Multidirectional pad for a computer control device such as a video game controller

Abstract

Multidirectional Pad for a Video Game Controller-Type Computer Control Device. The invention relates mainly to a multidirectional pad (1) of a computer device (2) comprising at least one push button (5) which includes a central main user interaction portion and two peripheral interlocking portions with the adjacent button, arranged on either side of the interaction portion, in that each peripheral portion has a serrated edge that fits into the serrated edge of the peripheral portion of the adjacent button (5a), and in that each serrated edge has an upper face that extends in a plane inclined towards the plate. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Multidirectional pad for a computer control peripheral of the video game controller type. Technical field

[0001] The invention falls within the field of computer peripherals, and relates more particularly to a controller of the type video game controller. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In the field of computer peripherals, and in particular in that of directional control devices, it is known to integrate a device allowing a user to orient a real object - for example a remote control type device - or a virtual object - for example a video game controller - according to predetermined directions.

[0003] Multidirectional padheads comprising an electronic board with four switches and a cross-shaped button are known, allowing the user, by pressing the ends of the cross opposite the four switches, to orient the object in four main directions—typically up, down, left, and right. Furthermore, to move the object in a secondary direction diagonal to these four main directions, the user must simultaneously press two adjacent ends of the cross to actuate the two switches in question.

[0004] This type of pad nevertheless has the disadvantage of being difficult to use, because it is difficult to press simultaneously on two ends to move the object in one of the secondary directions.

[0005] There are also eight-way multidirectional keypads whose plate is equipped with eight switches – for the four main directions up, down, left and right and the four secondary diagonal directions up-left, up-right, down-left and down-right. This type of keypad generally takes the form of a disc with raised features representing the different directions.

[0006] Nevertheless, this type of 8-way keypad remains difficult to use, as the user risks pressing two adjacent switches at the same time. Furthermore, when a user tries to change direction, they slide their finger across the keypad, and the finger may catch on the raised areas of the keypad, which is detrimental to user comfort.

[0007] Finally, there are also joystick-type directional devices comprising a plate with eight switches for the four primary and four secondary directions, and a handle that extends perpendicularly to the plate when it is at rest and which is tiltable to operate the switch in question.

[0008] However, these joysticks lack precision, and it is difficult for the user to activate the switch corresponding to the initially selected direction. Furthermore, the joystick's ergonomics are not necessarily suitable for the user. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention therefore aims to provide a multidirectional pad for a directional control computer peripheral that is more ergonomic and more precise. Description of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a multidirectional pad for a computer control peripheral of the video game controller type, comprising an electronic support board equipped with switches and at least four main pushbuttons arranged in a ring and forming an interface with a user to move a real or virtual object in the main directions respectively up, down, left and right, each pushbutton being movably mounted on the board between a pressed position of actuation of one of the switches and a released position of non-actuation of said switch, each pushbutton comprising a central main part of interaction with the user and two peripheral parts for interlocking with the adjacent button arranged on either side of the interaction part, each peripheral part having a serrated edge interlocked with the serrated edge of the peripheral part of the adjacent button,and in that each crenellated edge has an upper face that extends in a plane inclined towards the plate.

