Game controller

Abstract

To provide a controller having a novel structure.SOLUTION: An input section is provided on the front surface of the main body of the game controller. The first grip and the second grip protrude downward from the left and right of the main body portion and are gripped by the user. The first button is provided on the first grip. The second button is provided on the second grip. The first holder is provided in the first grip. The first substrate is provided in the first grip, is fixed to the first holder, and includes a first detector configured to detect an input operation on the first button. The first vibration component is provided in the first grip and fixed to the first holder. The second holder is provided in the second grip. The second substrate is provided in the second grip, is fixed to the second holder, and includes a second detector configured to detect an input operation on the second button. The second vibration component is provided in the second grip and fixed to the second holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller for a user to perform an input operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a controller that can be held by a user with both hands by gripping grips provided on the left and right sides (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a vibrator is provided on the grip of the controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 212663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a vibrator is provided in the grip, a controller with a novel structure is desired.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a controller with a novel structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configurations (1) to (11).

[0007] (1) A game controller according to one example of the present invention includes a main body, a first grip, a second grip, a first button, a second button, a first holder, a first substrate, a first vibrating component, a second holder, a second substrate, and a second vibrating component. An input unit is disposed on the front of the main body. The first grip and the second grip protrude downward from the left and right sides of the main body and are held by a user. The first button is provided on the first grip. The second button is provided on the second grip. The first holder is provided within the first grip. The first substrate is provided within the first grip and fixed to the first holder, and has a first detection unit that detects an input operation on the first button. The first vibrating component is provided within the first grip and fixed to the first holder. The second holder is provided within the second grip. The second substrate is provided within the second grip and fixed to the second holder, and has a second detection unit that detects an input operation on the second button. The second vibration component is provided in the second grip and fixed to the second holder.

[0008] (2) In the above configuration (1), the game controller may include a third substrate, a first connector, and a second connector. The third substrate is disposed within the main body and processes signals from the first detection unit. The first connector is provided with wiring connecting to the first substrate and wiring connecting to the first vibrating component. The second connector is provided on the third substrate and is electrically connected to the first connector.

[0009] (3) In the above configuration (1) or (2), a cushion member may be provided between the first substrate and the first vibrating component.

[0010] (4) In any of the above configurations (1) to (3), the game controller may include a key rubber. The key rubber is provided between the first holder and the first detection unit, biases the first button toward the outside of the game controller, and deforms to contact the first detection unit when the first button is pressed.

[0011] (5) In any of the above configurations (1) to (4), the first holder may be provided with a receiving surface on the first button side that comes into contact with the inside of the first button in response to the first button being pressed.

[0012] (6) In the above configuration (5), the first button may have an operation surface and a protruding portion protruding from the opposite side of the operation surface. The first holder may be located between the key rubber and the operation surface and have a portion with a hole formed therein. The protruding portion may have a first protruding portion that is large enough not to pass through the hole, and a second protruding portion that is located further forward than the first protruding portion and passes through the hole. The key rubber may be deformed by being pressed by the second protruding portion in response to pressing of the operation surface. The first protruding portion may come into contact with the receiving surface after the key rubber is deformed by the second protruding portion in response to pressing of the operation surface.

[0013] (7) In any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the first holder may have a hole between an operation surface of the first button provided on one side of the first holder and the first substrate provided on the other side of the holder. The first button may have a protrusion extending from the back side of the operation surface and penetrating the hole. The game controller may include an elastic member. The elastic member is deformed by being pressed by the protrusion in response to pressing of the first button, and comes into contact with the first detection unit.

[0014] (8) In any of the configurations (1) to (7), the first holder may have a first holder portion and a second holder portion. The first holder portion has the first substrate fixed thereto and is fixed to an inner wall of the first grip. The second holder portion has the first vibration component fixed thereto and is fixed to the first holder portion.

[0015] (9) In the above configuration (8), the first holder part may have a guide part that guides the second holder part toward a fixed position with respect to the first holder part.

[0016] (10) In the above configuration (9), the game controller may include a housing. The housing is a single housing having the first grip and the second grip and having an opening on at least the top surface of the game controller. The guide portion may be configured to guide the second holder portion toward the tip of the first grip relative to the first holder portion fixed to the inside of the first grip.

[0017] (11) In any of the above configurations (8) to (10), the game controller may include a housing. The housing is a single housing having the first grip and the second grip and having an opening on at least the top surface of the game controller. The first holder portion fixed to the inside of the first grip and the second holder portion may be fixed by a fastening member facing toward the tip of the first grip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the above controller, it is possible to provide a controller with a novel structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game controller according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a housing for a game controller. [Figure 3] Six-sided diagram of an example game controller [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the front side. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the front side. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller held by a user as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 10] Image showing an example of the first menu [Figure 11] Image showing an example of the second menu [Figure 12] An enlarged view of the right side area of ​​the top surface of an example game controller. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing an example of a game controller according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a finger operating the right grip button as viewed from the side. [Figure 15] A close-up of an example game controller around the right grip button [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first frame and a membrane sheet; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how components related to the analog sticks and the buttons on the top surface are attached to the first frame. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how components provided on the rear side of the first frame are attached to the first frame. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a right grip button and a flange rubber included in the right grip unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of each component of a component holder unit included in the right grip unit; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of each component of a vibration holder unit included in the right grip unit; [Figure 22] FIG. 20 shows an example of attaching the right grip button shown in FIG. 19 to the housing. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 shows an example of attaching the part holder unit shown in FIG. 20 to a housing. [Figure 24] An exploded perspective view of an example of a right grip button and a part holder unit, seen from the front side. [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the vibration holder unit shown in FIG. 21 to a part holder unit. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of a connector connected to a grip board and a vibration motor. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a game controller in the vicinity of the right grip button. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a game controller in the vicinity of a right grip unit according to a modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the first frame is attached to the housing. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the first frame is fixed to the housing; [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the first frame is fixed to the housing; [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the top cover and the like are attached to the first frame. [Figure 33] A diagram showing an example of the configuration around the rotation axis of the R button [Figure 34] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a second frame and components held by the second frame; [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the second frame is attached to the first frame; [Figure 36] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a game controller taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and passing through the position of the cross key; [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the protrusion of the second frame and the axes of the ZR button and the ZL button. [Figure 38] A diagram showing an example of a game controller before the locking part is attached [Figure 39] A diagram showing an example of a game controller after the locking part has been attached. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the front cover is attached to the housing 2. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a housing of a game controller according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller according to a modification of the embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller according to a modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A game controller, which is an example of a controller according to this embodiment, will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, by a user to perform operations on a game device (not shown). The game controller 1 is capable of communicating with the game device, and transmits operation data indicating input operations performed on input members of the game controller 1 (specifically, buttons, analog sticks, etc., which will be described later) to the game device. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 communicates wirelessly with the game device. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 may communicate with the game device via a wired connection.

[0021] [1. Game Controller Overview] First, the general configuration of the game controller 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a housing of a game controller. FIG. 3 is a six-view diagram of an example of a game controller. FIGS. 4 to 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of how a user holds the game controller 1. FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 are diagrams illustrating the game controller 1 held in both hands of a user as viewed from the front, and FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 are diagrams illustrating the game controller 1 held in both hands of a user as viewed from the back. FIGS. 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 8 and 9 each show three examples of how the game controller 1 is operated and the size of the user's hands holding the game controller 1, respectively.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the game controller 1 has two grips 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, a user can hold the game controller 1 by gripping one grip 5 with their right hand and the other grip 6 with their left hand. Hereinafter, the direction in which the game controller 1 faces the user when held by the user as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, 6 and 7, or 8 and 9 will be referred to as the front direction (also referred to as the forward direction) of the game controller 1, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear direction (also referred to as the rearward direction). The vertically upward direction in the above state will be referred to as the upward direction of the game controller 1. In addition, in the following, the left-right direction of the game controller 1 will refer to the left and right when viewing the housing 2 from the front side. In the following, the grip 5 located on the right side of the game controller 1 will be referred to as the right grip 5, and the grip 6 located on the left side will be referred to as the left grip 6.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game controller 1 includes a housing 2. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 2a is provided in the housing 2. The opening 2a is provided across the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 includes two separate covers 3 and 4 that are provided to cover the opening 2a. As shown in FIG. 2, the front cover 3 is provided to cover the front portion of the opening 2a, and the top cover 4 is provided to cover the top portion of the opening 2a.

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the opening 2a of the housing 2 is covered by the two lids 3 and 4. This reduces the risk that the lids for covering the opening 2a will have a complex shape, and makes it easier to create the lids (for example, by molding them using a mold). The shape and number of lids for covering the opening 2a of the housing 2 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, a single lid may cover the front and top portions of the opening 2a of the housing 2, or three or more lids may cover the opening 2a. A single or multiple lids covering the opening 2a may be collectively referred to as a lid or a cover.

[0025] Each of the covers 3 and 4 may be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the opening 2a of the housing 2, but does not need to completely cover the opening 2a. For example, in this embodiment, the housing 2, front cover 3, and top cover 4 form openings (7a-7d shown in FIG. 2) on the top surface of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, some of the edges of the opening 2a are not covered by the covers (i.e., some of the edges are not in contact with the covers). However, in other embodiments, the entire periphery of the edge of the opening 2a may be completely covered by one or more covers (i.e., the entire periphery of the edges is in contact with the covers).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the game controller 1 includes a right grip 5 and a left grip 6. The right grip 5 is a portion formed so as to protrude downward from the right side of the game controller 1. The left grip 6 is a portion formed so as to protrude downward from the left side of the game controller 1. The right grip 5 and the right grip 6 are each a portion formed so as to protrude downward from the main body 9 of the game controller 1.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, various input members are provided on the front of the game controller 1. Specifically, the game controller 1 has buttons 11-19, a cross key 21, and analog sticks 22 and 23 as input members provided on the front. In this embodiment, the input members provided on the front are provided on the front cover 3. Specifically, the input members provided on the front are provided so as to be exposed from holes provided in the front cover 3. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the input members provided on the front are provided in positions that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand or the thumb of the left hand of a user holding the game controller 1.

[0028] The game controller 1 has buttons 11-14 in a right area on the front side (specifically, a area to the right of the center of the front side in the left-right direction). When the center position of these four buttons 11-14 is taken as a reference position, button 11 is located to the right of the reference position, button 12 is located below the reference position, button 13 is located above the reference position, and button 14 is located to the left of the reference position.

[0029] The game controller 1 has buttons 15 and 16 in the right-side area. Buttons 15 and 16 are provided to the left of the four buttons 11-14. Specifically, button 15 is provided to the left of button 13. Button 15 is located to the left of button 14 in the left-right direction. Button 16 is also located to the left of button 14. Button 16 is located to the left of button 15 in the left-right direction.

[0030] The game controller 1 has a right analog stick 22 in the right area, which is located to the lower left of the four buttons 11-14.

[0031] The game controller 1 is provided with a left analog stick 23 in a left area on the front side (specifically, a area to the left of the center of the front side in the left-right direction). The left analog stick 23 is provided as the leftmost input member among the input members provided in the left area.

[0032] The game controller 1 has buttons 17 and 18 in the left side area. Buttons 17 and 18 are provided to the right of the left analog stick 23. Button 17 is provided at a position overlapping button 15 in the up-down direction (i.e., the position of button 17 in the up-down direction overlaps the position of button 15 in the up-down direction). Button 18 is provided at a position overlapping button 16 in the up-down direction. Button 17 is located to the left of button 16 in the left-right direction.

[0033] The game controller 1 has a cross key 21 in the left side area. The cross key 21 is provided at a position below and to the right of the left analog stick 23.

[0034] The buttons 11-15 and 17 are used to issue commands defined in a game application executed on the game device. Functions set in the game application are assigned to the buttons 11-15 and 17. The cross key 21 and the analog sticks 22 and 23 are used to issue directional commands defined in a game application executed on the game device. In this embodiment, the analog sticks 22 and 23 can be tilted in any direction up, down, left, or right to input a direction, and can also be pressed down to input a direction. The analog sticks 22 and 23 may be of a type that does not allow for input by pressing down the stick top. The buttons 16 and 18 are assigned predetermined functions set in the game device. While the buttons 16 and 18 are generally assigned functions independent of the application being executed on the game device, they may also be assigned functions corresponding to the application. The button 16 is used, for example, to issue a command to display a menu screen (first menu, described later) of the game device while a game application is being executed on the game device. Button 18 is used, for example, to instruct the capture of an image generated and displayed by the game device (i.e., an image displayed on the display screen of the game device or the screen of a display device connected to the game device).

[0035] In this embodiment, the game controller 1 has a button 19 on the front. The button 19 is located in the center of the front of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. Specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the operation surface of the button 19 is located at a position that overlaps with the central axis of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. A user can operate the button 19 with either the thumb of their right or left hand. In this embodiment, the button 19 is located in a lower region of the front of the game controller 1. The button 19 is located at the lowest of all the input members located on the front of the game controller 1. When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the button 19 is located at a position closest to the bottom end of the front cover 3 among all the input members located on the front of the game controller 1. The bottom end of the operation surface of the button 19 is located lower than the bottom end of the head of the right analog stick 22 when not being operated, and lower than the bottom end of the operation surface of the cross key 21. The upper end of the operation surface of button 19 is located above the lower end of the operation surface of cross key 21 and the lower end of the head of right analog stick 22 when no operation is being performed, and below the center of each of the operation surface of cross key 21 and the head of right analog stick 22. The operation surface of button 19 is provided between the operation surface of cross key 21 and the head of right analog stick 22 when no operation is being performed in the left-right direction (more specifically, between the right end of the operation surface of cross key 21 and the left end of the head of right analog stick 22). The operation surface of button 19 is provided between the operation surfaces of buttons 15 and 17 in the left-right direction (more specifically, between the left end of the operation surface of button 15 and the right end of the operation surface of button 17). The operation surface of button 19 is provided between the operation surfaces of buttons 16 and 18 in the left-right direction (more specifically, between the left end of the operation surface of button 16 and the right end of the operation surface of button 18). When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the operation surface of the buttons 19 is positioned so as to overlap with an audio terminal 39 (details of which will be described later) in the vertical direction.

[0036] The shape of the front surface of the game controller 1 (i.e., the front surface of the front cover 3) is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is a shape that is convex toward the front and is inclined so as to extend rearward as it extends outward in the vertical and horizontal directions. The operation surface of the button 19 is provided so as to follow the surface of the front cover 3 around the button 19 (i.e., inclined along the inclination of the surface). From another perspective, the operation surface of the button 19 is parallel (or nearly parallel) to the surface of the front cover 3 around the button 19. This improves the feel when pressing the button 19 and reduces the risk of the user unintentionally pressing the button 19. In this embodiment, the operation surface of the button 19 faces downward relative to the operation surfaces of at least one of the buttons 15-18. For example, the normal to the center of the operation surface of the button 19 faces downward relative to the normal to the center of the operation surface of at least one of the buttons 15-18.

[0037] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing the first menu. The first menu is, for example, a home menu. The first menu opens when the user operates button 16. The first menu has, for example, multiple game app selection sections. In the first menu, the user can select a game app selection section corresponding to the game app to be played from the multiple game app selection sections. The game device opens the first menu in response to the operation of button 16, even while a game application is running. At this time, the game device may pause the game application. Note that the game device may continue to run the game application without pausing it. Furthermore, the game device may open the first menu in any case when button 16 is operated, but may not open it in some cases.

