operating handle

Abstract

The present invention discloses an operating handle (100) comprising two handle sections (1), a connecting structure (2), a detection module (3), and a processing module (6). The two handle sections (1) are connected to each other by means of the connecting structure (2) and can be actuated so that they move towards or away from each other in one direction. When the detection module (3) detects that the two handle sections are locked together, the detection module (3) generates a locking signal (31). Upon receiving the locking signal (31), the processing module (6) enters a sleep mode. When the processing module (6) is in sleep mode and a specific button is pressed, the processing module (6) controls a communication module (7) to search for the presence of a connectable main device (300) in the vicinity.When the processing module (6) detects via the detection module (3) that the two handle sections (1) are separated and that a portable electronic device (200) and a connector (4) of the operating handle (100) are connected, the processing module (6) is connected to the portable electronic device (200) via the communication module (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control handle, in particular a control handle with two handle sections that are movable relative to each other.

[0002] Existing control handles (game handles) used for connection to mobile phones can only be connected to mobile phones and not to general game consoles (e.g. XBOX, PlayStation, etc.), which is inconvenient for the user.

[0003] The present invention discloses a control handle which is intended to improve the problem that existing control handles used for connection with mobile phones can only be connected to mobile phones, but cannot be connected to general game consoles.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an operating handle comprising two handle sections, a connecting structure, at least one detection module, a connector, at least one battery, and a processing module. Each of the two handle sections is equipped with several operating elements for user operation and serves as a handle for the user. Pressing each of the operating elements generates a corresponding operating signal, and one of the operating elements is a wireless connection button. The two handle sections are connected at both ends of the connecting structure and can be moved towards or away from each other by means of the connecting structure.The detection module is located in one of the handle sections and serves to recognize whether the two handle sections lock into each other. When the detection module detects that the two handle sections are locked together, it generates a locking signal. The connector is located on one of the handle sections and serves to establish a plug connection with a connector of a portable electronic device. The battery is located in at least one of the two handle sections. The processing module is electrically connected to the detection module, the connector, and the battery. When the processing module receives the locking signal, it switches to a merge mode, in which it enters a sleep mode.In the merging mode, when the wireless connection button or a power button is pressed, the processing module instructs a communication module to search for the presence of a connectable main unit in the vicinity. Once a communication link is established between the communication module and the connectable main unit, the communication module transmits the control signal to the connectable main unit. If the processing module detects that the connector and the connector of the portable electronic device are mated, the processing module switches to a disconnect mode. In this mode, the processing module cuts off the power supply to the battery, so that the power required to operate the control handle is drawn from the portable electronic device. The processing module then transmits the control signal to the portable electronic device via the connector.

[0005] In summary, the operating handle of the present invention, by providing a sensing module, can detect whether the two handle sections are locked together or separated. This allows the processing module to transmit the operating signal to the portable electronic device via the connector when the two handle sections are separated and the connector is connected to the portable electronic device. Conversely, when the two handle sections are locked together, the processing module can establish a connection to a connectable main device in the vicinity via the communication module.

[0006] For a better understanding of the features and technical content of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. However, this description and the accompanying drawings serve only to illustrate the present invention and do not in any way limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows schematic representations of an operating handle of the present invention from different views. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a control handle of the present invention with a portable electronic device mounted thereon. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a control handle of the present invention with two interlocking handle sections.

[0007] If the following description refers to a specific drawing or to the representation in a specific drawing, this serves only to emphasize that most of the relevant content described in the following description is contained in that specific drawing, but does not limit the reference in the following description to that specific drawing alone.

[0008] It will be directed to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Referenced, whereby Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematic representations of an operating handle of the present invention from different views, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a control handle of the present invention with a portable electronic device mounted thereon and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a control handle of the present invention with two interlocking handle sections.

[0009] The operating handle 100 comprises two handle sections 1, a connecting structure 2, a detection module 3, a connector 4, a battery 5, and a processing module 6. The number of detection modules 3 and batteries 5 included in the operating handle 100 is not limited to a single one. In other embodiments, the operating handle 100 may also include two or more detection modules 3 or batteries 5.

[0010] The two handle sections 1 are each equipped with several operating elements 11 for user operation. The two handle sections 1 serve as handles for the user. Pressing each of the operating elements 11 generates a corresponding operating signal. One of the operating elements 11 is a wireless connection button 11A. In practical application, some of the operating elements 11 are designed, for example, as buttons and some of the operating elements 11 are designed, for example, as joysticks.