[0011] The multidirectional keypad may also include the following optional features considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: • The serrated edge of each peripheral portion of the button in question comprises a plurality of teeth, each tooth extending in an extension direction towards the adjacent button to a free end which extends in a depress direction from an upper free edge on the upper face of the serrated edge towards the plate, and, for each button in the released position, the distance, in the depress direction of the buttons, between the upper free edge of the free end of each tooth of the serrated edge of the peripheral portion of the button in the released position, and the upper face of the serrated edge of the peripheral portion the distance from the adjacent button when pressed is less than or equal to 0.25 millimeters. • The distance along the direction of button depressment between the upper free edge of the free end of each tooth of the serrated edge of the button in the released position and the upper face of the peripheral part considered of the adjacent button in the depressed position is identical for all buttons. • The distance along the direction of button depressment between the upper free edge of the free end of each tooth of the serrated edge of the button in the released position, and the upper face of the peripheral part considered of the adjacent button in the depressed position is zero or negative. • The buttons to which the main directions left and right are assigned extend on either side of the center of the pad along an axis, and the angle formed between this axis and the direction of extension of any of the teeth of the pushbuttons is greater than or equal to 45°. • The angle of inclination between the plane P in which the upper face 9, 9a of each crenellated edge 8, 8a extends and the plate 3 is less than or equal to 60°. • The angle of inclination between the plane P in which the upper face 9, 9a of each crenellated edge 8, 8a extends and the plate 3 is between 20° and 40°. • The upper face of each crenellated edge is convex in shape. • The distance between two consecutive teeth of the serrated edge of each part The peripheral diameter of each button is less than or equal to 7 millimeters. • Each tooth has a thickness, in a direction perpendicular to its direction of extension and to the direction of insertion of the button in question, less than or equal to 5 millimeters. • The teeth of each peripheral part extend all along the considered crenellated edge. • The teeth on the same serrated edge of the button in question are identical. • One of the buttons includes an end portion arranged in the center of the pad. • The paving stone has an overall concave shape. • The pad includes four additional buttons to move the real or virtual object along secondary directions respectively diagonal top-left, diagonal bottom-left, diagonal top-right and diagonal bottom-right each additional button being arranged between two main buttons.

[0012] The invention also relates to a computer control device of the type video game controller comprising a multidirectional pad as described above.

[0013] The invention also relates to a control device for a computer control peripheral of the video game controller type, comprising a circuit board electronic support and at least one switch comprising a switch integral with the circuit board and a push button forming an interface with a user and comprising a main user interaction portion delimited by a circumferential edge and comprising an upper interaction face and an opposite lower face, said push button is movably mounted on the circuit board along a depress direction between a depressed position for actuation of the switch and a released position for non-actuation of said switch, the switch comprising at least one means for guiding the push button along the depress direction between its released position and its depressed position which extends from the circuit board to a circumferential peripheral area of ​​the lower face of the button, said circumferential area is delimited by the circumferential edge of the button and has a surface area less than 20% of the total surface area of ​​the lower face, and • either the switch includes a unique guiding means which extends over at least two-thirds of the periphery of said button, • either the switch has a plurality of guiding means, the value of an angular sector starting from the center of the main interaction part and separating two consecutive guiding means being less than 90°.

[0014] The control device may also include the following optional features considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: • The switch includes at least one means for guiding the push button along the direction of depressment between its released position and its pressed position, extending from the plate to the circumferential edge of the button. • Each guiding means comprises a first part, called the male part, formed on the plate, and a second part, called the female part, cooperating with the male part and formed on the circumferential edge of the push button. • The switch has a polygonal shape, in that it comprises the same number of guiding means as the number of vertices of the button, and in that the second parts of the guiding means are provided at the vertices of the main part of interaction by cooperating with the respective first parts of said guiding means. • The first part of each switch guide means comprises a rod projecting from the plate, and in that the second part of the guide means comprises a lug projecting from the underside of the main interaction part of the button, said lug comprising a blind orifice cooperating by sliding with the rod in question. • The switch includes, for each guiding means, a means for adjusting and sliding the rod of the guiding means considered in the cooperating blind orifice. • Each adjustment and sliding means includes a hollow adjustment and sliding element disposed around the rod in question and in the blind orifice in question. • Each rod and each blind orifice is cylindrical in shape, and in that each hollow fitting and sliding element is a hollow cylinder arranged coaxially with the rod in question and with the blind orifice in which said rod is housed. • The switch includes a means for actuating the switch projecting from the underside of the interaction portion of the button. • The control device comprises a plurality of switches arranged in at least one row extending along a curved line • The opposite edges of two adjacent buttons are straight. • The surface area of ​​the interaction part of each push button is greater than 4 cm2. • The distance between the straight edges opposite two adjacent buttons is less than 1 millimeter.