[0038] The first menu has a plurality of items including a fourth item. The first menu has, for example, a first item, a second item, a third item, and a fourth item. The first item is an item that executes a first function when selected. The first function is, for example, a function of opening a second menu for a communication function. A user may use the game device to communicate with users of other game devices. Communication according to this embodiment includes, for example, video chat, voice chat, and text chat. A game screen may also be used for communication. The second item is an item that executes a second function when selected. The second function is, for example, a function of opening an album. The album stores screenshots and videos that the user has taken. The third item is an item that executes a third function when selected. The third function is, for example, a function of accessing an online shop. The fourth item is an item that executes a fourth function when selected. The fourth function is, for example, a function of changing settings on the game device. The first function, second function, third function, and fourth function are different from one another.

[0039] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing the second menu. The second menu is, for example, a communication menu. The second menu opens when the user operates button 19. Button 19 is used, for example, to issue an instruction to display the second menu while the game device is running a game application. The communication menu screen opens when the user operates button 19. The game device may open the second menu in response to the operation of button 19 even while the game application is running. In this case, the game device may open the second menu while continuing to run the game application without pausing it. Note that the game device may pause the game application when opening the second menu. The second menu may display multiple menu items. For example, it may have a fifth item, a sixth item, and a seventh item. The fifth item is an item that executes a fifth function when selected. The fifth function is, for example, a function to open a screen for selecting users to invite to a chat. The sixth item is an item that executes a sixth function when selected. The sixth function is, for example, a function to open a screen for selecting chats in which the user can participate. The seventh item is an item that executes a seventh function when selected. The seventh function is, for example, a function of opening a screen for changing communication settings. The fifth, sixth, and seventh functions are different from one another. Note that the game device may open a communication menu screen in any case when button 19 is operated, but may not open it in some cases. For example, if the game device is already performing a communication function with another game device, the main device 3 may open a menu for changing settings related to the ongoing communication in response to button 19 being operated.

[0040] In this embodiment, there are two methods for opening a menu screen for communication. First, the first method will be described. When the user operates button 16, the first menu opens. The first menu is displayed, for example, on the display of the game device. The controller sends a signal indicating that button 16 has been pressed to the game device. Based on the signal, the game device executes a process of opening the first menu, which is a process linked to the input of the signal. That is, the game device calls up the first menu in response to the operation on button 16. Next, the user selects a first item that executes a first function from among multiple items included in the first menu. For example, the first item may be selected by moving the cursor to the first item and then pressing a predetermined button (for example, button 11), or by touching with a finger an area on the display where the first item is displayed. Based on a signal indicating that the first item has been selected, the game device executes the first function, which is a process linked to the signal. Specifically, based on the signal, the game device executes a process of opening a second menu for communication. The second menu is displayed, for example, on the display of the game device. The second menu is displayed in place of the first menu. The second menu may be superimposed on the first menu.

[0041] Next, a second method will be described. When the user operates button 19, the first function is directly executed. Specifically, the controller sends a signal to the game device indicating that button 19 has been pressed. Based on this signal, the game device executes a process of opening a second menu, which is a process linked to the input of this signal. In other words, the game device calls up the second menu in response to the operation on button 19. Note that, as another aspect, the controller may generate a command to "open the second menu" based on the pressing of button 19 and send this command to the game device. According to the controller of this embodiment, by providing button 19 that directly executes the first function, the user can access the first function in a shorter time than if the user first operates button 16 to open the first menu, select an item from there, and execute the first function.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the second menu for communication is displayed by an instruction to open the second menu in the first menu displayed in response to an instruction given using button 16, and is also displayed by an instruction given using button 19. In other words, button 19 functions as a shortcut key for displaying the second menu with a single input.

[0043] Button 16, which opens a first menu having multiple items including an item for executing a first function executed by button 19, is likely to be used more frequently than button 19. However, because button 16 is located higher than button 16 and closer to buttons 11-14, it is easy to operate because the thumb only needs to move slightly from button 11-14 to operate it. On the other hand, button 19 for executing a specific first function is located further away from buttons 11-14 than button 19, so when the user intends to execute the first function, the user needs to extend his or her finger relatively far to operate it, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous operation when the first function is not intended to be executed. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally operates button 16 to execute the first function, the first function can be executed from the first menu, allowing the user to reach the desired function without having to go back or cancel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operating surface of button 19 has a shape (i.e., a square) that is different from the shape (i.e., a circle) of the operating surface of button 16 (see the front view in FIG. 3). This reduces the risk that the user will mistakenly press button 16 instead of button 19. Note that button 19 is provided below the center of the right analog stick 22, whereas button 16 is provided above the center of the right analog stick 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging button 16 and button 19 on opposite sides of the right analog stick 22, the risk of mistakenly pressing button 16 and button 19 is reduced, for example, when a user operates button 16 and button 19 with the thumb of their right hand.

[0045] In this embodiment, the operation surface of button 18 is rectangular, and the shapes of the operation surfaces of buttons 18 and 19 are similar. Here, it is conceivable that if there are too many different shapes of the operation surfaces of the buttons on game controller 1, the user may become confused, but in this embodiment, this possibility can be reduced by limiting the number of types. Note that the shapes of each button provided on game controller 1 are arbitrary and are not limited to the shapes in this embodiment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of each of the buttons 16, 18, and 19 from the housing 2 (more precisely, the amount of protrusion when not pressed) is smaller than the amount of protrusion of each of the buttons 11-15 and 17 from the housing 2. As described above, the buttons 11-15 and 17 are used to issue predetermined instructions defined in the game application, whereas the buttons 16, 18, and 19 are used to execute functions defined in the game device or game controller 1. Therefore, in order to reduce the possibility that each of the buttons 16, 18, and 19 will be unintentionally operated by the user while the game application is running, the amount of protrusion of each of the buttons 16, 18, and 19 is set to be relatively small.

[0047] In this embodiment, the protrusion amount of button 19 is smaller than that of button 16. Also, the protrusion amount of button 19 is larger than that of button 18. As a result, of the buttons 16, 18, and 19, the button that is expected to be operated more frequently can be made easier to operate. For example, the protrusion amount of button 19 is 0.6 [mm], the protrusion amount of button 16 is 0.7 [mm], and the protrusion amount of the buttons is 0.5 [mm].

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the game controller 1 has an R button 31 and an L button 32 on its top surface. The R button 31 is located in the right region of the top surface of the game controller 1 (specifically, in the region to the right of the center of the top surface in the left-right direction). The L button 32 is located in the left region of the top surface of the game controller 1 (specifically, in the region to the left of the center of the top surface in the left-right direction). The game controller 1 also has a ZR button 33 and a ZL button 34 on its top surface. The ZR button 33 is located behind the R button 31 in the right region of the top surface of the game controller 1. The ZL button 34 is located behind the L button 32 in the left region of the top surface of the game controller 1. Each of the buttons 31-34 has a length longer in the left-right direction than in the front-to-back direction. This allows the buttons 31-34 to be easily operated when the user holds the game controller 1, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4-9. The buttons 31-34 are used to issue predetermined instructions defined in a game application executed on the game device, for example.

[0049] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the top cover 4 is generally cross-shaped. Specifically, the top cover 4 has a central portion 4a extending in the front-to-rear direction and a right bridge portion 4b and a left bridge portion 4c extending in the left-to-right direction.

[0050] The central portion 4a is located in the center of the upper portion of the opening 2a in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the central portion 4a extends to the front and rear edges of the upper portion of the opening 2a. In this embodiment, the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the central portion 4a increases toward the rear. In other words, the width of the central portion 4a decreases toward the front. As a modified example, the central portion 4a may be shaped so that the width increases toward the rear in a portion rearward of the positions where the right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c (described later) are provided, and the width increases toward the front in a portion forward of those positions. Alternatively, for example, the central portion 4a may be shaped so that the width decreases toward the rear in a portion rearward of those positions, and the width decreases toward the front in a portion forward of those positions. In this embodiment, the front end of the central portion 4a extends to the front edge of the upper portion of the opening 2a, and the rear end of the central portion 4a extends to the rear edge of the upper portion of the opening 2a. However, the front or rear end of the central portion 4a does not have to extend to the front or rear edge of the upper portion of the opening 2a (i.e., it does not have to contact the edge of the opening 2a). The front end of the central portion 4a and the front cover 3 may be in contact, or there may be a gap between them. The rear end of the central portion 4a and the housing 2 may be in contact, or there may be a gap between them.

[0051] In this embodiment, the housing 2 may be provided on the portion of the top surface of the game controller 1 where the top cover 4 is provided. In other words, the top surface of the game controller 1 may not have an opening, and the top surface of the game controller 1 may be formed by the housing 2. Also, as described above, a single cover may be provided for the opening 2a, or the top cover 4 may be integrated with the front cover 3.

[0052] The right bridge portion 4b extends rightward from the right side of the central portion 4a. The left bridge portion 4c extends leftward from the left side of the central portion 4a. The right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c extend from a position rearward of the front end of the central portion 4a and forward of the rear end of the central portion 4a (in this embodiment, a position near the center of the central portion 4a in the front-to-rear direction). The right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c extend from the same position in the front-to-rear direction. The right bridge portion 4b extends to the right edge of the upper part of the opening 2a. The left bridge portion 4c extends to the left edge of the upper part of the opening 2a. However, the right bridge portion 4b and the left bridge portion 4c do not have to extend to the edge of the upper part of the opening 2a (i.e., they do not have to contact the edge of the opening 2a).

[0053] In this embodiment, the right bridge portion 4b is provided between the operation surface of the R button 31 and the operation surface of the ZR button 33 in the front-to-rear direction, and the left bridge portion 4c is provided between the operation surface of the L button 32 and the operation surface of the ZL button 34 (see the plan view in FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the user can operate the R button 31 with the index finger of their right hand, the L button 32 with the index finger of their left hand, the ZR button 33 with the index finger or middle finger of their right hand, and the ZL button 34 with the index finger or middle finger of their left hand. In this embodiment, the top cover 4 has the bridge portions 4b and 4c, so that the user can place their index finger or middle finger in the area above the bridge portions 4b and 4c (i.e., the area between the operation surface of the R button 31 and the operation surface of the ZR button 33, and the area between the operation surface of the L button 32 and the operation surface of the ZL button 34, when viewed from above the game controller 1). The bridge portion 4b or 4c creates a gap between the front button (i.e., the R button 31 or the L button 32) and the rear button (i.e., the ZR button 33 or the ZL button 34), making it easier for the user to know which button their finger is placed on. This also reduces the possibility that the user will unintentionally press both the front and rear buttons. In this embodiment, the central portion 4a and the bridge portions 4b and 4c are a single component (i.e., integrated), reducing the number of components. In other embodiments, the top cover 4 may be configured only with the central portion 4a, without the bridge portions 4b and 4c. In this case, the ZR button 33 (or the ZL button 34) may be located behind the R button 31 (or the L button 32) without any other components sandwiched between them. In other embodiments, the bridge portions 4b and 4c may be provided separately from the central portion 4a. In other embodiments, the housing 2 may have the same functions as the bridge portions 4b and 4c. That is, instead of the top cover 4 not having the bridge portions 4b and 4c, the housing 2 may be configured to extend to positions corresponding to the bridge portions 4b and 4c.

[0054] The game controller 1 also has a connector 35 on its top surface. The connector 35 is provided in the center 4a of the top cover 4. The connector 35 is a connector for electrically connecting the game controller 1 to another device, such as a USB connector. For example, an AC adapter for charging the game controller 1 can be connected to the connector 35. The game controller 1 may transmit operation data to the main unit by wired communication via the connector 35. In this embodiment, the connector 35 is provided at the center of the top surface in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, the connector 35 is provided behind the operation surface of the R button 31 (and the L button 32).

[0055] The game controller 1 also has a button 36 on its top surface. The button 36 is provided in the center portion 4a of the top cover 4. The button 36 is a button for issuing an instruction to synchronize communication between the game controller 1 and the game device. In this embodiment, the button 36 is provided to the left of the connector 35.

[0056] The game controller 1 also includes a first light-emitting unit 37 and a second light-emitting unit 38. The first light-emitting unit 37 and the second light-emitting unit 38 are provided inside the housing 2 and emit light to the outside of the game controller 1 through a hole provided in the center portion 4a of the top cover 4. Each light-emitting unit 37 and 38 emits light visible to the user and functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of the status of the game controller 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first light-emitting unit 37 has an LED that emits light while the game controller 1 is being charged. In this embodiment, the hole through which the light of the first light-emitting unit 37 emits is provided to the right of the connector 35. In this embodiment, the second light-emitting unit 38 has four LEDs that indicate numbers assigned to identify each game controller when multiple game controllers communicate with a game device, based on the light emission states of the four LEDs. The second light-emitting unit 38 may also notify the remaining battery charge of the game controller 1, the status of communication with the game device, and the like. In the present embodiment, the four holes through which the light of the second light-emitting unit 38 is emitted are provided in front of the connector 35. This makes it easier for the user to see the light from the second light-emitting unit 38 even when a cable is connected to the connector 35.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3, the game controller 1 has an audio terminal 39 on its bottom surface. In this embodiment, the audio terminal 39 is a terminal capable of outputting audio, and is an earphone jack to which earphones, headphones, etc. can be connected. The audio terminal 39 is provided on the bottom surface at a position in the center of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. Note that the audio terminal 39 may be capable of inputting audio instead of or in addition to outputting audio.

[0058] In this embodiment, button 19 is provided in a lower region on the front side of game controller 1, and audio terminal 39 is provided on the underside of game controller 1. In this embodiment, of buttons 15-19, button 19 is provided in a position closest to audio terminal 39. As described above, button 19 is operated by a user when communicating with other users, such as through voice chat. When operating button 19, the user is likely to attach earphones, headphones, or the like to audio terminal 39. Therefore, by arranging button 19 and audio terminal 39 in close proximity as in this embodiment, the sequence of operations of inserting earphones, headphones, or the like into audio terminal 39 and pressing button 19 becomes easier to perform, thereby improving the operability of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, button 19 and audio terminal 39 are provided in positions that overlap in the left-right direction (see FIG. 3 ). This makes it easier to perform the sequence of operations described above.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the game controller 1 includes a right grip button 41 and a left grip button 42. The right grip button 41 is provided on the rear side of the right grip 5. The left grip button 42 is provided on the rear side of the left grip 6. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 9, a user can operate the right grip button 41 with, for example, the middle finger or ring finger of the right hand holding the game controller 1, and can operate the left grip button 42 with the middle finger or ring finger of the left hand holding the game controller 1. The grip button 41 or 42 can also be operated with the index finger or little finger of the hand holding the grip. Details of the grip buttons 41 and 42 will be described later.

[0060] Each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is assigned, for example, an operation input to the game controller 1 (for example, an operation of pressing one of the buttons other than the grip buttons 41 and 42). That is, when each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is operated, the same processing as when one of the other buttons assigned to the respective grip buttons is operated may be executed. The assignment of the other buttons to each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 may be predetermined by the game device or by a game application executed on the game device, or may be set by the user. Furthermore, the assignment setting may be stored in the game device or the game controller 1. When the assignment is stored in the game device, the game device may receive operation data indicating that the grip button 41 or 42 has been operated from the game controller 1, and instruct the game program that the button assigned to the operated grip button has been operated. On the other hand, when the assignment is stored in the game controller 1, in response to the operation of the grip button 41 or 42, the game controller 1 may transmit operation data to the game device indicating that the button assigned to the operated grip button has been operated. Note that the grip buttons may be assigned not only to an operation of one button, but also to simultaneous operations of two buttons. Furthermore, the grip button does not need to be assigned to any other button, i.e., depending on the application, when the grip button is operated, a different process may be executed than when another button is operated.

