lever, and a pressure rod. The bottom of the module embedding slot has a pusher through hole adapted to the pusher. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher passes through the through hole at the bottom of the module embedding slot, and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot. One end of the lever is located at the bottom of the pusher, and the bottom of the pressure rod abuts against the other end of the lever. A button is provided at the upper end of the pressure rod. When the button is pressed, the pressure rod presses down the upper end of the lever, and the lower end of the lever lifts the pusher, thereby lifting the function control module.

[0014] Push-type lifting mechanism: includes a pusher, a lever, and a push button. The lower end of the push button is connected to a drive unit. The bottom of the module embedding slot is provided with a pusher through hole adapted to the pusher. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher passes through the through hole at the bottom of the module embedding slot, and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot. The lower end of the lever is located at the bottom of the pusher, and the drive unit abuts against one side of the upper part of the lever. When the push button pushes the upper part of the lever to one side, it pushes and forces the lower end of the lever to lift the pusher, thereby lifting the functional control module.

[0015] Rotary lifting mechanism: includes a pusher, a lever, and a knob. The lower end of the knob is connected to a drive head. The bottom of the module embedding slot is provided with a pusher through hole adapted to the pusher. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher passes through the through hole at the bottom of the module embedding slot, and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot. The lower end of the lever is located at the bottom of the pusher, and the drive head avoids the lever. When the knob is rotated, the drive head pushes the upper part of the lever, forcing the lower end of the lever to lift the pusher, thereby lifting the functional control module.

[0016] Furthermore, the electric lifting mechanism includes a pushing component, a motor, and a control switch. The bottom of the module embedding slot has a through hole for the pushing component, which is adapted to the pushing component. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pushing component passes through the through hole at the bottom of the module embedding slot, and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot. The motor and the control switch are connected to the main control PCB board of the game device. The pushing component has a threaded hole, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to a screw and installed in the threaded hole. When the control switch is pressed, the motor starts, and the screw and the threaded hole cooperate to lift the pushing component, thereby lifting the functional control module.

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

[0018] 1. Convenient and efficient assembly and disassembly: The magnetic fixing (first magnetic component and second magnetic component) replaces the traditional panel or buckle structure, which can realize the quick assembly and disassembly of the functional control module without tools, and the operation time is reduced by 80% compared with the traditional structure;

[0019] 2. Smooth and unobstructed module removal: Equipped with a lifting mechanism to solve the problem of difficult removal of flat modules (such as cross keys, ABXY keys). The module can be easily lifted manually or electrically, avoiding unsightly operations such as digging with fingernails;

[0020] 3. Stable and reliable connection: The magnetic fixing and precise docking of the electrical contacts ensure the stability of the functional control module 2 during game operation, with no loosening or poor contact.

[0021] 4. Strong compatibility: It is compatible with various function control modules such as joysticks, D-pad, and ABXY buttons. Different operation modules can be flexibly switched on the same gaming device to meet personalized gaming needs. 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 structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of the pressing-type lifting mechanism of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side angle of the pressing-type lifting mechanism of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the housing structure of the game device using a press-type lifting mechanism according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of the push-type lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

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

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

[0030] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the overall structure of the push-type lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of the push-type lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0032] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side angle of the push-type lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the housing structure of the game device using a push-type lifting mechanism.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the push-type lifting mechanism adopted in this utility model.

[0035] Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of one side angle of the rotary lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0036] Figure 14 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side angle of the rotary lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the housing structure of the game device using a rotary lifting mechanism according to this utility model.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the rotary lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0039] Figure 17 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the angle of one side of the electric lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0040] Figure 18 This is an exploded structural diagram of the electric lifting mechanism of this utility model from the other side angle.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the housing structure of the game device using an electric lifting mechanism according to this utility model.