[0015] The invention ultimately relates to a computer control peripheral of the video game controller type, comprising a control device as described above. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0017] [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] represents a perspective view of the computer control device of the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents an exploded perspective view of a device command for the computer peripheral of [Fig.l];

[0019] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of a push button of the control device of the [Fig.2];

[0020] [Fig.4] Fig.4 shows a perspective and cross-sectional view of a button push button in the pressed position of the control device;

[0021] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 represents a perspective view of the electronic board of the multidirectional pad of the invention;

[0022] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a top view of the button arrangement crown-shaped pushers of the multidirectional pad;

[0023] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a top view of a detail of the button arrangement of [Fig.6];

[0024] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents a perspective view of a portion of the nested serrated edges of two peripheral parts of two adjacent buttons of the multidirectional pad, one of the buttons being pressed and the other released;

[0025] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] represents a side view of the nested crenellated edges of the [Fig.8];

[0026] [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 represents a side view of the nested serrated edges of two peripheral parts of two adjacent buttons of the multidirectional pad according to an alternative embodiment, one of the buttons being pressed and the other released. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] It is first specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.

[0028] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent one embodiment of the object of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0029] The invention relates to a computer control device 2, and more particularly to a video game controller allowing a user to move and interact with a virtual object - for example a virtual character or vehicle - in a virtual environment.

[0030] With reference to [Fig. 1], the device 2 comprises a chassis 22 in the shape of a triangular prism including a rectangular base wall 42 intended to be placed on a substantially horizontal plane - typically a table, a desk or even on the user's lap - and two user interaction walls, respectively a left wall 24 for the user's left forearm and left hand and a right wall 23 for the user's right forearm and right hand.

[0031] The angle formed between the two walls, respectively left 24 and right 23, of the chassis 22 of the device is such that the user's palms, when positioned on the device 2, are substantially parallel to said walls 23, 24 without the user having to exert any rotational effort with their wrists. The shape of the chassis 22 thus reduces user fatigue and improves the overall ergonomics of the device 2.

[0032] Advantageously, each of the left 24 and right 23 walls also includes raised supports 25 designed to receive the user's forearms, allowing the user to keep their hands elevated relative to the left 24 and right 23 walls of the frame 22 without exerting any effort. These two supports 25 can each be covered with an elastically deformable polymer foam covering 43 to further improve user comfort.

[0033] With reference to figures 1 to 4, the right wall 23 comprises a plurality of push-button switches 26, and in particular, in the vicinity of the center of the right wall 23, a first row of five switches 26 surmounted by a second row of four switches 26, the two rows forming a control device 44.

[0034] Each row of the control device 44 extends along a curved line to improve ergonomics: indeed, the user, with their right forearm positioned on the peripheral wall 22, will have the four or five extremities of their right hand facing the switches 26 of one or the other of the two rows. Since the line connecting the extremities of the human hand has a curved profile, arranging these push-button switches 26 along curved lines improves user comfort.

[0035] The control device 44 comprises an electronic support board 28, housed in the chassis 22 of the device 2, which board 28 is provided with a plurality of switches 29 of known design. The control device 44 further comprises a plurality of pushbuttons 27 (visible in Figures 1 to 4), each movably mounted on the electronic board 28 along a depress direction between a pressed position for actuating the switch 29 and a released position for deactivating said switch. Those skilled in the art will understand that each switch 29 is associated with a single pushbutton 27.

[0036] Each push button 27 comprises a main user interaction portion 30, which interaction portion 30 has a lower face 36 and an opposite upper face 35 for user interaction, each having a large surface area—at least four cm²—typically twice the surface area of ​​the last phalanx of any finger of the user. This facilitates the use of the button 27 by the user. The button 27 also comprises an actuation means 39 for the switch 29 (Figures 3 and 4), which projects from the lower face 36 of the interaction portion 30 of the button 27.

[0037] In addition, the opposite edges of two adjacent buttons 27 are straight, so that the distance between two adjacent buttons 27 is identical along the junction between the two buttons 27. This facilitates the sliding of the user's finger from one button 27 to the adjacent button 27.

[0038] Finally and advantageously, the distance between the opposite edges of two adjacent buttons 27 is less than or equal to 2 millimeters, which further facilitates the smooth transition from one button 27 to the adjacent button 27.

[0039] Each switch 26 further comprises at least one guiding means 31 for the push button 27 according to the direction of depressment between its released position and its pressed position. This guiding means 31 is disposed on the periphery of the switch 26 and extends from the plate 28 to a circumferential peripheral area 40 of the lower face 36 of the button 27, which circumferential area 40 is in the shape of a ring, delimited by the circumferential edge 34 of the button and having a surface area less than 20% of the total surface area of ​​the lower face 36.