[0061] The type, function, position, number, shape, size, etc. of each component (for example, input members such as buttons and analog sticks, notification unit, connector, and audio terminal) provided on the game controller 1 are arbitrary and are not limited to those described above. For example, in another embodiment, the position of the left analog stick 23 and the position of the cross key 21 on the front of the game controller 1 may be reversed. Also, for example, the game controller 1 may be provided with four buttons corresponding to the four directions of up, down, left, and right instead of the cross key 21. Furthermore, the game controller may not have at least one of the above components, or may have other components having functions other than those of the above components.

[0062] For example, a user can hold the above-described game controller 1 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9. FIGS. 4 and 5 show examples of holding the game controller 1 when the buttons on the top surface of the game controller 1 are operated with the index finger and middle finger. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a user can hold the game controller 1 so that the buttons 31-34 on the top surface of the game controller 1 are operated with the left and right index finger and middle finger, respectively, and the grip buttons 41 and 42 are operated with the left and right ring finger. FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of holding the game controller 1 when the buttons on the top surface of the game controller 1 are operated with the index finger. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a user can hold the game controller 1 so that the buttons 31-34 on the top surface of the game controller 1 are operated with the left and right index finger and the grip buttons 41 and 42 are operated with the left and right middle finger.

[0063] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of a case in which a user with smaller hands than those illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 holds the game controller 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a user with relatively small hands can hold the game controller 1 by operating the buttons 31-34 on the top surface of the game controller 1 with their index fingers, placing their middle fingers along the back surface of the game controller 1, and operating the grip buttons 41 and 42 with their ring fingers. Although not illustrated, even a user with relatively small hands can hold the game controller 1 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 or 6 and 7. In this case, the user may hold the game controller 1 stably by, for example, placing it on their lap or on a desk (i.e., with the lower ends of the grips 5 and 6 abutting against their lap or desk). As described above, the game controller 1 is configured to be easy to hold even for a user with relatively small hands.

[0064] [2. Housing structure with no side borders] Next, the detailed configuration of the housing 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the housing 2 is a single component. That is, the housing 2 is not configured by combining two components, for example, a front housing and a rear housing. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has no boundaries. That is, the housing 2 is seamless. For example, the housing 2 is not formed by fixing multiple components together by fastening, adhesive, or engagement. For example, the housing 2 cannot be disassembled. The housing 2 is produced, for example, by mold molding. The housing 2 may be made of resin, for example. The housing 2 may be produced by single injection molding or by using multiple resin materials, such as two-color molding. The method for producing the housing 2 is not limited. For example, the housing 2 may be produced by a 3D printer or injection molding using a water-soluble resin as a core.

[0065] The housing 2 includes a base 25, a right grip portion 26, and a left grip portion 27 (see FIG. 2). The right grip portion 26 and the left grip portion 27 extend from the lower right and left portions of the base 25, respectively. In this embodiment, the base 25 may be located above the right grip portion 26 and the left grip portion 27. In this embodiment, an opening 2a may be provided in the base 25. Note that in this embodiment, the right grip 5 and the right grip portion 26 may be considered to be substantially the same, and the left grip 6 and the left grip portion 27 may be considered to be substantially the same.

[0066] The housing 2 has an opening 2a extending from the front to the top of the game controller 1. That is, the housing 2 has a cavity that opens to the front and top of the game controller 1. The cavity can be said to be defined by the housing 2, including the edges of the opening 2a. The housing 2 also forms at least a portion of the back of the game controller 1. The housing 2 also forms at least a portion of the side of the game controller 1. The housing 2 also forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the game controller 1 (i.e., the surface including part of the front, right side, back, and left side of the game controller 1) that extends from one edge of the opening 2a on the front, around to the back, and connects to the other edge. The housing 2 also forms at least a portion of the side and front of the game controller 1 that extend from the back to the edge of the opening 2a on the front. The housing 2 may also form an outer peripheral surface that extends over the entire circumference of the grip. The interior of the left grip portion 27 and the right grip portion 26 may be empty. That is, the interior of the left grip portion 27 and the interior of the right grip portion 26 may be part of a cavity defined by the housing 2 and opening to the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, due to the configuration of the housing 2, the game controller 1 does not have boundaries on the grips or sides. This prevents the user from touching boundaries when holding the housing 2. Note that a boundary is a place that serves as a boundary between objects. Note that in this embodiment, the boundary between a button and the surrounding housing 2 is not included in the boundary. In this embodiment, the boundary between the housing 2 and the lid 3 or 4 is an example of a boundary.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3 , on the front of the game controller 1, the opening 2a occupies more than half of the front area of ​​the main body 9. In this embodiment, the main body 9 refers to the portions from which the right grip 5 and left grip 6 extend, respectively, from the lower right and left portions. The main body 9 may include a base 25, a front cover 3, and a top cover 4. When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the lower end of the opening 2a is located below the center of the main body 9 in the vertical direction. When the game controller 1 is viewed from the front, the left end of the opening 2a is located to the left of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction, and the right end of the opening 2a is located to the right of the center of the main body 9 in the horizontal direction. The vertical length of the opening 2a on the front is greater than half the vertical length of the main body 9. The horizontal length of the opening 2a on the front is greater than half the horizontal length of the main body 9. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the left end of the opening 2a is located to the left of the center of the main body 9 in the left-right direction, and the right end of the opening 2a is located to the right of the center of the main body 9 in the left-right direction. The length of the opening 2a in the front-to-rear direction on the top surface is greater than half the length of the main body 9 in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the length of the opening 2a in the left-to-right direction on the top surface is greater than half the length of the main body 9 in the left-to-right direction. As described above, in this embodiment, the openings 2a are large on the front and top surfaces of the game controller 1. This makes it easier to insert components (e.g., a first frame 51 and a main body circuit board 66, described below) provided inside the housing 2 through the openings 2a, facilitating assembly of the game controller 1. Furthermore, if the housing 2 is manufactured by mold molding, for example, the mold positioned inside each of the grip portions 26 and 27 can be easily removed through the openings 2a. This makes it easy to provide space inside each of the grip portions 26 and 27.

[0068] In this embodiment, the portion of opening 2a that is provided on the front surface of game controller 1 is larger than the portion that is provided on the top surface of game controller 1. Note that in other embodiments, the portion of opening 2a that is provided on the top surface of game controller 1 may be larger than the portion that is provided on the front surface of game controller 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3 , a lower edge portion 2b (hereinafter referred to as the “lower edge portion”) of the opening 2a of the housing 2 is formed to extend in the left-right direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (see the front view of FIG. 3 ). In this embodiment, the lower edge portion 2b extends straight in the left-right direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front. The right end of the lower edge portion 2b in the left-right direction is located near the left end of the base of the right grip 5. The left end of the lower edge portion 2b in the left-right direction is located near the right end of the base of the left grip 6. Here, if both ends of the lower edge portion 2b are too close to the left and right ends of the game controller 1 (i.e., if the lower edge portion 2b is too long), the user's hand holding the game controller 1 may easily touch the boundary formed by the lower edge portion 2b. In this regard, in this embodiment, the lower edge portion 2b has an appropriate length, which can prevent the user's hand from touching the boundary.

[0070] The edges of the opening 2a in the housing 2 extend upward from both the left and right ends of the lower edge portion 2b. Hereinafter, of the edges of the opening 2a in the housing 2, a portion 2c extending from the right end of the lower edge portion 2b to the button 31 (specifically, the portion up to position A shown in FIGS. 3 and 12) will be referred to as the front right edge portion, and a portion 2d of the edges of the opening 2a in the housing 2 extending from the left end of the lower edge portion 2b to the L button 32 will be referred to as the front left edge portion (see the front view of FIG. 3). The front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d are boundaries between the housing 2 and the portion of the lid that covers the opening 2a that is located in front of the game controller 1.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the front right edge portion 2c starts extending diagonally upward to the right from the right end of the lower edge portion 2b, and then extends diagonally upward to the left halfway through. The front left edge portion 2d starts extending diagonally upward to the left from the left end of the lower edge portion 2b, and then extends diagonally upward to the right halfway through. In this embodiment, the right end of the front right edge portion 2c and the left end of the front left edge portion 2d are each points, but in other embodiments, these points may be lines (specifically, straight lines extending in the vertical direction). The front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d are symmetrical, and the right end of the front right edge portion 2c and the left end of the front left edge portion 2d are located at the same vertical position.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the opening 2a on the front surface of the game controller 1 has a shape in which the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) at the right end of the front right edge portion 2c and the left end of the front left edge portion 2d is wider than the width at the upper end and the width at the lower end. This allows the edges of the opening 2a above and below the widened width portions to be spaced apart from the sides, preventing the user's hand holding the game controller 1 from touching the border. Note that these portions are located above the center of the opening 2a in the vertical direction. In other words, the vertical length from the right end to the lower end of the front right edge portion 2c is longer than the vertical length from the right end to the upper end. Furthermore, the vertical length from the left end to the lower end of the front left edge portion 2d is longer than the vertical length from the left end to the upper end. In this embodiment, the right end of the front right edge portion 2c overlaps with the button 11 in the vertical direction. The left end of the front left edge portion 2d is positioned so as to overlap with the left analog stick 23 in the vertical direction.

[0073] When the game controller 1 is viewed from the side, the edge portions 2c and 2d initially extend forward from the end of the lower edge portion 2b and then extend rearward from the middle (see the side view of FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the right end of the front right edge portion 2c is located higher than the front end of the front right edge portion 2c. The left end of the front left edge portion 2d is located higher than the front end of the front right edge portion 2c.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the above, the space for arranging input members on the front cover 3 can be increased. Specifically, the front cover 3 has a longer horizontal length in the upper region than in the region near the bottom edge, so the space for arranging input members in this region is wider than in the lower region. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging input members on the front of the game controller 1. For example, in this embodiment, the four buttons 11-14 can be arranged in the right region of the front of the game controller 1, extending upward and to the right from the right analog stick 22 located near the bottom edge of the front cover 3. This allows the right analog stick 22 and the four buttons 11-14 to be positioned so that they can be easily operated with the user's right thumb. Also, for example, in this embodiment, the left analog stick 23 can be arranged in the left region of the front of the game controller 1, extending upward and to the left from the cross key 21 located near the bottom edge of the front cover 3. This allows the cross key 21 and the left analog stick 23 to be positioned so that they can be easily operated with the user's left thumb.

[0075] As described above, on the front surface of the game controller 1, the edge of the opening 2a in the housing 2, above the right end of the front right edge 2c and the left end of the front left edge 2d, is formed to narrow inward as it extends upward. As a result, in the area near the top end of the front surface of the game controller 1, the boundary between the housing 2 and the front cover 3 is located away from the side surface of the game controller 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper area on the side surface of the game controller 1 is a position that is easily reached by the user's hand when holding the game controller 1, but in this embodiment, the boundary can be located away from such a position.

[0076] On the top surface of the game controller 1, the edge of the opening 2a in the housing 2 has a portion 2e (hereinafter referred to as the "top right edge portion") that extends rearward from the upper end of the front right edge portion 2c (position A shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) (see the right side view and plan view of FIG. 3). The front right edge portion 2c and the top right edge portion 2e form a corner that protrudes inward from the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. The top right edge portion 2e initially extends diagonally rearward to the right from the upper end of the front right edge portion 2c, and then extends diagonally rearward to the left halfway. Furthermore, on the top surface of the game controller 1, the edge of the opening 2a in the housing 2 has a portion 2f (hereinafter referred to as the "top left edge portion") that extends rearward from the upper end of the front left edge portion 2d (see the left side view and plan view of FIG. 3). The front left edge portion 2d and the top left edge portion 2f form a corner that protrudes inward from the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. The upper surface left edge portion 2f starts extending diagonally rearward to the left from the upper end of the front left edge portion 2d, and then extends diagonally rearward to the right halfway. In this embodiment, the right end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f are each points, but in other embodiments, these portions may be lines (specifically, straight lines extending in the front-to-rear direction). The upper surface right edge portion 2e and the upper surface left edge portion 2f are bilaterally symmetrical, and the right end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f are located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the rear end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the rear end of the upper surface left edge portion are connected (see the rear view in FIG. 3).

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, the opening 2a on the top surface of the game controller 1 has a shape in which the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) at the right end of the top right edge portion 2e and the left end of the top left edge portion 2f is wider than the width at the ends in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the opening 2a to be larger in these areas on the top surface of the game controller 1, just like on the front surface, making it easier to insert components to be installed inside the housing 2 into the housing 2 through the opening 2a. Note that in this embodiment, these areas are located forward of the center in the front-to-rear direction on the top surface of the game controller 1. In other words, the length in the front-to-rear direction from the right end to the rear end of the top right edge portion 2e is longer than the length in the front-to-rear direction from the right end to the front end. Furthermore, the length in the front-to-rear direction from the left end to the rear end of the top left edge portion 2f is longer than the length in the front-to-rear direction from the left end to the front end.

[0078] In this embodiment, the rear ends of the edges of the opening 2a (i.e., the rear ends of the upper right edge portion 2e and the upper left edge portion 2f) are located behind the center in the front-to-rear direction on the top surface of the game controller 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the top surface of the game controller 1 is also designed to make it easier to insert components into the housing 2 through the opening 2a, just like the front surface, making it easier to manufacture the game controller 1.

[0079] Furthermore, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the back, the rear end of the edge of the opening 2a is located above the center of the main body 9 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the rear end of the edge of the opening 2a is located above the input members provided on the front cover 3 (see the front and rear views of FIG. 3). This allows the strength of the housing 2 to be maintained in this embodiment. Furthermore, even when a user holds the game controller 1 with a finger (for example, the middle finger or ring finger) against the back of the game controller 1, the possibility of the finger coming into contact with the boundary of the rear edge portion 2g can be reduced. Note that in other embodiments, the opening 2a may be provided to extend to the back of the housing 2.

[0080] 2, in this embodiment, the upper surface portion of opening 2a is divided into four openings 7a-7d by top cover 4. Specifically, the front surface portion of opening 2a is covered by front cover 3, and the upper surface portion of opening 2a is covered by top cover 4, which has a cross shape as described above, thereby forming four openings 7a-7d.

[0081] On the right side of the top surface of the game controller 1, a right front opening 7a is formed by the housing 2 (more specifically, the top right edge portion 2e), the front cover 3, and the top cover 4 at the front side of the right bridge portion 4b. The R button 31 is provided in the right front opening 7a (i.e., so as to be exposed from the right front opening 7a). In this embodiment, the R button 31 is provided so that its operating surface protrudes from the right front opening 7a.

[0082] Furthermore, on the left side of the top surface of the game controller 1, a left front opening 7b is formed by the housing 2 (more specifically, the top left edge portion 2f), the front cover 3, and the top cover 4 at the front side of the left bridge portion 4c (see FIG. 2). The L button 32 is provided in the left front opening 7b (i.e., so as to be exposed from the left front opening 7b). In this embodiment, the L button 32 is provided so that its operating surface protrudes from the left front opening 7b.