[0042] Figure 20This is a three-dimensional view of the electric lifting mechanism used in this utility model.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Game device housing, 11-Module embedding slot, 111-Pushing component perforation, 12-First magnetic suction component, 13-First electrical contact component; 2-Functional control module, 21-Second magnetic suction component, 22-Second electrical contact component, 23-Embedded base, 24-Control component; 3-Lifting mechanism, 311-Pushing component, 312-Lever, 313-Pressure rod, 314-Button, 323-Push button, 324-Drive unit, 333-Knob, 334-Drive head, 342-Motor, 343-Threaded hole, 344-Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a modular button assembly structure for a gaming device includes a gaming device housing 1 and a function control module 2. The gaming device can be any type of gaming device such as a game controller, handheld game console, game steering wheel, or game pedal; this embodiment uses a game controller as an example. The function control module 2 includes a joystick module, a directional pad module (D-pad module), or a function key module (ABXY key module). The function control module 2 includes an embedded base 23 and a control element 24, with the control element 24 disposed on the embedded base 23.

[0046] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the game device housing 1 is provided with a module embedding slot 11. The embedding base 23 of the function control module 2 matches the shape of the module embedding slot 11. There is at least one module embedding slot 11 and a corresponding function control module 2. When there are two or more, any module embedding slot 11 can match any function control module 2.

[0047] The module embedding slot 11 is provided with a first magnetic absorbing element 12 and a first electrical contact element 13. The bottom of the function control module 2 is provided with a second magnetic absorbing element 21 that attracts the first magnetic absorbing element 12 and a second electrical contact element 22 that is electrically connected to the first electrical contact element 13. When the function control module 2 is placed into the module embedding slot 11, electrical connection is achieved through the first electrical contact element 13 and the second electrical contact element 22, and physical connection is achieved through the adsorption effect of the first magnetic absorbing element 12 and the second magnetic absorbing element 21.

[0048] To facilitate the removal of the function control module 2, a lifting mechanism 3 is provided at the bottom of the module embedding slot 11. The lifting mechanism 3 is a manual lifting mechanism or an electric lifting mechanism.

[0049] The manual lifting mechanism is a pressing lifting mechanism, a pushing lifting mechanism, or a rotating lifting mechanism: wherein:

[0050] The push-type lifting mechanism includes a pusher 311, a lever 312, and a pressure rod 313. The bottom of the module embedding slot 11 has a pusher through-hole 111 adapted to the pusher 311. Normally, the upper end of the pusher 311 passes through the through-hole 111 at the bottom of the module embedding slot 11, and the upper end does not extend beyond the inner bottom surface of the module embedding slot 11. One end of the lever 312 is located at the bottom of the pusher 311, and the bottom of the pressure rod 313 abuts against the other end of the lever 312. A button 314 is provided at the upper end of the pressure rod 313. When the button 314 is pressed, the pressure rod 313 presses down the upper end of the lever 312, and the lower end of the lever 312 lifts the pusher 311, thereby lifting the function control module 2. A return torsion spring is provided at the pivot of the lever 312, and a return compression spring is provided on the pressure rod 313.

[0051] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the push-type lifting mechanism includes a pusher 311, a lever 312, and a push button 323. The lower end of the push button 323 is connected to a drive unit 324. The bottom of the module embedding slot 11 has a pusher through hole 111 adapted to the pusher 311. Normally, the upper end of the pusher 311 passes through the through hole 111 at the bottom of the module embedding slot 11, and the upper end does not extend beyond the inner bottom surface of the module embedding slot 11. The lower end of the lever 312 is located at the bottom of the pusher 311, and the drive unit 324 abuts against one side of the upper part of the lever 312. When the push button 323 pushes the upper part of the lever 312 to one side, it pushes and forces the lower end of the lever 312 to lift the pusher 311, thereby lifting the function control module 2. A return torsion spring is provided at the pivot of the lever 312.

[0052] like Figures 13 to 16 As shown, the rotary lifting mechanism includes a pusher 311, a lever 312, and a knob 333. A drive head 334 is connected to the lower end of the knob 333. The bottom of the module embedding slot 11 has a pusher through hole 111 adapted to the pusher 311. Normally, the upper end of the pusher 311 passes through the through hole 111 at the bottom of the module embedding slot 11, and the upper end does not extend beyond the inner bottom surface of the module embedding slot 11. The lower end of the lever 312 is located at the bottom of the pusher 311, and the drive head 334 avoids the lever 312. When the knob 333 is rotated, the drive head 334 pushes the upper part of the lever 312, forcing the lower end of the lever 312 to lift the pusher 311, thereby lifting the function control module 2. A return torsion spring is provided at the pivot of both the lever 312 and the knob 333.