[0040] Advantageously, said guiding means 31 of the push button 27 extends from the plate 28 to the circumferential edge 34 of the button 27.

[0041] Each guiding means 31 comprises a first part, called male part 32, which is provided on the plate 28, and a second part, called female part 33, cooperating with the male part 32 and provided on the circumferential edge 34 of the push button 27, or at least in the circumferential peripheral area 40. Alternatively, not shown, the male part 32 protrudes from the lower face 36 of the button 27 while the female part 33 is provided in the plate 28.

[0042] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the push button 27 has a polygonal shape, typically and without limitation triangular or rectangular. Without departing from the scope of the invention, some of the edges of the button 27 may be curved, provided that such an edge is not opposite an adjacent button 27.

[0043] The polygonal button 27 therefore comprises several vertices—three if it has a triangular shape and four if it has a square or rectangular shape, see [Fig. 3]—and the switch 26 comprises as many guiding means 31 as the button 27 has vertices. Furthermore, the second female portions 33 of the guiding means 31 are provided at the vertices of the main interaction portion 30 by cooperating with the respective first male portions 32 of said guiding means 31.

[0044] More generally, if the switch 26 has several guiding means 31, then the value of an angular sector starting from the center of the main interaction part 30 of the button 27, and separating two consecutive guiding means 31, is less than or equal to 180°.

[0045] Such an arrangement of the guiding means 31 allows the button 27 to be pressed without deviating from its direction of insertion during the movement, even if the user does not press in the central area of ​​the button 27, or even if the user presses on the edge of the button 27. Thus, the movement of the button 27 cannot be blocked, particularly during the movement towards its depressed position. Typically, the direction of depressment is perpendicular to the plate 28 and to the upper interaction face 35 of the button in question 27.

[0046] Advantageously, the male part 32 of each guide means 31 is formed by a cylindrical rod projecting from the plate 28, while the female part 33 is a lug projecting from the lower face of the main interaction part 30 of the button 27, said lug 33 comprising a blind cylindrical orifice 37 cooperating by sliding with the rod considered 32.

[0047] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the guide means 31 may have another shape, for example, a circumferential arched grooved housing projecting from the underside 36 of the button 27 and cooperating with a male portion of cooperating shape. The switch 26 may also comprise a single arched guide means extending over at least two-thirds of the periphery of said button 27. In this particular embodiment, the button 27 may have a polygonal shape, but also a circular or oval shape.

[0048] Each switch 26 includes, for each guide means 31, an adjustment and sliding means 38 of the rod 32 of the guide means considered 31 in the cooperating blind orifice 37. More specifically, each adjustment and sliding means 38 is a hollow adjustment and sliding element disposed around the rod considered 32 and in the cooperating blind orifice 37.

[0049] Furthermore, since the rods 32 and the blind orifices 37 cooperating with guiding means 31 are cylindrical in shape, each hollow adjustment and sliding element 38 is a hollow cylinder arranged coaxially with the rod 32 and the blind orifice 37 in which the rod 32 is housed. This hollow element 38 is advantageously made of Teflon to limit friction between the rod 32, the hollow element 38, and the inner wall of the blind orifice 37.

[0050] The adjustment and sliding means 38 maintain a minimum mechanical clearance between the rods 32 and the cooperating blind holes 37 of the guiding means 31, typically on the order of 0.1 millimeter, which further limits the deviation of the button 27, moving between its two positions respectively pressed and released, from its direction of insertion. Any blocking of the button 27 during its movement, particularly towards its pressed position, is thus avoided.

[0051] With reference to Figures 1, 5 and 6, the left wall 24 of the computer device 2 comprises a quadrilateral-shaped multidirectional pad 1. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the multidirectional pad 1 may have a different shape, for example oval or circular.

[0052] The pad 1 includes an electronic switch support board 3 4. The pad 1 also includes a plurality of buttons 5, 5a - preferably eight buttons - arranged in a ring and forming an interface with the user to move a real or virtual object.