[0083] As described above, the front right edge portion 2c is located forward of the rear end of the operating surface of the R button 31, and the front left edge portion 2d is located forward of the rear end of the operating surface of the L button 32. Here, the user's fingers (e.g., index fingers) operating the R button 31 and the L button 32 may come into contact with the side surfaces of the game controller 1. However, in this embodiment, by arranging the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d as described above, the fingers are less likely to come into contact with the boundaries of the housing 2 that occur at the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d. This improves the comfort of holding the game controller 1.

[0084] In this embodiment, the right front opening 7a and the left front opening 7b are formed at the right end of the upper surface right edge portion 2e and the left end of the upper surface left edge portion 2f (i.e., the portions where the length of the opening 2a in the left-right direction is the widest) (see the plan view in FIG. 3). This allows the R button 31 and the L button 32 to be positioned further outward in the left-right direction of the game controller 1, making the R button 31 and the L button 32 easier for the user to operate.

[0085] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the right-side region on the top surface of the game controller 1. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the front right edge portion 2c extends rearward and inward in the left-right direction as it approaches the upper end (position A shown in FIG. 12). The top right edge portion 2e extends rearward and outward in the left-right direction from position A. At position A, the front right edge portion 2c and the top right edge portion 2e intersect to form an angle that protrudes inward in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the upper edge of the front cover 3 and the top right edge portion 2e are linearly connected at position A. From another perspective, the front right edge portion 2c intersects with the line formed by the upper edge of the front cover 3 and the top right edge portion 2e at position A. The left side region on the top surface of the game controller 1 has a similar configuration to the above.

[0086] 12, in this embodiment, the upper end of the front right edge portion 2c (position A shown in FIG. 6, which can also be considered the corner between the front right edge portion 2c and the upper right edge portion 2e) is located closer to the front than the right end of the operation surface of the R button 31 (position B shown in FIG. 12). Although not shown in FIG. 12, the upper end of the front left edge portion 2d is located closer to the front than the left end of the operation surface of the L button 32. This makes it less likely that the fingers of the user operating the R button 31 and the L button 32 will come into contact with the boundaries of the housing 2 that occur at the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d, thereby improving the comfort of holding the game controller 1.

[0087] In this embodiment, it can also be said that the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d are located closer to the front than the bridge portions 4b and 4c of the top cover 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a user places their fingers on the bridge portions 4b and 4c or in the area between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 and the area between the L button 32 and the ZL button 34 above the bridge portions 4b and 4c, the fingers are less likely to come into contact with the boundaries of the housing 2.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, in the right region of the top surface of the game controller 1, a right rear opening 7c is formed by the housing 2 and the top cover 4 on the back side of the right bridge portion 4b. The ZR button 33 is provided in the right rear opening 7c (i.e., so as to be exposed from the right rear opening 7c). In this embodiment, the ZR button 33 is provided so that its operating surface protrudes from the right rear opening 7c.

[0089] Additionally, in the left region of the top surface of the game controller 1, a left rear opening 7d is formed by the housing 2 and the top cover 4 on the back side of the left bridge portion 4c (see FIG. 2). The ZL button 34 is provided in the left rear opening 7d (i.e., so as to be exposed from the left rear opening 7d). In this embodiment, the ZL button 34 is provided so that its operating surface protrudes from the left rear opening 7d.

[0090] As described above, the front right edge portion 2c is positioned further forward than the ZR button 33, and the front left edge portion 2d is positioned further forward than the ZL button 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user's fingers (e.g., middle fingers) that operate the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34 are less likely to come into contact with the boundaries of the housing 2 that occur at the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d. This improves the comfort of holding the game controller 1.

[0091] In other embodiments, the positional relationship between the opening 2a (specifically, the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d) of the housing 2 and the buttons 31-34 is arbitrary. For example, the upper ends of the front right edge portion 2c and the front left edge portion 2d may be positioned to overlap the bridge portions 4b and 4c in the vertical direction, or may be positioned to overlap the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34 in the vertical direction.

[0092] Next, the right grip 5 and the left grip 6 of the game controller 1 will be described in detail. The right grip 5 is provided so that at least a portion thereof extends downward from the lower right portion of the main body 9. In this embodiment, the right grip 5 is provided so that at least a portion thereof extends rearward and to the right as it extends downward (see FIG. 3). The left grip 6 is provided so that at least a portion thereof extends downward from the lower left portion of the main body 9. In this embodiment, the left grip 6 is provided so that at least a portion thereof extends rearward and to the left as it extends downward (see FIG. 3). Note that in other embodiments, the grips 5 and 6 may be provided so that they extend directly downward, or so that they extend downward and rearward without extending left-right.

[0093] Each of the grips 5 and 6 is provided with a length that allows the user to hold it with the ring finger and little finger, or the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. For example, the length L1 (see the rear view in FIG. 3) of each of the grips 5 and 6 in the vertical direction from the bottom end of the main body 9 to the bottom end of the grip may be 3-6 cm.

[0094] In this embodiment, on the back of the game controller 1, the boundary between the rear portion 8 of the main body 9 (hereinafter referred to as the "main body rear portion") and each grip 5 or 6 forms a valley (see the rear view in FIG. 3). In the rear view in FIG. 3, the deepest portion of the valley (referred to as the "valley bottom") around each grip button 41 and 42 is indicated by a dotted line. The valley formed at the boundary between the right grip 5 and the main body rear portion 8 extends from near the bottom end of the main body 9 toward the upper right. Similarly, the valley formed at the boundary between the left grip 6 and the main body rear portion 8 extends from near the bottom end of the main body 9 toward the upper left. In this way, the valley formed at the boundary between each grip 5 or 6 and the main body rear portion 8 extends outward in the left-right direction as it extends upward. Therefore, by placing the finger holding the base of the grip (the ring finger in FIG. 5) over the valley, the user can hold the grip with the second joint of that finger appropriately bent. This improves the ease of holding the game controller 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the line formed by the valley bottom (the dotted line in FIG. 3 ) when the game controller 1 is viewed from the rear is a curve (see the rear view in FIG. 3 ). More specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the rear, the curve bulges toward the center of the main body 9 (more specifically, toward the upper left for the valley of the right grip 5 and toward the upper right for the valley of the left grip 6). This allows the user to slightly bend the first joint of a finger holding the base of the grip (the ring finger in FIG. 5 ) when placing the finger over the valley, making it easier to hold the game controller 1. Furthermore, it also makes it easier to place the finger holding the base of the grip along the surface of the grip, making it easier to hold the grip firmly.

[0096] In this embodiment, the valley bottom extends to both left and right ends of the game controller 1 (see the rear view in FIG. 3 ). In other words, the main body back surface portion 8 extends to both left and right ends of the game controller 1 above the grips 5 and 6. That is, when the game controller 1 is viewed from the rear, there is a gap between the upper end of the grip 5 or 6 and the upper end of the main body portion 9. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body back surface portion 8 is inclined so that it extends forward as it extends outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the main body back surface portion 8 between the right grip 5 and the left grip 6 is gently formed, and this area of ​​the main body back surface portion 8 does not protrude toward the rear. The portion of the main body back surface portion 8 above the valley bottom formed by the grips 5 and 6 curves forward as it extends from the center of the game controller 1 toward the side in the left-right direction. Therefore, when holding the game controller 1, the user can easily place their fingers on the area of ​​the main body back surface portion 8 between the upper end of the grip 5 or 6 and the upper end of the main body portion 9. For example, a user can easily place a finger not used for button operation (the middle finger in the example shown in FIG. 9 ) in the above-mentioned area, or can slightly straighten a finger used for grip button operation (the ring finger in the example shown in FIG. 5 or the middle finger in the example shown in FIG. 7 ) and place it in the above-mentioned area when not operating the grip button. This allows the user to stably hold the game controller 1 with the finger supporting the main body 9. For example, the game controller 1 may be equipped with an inertial sensor such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and an operation to move the game controller 1 itself may be performed. The user can stably hold the game controller 1 by placing the finger on the main body back surface 8 and perform the above-mentioned operations. On the other hand, when a user bends the finger that was placed on the main body back surface 8 to operate the grip button 41 or 42, the main body back surface 8 is less likely to get in the way, improving the operability of the grip button. In the vertical direction, the length L2 from the top end of the grip 5 or 6 to the top end of the main body 9 (see the rear view of FIG. 3) may be, for example, about the width of one or two fingers of the user (e.g., 1-3 cm). The bottom does not have to extend to both the left and right ends of the game controller 1.

[0097] In this embodiment, the area between the right grip 5 and the left grip 6 on the back surface 8 of the main body is formed flat. This makes it less likely that the back surface 8 will get in the way when a user bends their fingers that have been placed along the back surface 8 to operate the grip button 41 or 42, thereby improving the operability of the grip button. Furthermore, the area between the right grip button 41 and the left grip button 42 on the back surface 8 is not provided with any unevenness (for example, recesses due to screw holes or connectors, or protrusions due to buttons, etc.). This makes it possible to improve the operability of the grip button when a user bends their fingers that have been placed along the back surface 8 to operate the grip button 41 or 42, since the fingers do not come into contact with the unevenness. Note that the area between the right grip 5 and the left grip 6 does not have to be formed flat.

[0098] Fig. 13 is a rear view showing an example of a game controller in a modified example of this embodiment. In the rear view shown in Fig. 13, as in the rear view shown in Fig. 3, dotted lines are added at the positions that will become the valleys formed at the boundaries between each grip 5 or 6 and the main body rear portion 8. In other embodiments, as shown in Fig. 13, the valleys may be formed to extend to the upper part of the main body rear portion 8 rather than to the left and right ends of the main body rear portion 8.

[0099] [3. Grip button details] Next, details of the grip buttons 41 and 42 provided on the grips will be described. The right grip button 41 is provided to pass through a hole provided on the back surface of the right grip 5 of the housing 2. The left grip button 42 is provided to pass through a hole provided on the back surface of the left grip 6 of the housing 2. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 2 is configured so that there are no boundaries on the sides and back surface, including the grip 5 or 6. Therefore, when the user operates the grip button 41 or 42, the user's hand does not come into contact with the boundaries. This improves the usability of the game controller 1 when operating the grip button 41 or 42. Note that in other embodiments, the shape of the housing 2 is not limited to the above, and the grip 5 or 6 may be configured to be made up of multiple housings, with the boundaries of the housings being formed at the grip 5 or 6.

[0100] For example, the user can press each grip button 41 or 42 by moving a finger placed on the back surface 8 of the main body in a manner that grips the grip 5 or 6. This makes it difficult to operate each grip button 41 or 42 with a finger placed on the back surface 8 of the main body, thereby reducing the risk of unintended operation of each grip button 41 or 42.

[0101] In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided along the valley formed by the grip 5 or 6 and the main body rear portion 8 (see the rear view in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided on the grip 5 or 6 side, without overlapping the valley formed by the grip 5 or 6 and the main body rear portion 8. Furthermore, the portions of the outer edges of the operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 that are close to the valley bottom extend in substantially the same direction as the valley bottom in the vicinity of the valley bottom. This allows the user to easily hold the game controller 1 with their fingers over the valley bottom without unintentionally pressing the grip buttons 41 and 42, making it easy to hold the game controller 1 stably. Furthermore, the user can easily operate the grip buttons 41 and 42 with their fingers over the valley bottom.

[0102] The "outer edge extending in approximately the same direction as the valley bottom" of the grip button does not need to be at a strictly constant distance from the valley bottom. For example, the outer edge of the valley bottom of each of grip buttons 41 and 42 may extend away from the valley bottom as it extends upward. In this specification, "the same direction" is not limited to the strictly same direction and may include approximately the same direction.

[0103] In this embodiment, a gap is provided between the valley bottom and each of the grip buttons 41 and 42, sufficient to prevent the user's fingers holding the game controller 1 from unintentionally pressing the grip buttons 41 and 42. For example, when a user holds the game controller 1 with their fingers overlapping the valley bottom, the side of the finger overlaps the valley bottom, and in this state, a portion of the side of the finger pad (i.e., the surface opposite the nail) touches the grip. The gap may be set to a length such that the portion of the side of the finger pad does not touch the grip button, or, even if it does touch, does not transmit enough force to press the grip button. For example, the gap may be set to a length of 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more. In this embodiment, the gap is set to a length such that the fingers overlapping the valley bottom can grip the grips 5 and 6 to press the grip buttons 41 and 42. More specifically, when the user grips the grip with the side of the finger overlapping the root and a portion of the side of the finger pad touching the grip, the central portion of the finger pad in the width direction is pressed firmly against the grip. The gap is set to a length that allows the grip buttons 41 and 42 to be pressed by this portion. As an example, the gap may be 1 cm or less, 9 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. Therefore, the gap may be set to a length (e.g., 1 mm or more and 1 cm or less) that prevents the grip buttons 41 and 42 from being unintentionally operated when the user holds the game controller 1 with their fingers overlapping the root, and allows the user to easily operate the grips 5 or 6 by gripping the grips 5 or 6.

[0104] In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided above the center of the grips 5 and 6 in the vertical direction (see the rear view in FIG. 3). That is, the lower ends of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are located above the center of the grips 5 and 6 in the vertical direction. That is, in this embodiment, no grip buttons are provided on the grips 5 and 6 below the center in the vertical direction. As described above, the grips 5 and 6 can be easily held with fingers other than those used to operate the grip buttons 41 and 42 (for example, the ring finger and little finger when the grip buttons 41 and 42 are operated with the middle finger, or the little finger when the grip buttons 41 and 42 are operated with the ring finger). Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the grip buttons 41 and 42 may be provided on the bottom side of the end of the grips 5 and 6.

[0105] In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided above the lower end of the main body 9. More specifically, when the game controller 1 is viewed from behind, the lower ends of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are located above the lower end of the center portion of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. In other words, in this embodiment, no grip buttons are provided on the grips 5 and 6 below the lower ends of the center portions. As a result, when the user holds the grips 5 and 6 without operating the grip buttons 41 and 42 (in other words, when the grip buttons 41 and 42 are not used), it is possible to reduce the risk that the user will unintentionally press the grip buttons 41 and 42 with the fingers holding the grips 5 and 6 (for example, the ring finger or little finger).

[0106] In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided in positions that are not visible when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (see the front view in FIG. 3). In other words, the grip buttons 41 and 42 do not extend far enough outward or inward from the grips 5 and 6 to be visible when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front. As a result, it is possible to prevent the grip buttons 41 and 42 from being unintentionally operated by the fingers or palms holding the grips 5 and 6.

[0107] In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided in positions that are not visible when the game controller 1 is viewed from the side (see the right side view and left side view in FIG. 3). The grip buttons 41 and 42 may be provided on a surface of the housing 2 that faces inward of the game controller 1. The operation surface of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is provided so that it faces inward of the game controller 1 (i.e., the normal to the operation surface has an inward component). Here, when the user grips the grips 5 and 6, the pads of the fingers face outward from the game controller 1 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, by providing the grip buttons so that they face inward, the grip buttons 41 and 42 can be easily operated by the fingers gripping the grips 5 and 6. Furthermore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the grip buttons 41 and 42 from being unintentionally operated by the fingers or palm holding the grips 5 and 6.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of fingers operating the right grip button 41, as viewed from the side. Note that FIG. 14 shows a cutaway view of the left half of the game controller 1 (a cross section of the internal structure of the housing 2 is omitted and shown with diagonal lines). FIG. 14 also shows only the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the user's right hand holding the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided on the surfaces of the grips 5 or 6 that face upward. That is, at least a portion of the operation surface of the grip buttons 41 and 42 faces upward (i.e., the normal to the operation surface has an upward component). Here, as shown in FIG. 14, when the fingers gripping the grips of the game controller 1 (the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger in FIG. 14) are bent, the fingertips move diagonally downward (see the arrows in FIG. 14). Therefore, by providing the operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 facing upward as in this embodiment, the user can press the operation surfaces with more natural finger movements than when the operation surfaces do not face upward (for example, when the normal direction of the operation surfaces is parallel to the front-to-rear direction), thereby improving the operability of the grip buttons 41 and 42.