[0011] The two handle sections 1 are connected to both ends of the connecting structure 2. The two handle sections 1 can be moved towards or away from each other by means of the connecting structure 2. The connecting structure 2 can, for example, comprise a left sliding element 21, a middle sliding element 22, and a right sliding element 23, with each of the two ends of the left sliding element 21 being connected to one of the handle sections 1 or the middle sliding element 22, respectively. The other end of the middle sliding element 22 is connected to one end of the right sliding element 23, while the other end of the right sliding element 23 is connected to the other handle section 1. The left sliding element 21, the middle sliding element 22, and the right sliding element 23 are designed to be displaceable relative to each other.The two handle sections 1 each have an internal receiving space for receiving the left sliding element 21, the middle sliding element 22 and the right sliding element 23.

[0012] In practical application, the connecting structure 2 can include a spring. When the two handle sections 1 are moved away from each other in one direction, the spring is tensioned to generate an elastic restoring force. In this design, when the user places a portable electronic device 200 (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer, etc.) between the two handle sections 1, the elastic restoring force of the spring can cause the portable electronic device 200 to be clamped securely between the two handle sections 1.

[0013] The detection module 3 is located in one of the handle sections 1. The detection module 3 serves to recognize whether the two handle sections 1 lock into each other. If the detection module 3 detects that the two handle sections 1 lock into each other, the detection module 3 generates a locking signal 31.

[0014] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the detection module 3 in one embodiment can comprise a light transmitter 32, a light receiver 33, and a processor (not shown). One of the handle sections 1 is provided on the side facing the other handle section with an insertion slot 16, around which the light transmitter 32 and the light receiver 33 are arranged, while the other handle section 1 has a light-blocking structure 17. When the two handle sections 1 snap into one another, the light-blocking structure 17 is positioned in the insertion slot 16 such that it is located between the light transmitter 32 and the light receiver 33 in order to block a light beam emitted from the light transmitter 32 to the light receiver 33, whereupon the processor of the detection module 3 generates the locking signal 31.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detection module 3 can comprise several metal contacts and a sensor circuit, wherein part of the metal contacts are arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections 1 and the other part of the metal contacts are arranged on the inside of the other handle section 1, so that when the two handle sections 1 snap into each other, the several metal contacts arranged on the two handle sections 1 come into contact with each other, whereupon the sensor circuit generates the snap-in signal 31.

[0016] In one embodiment, the detection module 3 can comprise a magnet and a magnetic sensor, wherein the magnet and the magnetic sensor are each arranged on the inside of one of the two handle sections 1. When the two handle sections 1 snap together, the magnet approaches the magnetic sensor, while the magnetic sensor generates the snap-in signal 31 in response to detecting the approach of the magnet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection module 3 can include a microswitch arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections 1. When the two handle sections 1 lock into each other, the inside of the other handle section 1 presses against the microswitch, whereupon the microswitch generates the locking signal 31.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensing module 3 can include a pressure sensor arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections 1, while the other handle section 1 is provided with a pressure section at a location associated with the pressure sensor. When the two handle sections 1 engage, the pressure section presses against the pressure sensor, whereupon the pressure sensor generates the engagement signal 31.

[0019] As can be seen from Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, connector 4 is arranged on one of the handle sections 1 and serves to establish a plug connection with a connector 4 of a portable electronic device 200. Connector 4 is, for example, a Micro-USB, a Type-C-USB or the like and can vary according to connector 4 of the portable electronic device 200.

[0020] The battery 5 is located in at least one of the two handle sections 1. In practical application, the operating handle 100 can also include two batteries 5, which can be located in the two handle sections 1. The processing module 6 is electrically connected to the detection module 3 and the connector 4 as well as to the battery 5.

[0021] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, after moving the two handle sections 1 away from each other in one direction, the user can install the portable electronic device 200 between the two handle sections 1 and connect the connector of the portable electronic device 200 to the connector 4 of the handle section 1. Once the connector 4 of the portable electronic device 200 and the connector 4 of the handle section 1 are connected, the spring contained in the connection structure 2 (not shown) is tensioned, so that the two handle sections 1 together hold the portable electronic device 200.

[0022] When the processing module 6 detects that connector 4 and connector 4 of the portable electronic device 200 are connected, the processing module 6 switches to a disconnect mode. In disconnect mode, the processing module 6 interrupts the power supply to battery 5, so that the energy required to operate the control handle 100 is drawn from the portable electronic device 200, with the processing module 6 transmitting the control signal to the portable electronic device 200 via connector 4. It is worth noting that in disconnect mode, the processing module 6 does not use the portable electronic device 200 to charge battery 5, thus preventing any consumption of the portable electronic device 200's battery capacity.