[0053] More specifically, pad 1 comprises four main buttons 5 for moving the object in the primary directions, respectively up H, down B, left L, and right D, and four additional buttons 5a for moving the object in the secondary directions, respectively diagonal up-left HG, diagonal down-left BG, diagonal up-right HD, and diagonal down-right BD. Furthermore, each additional button 5a is arranged between two main buttons 5.

[0054] Advantageously, the main button 5 for moving the object in the downward direction B comprises a disc-shaped end portion 13 located in the center of the pad 1, the main left and right buttons 5 being arranged on either side of this end portion 13 of the bottom button 5 (i.e., on either side of the center of the pad 1) along an axis 14. With this type of arrangement, the user - and in particular the user playing video games - finds the configuration of the four buttons that are classically found on a computer keyboard, represented by arrows and which allow the player to move the virtual object in the main directions left, right, up and down.

[0055] Each push button 5, 5a is movably mounted on the plate 3 along a depress direction 16 between a depressed position of actuation of one of the switches 4 and a released position of non-actuation of said switch 4. The means for guiding the buttons 5, 5a along the depress direction 16 are the same as those described for the switches 27 of the control device 44, shown in Figures 2 to 4. [Fig. 5] further shows the cylindrical rods 41 which form the male parts of the means for guiding these buttons 5, 5a. The buttons 5, 5a of the block 1 include tabs projecting from the tops of said buttons 5, 5a, each tab including a blind orifice cooperating with the rod considered 4L. Finally, the guiding means also include adjustment and sliding means such as those described previously in relation to figures 2 to 4.

[0056] According to the invention, and with reference to Figures 6 to 10, each push button 5, 5a comprises a central main interaction portion 6, 6a with the user. This central portion 6, 6a comprises an upper interaction face and an opposite lower face from which the tabs of the guide means project. Each button 5 further comprises two peripheral portions 7 for interlocking with the adjacent button 5a, arranged on either side of the interaction portion. Each peripheral portion 7 of the button 5 has a serrated edge 8 which is interlocked with the serrated edge 8a of the peripheral portion 7a of the adjacent button 5a. Finally, each edge crenellated 8, 8a has a top face 9, 9a which extends in a plane P inclined towards the plate (see figures 8 to 10).

[0057] Thanks to the interlocking of the serrated edges 8, 8a and the inclination of the peripheral parts 7, 7a of the buttons 5, 5a, the sliding of the finger from one button 5 to the other 5a is facilitated, which increases the ergonomics of the multidirectional pad 1.

[0058] In order to further increase ergonomics, the angle a between plane P and plate 3 is less than or equal to 60°, and preferably between 20° and 40°.

[0059] Furthermore and advantageously, the upper face 9, 9a of the crenellated edge 8, 8a of each button 5, 5a may have a convex shape in order to further soften the sensation of the finger sliding on the upper surface 9, 9a of the crenellated edge considered 8, 8a when moving from a button 5 to an adjacent button 5a.

[0060] According to the invention, each serrated edge 8 of each peripheral part 7 of the button in question 5 comprises a plurality of teeth 10, each tooth 10 extending in an extension direction 15 towards the adjacent button 5a to a free end 11. Furthermore, the free end 11 of each tooth 10, 10a also extends in the depressment direction 16 of the button 5, 5a from an upper free edge 12 located on the upper face 9, 9a of the serrated edge 8, 8a, to a lower free edge (not shown) located at a distance from the plate 3. More specifically, and for each button 5, 5a, the distance between the plate 3 and the lower free edge of the free end 11 of each tooth 10, 10a when the button in question 5, 5a is in its released position, is greater than the depressment distance 20 traversed by said button 5, 5a moving from one of its released or pressed positions to its opposite position.Thus, the lower edge of each tooth 10, 10a does not come into contact with any surface when the button 5, 5a is pressed.

[0061] Furthermore, for each button 5, 5a, the distance 17 along the direction of depressment 16 between the upper free edge of the free end 11 of each tooth 10 of the serrated edge 8 of the peripheral part considered 7 of the button considered 5 in the released position, and the upper face 9a of the serrated edge 8a of the peripheral part considered 7a of the adjacent button 5a in the depressed position is less than or equal to 0.25 millimeters (see [Fig. 9]). Thus, the sliding movement from one button 5 to the adjacent button 5a is smoothed.