[0109] 14, each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 has a line (for example, an upper line 41a shown in FIG. 15, which will be described later) that extends along the back surface of the main body back part 8 when the game controller 1 is viewed from the side. This allows the user to press the grip button 41 or 42 by bending their finger along the back surface of the main body back part 8, thereby improving the operability of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42.

[0110] In this embodiment, the left end of the right grip button 41 is located to the right of the left end of the R button 31 (see the rear view in FIG. 3). The left end of the right grip button 41 is located to the right of the left end of the ZR button 33 (see the rear view in FIG. 3). The right end of the left grip button 42 is located to the left of the right end of the L button 32. The right end of the left grip button 42 is located to the left of the right end of the ZL button 34. In this manner, the inner ends of the grip buttons 41 and 42 in the left-right direction are located outward of the inner ends of the buttons 31-34 provided on the top surface of the game controller 1 in the left-right direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the user operates the buttons 31-34 provided on the top surface of the game controller 1 with their fingers extended, whereas the user operates the grip buttons 41 and 42 with their fingers bent. Therefore, by arranging the inner ends of the grip buttons 41 and 42 as described above, the grip buttons 41 and 42 can be easily operated.

[0111] In this embodiment, the rear end of the operation surface of the right grip button 41 is located further forward than the rear end of the right grip 5. In addition, the rear end of the operation surface of the left grip button 42 is located further forward than the rear end of the left grip 6. This reduces the possibility that the user will unintentionally operate the grip button 41 or 42 with a finger that holds the grip 5 or 6 but is not used to operate the grip button 41 or 42 (for example, the little finger).

[0112] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the game controller 1 around the right grip button 41. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the right grip button 41 (specifically, the outer shape of the operation surface of the right grip button 41) includes an upper side line 41a that extends along the valley bottom formed by the right grip 5 and the main body back surface part 8, and a lower side line 41b that faces the upper side line 41a. The upper side line 41a extends in the same direction as the valley bottom. It can also be said that the operation surface of the right grip button 41 has a shape that extends along the valley bottom as a whole. As described above, even when the user presses a position on the operation surface of the right grip button 41 that is farther from the valley bottom, the right grip button 41 can be easily operated by bending the fingers holding the game controller 1 in a direction that follows the valley bottom.

[0113] In this embodiment, the lower line 41b extends away from the upper line 41a as it moves outward in the left-right direction. In other words, the operating surface of the right grip button 41 has a shape in which the width (i.e., the length in the direction perpendicular to the upper line 41a) of the upper line 41a increases as it moves outward in the left-right direction. Note that while only the right grip button 41 is shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the left grip button 42 is bilaterally symmetrical to the right grip button 41. In other words, like the right grip button 41, the left grip button 42 also has a shape that includes an upper line extending along the bottom and a lower line that faces the upper line and extends away from the upper line as it moves outward in the left-right direction.

[0114] As described above, the operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are shaped so that their width increases toward the outside in the left-right direction. Here, for example, when a user with small hands holds the game controller 1, the fingertip of the finger operating the grip button 41 or 42 may not reach the inside portion of the grip button in the left-right direction, and may only reach the outside portion. In this regard, in this embodiment, the grip buttons 41 and 42 are wider toward the outside, making it easier for even users with small hands to operate the grip buttons 41 and 42.

[0115] The operation surface of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 may be wider on the outside than on the inside in the left-right direction (see the rear view in FIG. 3 and FIG. 15). Each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 may not have at least one of the upper line 41a and the lower line 41b, or may have an additional line. In this case, the width may also be wider on the outside than on the inside. The width of the operation surface may be, for example, the length in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the operation surface, or in this embodiment, the length in a direction perpendicular to the upper line.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 15 , in this embodiment, the outer shape of the operation surface of the right grip button 41 includes an inner line 41c connecting the upper line 41a and the lower line 41b on the inner side in the left-right direction (specifically, on the inner side relative to the center of the operation surface), and an outer line 41d connecting the upper line 41a and the lower line 41b on the outer side in the left-right direction (specifically, on the outer side relative to the center of the operation surface). Here, the outer line 41d is less curved than the inner line 41c. This allows the user to easily operate the grip buttons 41 and 42 even when pressing the outer portions of the grip buttons 41 and 42. Note that the curvature of the most curved portion of the outer line 41d may be smaller than the curvature of the most curved portion of the inner line 41c. Furthermore, the outer line 41d may be closer to a straight line overall than the inner line 41c. Furthermore, the outer line 41d may be a straight line. The outer line 41d has a straight line portion, a curved portion connecting the straight line portion to the upper line 41a, and a curved portion connecting the straight line portion to the lower line 41b. The inner line 41c may not have a straight line portion, or if the outer line 41d has a straight line portion, the straight line portion may be shorter than the straight line portion of the outer line 41d. In this embodiment, the operation surface of the right grip button 41 can have four corners. The four corners, in order of decreasing curvature, are the corner between the upper line 41a and the inner line 41c, the corner between the lower line 41b and the inner line 41c, the corner between the lower line 41b and the outer line 41d, and the corner between the upper line 41a and the outer line 41d. The four corners, in order of decreasing curvature, are the upper and inner corner, the lower and inner corner, the lower and outer corner, and the upper and outer corner. In this specification, the term "straight line" is not limited to a straight line in the strict sense, but may include an approximately straight line.

[0117] In this embodiment, the difference between the distance between the inner side and the outer side in the left-right direction between the lower line 41b and the first valley line is greater than the difference between the distance between the inner side and the outer side in the left-right direction between the upper line 41a and the first valley line. Furthermore, the upper line 41a is longer than the inner line 41c and also longer than the outer line 41d. The lower line 41b is longer than the inner line 41c and also longer than the outer line 41d. Furthermore, the upper line 41a may be longer than the lower line 41b, and the straight line portion of the upper line 41a may be longer than the straight line portion of the lower line 41b. Furthermore, the outer line 41d may be longer than the inner line 41c. The number, length, and direction of each line, and the number, curvature, and angle of corners of the operation surface are not limited to those described above.

[0118] For example, the operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 may be shaped to fit the shape of the tip of the finger from the first joint onwards. When a user grips the game controller 1, it is conceivable that the tip of the user's finger from the first joint onwards will face towards the center in the left-right direction of the game controller 1 and downward in the up-down direction. To fit this shape of the finger, when the line corresponding to the first joint (i.e., the line perpendicular to the direction in which the finger extends) is viewed as the base, the operation surface extends from there towards the center in the left-right direction of the game controller 1 and downward in the up-down direction while narrowing in length in the base direction, and the tip has a curved shape that convexly curves towards the center in the left-right direction of the game controller 1 and downward in the up-down direction.

[0119] In this embodiment, the width of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is the length of one finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) that operates the grip button or slightly longer (e.g., 1-2 cm). This allows the user to reliably operate the grip buttons, which are not visible from the front, and reduces the risk of unintentionally operating the grip buttons 41 or 42 with a finger other than the one used to operate the grip buttons 41 or 42 (e.g., the little finger when using the ring finger for operation). For example, when the user operates the grip buttons 41 and 42 with their middle finger, the user can prevent the ring finger from unintentionally pressing the grip buttons 41 and 42 without separating the ring finger from the middle finger that operates the grip buttons 41 and 42. Therefore, the user can operate the grip buttons 41 and 42 while comfortably holding the grips 5 and 6.

[0120] In this embodiment, the distance between the upper line and the bottom of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 is smaller than the width of each of the grip buttons 41 and 42. Therefore, regardless of the size of the user's fingers, the user can easily operate each of the grip buttons 41 and 42 with the fingers that grip the game controller 1 and overlap the bottom of the bottom.

[0121] In this embodiment, the back surfaces of the grips 5 and 6, around which the grip button 41 or 42 is provided, are curved surfaces that convex outward. The operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are configured as curved surfaces that conform to the curved surfaces of the grips 5 and 6. More specifically, the operation surface of the right grip button 41 is a curved surface that conforms to the curved surface of the right grip 5 around the right grip button 41. The operation surface of the left grip button 42 is a curved surface that conforms to the curved surface of the left grip 6 around the left grip button 42. For example, the operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are provided so as to slightly protrude from or be flush with the curved surfaces of the grips 5 and 6 around them. The operation surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 are configured as curved surfaces that convex outward when the operation surfaces are viewed as the front side. As described above, by providing the operating surfaces of the grip buttons 41 and 42 along the curved surfaces of the grips 5 and 6, the presence of the grip buttons 41 and 42 becomes less noticeable when the grip buttons 41 and 42 are not being operated, thereby improving the comfort of holding the grips 5 and 6. This also reduces the risk that the user will unintentionally operate the grip button 41 or 42.

[0122] In other embodiments, the position and shape of the button (grip button in this embodiment) provided on the back of the game controller 1 may be arbitrary and are not limited to the position and shape in this embodiment. For example, the button provided on the back of the game controller 1 may be provided at any position on the grip, or may be provided on the back of the main body 9. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 may not have a button on its back.

[0123] [4. Internal structure of the game controller] Next, an example of the internal configuration of the game controller 1 will be described. Below, the internal configuration will be described in accordance with the assembly order of the game controller 1. However, the assembly method described below is just one example, and the game controller 1 may be assembled in any order. Also, the internal configuration described below is just one example, and the game controller 1 may not include any of the components described below, or may include components different from the components described below.

[0124] 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first frame and a membrane sheet. In this embodiment, the game controller 1 includes a first frame 51 and a membrane sheet 52 shown in FIG. 16 inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, the membrane sheet 52 is attached to the first frame 51. The first frame 51 has a shape in which the length in the up-down direction and the length in the left-right direction are longer than the thickness in the front-rear direction.

[0125] The membrane sheet 52 includes detection units 54a-54n for detecting inputs to the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 provided on the front surface of the game controller 1, as well as the buttons 31-34 provided on the top surface of the game controller 1. In this embodiment, by attaching the membrane sheet 52 to the first frame 51, the detection units 54a-54n included in the membrane sheet 52 are provided on the first frame 51. As shown in FIG. 16 , the membrane sheet 52 has a front portion 52a that faces the front direction and a top portion 52b that faces upward. The top portions 52b are provided at positions to the upper right and upper left of the front portion 52a, respectively. The membrane sheet 52 is attached to the first frame 51 so that the front portion 52a is provided on the front portion 51a of the first frame and the top portion 52b is provided on the top portion 51b of the first frame. As will be described in detail later, when the game controller 1 is assembled, the detectors 54a-54n of the membrane sheet 52 are positioned corresponding to the input units whose inputs are detected by the detectors. That is, for the input units 11-19 and 21 provided on the front of the game controller 1, the detectors 54a-54j corresponding to the input units are located behind the input units on the front side of the front portion 52a. Furthermore, for the buttons 31-34 provided on the top surface of the game controller 1, the detectors 54k-54n corresponding to the input units are located below the buttons on the top side of the top portion 52b.

[0126] The specific configuration of the detection units 54a-54n is arbitrary. Each of the detection units 54a-54n may be, for example, a detection circuit in a rubber switch (i.e., a rubber switch may be configured by a detection unit and a key rubber) or a tactile switch. In this embodiment, for buttons 16, 18, and 19, tactile switches are attached to the membrane sheet 52 as detection units to reduce the possibility of an operation being detected when a user unintentionally touches these buttons. Furthermore, for the other buttons 11-15, 17, 19, 21, and 31-34, the detection circuits are formed on the membrane sheet 52 as detection units to improve the operational feel when a user presses the button.

[0127] As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the front surface of the first frame 51 has concave and convex portions and inclined surfaces, and the membrane sheet 52 is attached along the concave and convex portions and inclined surfaces. As described above, the membrane sheet 52 is provided across the front portion 51a and the top portion 51b of the first frame 51. In this embodiment, when multiple detectors are provided at different heights (i.e., positions perpendicular to the surface on which the detectors are provided) and inclinations, as in this embodiment, if a rigid substrate were used, multiple rigid substrates and flexible substrates connecting these substrates would be required, which could increase the number of components and manufacturing costs. In contrast, in this embodiment, the membrane sheet 52 allows multiple detectors at different heights and / or inclinations to be provided on a single first frame 51. This reduces the number of components and manufacturing costs, and also saves space within the housing 2. In other embodiments, a rigid substrate and / or a flexible substrate may be used instead of the membrane sheet 52.

[0128] 17 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the analog sticks 22 and 23 and components related to the buttons on the top surface are attached to the first frame 51. As shown in Fig. 17, in this embodiment, key rubbers 61-64 related to the buttons on the top surface, the ZR button 33 and the ZL button 34, and the analog sticks 22 and 23 are attached to the first frame 51 to which the membrane sheet 52 is attached.

[0129] In FIG. 17, key rubbers 61-64 correspond to the buttons 31-34 provided on the top surface of the game controller 1, respectively. A key rubber 61 corresponding to the R button 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "R button rubber") is provided on a membrane sheet 52 attached to the top surface of the first frame 51, above a detection unit 54k corresponding to the R button 31. A key rubber 62 corresponding to the L button 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "L button rubber") is provided on the membrane sheet 52, above a detection unit 54l corresponding to the L button 32. A key rubber 63 corresponding to the ZR button 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "ZR button rubber") is provided on the membrane sheet 52, above a detection unit 54m corresponding to the ZR button 33. A key rubber 64 corresponding to the ZL button 34 (hereinafter referred to as the "ZL button rubber") is provided on the membrane sheet 52, above a detection unit 54n corresponding to the ZL button 34.

[0130] Each key rubber 61-64 is pressed by the back side of the operation surface in response to pressing of the operation surface of the corresponding button 31-34. Each key rubber 61-64 elastically deforms in response to pressing of the corresponding button 31-34 and comes into contact with the detector 54k-54n below. Each detector 54k-54n detects the operation of the corresponding button 31-34 by detecting the contact of the key rubber. Each key rubber 61-64 biases the corresponding button 31-34 upward, and when the corresponding button 31-34 is not pressed, each key rubber 61-64 is in a steady state without elastic deformation.

[0131] In this embodiment, the positions where detectors 54k and 54l for R button rubber 61 and L button rubber 62 are provided on first frame 51 are different in height (i.e., positions in the up-down direction) from the positions where detectors 54m and 54n for ZR button rubber 63 and ZL button rubber 64 are provided (see FIG. 17). In this embodiment, in consideration of the position of the operation surface that is easy for the user to operate for each button 31-34 and the amount of movement of the operation surface (i.e., the amount of depression when performing a pressing operation), detectors 54m and 54n corresponding to ZR button rubber 63 and ZL button rubber 64 are positioned lower than detectors 54k and 54l corresponding to R button rubber 61 and L button rubber 62. Here, in this embodiment, the detection units 54a-54n are arranged on the first frame 51 by using the membrane sheet 52, so there is no need to configure, for example, rigid substrates at positions of different heights and FPCs (flexible printed circuits) to connect each substrate, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0132] 17, the ZR button 33 is provided above the ZR button rubber 63, and the ZL button 34 is provided above the ZL button rubber 64. The ZR button 33 is attached to the first frame 51 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 33b provided in front of the operation surface 33a and extending in the left-right direction. The ZL button 34 is attached to the first frame 51 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 34b provided in front of the operation surface 34a and extending in the left-right direction. As described above, the buttons 33 and 34 are provided so that the operation surface can move in the up-down direction (more precisely, can rotate around the shaft).