[0023] In a preferred application, each of the handle sections 1, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, is provided on its inner side with a receiving recess 13, wherein the two receiving recesses 13 serve to receive the two ends of the portable electronic device 200 and the connector 4 is located in one of the receiving recesses 13. When the portable electronic device 200 is mounted between the two handle sections 1, the two ends of the portable electronic device 200 are accordingly received in the two receiving recesses 13 so that the two handle sections 1 can better hold the portable electronic device 200.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the two handle sections 1 lock into each other, the processing module 6 receives the locking signal 31 and then switches to a merging mode. In merging mode, the processing module 6 enters a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the processing module 6 retains only the energy required to operate a detection circuit, which can be used to detect whether the wireless connection button 11A and a power button 11B are pressed.

[0025] When the wireless connection button 11A or the power button 11B is pressed in merge mode, the processing module 6 wakes up and exits sleep mode. The processing module 6 then instructs a communication module 7 to search for the presence of a connectable main device 300 in the vicinity. The connectable main device 300 could be, for example, a computer, a notebook computer, a tablet PC, or a game console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, etc.). Once the communication module 7 has established a communication link with the connectable main device 300, the processing module 6 transmits the control signal to the connectable main device 300 via the communication module 7.

[0026] More precisely, when the two handle sections 1 lock into each other, this may indicate that the user is ready to put the control handle 100 away. Therefore, the processing module 6 initially enters sleep mode upon receiving the locking signal 31. If the user still wishes to use the control handle 100 after the two handle sections 1 have locked into each other, the processing module 6, upon the user pressing the wireless connection button 11A or the power button 11B, searches for a connectable main unit 300 in the vicinity in order to attempt to connect the control handle 100 to it.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, in practical application, one of the operating means 11 can be a wireless communication switch 11C, wherein the communication module 7 comprises, for example, a Bluetooth communication module and a wireless 2.4 GHz communication module.

[0028] When the two handle sections 1 lock into each other and the wireless connection button 11A or the power button 11B is pressed, the processing module 6 can use the 2.4 GHz wireless communication module to scan the environment for the presence of a previously paired connectable main unit 300 and, if a previously paired connectable main unit 300 is present, establish a connection with it.

[0029] When the two handle sections 1 lock into each other and the wireless communication switch button 11C is pressed, the processing module 6 can, for example, use the Bluetooth communication module to scan for and connect to a portable electronic device 200 or a connectable main unit 300 in the vicinity.

[0030] When the processing module 6 detects that connector 4 has been connected to the connector of the portable electronic device 200, the processing module 6 can, for example, switch to the Bluetooth communication module and search for Bluetooth-enabled devices (i.e., the portable electronic device 200) in the vicinity in order to establish a Bluetooth connection with the portable electronic device 200. It is worth noting that in disconnect mode, when the wireless connection button 11A is pressed, the processing module 6 does not control the communication module 7 to search for the connectable main device 300 in the vicinity.

[0031] As in Fig. 1 and Fig.As shown in Figure 2, in a preferred application, one of the handle sections 1 can further have a first locking structure 14 and the other handle section 1 a second locking structure 15, wherein the first locking structure 14 and the second locking structure 15 can lock into one another to securely connect the two handle sections 1. In practical application, one of the first locking structure 14 and the second locking structure 15 is, for example, a protruding structure, while the other can be a groove, wherein the first locking structure 14 and the second locking structure 15 can lock into one another by a tight fit or a similar tight fit. The design of the first locking structure 14 and the second locking structure 15 makes it possible for the two handle sections 1 to lock into one another more securely to prevent the two handle sections 1 from suddenly separating from each other during operation by the user.

[0032] In summary, the operating handle of the present invention allows the user to separate or lock the two handle sections together, depending on their needs. When the two handle sections are separate, the user can install a portable electronic device between them and connect the device's connector to the handle's connector, enabling the user to operate the device via the handle. Alternatively, the user can lock the two handle sections together and connect the handle to a compatible head unit in the vicinity by pressing the power button or the wireless connection button.