[0062] Advantageously and in order to further improve the sliding passage of a button 5 to the adjacent button 5a, this distance 17 between the upper free edge 12 of the free end 11 of each tooth 10 of the notched edge 8 of the button 5 in the released position and the upper face 9a of the peripheral part considered 7a of the adjacent button 5a in the pressed position is identical for all buttons 5, 5a.

[0063] Finally, and with reference to [Fig. 10], in order to eliminate any sensation for the user of discontinuity between two adjacent buttons 5, 5a, regardless of their position released or pressed, that is, the distance 17 along the direction of pressing 16 between the upper free edge 12 of the free end 11 of each tooth 10 of the serrated edge 8 of the button in question 5 in the released position, and the upper face 9a of the peripheral part in question 7a of the adjacent button 5a in the pressed position is zero, in which case the upper free edge 12 of the free end 11 of each tooth 10 of the serrated edge 8 of the button in question 5 in the released position is flush with the upper face 9a of the peripheral part in question 7a of the adjacent button 5a in the pressed position, or this distance 17 is negative, in which case the upper free edge 12 of the free end 11 of each tooth 10 of the serrated edge 8 of the button in question 5 in the released position, is lodged in a space between two consecutive teeth 10a of the serrated edge 8a of the peripheral part considered 7a of the adjacent button 5a in the pressed position,under the upper face 9a of said peripheral part considered 7a of the adjacent button 5a.

[0064] Thus, the transition from a button 5 to the adjacent button 5a by sliding the finger is perfectly smooth.

[0065] Furthermore, all the teeth 10, 10a of the serrated edges 8, 8a of the buttons 5, 5a of the multidirectional pad are identical, and the teeth 10, 10a of each peripheral part 7, 7a of the buttons 5, 5a extend along the entire length of the considered serrated edge 8, 8a. In this way, an optimal sliding sensation is felt by the user over the entire surface of the multidirectional pad 1.

[0066] In order to prevent the user's finger from getting caught between two teeth 10, 10a, the distance 18 between two consecutive teeth 10, 10a of the serrated edge 8, 8a of each peripheral part 7, 7a of each button 5, 5a is less than or equal to 7 millimeters. Furthermore, each tooth 10, 10a has a thickness 19, in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction 15 and to the indentation direction 16 of the button in question 5, 5a, less than or equal to 5 millimeters, preferably less than or equal to 2 millimeters. In this way, the tooth 10, 10a presents a good compromise between structural thinness—to allow a sufficiently small space between two teeth 10, 10a and prevent the user's finger from getting caught between two teeth 10, 10a—and structural robustness.

[0067] With reference to [Fig.6], the orientation of the teeth 10, 10a with respect to a junction line 45 between two adjacent buttons 5, 5a depends on the position of said buttons 5, 5a on the pad 1.

[0068] Indeed, the user's fingernail is by nature thin and has a thickness less than the distance 18 between two consecutive teeth 10, 10a of the same serrated edge 8, 8a. The teeth 10, 10a must therefore be oriented so that the angle between the plane of the nail located at a junction 45 between two buttons 5, 5a, and the direction extension 15 of the teeth 10, 10a of the crenellated edges 8, 8a of the buttons considered 5, 5a is greater than or equal to 45°.

[0069] Now, during the movement of the finger, the plane of the nail of the user's finger is substantially parallel to the axis 14 of extension of the buttons 5 left and right on either side of the center of the pad 1. Thus, the angle formed between this axis 14 and the direction of extension 15 of any of the teeth 10, 10a of the pushbuttons 5, 5a is greater than or equal to 45°.

[0070] Finally, in order to further facilitate finger movement on the multidirectional pad 1, the latter has a generally concave shape. Moreover, and in order to prevent, for example during a sudden movement, the user's hand from moving away from the multidirectional pad 1, the computer device 2 includes a circumferential protrusion 21 projecting from the left wall 24 to retain the user's finger above the pad 1 (see [Fig. 1]).

Claims

1.

2.