[0133] 17, the R button 31 and the L button 32 are not yet attached to the first frame 51. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the R button 31 and the L button 32 are attached to the first frame 51 after the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2.

[0134] In this embodiment, the analog sticks 22 and 23 each have a stick top (i.e., the right stick top 22a and left stick top 23a shown in FIG. 17), a stick shaft (i.e., the right stick shaft 22b and left stick shaft 23b shown in FIG. 18), and a stick housing (i.e., the right stick housing 22c and left stick housing 23c shown in FIG. 18). In this embodiment, before the stick tops 22a and 23a shown in FIG. 17 are attached, the components provided on the back side of the first frame 51 are attached.

[0135] 18 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the components provided on the back side of first frame 51 are attached to first frame 51. As shown in FIG. 18, game controller 1 includes antenna 65, main body board 66, rechargeable battery 67, battery box 68, bearing parts 69, and terminal board 70. These components 65-70 are provided on the back side of first frame 51 inside housing 2.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 18, the stick shafts 22b and 23b and stick housings 22c and 23c of the analog sticks 22 and 23 are attached to the back side of the first frame 51, for example, by screws. Holes 51i and 51j are provided at the attachment positions of the analog sticks 22 and 23 on the first frame 51, respectively (see FIG. 18). The stick housings 22c and 23c are attached to the back side of the first frame 51 so that the stick shafts 22b and 23b protrude from the back side of the first frame 51 to the front side through the holes 51i or 51j. In this embodiment, a bearing part 69 is attached to the back side of the left analog stick 23, for example, by screws. The bearing part 69 is provided so as to cover the back side of the left analog stick 23 (specifically, the stick housing 23c). This improves durability against loads applied from the front to the rear of the left analog stick 23 (for example, loads applied when an input is made by pressing the stick top). In this embodiment, a main body circuit board 66 is disposed behind the right analog stick 22. Therefore, with regard to the load on the right analog stick 22, the main body circuit board 66 plays the same role as a bearing part, and the durability can be improved by the main body circuit board 66. In other embodiments, a bearing part may also be attached to the back side of the right analog stick 22.

[0137] The terminal board 70 is a board on which the above-mentioned audio input terminal 39 is provided. The terminal board 70 is attached to the back side of the first frame 51, for example, by screws. The terminal board 70 is also connected to the main board 66 via an FPC, and transmits and receives signals to and from an SoC or the like mounted on the main board 66. The terminal board 70 is attached to the lower portion of the first frame 51. In this embodiment, the terminal board 70 is attached to the first frame 51 so that the audio input terminal 39 protrudes below the first frame 51. Note that, although the terminal board 70 and the main board 66 are configured as separate boards in this embodiment, the audio input terminal 39 may be provided on the main board 66 instead of the terminal board 70.

[0138] The antenna 65 is fixed to the rear surface of the first frame 51 by, for example, screws. The antenna 65 is, for example, an NFC antenna. The antenna 65 may be any type of antenna that enables the game controller 1 to perform wireless communication with other devices.

[0139] The main body board 66 is fixed to the rear surface of the first frame 51, for example, by screws. In this embodiment, the main body board 66 is provided on the rear side of the antenna 65. A control circuit that executes various processes in the game controller 1 is provided on the main body board 66. The control circuit is electrically connected to electronic components housed in the housing 2 (e.g., the above-mentioned detection units 54a-54h, the rechargeable battery 67, the terminal board 70, the grip board described below, etc.). The control circuit performs, for example, processes based on signals sent from the detection units 54a-54h (e.g., processes for generating operation data indicating operations on the game controller 1), processes for controlling transmission and reception of data with other devices, and processes for power control related to the rechargeable battery 67 (e.g., control of charging the rechargeable battery 67 and control of supplying power from the rechargeable battery 67 to electronic components). In addition, various electronic components, such as connectors for electrically connecting the control circuit to several electronic components housed in the housing 2 (e.g., the grip board described below) and the LEDs of the light-emitting unit, are provided on the main body board 66.

[0140] The rechargeable battery 67 is attached to the battery box 68 by, for example, gluing. The battery box 68 with the rechargeable battery 67 attached thereto is attached to the rear surface of the main body substrate 66 by, for example, screwing.

[0141] 17, the stick tops 22a and 23a of the analog sticks 22 and 23 are attached to the front side of the first frame 51. Specifically, the stick tops 22a and 23a are attached to the stick shafts 22b protruding from the holes 51i and 51j of the first frame 51, respectively, on the front side.

[0142] The first frame 51 to which the various components are attached as described above is attached to the housing 2. In this embodiment, before attaching the first frame 51 to the housing 2, grip units are attached inside the grips 5 and 6 of the housing 2. As will be described in detail later, the grip unit includes a detection unit for detecting input to the grip button 41 or 42, as well as a vibration component. The grip unit will be described below with reference to Figures 19 to 28. Note that the configuration of the grip unit will be described below using the right grip unit provided in the right grip 5 as an example.

[0143] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a right grip button and a flange rubber included in the right grip unit. As shown in FIG. 19, the right grip button 41 has an operation surface 41e, a wall surface 41f, and a flange portion 41g. The operation surface 41e is a surface exposed to the outside of the housing 2 through a hole in the right grip 5 (see the rear view in FIG. 3). In the following description of the right grip unit, the side facing the operation surface 41e is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the back side. The wall surface 41f extends around the operation surface 41e toward the back side of the operation surface 41e. In this embodiment, the wall surface 41f is provided around the entire periphery of the operation surface 41e and is annular. The flange portion 41g extends outward from an end on the back side of the wall surface 41f (more specifically, outward from the annular shape of the wall surface 41f). In this embodiment, the flange portion 41g is provided around the entire periphery of the wall surface 41f and is annular. The right grip button 41 is sized so that the operation surface 41e passes through a hole in the right grip 5 (hole 5a shown in FIG. 19, which will be described later), but the flange portion 41g does not pass through the hole.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, a flange rubber 80 is attached to the right grip button 41. The flange rubber 80 is attached so as to cover the flange portion 41g of the right grip button 41. Specifically, the flange rubber 80 covers both the front and back sides of the flange portion 41g. The flange rubber 80 may also cover at least the front side of the flange portion 41g. In this embodiment, the flange rubber 80 is annular and is provided around the entire circumference of the flange portion 41g.

[0145] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of each component of the component holder unit of the right grip unit. As shown in FIG. 20, the component holder unit 81 has a component holder portion 82, a grip button rubber 83, and a grip substrate 84. As shown in FIG. 20, the grip button rubber 83 and the grip substrate 84 are attached to the component holder portion 82. In this embodiment, the holder of the right grip unit is composed of the component holder portion 82 and a vibration motor holder portion (see FIG. 21), which will be described later. The component holder portion 82 is the portion of the holder of the right grip unit to which the grip substrate 84 is attached. The grip button rubber 83 is a key rubber for biasing the right grip button 41 toward the front side. The grip substrate 84 is a substrate on which a detection unit corresponding to the right grip button 41 is provided.

[0146] The grip button rubber 83 and the grip substrate 84 are attached to the back surface of the component holder portion 82. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20 , a recess 82b shaped to correspond to the grip button rubber 83 and a recess 82c shaped to correspond to the grip substrate 84 are provided on the back surface of the component holder portion 82. The grip button rubber 83 is provided in the recess 82b. This positions the grip button rubber 83 in a direction horizontal to the back surface of the component holder portion 82. The grip substrate 84 is provided in the recess 82c. The grip substrate 84 is provided on the back surface of the component holder portion 82 so that the grip button rubber 83 is sandwiched between the component holder portion 82 and the grip substrate 84. The grip substrate 84 is fixed to the component holder portion 82 with screws. In this way, the grip button rubber 83 and the grip substrate 84 are fixed to the component holder portion 82.

[0147] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of each component of the vibration holder unit of the right grip unit. As shown in FIG. 21, the vibration holder unit 85 has a vibration motor holder portion 86, a vibration motor 87, and a cushion member 88. The vibration motor 87 is an example of a vibration component, and vibrates the housing 2 by its own vibration, transmitting the vibration to the hand of the user holding the game controller 1. In this embodiment, the vibration motor 87 is a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the vibration motor 87 is arbitrary. The vibration motor holder portion 86 is a part of the holder in the right grip unit, and more specifically, it is a portion of the holder in the right grip unit that holds the vibration motor 87. In other words, the vibration motor 87 is fixed to the vibration motor holder portion 86. The vibration motor holder portion 86 has a bottom surface and wall surfaces extending perpendicularly from the four sides of the bottom surface to the bottom surface (see FIG. 21). In this embodiment, one surface of the vibration motor 87 (specifically, a surface parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vibration motor 87) is fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86, for example, by adhesive. The vibration motor 87 is provided so that the surface fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86 and four adjacent surfaces abut (or face) the wall surfaces of the vibration motor holder portion 86. In addition, a cushion member 88 is provided on the surface of the vibration motor 87 opposite to the surface fixed to the bottom surface of the vibration motor holder portion 86. The cushion member 88 has a plate-like shape and is fixed to the vibration motor 87, for example, by adhesive, so as to extend along the above-mentioned surface of the vibration motor 87.

[0148] In this embodiment, the grip unit is attached to the housing 2 for each of the components shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 . FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the right grip button 41 shown in FIG. 19 to the housing 2. As shown in FIG. 22 , in this embodiment, the right grip button 41, to which the flange rubber 80 is attached, is attached so that the operation surface 41e is exposed to the outside of the housing 2 through a hole 5a formed in the right grip 5. At this time, the flange rubber 80 is provided between the flange portion 41g of the right grip button 41 and the inner wall of the housing 2 (see FIG. 27 , which will be described later). This makes it possible to prevent vibrations from the housing 2 from being transmitted to the right grip button 41. Therefore, when the housing 2 vibrates due to a vibration motor, which will be described later, it is possible to suppress rattle noises from being generated in the right grip button 41 and improve the operability of the right grip button 41.

[0149] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the component holder unit 81 shown in FIG. 20 to the housing 2. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the right grip button 41 and the component holder unit 81 as viewed from the front side. Note that FIG. 24 does not show the housing 2, and only shows the right grip button 41, the flange rubber 80, and the component holder unit 81. As shown in FIG. 23, the component holder unit 81 is attached to the housing 2 to which the right grip button 41 is attached. Specifically, the component holder portion 82 is attached to the rear side of the right grip button 41 inside the housing 2. The component holder portion 82 is attached so as to extend along the rear side of the operation surface 41e of the right grip button 41. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, the component holder portion 82 is provided with a hole 82a penetrating from the front side to the rear side. A shaft portion 41h extending toward the rear side is provided on the rear side of the operation surface 41e of the right grip button 41 (see FIG. 23). The component holder portion 82 is fixed to the housing 2 with the shaft 41h of the right grip button 41 passing through the hole 82a. With the component holder portion 82 fixed to the housing 2, the right grip button 41 can move in the front-to-back direction of the operation surface 41e.

[0150] In this embodiment, holes 82d and 82e are provided in the component holder portion 82, and a protrusion 2h and a screw hole 2i are provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 (specifically, the inner wall of the right grip 5) (see FIG. 23 ). With the protrusion 2h engaged with the hole 82d, a screw is threaded into the screw hole 2i through the hole 82e, thereby fastening the component holder portion 82 to the housing 2. Note that the position at which the component holder portion 82 is fixed to the housing 2 does not have to be the right grip 5 (specifically, the inner wall of the right grip 5). For example, the component holder portion 82 may extend from within the right grip 5 to the inner wall of the main body 9, and the component holder portion 82 may be fixed to the inner wall of the main body 9 of the game controller 1. By fixing the component holder portion 82 to the housing 2 at the position of the inner wall of the main body 9 or the position of the inner wall of the right grip 5, it is possible to easily fix the component holder portion 82 to the housing 2 by screwing or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, each grip 5 or 6 is composed of a single part, but an opening 2a is provided on the front of the game controller 1, making it easier to perform the above-mentioned screw fastening at the position of the inner wall of the main body 9 or the position of the inner wall of the right grip 5 through the opening 2a.

[0151] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the vibration holder unit 85 shown in FIG. 21 to the component holder unit 81. As shown in FIG. 25, the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81 attached to the housing 2. This results in the entire grip unit being attached to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81 by being inserted downward into the right grip 5 from the upper opening of the right grip 5 (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 25). This makes it possible to easily attach the vibration holder unit 85 to the right grip 5, which is made up of a single component.

[0152] In this embodiment, the component holder portion 82 has a guide portion 82i. The guide portion 82i is a wall that extends in the direction of extension of the right grip 5 (i.e., from the base to the tip of the right grip 5) when the component holder unit 81 is attached to the right grip 5. In this embodiment, the guide portions 82i are provided on both ends of the component holder portion 82 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension. The component holder portion 82 can also be said to have a groove with the two guide portions 82i as side walls. The width of the groove is the same as or slightly longer than the width of the vibration holder portion. When the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is guided by the guide portion 82i toward the fixing position of the component holder portion 82 and the vibration motor holder portion 86. That is, the vibration motor holder portion 86 is inserted into the right grip 5 toward the tip of the right grip 5 so as to pass between the two guide portions 82i, and in this inserted state is attached to the component holder portion 82. When the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81, a portion of the side wall of the vibration motor holder portion 86 faces the guide portions 82i. As described above, the guide portions 82i make it easy to attach the vibration holder unit 85.

[0153] Furthermore, the vibration holder unit 85 (specifically, the vibration motor holder portion 86) is fixed to the component holder portion 82 by, for example, screwing. In this embodiment, the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder unit 81 by inserting a screw downward from the upper opening of the right grip 5 toward the inside of the right grip 5 (see FIG. 25). This facilitates screwing when attaching the vibration holder unit 85 to the right grip 5, which is made up of a single component. Note that the component holder portion 82 may be provided with a protrusion 82h extending toward the opening of the right grip 5. In this case, the vibration holder unit 85 may be screwed while being engaged with the protrusion 82h. This allows the vibration holder unit 85 and the component holder unit 81 to be positioned and fixed.

[0154] In this embodiment, the fastening operation is performed using a fastening member (e.g., a screw) facing the tip of the grip through an opening 2a provided from the front to the top surface of the game controller 1. Here, the opening provided in the housing 2 may be provided at least on the top surface, or at least on the front surface. When an opening is provided at least on the top surface, the above fastening operation can be performed through the opening, and the fastening member facing the tip of the grip makes the operation easier. Even when an opening is provided on the front surface, the above fastening operation can be performed through the opening, and the fastening member facing the tip of the grip makes the operation easier.

[0155] In this embodiment, the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder portion 82 so as to abut against the inner wall of the housing 2. For example, when the vibration holder unit 85 is attached to the component holder portion 82, a portion of the back side of the vibration motor holder portion 86 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 2. This allows vibrations generated by the vibration motor 87 to be transmitted to the housing 2 efficiently.