[0053] like Figures 17 to 20As shown, the electric lifting mechanism includes a pushing component 311, a motor 342, and a control switch (not shown in the figure, but located on the surface of the game device housing). The bottom of the module embedding slot 11 is provided with a pushing component through hole 111 adapted to the pushing component 311. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pushing component 311 passes through the through hole 111 at the bottom of the module embedding slot 11, and the upper end does not exceed the inner bottom surface of the module embedding slot 11. The motor 342 and the control switch (not shown in the figure) are connected to the main control PCB board (not shown in the figure) of the game device. The pushing component 311 is provided with a threaded hole 343. The output shaft of the motor 342 is connected to a screw 344 and installed in the threaded hole 343. When the control switch (not shown in the figure) is turned, the motor 342 starts and lifts the pushing component 311 through the screw 344 and the threaded hole 343, thereby lifting the function control module 2.

[0054] The specific implementation of this utility model is as follows:

[0055] (a) Component assembly:

[0056] 1. Basic structure assembly:

[0057] The first magnetic component 12 (using a neodymium iron boron magnet) and the first electrical contact component 13 (using a spring probe) are fixed in the module embedding slot 11 of the game device housing 1.

[0058] The second magnetic 21 (using an iron sheet or a magnet with opposite polarity) and the second electrical contact 22 (using a conductive metal sheet) are fixed at the corresponding position at the bottom of the embedded base 23 of the function control module 2, and the control component 24 (joystick, cross key or ABXY button) is installed on the embedded base 23.

[0059] 2. Lifting mechanism assembly:

[0060] (1) Press type: Insert the pusher 311 into the through hole 111 at the bottom of the module embedding groove 11, place one end of the lever 312 at the bottom of the pusher 311, and the other end in contact with the bottom of the pressure rod 313. The upper end of the pressure rod 313 is equipped with a button 314 and protrudes from the surface of the game device housing 1.

[0061] (2) Push type: Insert the pusher 311 into the through hole 111, place the lower end of the lever 312 at the bottom of the pusher 311, and push button 323 contacts the upper side of the lever 312 through the drive part 324, and push button 323 protrudes from the surface of the housing.

[0062] (3) Rotary type: Insert the pusher 311 into the through hole 111, place the lower end of the lever 312 at the bottom of the pusher 311, and the knob 333 corresponds to the upper part of the lever 312 through the drive head 334, with the knob 333 protruding from the surface of the housing.

[0063] (4) Electric type: The pusher 311 is inserted into the through hole 111, the motor 342 is fixed inside the housing, and its output shaft is connected to the threaded hole 343 of the pusher 311 through the screw 344. The control switch (not shown in the figure) is installed on the surface of the housing and connected to the main control PCB board (not shown in the figure) and the motor 342 of the game device through the wire.

[0064] (II) Working principle:

[0065] 1. Installation process: Align the function control module 2 with the module embedding slot 11. The first magnetic 12 and the second magnetic 21 will naturally attract each other. At the same time, the first electrical contact 13 and the second electrical contact 22 will precisely connect to complete the mechanical fixation and circuit connection. The whole process does not require tools and takes ≤2 seconds.

[0066] 2. Removal process:

[0067] Press-type: Press button 314, press lever 313 pushes one end of lever 312 down, the other end of lever 312 rises up and pushes up push member 311, push member 311 pushes up function control module 2 by 0.5-1mm, making it easy to remove with your fingers;

[0068] Push type: Push the push button 323 to one side, the drive part 324 squeezes the upper part of the lever 312, and the lower end of the lever 312 lifts the push part 311, so as to lift the module.