3. Demands Multidirectional pad (1) for a computer control device of the type video game controller (2), comprising an electronic support board (3) provided with switches (4) and at least four main pushbuttons arranged in a ring (5, 5a) and forming an interface with a user to move a real or virtual object in the main directions respectively up, down, left and right, each pushbutton (5, 5a) being movably mounted on the board (3) between a pressed position of actuation of one of the switches (4) and a released position of non-actuation of said switch (4), characterized in that each pushbutton (5) comprises a central main interaction part (6) with the user and two peripheral interlocking parts (7) with the adjacent button (5a) disposed on either side of the interaction part (6),in that each peripheral part (7) has a serrated edge (8) fitted into the serrated edge (8a) of the peripheral part (7a) of the adjacent button (5a), and in that each serrated edge (8, 8a) has an upper face (9, 9a) which extends in a plane (P) inclined towards the plate (3). Paving stone (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the serrated edge (8) of each peripheral portion (7) of the button (5) comprises a plurality of teeth (10), in that each tooth (10) extends along an extension direction (15) towards the adjacent button (5a) to a free end (11) which extends along a depressment direction (16) of said button (5) from an upper free edge (12) on the upper face (9) of the serrated edge (8) towards the plate (3), and in that, for each button (5) in the released position, the distance (17), along the depressment direction (16) of the buttons (5, 5a), between the upper free edge (12) of the free end (11) of each tooth (10) of the serrated edge (8) of the peripheral portion (7) of the button (5) in the released position, and the upper face (9a) of the edge the notched (8a) of the peripheral part considered (7a) of the adjacent button (5a) in the pressed position is less than or equal to 0.25 millimeters. Paving stone (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the distance along the direction of insertion (16) of the buttons (5, 5a) between the upper free edge (12) of the free end (11) of each tooth (10) of the crenellated edge (8) of the button (5) in the released position and the upper face (9a) of the peripheral part considered (7a) of the adjacent button (5a) in the pressed position is identical for all buttons (5, 5a).

4. Paving stone (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the distance (17) along the direction of depressment (16) of the buttons (5, 5a) between the upper free edge (12) of the free end (11) of each tooth (10) of the serrated edge (8) of the button (5) in the released position, and the upper face (9a) of the considered peripheral part (7a) of the adjacent button (5a) in the depressed position is either zero or negative.

5. Pad (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the buttons (5, 5a) to which the principal directions left and right are assigned extend on either side of the center of the pad (1) along an axis (14), and in that the angle formed between this axis (14) and the extension direction (15) of any one of the teeth (10, 10a) of the pushbuttons (5, 5a) is greater than or equal to 45°.

6. Paving stone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle of inclination between the plane (P) in which the upper face (9, 9a) of each serrated edge (8, 8a) extends and the plate (3) is less than or equal to 60°.

7. Paving stone according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle of inclination between the plane (P) in which the upper face (9, 9a) of each crenellated edge (8, 8a) extends and the plate (3) is between 20° and 40°.

8. Paving stone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper face (9, 9a) of each crenellated edge (8, 8a) is convex in shape.

9. Paving stone (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the distance (18) between two consecutive teeth (10, 10a) of the serrated edge (8, 8a) of each peripheral part (7, 7a) of each button (5, 5a) is less than or equal to 7 millimeters.

10. Paving stone (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each tooth (10, 10a) has a thickness (19), in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction (15) and to the indentation direction (16) of the button considered (5, 5a), less than or equal to 5 millimeters.

11. Paving stone (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the teeth (10, 10a) of each peripheral part (7, 7a) extend all along the considered serrated edge (8, 8a).

12. Paving stone (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the teeth (10, 10a) of the same serrated edge (8, 8a) of the button in question (5, 5a) are identical.

13. Paving stone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the buttons (5, 5a) comprises an end portion (13) disposed in the center of the paving stone (1).

14. Paving stone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an overall concave shape.

15. Pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises four additional buttons (5, 5a) for moving the real or virtual object in secondary directions respectively diagonal top-left, diagonal bottom-left, diagonal top-right and diagonal bottom-right each additional button (5a) being arranged between two main buttons (5).

16. Computer control peripheral (19) of the type video game controller (2) comprising a multidirectional pad (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.