[0156] As described above, in this embodiment, the holder of the right grip unit has the vibration motor holder portion 86 fixed to the vibration motor 87, and the component holder portion 82 fixed to the grip board 84. This makes it easy to attach the right grip unit to the housing 2 because the component holder portion 82 can be attached first, followed by the vibration motor holder portion 86. Note that in other embodiments, the holder of the right grip unit may be composed of a single component.

[0157] In this embodiment, holes 86a and 86b are provided in the vibration motor holder portion 86 (see FIG. 23 ). The portions of the vibration motor holder portion 86 where the holes 86a and 86b are provided are an example of a fastening portion for fastening to the component holder portion 82. Screw holes 82f and 82g are provided in the component holder portion 82 at positions corresponding to the holes 86a and 86b of the vibration motor holder portion 86. The vibration motor holder portion 86 is fastened to the component holder portion 82 by threading a screw into the screw hole 82f or 82g while passing through the hole 86a or 86b. The holes 86a and 86b and the screw holes 82f and 82g are formed to extend in the direction in which the right grip 5 extends from the main body 9 of the game controller 1. This facilitates the screw fastening operation when attaching the vibration motor holder portion 86 to the component holder portion 82.

[0158] In this embodiment, the holder of the right grip unit holds the grip substrate 84 on one side (i.e., the side of the component holder portion 82) and holds the vibration motor 87 on the other side (i.e., the side of the vibration motor holder portion 86). This makes it possible to make it difficult for vibrations from the vibration motor 87 to be transmitted to the grip substrate 84, thereby reducing the risk of rattle noise occurring in the grip substrate 84.

[0159] As described above, in this embodiment, the grip substrate 84 is provided inside the right grip 5 (see FIG. 23). This allows the detection section corresponding to the right grip button 41 to be disposed on the back side of the right grip button 41.

[0160] In other embodiments, the detection unit may be located on the main body 9 side of the game controller 1 (for example, the detection unit may be provided on the main body circuit board). In this configuration, for example, a rod-shaped member extending from the grip button 41 to the main body 9 and having one end rotatably supported on the main body 9 is provided, and a detection unit is provided at a position where the rod-shaped member, which rotates in response to a press of the grip button 41, comes into contact with the detection unit. This allows the operation of the grip button 41 to be detected by the detection unit on the main body circuit board. However, in the above configuration, because the grip button 41 is located away from the rotation axis, the amount of pressing of the grip button 41 required for the detection unit to detect the press is large. This may result in a decrease in responsiveness of the grip button 41. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the amount of pressing required for the detection unit to detect the press differs depending on whether a position close to the rotation axis or a position far from the rotation axis on the operation surface of the grip button 41 is pressed. This may result in a decrease in the feel of the grip button 41 when operated.

[0161] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, by providing the grip substrate 84 inside the right grip 5, it is possible to place the detection unit on the back side of the right grip button 41. This reduces the risk of a decrease in responsiveness to operations on the grip button 41 or of the amount of depression varying depending on the position on the operating surface where the operation surface is pressed, thereby improving the operability of the grip button 41.

[0162] Although not shown in FIGS. 20 , 21 , 23 , and 25 , the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87 are electrically connected to the main body substrate 66 via a single connector. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a connector connected to the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87. As shown in FIG. 26 , in this embodiment, the game controller 1 includes a connector 89. The connector 89 is electrically connected to the wiring of the grip substrate 84 and also to the wiring of the vibration motor 87. Although not shown, the connector 89 is connected to a connector provided on the main body substrate 66. As a result, a control circuit provided on the main body substrate 66 is electrically connected to the detection unit and the vibration motor 87. The control circuit processes a signal from the detection unit (for example, generates the above-mentioned operation data based on the signal and transmits it to the game device) and also transmits a signal for controlling the vibration motor 87 to the vibration motor 87. Note that when producing the game controller 1, for example, the right grip unit may be attached to the right grip 5, and the first frame 51, to which the main body board 66 is attached, may be attached to the housing 2, and then the connector 89 may be connected to a connector provided on the main body board 66. As described above, in this embodiment, there is no need to individually connect two electronic components (i.e., the grip board 84 and the vibration motor 87) to the main body board 66, so that the number of components of the game controller 1 (e.g., the number of connectors) can be reduced, and the assembly man-hours can also be reduced. Note that in other embodiments, the connector connected to the wiring of the grip board 84 and the connector connected to the wiring of the vibration motor 87 may be separate, and these connectors may each be connected to a connector on the main body board 66.

[0163] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of the game controller 1 near the right grip button 41. As shown in FIG. 27, the grip button rubber 83 is provided behind the shaft 41h of the grip button 41. The shaft 41h of the grip button 41 passes through a hole 82a in the component holder portion 82 and abuts against the front side of the grip button rubber 83. When no operation is performed on the grip button 41, the grip button 41 is biased toward the front side by the grip button rubber 83, and the operation surface 41e is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the right grip 5 or to be flush with the surface. The grip substrate 84 is provided behind the grip button rubber 83. The detection unit 90 of the grip substrate 84 is provided at a position where the grip button rubber 83, which is elastically deformed in response to pressing of the right grip button 41, comes into contact with the grip substrate 84. In this embodiment, the grip button rubber 83 is supported directly or indirectly on the grip substrate 84, and the right grip button 41 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the grip substrate 84. In other words, the right grip button 41 moves linearly. Note that, depending on how and where the user presses the button, the operation surface 41e is allowed to move at a slight angle.

[0164] As described above, when the operation surface 41e of the right grip button 41 is pressed, the shaft 41h pushes the grip button rubber 83, causing it to elastically deform and contact the detection unit 90. The detection unit 90 detects that the right grip button 41 has been operated by detecting contact or depression of the grip button rubber 83. Because the grip button rubber 83 biases the right grip button 41 toward the front side, when the right grip button 41 is not pressed, the grip button rubber 83 is in a steady state without elastic deformation. The specific configuration of the detection unit 90 is arbitrary. The detection unit 90 may be, for example, a detection circuit in a rubber switch or a detection circuit in a tactile switch. The elastic member that biases the right grip button 41 toward the front side and deforms in response to depression of the right grip button 41 is not limited to the grip button rubber 83. For example, if a tactile switch is used, the right grip button 41 may be biased by an elastic member of the tactile switch.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 27 , in this embodiment, a vibration motor 87 is provided on the back side of the grip substrate 84. That is, in this embodiment, a holder for the right grip unit (i.e., the holder portions 82 and 86) is not provided between the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87. This allows the right grip unit holder to be made smaller, and the space in the right grip 5 can be used more effectively. For example, this makes it easier to arrange a larger vibration motor and prevents the right grip 5 from becoming too large. Note that in other embodiments, a holder for the right grip unit (i.e., the component holder portion 82 or the vibration motor holder portion 86) may be provided between the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87. For example, the component holder portion 82 may be provided so as to face both the front and back surfaces of the grip substrate 84.

[0166] In this embodiment, the grip substrate 84 is mounted on the vibration motor 87 via a cushion member 88 (see FIG. 27). This prevents vibrations from the vibration motor 87 from being transmitted to the right grip button 41 via the grip substrate 84, thereby preventing the vibrations from the vibration motor 87 from causing chattering noise in the right grip button 41. In other embodiments, the grip substrate 84 and the cushion member 88 may not be in contact with each other. In other embodiments, the cushion member 88 may not be provided, and the vibration motor 87 may be mounted on the back side of the grip substrate 84 without the cushion member 88 in between. In this case, the grip substrate 84 and the vibration motor 87 may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0167] As described above, the grip substrate 84 is fixed to the holder of the right grip unit (specifically, the component holder portion 82) by screws. Therefore, the grip substrate 84 is fixed to the holder with its front surface pressed against the holder. The holder (specifically, the component holder portion 82) is fixed to the right grip 5. Therefore, the distance from the hole 5a of the right grip 5 to the detection unit 90 on the front side of the grip substrate 84 is determined by the component holder portion 82 and is not affected by the thickness of the grip substrate 84. Therefore, even if there is variation in the thickness of the grip substrate 84, this does not affect the distance, and therefore the risk of variation in the operational feel of the grip button 41 can be reduced.

[0168] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a modified right grip unit. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a game controller near the right grip unit according to the modified example. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the component holder portion 82 may be provided on the back side of the grip substrate 84 and fixed to the back side of the grip substrate 84. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the component holder portion 82 is not provided on the front side of the grip button rubber 83, and the grip button rubber 83 is positioned by the right grip button 41. However, in another example, even if the component holder portion 82 is fixed to the back side of the grip substrate 84, the component holder portion 82 may extend to the front side of the grip button rubber 83 and the grip button rubber 83 may be positioned by the component holder portion 82, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 27. The component holder portion 82 and the grip substrate 84 may be fixed, for example, by an adhesive or by screws.

[0169] In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, in this embodiment, a grip button rubber 83 is provided between the part holder portion 82 and the detection unit 90.

[0170] 27, the grip button rubber 83 does not have to be disposed between the component holder portion 82 and the detection unit 90. In another embodiment, for example, the component holder portion 82 may not be provided on the front side of the grip button rubber 83, and the grip substrate 84 may be fixed around the grip button rubber 83. Also, for example, the grip button rubber 83 may be provided on the front side of the component holder portion 82. In this case, instead of the shaft 41h of the grip button 41 passing through the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82, a protrusion provided on the back side of the grip button rubber 83 is provided to pass through the hole 82a. When the right grip button 41 is pressed, the grip button rubber 83 elastically deforms, and the protrusion comes into contact with the detection unit 90.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 27 , the shank 41h of the grip button 41 has a first shank portion larger than the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82 and a second shank portion smaller than the hole 82a and located at a tip end (i.e., the end toward the back side) of the first shank portion. Note that, in the above, “the first shank portion is larger than the hole” means that the first shank portion is sized so as not to pass through the hole. For example, this refers to a case where the length of the first shank portion is longer than the length of the hole in at least one direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shank 41h. Also, in the above, “the second shank portion is smaller than the hole” means that the second shank portion is sized so as to pass through the hole. For example, this refers to a case where the length of the second shank portion is shorter than the length of the hole in all directions perpendicular to the movement direction of the shank 41h. According to the above, when the grip button 41 is pressed, the receiving surface 82j of the component holder portion 82 facing the grip button 41 comes into contact with a part of the inner surface of the grip button 41 (specifically, the first shank portion). In this case, the second shaft portion protrudes to the back side of the component holder portion 82 while passing through the hole 82a and presses down on the grip button rubber or the detector, whereas the first shaft portion does not pass through the hole 82a, and therefore movement of the grip button 41 toward the back side can be restricted by the component holder portion 82. This reduces the risk that the pressed grip button 41 will apply excessive force to the grip board 84. Note that in other embodiments, the shaft portion 41h does not need to have a portion larger than the hole 82a of the component holder portion 82, and may be large enough to pass entirely through the hole 82a.

[0172] In this embodiment, the left grip 6 is provided with a left grip unit that is symmetrical to the right grip unit provided on the right grip 5. Specifically, the left grip unit has a left grip button 42, a grip board equipped with a detection unit that detects an input operation to the left grip button 42, and a vibration motor disposed in the left grip 6. The detection unit and vibration motor operate in the same manner as the detection unit and vibration motor disposed in the right grip 5. Therefore, the left grip 6 can also achieve the effects described above for the right grip 5.

[0173] After the right and left grip units are attached to the housing 2, the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2. Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of how the first frame is attached to the housing. The first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2 with the main body circuit board 66, analog sticks 22 and 23, etc. attached as described above (see Figure 18). In this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided from the front to the top surface of the housing 2, making it easy to insert the first frame 51 into the housing 2 through the opening 2a when assembling the game controller 1.

[0174] For example, the lower portion of the first frame 51 is first inserted into the housing 2 (see arrow (1) in FIG. 29 ). With the lower portion inserted into the housing 2, the first frame 51 is rotated so that the upper portion is inserted into the housing 2 (see arrow (2) in FIG. 29 ), thereby fitting the entire frame into the housing 2. In this embodiment, the audio terminal 39 attached to the main body circuit board 66 protrudes downward from the lower end of the first frame 51. The audio terminal 39 is also provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing 2 through a hole provided on the underside of the housing 2. Therefore, when fitting the first frame 51 into the housing 2, inserting the audio terminal 39 into the hole of the housing 2 when inserting the lower portion into the housing 2 makes it easier to position the first frame 51 at an appropriate position within the housing 2. In this way, in this embodiment, the audio terminal 39 can be used for alignment during the assembly work of the first frame 51.

[0175] The first frame 51 accommodated in the housing 2 is fixed to the housing 2 by, for example, screws. In this embodiment, at least the left and right sides of the first frame 51 are fixed to the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing 2 (i.e., the wall surfaces on the back sides of the side surfaces). 30 and 31 are diagrams showing an example of a state in which the first frame 51 is fixed to the housing 2. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the game controller 1 in the above state as viewed from the front, and FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the game controller 1 in the above state as viewed from above. In this embodiment, holes 51c and 51d are provided in the first frame 51 on both the left and right sides in portions that abut against the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing 2 (see FIG. 16). Holes 51c and 51d are located symmetrically. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the first frame 51 is fastened to the housing 2 by threading a screw 91 through the hole 51c into a hole provided in the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2. Note that although FIGS. 30 and 31 only show the right side of the first frame 51, the left side of the first frame 51 is also fastened to the housing 2 by threading a screw through the hole 51d in the same manner as the right side.

[0176] In this embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with an opening 2a that extends from the front to the top surface. Therefore, when a force is applied to the housing 2, the housing 2 may be deformed around the opening 2a. Specifically, when a force is applied to the two grips 5 and 6 so as to twist them in different directions, the width (i.e., the length in the left-right direction) of the opening 2a may change, or the housing 2 may be deformed such that the left and right edges of the opening 2a are misaligned in the front-to-rear direction. In contrast, in this embodiment, the left and right side surfaces of the housing 2 are fixed by the first frame 51, which improves the rigidity of the game controller 1 and reduces the risk of deformation of the housing 2. The first frame 51 may have the same or greater rigidity as the housing 2.

[0177] In this embodiment, the position at which the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fixed is on the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2, and is above the center of the opening 2a in the vertical direction when the game controller 1 is viewed from the front (see FIG. 30 ). In this embodiment, the opening 2a is provided from the front to the top surface of the housing 2, so the housing 2 is prone to deformation in the area above the center of the opening 2a. Therefore, by fixing the first frame 51 and the housing 2 at the above position, deformation of the housing 2 can be efficiently suppressed. Note that in this embodiment, the position at which the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fixed is above the left and right edges of the opening 2a (position C shown in FIG. 30 ). However, in other embodiments, the first frame 51 and the housing 2 may be fixed at the left and right edges or below these positions.

[0178] In this embodiment, the holes 51c and 51d provided in the first frame 51 for fastening the first frame 51 to the housing 2 extend in the vertical direction. Also, in this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided in the upper surface of the housing 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the screw fastening operation into the holes 51c and 51d can be easily performed from above the opening 2a.

[0179] 31, in this embodiment, the hole 51c is located so as not to overlap with the ZR button 33 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. Specifically, the position of the hole 51c in the front-to-rear direction is forward of the ZR button 33. Furthermore, when the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2, the R button 31 and the L button 32 have not yet been attached to the first frame 51 (see FIG. 30). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is easier to perform the screw fastening work into the holes 51c and 51d.