[0033] The above description merely represents preferred possible embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the claims of the present invention, so that all equivalent technical modifications made by applying the content of the description and the drawings of the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Reference symbol list 100 operating handle 1 handle section 11 Operating equipment 11A Wireless Connection Button 11B Power button 11C Wireless Communication Switch Button 13 Recording recess 14 First snap-in structure 15 Second snap-in structure 16 insertion slots 17 Light-blocking structure 2 Connection structure 21 Left sliding element 22 Middle sliding element 23 Right sliding element 3 Data acquisition module 31 Locking signal 32 light transmitters 33 light receivers 4 connectors 5 batteries 6 Processing module 7 Communication module 200 Portable electronic device 300 Connectable Main Unit

Claims

[1] Operating handle (100), comprising: - two handle sections (1), each equipped with several operating devices (11) for operation by the user and serving as a handle for the user, wherein when each of the operating devices (11) is pressed a corresponding operating signal is generated and one of the operating devices (11) is a wireless connection button (11A); - a connecting structure (2) wherein the two handle sections (1) are connected to both ends of the connecting structure (2) and can be moved towards or away from each other with the help of the connecting structure (2); - at least one detection module (3) arranged in one of the handle sections (1) and serving to detect whether the two handle sections (1) lock into each other, wherein the detection module (3) generates a locking signal (31) when it detects that the two handle sections (1) lock into each other; - a connector (4) arranged on one of the handle sections (1) and used to make a plug connection with a connector (4) of a portable electronic device (200); - at least one battery (5) arranged in at least one of the two handle sections (1); - a processing module (6) which is electrically connected to both the acquisition module (3) and the connector (4) as well as to the battery (5); wherein the processing module (6), when it receives the latching signal (31), switches to a merge mode in which the processing module (6) enters a sleep mode; wherein in the merge mode, when the wireless connection button (11A) or a power button (11B) is pressed, the processing module (6) controls a communication module (7) to search for the presence of a connectable main unit (300) in the environment, and after establishing a communication link between the communication module (7) and the connectable main unit (300), transmits the control signal via the communication module (7) to the connectable main unit (300);wherein the processing module (6), when it detects that the connector (4) and the connector (4) of the portable electronic device (200) are plugged into each other, switches to a disconnect mode in which the processing module (6) interrupts the power supply to the battery (5) so that the energy required to operate the control handle (100) is supplied by the portable electronic device (200), wherein the processing module (6) transmits the control signal to the portable electronic device (200) via the connector (4). [2] Operating handle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processing module (6) in disconnect mode does not use the portable electronic device (200) to charge the battery (5). [3] Operating handle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the handle sections (1) is provided on its inside with a receiving recess (13), wherein the two receiving recesses (13) serve to receive the two sides of the portable electronic device (200) and the connector (4) is located in one of the receiving recesses (13). [4] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the handle sections (1) has a first locking structure (14) and the other handle section (1) has a second locking structure (15), wherein the first locking structure (14) and the second locking structure (15) can lock into each other such that the two handle sections (1) are in contact with each other. [5] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection module (3) comprises a light transmitter (32), a light receiver (33) and a processor, wherein one of the handle sections (1) is provided on the side facing the other handle section (1) with an insertion slot (16) around which the light transmitter (32) and the light receiver (33) are arranged, while the other handle section (1) has a light-blocking structure (17), wherein the light-blocking structure (17), when the two handle sections (1) snap into one another, is arranged in the insertion slot (16) such that it is located between the light transmitter (32) and the light receiver (33) in order to block a light beam emitted from the light transmitter (32) to the light receiver (33), whereupon the processor generates the locking signal (31). [6] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection module (3) comprises several metal contacts and a sensor circuit, wherein part of the metal contacts are arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections (1) and the other part of the metal contacts are arranged on the inside of the other handle section (1), so that when the two handle sections (1) snap into each other, the several metal contacts arranged on the two handle sections (1) come into contact with each other, whereupon the sensor circuit generates the snap-in signal (31). [7] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection module (3) comprises a magnet and a magnetic sensor, the magnet and the magnetic sensor being arranged on the inside of one of the two handle sections (1). [8] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection module (3) comprises a microswitch arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections (1), wherein the inside of the other handle section (1) presses against the microswitch when the two handle sections (1) lock into each other, whereupon the microswitch generates the locking signal (31). [9] Operating handle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection module (3) comprises a pressure sensor arranged on the inside of one of the handle sections (1), while the other handle section (1) is provided with a pressure section at a location associated with the pressure sensor, wherein, when the two handle sections (1) lock into each other, the pressure section presses against the pressure sensor, whereupon the pressure sensor generates the locking signal (31). [10] Operating handle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in disconnect mode the processing module (6) does not control the communication module (7) to search for the connectable main device (300) in the environment when the wireless connection button (11A) is pressed.

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