[0069] Rotary type: Rotate knob 333, drive head 334 rotates to contact the upper part of lever 312 and pushes it up, the lower end of lever 312 pushes up pusher 311, realizing module lifting;

[0070] Electric type: When the control switch (not shown in the figure) is turned on, the motor 342 starts, the screw 344 rotates and drives the pusher 311 to rise. After the module is lifted, the power is automatically cut off. When the control switch (not shown in the figure) is turned on in the opposite direction, the motor 342 reverses and drives the pusher 311 to fall and reset.

[0071] 3. Usage characteristics: The magnetically fixed functional control module 2 does not loosen when subjected to a lateral force of ±30N, and the contact resistance of the electrical contacts (13, 22) is ≤0.1Ω, ensuring stable signal transmission; the triggering force of the lifting mechanism 3 is ≤5N, making operation labor-saving and suitable for various users.

[0072] 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 modular button assembly structure for a gaming device, characterized in that: The device includes a game device housing (1) and a function control module (2). The game device housing (1) is provided with a module embedding slot (11). The function control module (2) is shaped to match the module embedding slot (11). The module embedding slot (11) is provided with a first magnetic attractant (12) and a first electrical contact (13). The bottom of the function control module (2) is provided with a second magnetic attractant (21) that attracts the first magnetic attractant (12) and a second electrical contact (22) that is electrically connected to the first electrical contact (13). When the function control module (2) is placed into the module embedding slot (11), an electrical connection is achieved through the first electrical contact (13) and the second electrical contact (22). At the same time, a physical connection is achieved through the adsorption of the first magnetic attractant (12) and the second magnetic attractant (21).

2. The modular button assembly structure of a gaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The function control module (2) includes a joystick module, a directional key module, or a function key module.

3. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The function control module (2) includes an embedded base (23) and a control element (24), with the control element (24) disposed on the embedded base (23).

4. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gaming device is a game controller, handheld game console, game steering wheel, or game pedal.

5. The modular button assembly structure of a gaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the module embedding slot (11) is provided with a lifting mechanism (3), which is a manual lifting mechanism or an electric lifting mechanism.

6. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The manual lifting mechanism can be a pressing lifting mechanism, a pushing lifting mechanism, or a rotating lifting mechanism.

7. The modular button assembly structure of a gaming device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push-type lifting mechanism includes a pusher (311), a lever (312), and a pressure rod (313). The bottom of the module embedding groove (11) is provided with a pusher through hole (111) adapted to the pusher (311). Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher (311) is inserted into the through hole (111) at the bottom of the module embedding groove (11), and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding groove (11). One end of the lever (312) is located at the bottom of the pusher (311), and the bottom of the pressure rod (313) abuts against the other end of the lever (312). The upper end of the pressure rod (313) is provided with a button (314).

8. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push-type lifting mechanism includes a pusher (311), a lever (312), and a push button (323). The lower end of the push button (323) is connected to a drive unit (324). The bottom of the module embedding slot (11) is provided with a pusher through hole (111) adapted to the pusher (311). Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher (311) is inserted into the through hole (111) at the bottom of the module embedding slot (11), and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot (11). The lower end of the lever (312) is located at the bottom of the pusher (311), and the drive unit (324) abuts against the upper side of the lever (312).

9. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotary lifting mechanism includes a pusher (311), a lever (312), and a knob (333). The lower end of the knob (333) is connected to a drive head (334). The bottom of the module embedding slot (11) is provided with a pusher through hole (111) adapted to the pusher (311). Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher (311) is inserted into the through hole (111) at the bottom of the module embedding slot (11), and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot (11). The lower end of the lever (312) is located at the bottom of the pusher (311), and the drive head (334) avoids the lever (312).

10. The modular button assembly structure of a game device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electric lifting mechanism includes a pusher (311), a motor (342), and a control switch. The bottom of the module embedding slot (11) is provided with a pusher through hole (111) adapted to the pusher (311). Under normal conditions, the upper end of the pusher (311) is inserted into the through hole (111) at the bottom of the module embedding slot (11), and the upper end does not exceed the bottom surface of the module embedding slot (11). The motor (342) and the control switch are connected to the main control PCB board of the game device. The pusher (311) is provided with a threaded hole (343). The output shaft of the motor (342) is connected to a screw (344) and installed in the threaded hole (343).

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