[0180] In this embodiment, the hole 51c is located at a position that overlaps with the right bridge portion 4b of the top cover 4 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. In other words, the hole 51c is located between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above. Therefore, the R button 31 and the L button 32 may be attached to the first frame 51 before the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2. At this time, the screw fastening operation into the hole 51c can be performed by inserting the screw 91 between the R button 31 and the ZR button 33.

[0181] As shown in Fig. 31, in this embodiment, when the game controller 1 is viewed from above, the hole 51c (more specifically, a part of the hole 51c) is located so as to overlap with the housing 2. Here, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 30, the hole 51c faces in a direction slightly tilted inward in the left-right direction (i.e., to the right) with the upward direction of the game controller 1 as the reference. Therefore, the screwing work can be performed along the above direction, making the screwing work easy even when the hole 51c is located so as to overlap with the housing 2.

[0182] In this embodiment, the first frame 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2 at one location on each of the left and right side surfaces, but may be fixed at multiple locations on one side surface.

[0183] 29, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the rear surface of the housing 2 in addition to the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing 2. Specifically, the first frame 51 and the housing 2 are fastened together by threading a screw into a hole provided in the inner wall of the rear surface of the housing 2 and passing through a hole that penetrates the first frame 51 from the front to the rear surface. This allows the first frame 51 to be fixed to the housing 2 more firmly.

[0184] In other embodiments, the first frame 51 may be fixed to any position on the housing 2. For example, in other embodiments, the first frame 51 may be fixed to the rear surface of the housing 2 but not to the side surface of the housing 2, or may be fixed to the side surface of the housing 2 but not to the rear surface of the housing 2.

[0185] After the first frame 51 is attached to the housing 2, the top cover 4 and other components are attached to the first frame 51. Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the top cover 4 and other components are attached to the first frame 51. In this embodiment, the opening 2a also extends to the top surface of the housing 2, which makes it easier to attach components to the upper side of the first frame 51, as shown in Fig. 32.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 32, an R button 31 and an L button 32 are attached to the first frame 51. The R button 31 is provided above an R button rubber 61, and the L button 32 is provided above an L button rubber 62. In this embodiment, the R button 31 is attached to the first frame 51 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 31b provided on the left side of the operation surface 31a and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The L button 32 is attached to the first frame 51 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 32b provided on the right side of the operation surface 32a and extending in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the buttons 31 and 32 are provided so that the operation surface can move in the up-and-down direction (more accurately, can rotate about the shaft).

[0187] In this embodiment, the axes 31b-34b of each of the buttons 31-34 are provided at positions that overlap with the top cover 4 in the vertical direction (i.e., positions that are hidden by the top cover 4 when the game controller 1 is viewed from above). Specifically, the axes 32b-32b of each of the buttons 31 and 32 are provided below the center portion 4a of the top cover 4. The axis 33b of the ZR button 33 is provided below the right bridge portion 4b of the top cover 4, and the axis 34b of the ZL button 34 is provided below the left bridge portion 4c of the top cover 4. As described above, the entire operation surface of each of the buttons 31-34 can be moved downward. Therefore, the user can operate each of the buttons 31-34 by pressing any position on the operation surface, thereby improving the operability of each of the buttons 31-34.

[0188] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration around the rotation axis of the R button. In this embodiment, the shaft 31b of the R button 31 is inserted into a bearing portion 51e provided on the first frame 51, thereby rotatably attaching the R button 31 to the first frame 51. The bearing portion 51e has a shape that is open at the top when viewed from the front. Here, the top cover 4 has a protrusion 4h that protrudes downward on its underside. The top cover 4 is attached to the first frame 51 so that the protrusion 4h is inserted into the opening of the bearing portion 51e. Note that the top cover 4 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 33. This reduces the possibility that the shaft 31b of the R button 31 will come off the bearing portion 51e. Note that in this embodiment, the structure in which the L button 32 is attached to the first frame 51 is bilaterally symmetrical to the structure in which the R button 31 is attached to the first frame 51. When the top cover 4 is attached to the first frame 51, the protrusion of the top cover 4 is inserted into the bearing portion corresponding to the shaft 32b of the L button 32. This reduces the possibility that the shaft 31b of the L button 32 will come off the bearing portion.

[0189] Note that cushioning materials may be provided at appropriate positions between the top cover 4 and each of the buttons 31-34 to absorb the impact when the pressed operation surface hits the top cover 4 when returning to a normal state, or to reduce rattle noises caused by vibrations, which will be described later. For example, for the R button 31 and the L button 32, cushioning materials may be provided between the top cover 4 and the arm portion connecting the operation surface 31a or 32a to the shaft 31b or 32b. The cushioning materials may be attached to the top cover 4 or to each of the buttons 31-34.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 32, the button 36 and a key rubber 92 corresponding to the button 36 are provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The key rubber 92 is provided above a detection unit (e.g., a tactile switch) provided on the main body substrate 66. The button 36 is provided above the key rubber 92 in a position exposed through the hole 4d of the top cover 4. The key rubber 92 elastically deforms in response to pressing of the button 36 and comes into contact with the detection unit below. The detection unit detects that an operation has been performed on the button 36 by detecting that the key rubber 92 has pressed itself.

[0191] 32, a first lens 93, which is part of the first light-emitting unit 37, and a second lens 94, which is part of the second light-emitting unit 38, are provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The first lens 93 is provided in a position exposed through the hole 4e of the top cover 4. The LED of the first light-emitting unit 37 is provided on the main body substrate 66 below the first lens 93. As a result, when the LED of the first light-emitting unit 37 emits light, light from the LED passes through the first lens 93 and the hole 4e and is emitted to the outside of the game controller 1.

[0192] In this embodiment, the second lens 94 is configured as four integrated lenses, and is provided in a position where the top surfaces of the four lenses are exposed through the four holes 4f of the top cover 4. The second lens 94 is attached to the top surface of the first frame 51. Each of the four lenses of the second lens 94 has an incident surface facing rearward on its lower portion, and the four LEDs of the second light-emitting unit 38 are provided on the main body substrate 66 in positions near each of the incident surfaces. As a result, when the LEDs of the second light-emitting unit 38 emit light, light from the LEDs is emitted to the outside of the game controller 1 through the second lens 94 and the lens and hole 4f that correspond to that LED.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 32, the above-mentioned top cover 4 is provided on the upper side of the first frame 51. The top cover 4 is fixed to the first frame 51 by screws. The top cover 4 is attached to the first frame 51 with the above-mentioned button 36, key rubber 92, and first lens 93 temporarily fixed to the top cover 4. This fixes the button 36, key rubber 92, and first lens 93 between the first frame 51 and the top cover 4. Although not shown in FIG. 32, the above-mentioned connector 35 is attached to the main body circuit board 66 so as to be exposed from the hole 4g ​​of the top cover 4.

[0194] Next, we will explain the second frame attached to the first frame 51. The second frame is a component that holds buttons 11-19, cross key 21, and key rubbers (key rubbers 72-78 shown in FIG. 34) provided on the front side of the first frame 51. FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second frame and the components held by the second frame.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 34 , the second frame 71 has a shape in which its vertical and horizontal lengths are longer than its thickness in the front-to-rear direction. Holes are formed in the second frame 71 at positions corresponding to the positions of the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 on the front of the game controller 1. Each of the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 has a protrusion including an operation surface and a flange. Each of the protrusions extends in the front-to-rear direction and is provided so as to pass through the hole in the second frame 71. The flange extends in the vertical and horizontal directions from the rear end of the protrusion. The flange is provided in an annular shape around the entire periphery of the protrusion (however, a notch for positioning relative to the second frame 71 may be provided in part of the annular shape). Each of the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 is provided in a position where its operation surface protrudes from the hole in the second frame 71 toward the front side. As a result, each button 11-19 and cross key 21 is provided to be movable in the front-to-rear direction while being positioned in the up-down and front-to-rear directions by the second frame 71. In this embodiment, for each button 11-14, silent rubber 79 is provided between the flange portion of each button 11-14 and the second frame 71 to absorb the impact when each button 11-14 comes into contact with the second frame 71.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 34 , key rubbers 72-78 corresponding to the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21, which are key tops, are provided behind the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21, respectively. The four-button rubber 72 is a key rubber corresponding to the four buttons 11-14. The four-button rubber 72 has a contact portion provided behind each button 11-14 and a flange portion extending vertically and horizontally from the rear end of each contact portion. Each contact portion of the four-button rubber 72 contacts the back side of the operation surface of each button 11-14, thereby biasing each button 11-14 forward. Furthermore, each key rubber 73-77 corresponding to each button 15-19 has a contact portion provided behind the corresponding button, a flange portion extending vertically and horizontally from the rear end of the contact portion, and a wall portion extending forward from the outer periphery of each flange portion. Each of the key rubbers 73-77 corresponding to each of the buttons 15-19 biases the corresponding button forward by contacting the back of the corresponding button's operating surface with its contact portion. The cross key rubber 78 corresponding to the cross key 21 has contact portions provided at the rear of each of the four operating surfaces of the cross key 21, at the top, bottom, left, and right, and flange portions extending in the up-down and left-right directions from the rear end of each protrusion. Each contact portion of the cross key rubber 78 biases the cross key 21 (specifically, the four operating surfaces) forward by contacting the back of the four operating surfaces of the cross key 21. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the rear surface (also referred to as the back surface) of the second frame 71 is provided with a protrusion surrounded by the wall of each of the key rubbers 72-78. The key rubbers 72-78 are positioned in the up-down and left-right directions relative to the second frame 71 by fitting the protrusion into the wall.

[0197] The second frame 71 is attached to the first frame 51 after the top cover 4 is attached to the first frame 51 (see FIG. 32). FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the second frame 71 is attached to the first frame 51. As illustrated in FIG. 35, the second frame 71 is attached to the first frame 51 after the components illustrated in FIG. 34 have been temporarily fixed. Holes are provided in the second frame 71 at positions corresponding to the analog sticks 22 and 23 attached to the first frame 51. The second frame 71 is attached to the first frame 51 so that the analog sticks 22 and 23 pass through these holes. The second frame 71 is fixed to the first frame 51, for example, by screws. The key rubbers 72-78 are fixed to the first frame 51 and the second frame 71 by being sandwiched between them. In this embodiment, an opening 2a is provided in the front of the housing 2, which allows for easy screwing and other operations from the front, facilitating the installation of the second frame 71.

[0198] As described above, on the membrane sheet 52 attached to the front of the first frame 51, the detectors 54a-54j are provided at positions corresponding to the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 provided on the front of the game controller 1 (i.e., positions behind the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21) (see FIG. 16). Therefore, when the buttons 11-19 and the cross key 21 are pressed, the corresponding key rubbers elastically deform and contact or press the rear detectors 54a-54j. The detectors 54a-54j detect that the corresponding buttons have been operated by detecting the contact or press of the key rubbers. Note that each key rubber biases the corresponding key top (i.e., each button 11-19 and the cross key 21) in the forward direction, and when the key top is not pressed, the key rubbers are in a steady state where they are not elastically deformed.

[0199] As described above, the front cover 3 is inclined so that it extends rearward as it moves outward in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the buttons and cross key provided on the front cover 3 have the following configuration.

[0200] First, the operation surface of button 11 is positioned behind the operation surfaces of the other three buttons 12 to 14. This positions the operation surfaces of the four buttons 11 to 14 in accordance with the inclination of front cover 3, making these buttons 11 to 14 easier to operate.

[0201] If the surfaces on which the detectors 54a-54d corresponding to the four buttons 11-14 are provided were flush, the distance from the operating surface of button 11 to detector 54a would be shorter than the distances for the other three buttons 12-14 because the operating surface of button 11 would be positioned further back than the operating surfaces of buttons 12-14 in accordance with the inclination of front cover 3. In this case, the operating feel of button 11 would be different from that of the other three buttons 12-14, and the operating feel of the four buttons 11-14 might be different.

[0202] Therefore, in this embodiment, first frame 51 is formed so that surface 51f corresponding to button 11 (i.e., surface on which detection unit 54a corresponding to button 11 is provided) is located behind surfaces 51g corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see FIG. 35). This reduces the difference in the distance from each button 11-14 to each detection unit 54a-54d, and prevents differences in the operational feel of buttons 11-14.

[0203] In this embodiment, since surface 51f is located further rearward than surface 51g, the four-button rubber 72 is also shaped so that the flange portion corresponding to button 11 is located further rearward than the flange portions corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see FIG. 34). Also, in this embodiment, the key rubber corresponding to button 11 (i.e., the abutment portion and flange portion corresponding to button 11) is integrated with the key rubbers corresponding to the other three buttons 12-14 (see FIG. 34). If these two key rubbers were separate, there would be a possibility that the key rubber corresponding to button 11 would rotate around the abutment portion, but by integrating the two in this embodiment, this possibility is reduced.

[0204] The cross key 21 is provided on a surface of the front cover 3 that slopes downward and extends rearward. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the game controller 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and passing through the position of the cross key. Note that components not relevant to the explanation (such as the second frame) are not shown in Figure 36.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 36, in this embodiment, the cross key 21 is provided so that its operation surface (see the dashed line in FIG. 36) is inclined to match the inclination of the front cover 3. Specifically, the cross key 21 is provided so as to be inclined downward from the front direction. This improves the operability of the cross key 21. The operation surface of the cross key 21 may be oriented downward relative to the direction in which the operation surfaces of the buttons 11-18 (which are buttons arranged above the cross key 21) are oriented.

[0206] If the portion 51h of the first frame 51 where the detection units 54j corresponding to the cross key 21 are provided were made perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1, the difference between the distance from the lower operation surface of the cross key 21 to the detection units 54j and the distance from the upper operation surface to the detection units 54j would become larger. In this case, the feeling of pressing the lower operation surface of the cross key 21 would be different from the feeling of pressing the upper operation surface, which could result in a deterioration in the operability of the cross key 21.

[0207] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first frame 51 is formed so that a portion 51h corresponding to the cross key 21 (i.e., a surface on which a detection unit 54j corresponding to the cross key 21 is provided) is inclined downward from the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1 (see FIG. 36). In other words, the normal direction of the surface 51h corresponding to the cross key 21 faces downward from the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1. In addition, the rubber surface of the key rubber 78 corresponding to the cross key 21 (see the dashed line in FIG. 36) also faces downward from the front-to-rear direction of the game controller 1. The surface 51h faces downward from the surface on which the detection units 54a-54h of the buttons 11-18 are provided. Note that the surface 51h, the rubber surface of the key rubber 78, and the operation surface of the cross key 21 (see the dashed line in FIG. 36) may be arranged parallel to one another.

[0208] As described above, in this embodiment, the distances to the detection unit 54j can be made equal or the difference in distance can be reduced for the four operation surfaces of the cross key 21. This makes it possible to make the feel when pressing the four operation surfaces of the cross key 21 more uniform, improving the operability of the cross key 21.

[0209] In this embodiment, the detection units 54a-54j are arranged on the first frame 51 using a membrane sheet 52, which makes it easy to arrange the detection units on surfaces that are positioned differently in the front-to-back direction as described above, or on an inclined surface.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 35, the second frame 71 has protrusions 71a and 71b extending rearward from the rear surface. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the protrusions of the second frame and the shafts of the ZR button and the ZL button. In FIG. 37, only the second frame 71, the ZR button 33, and the ZL button 34 are shown to clearly illustrate this positional relationship. In this embodiment, the shaft 33b of the ZR button 33 is configured as a separate body from the key top portion including the operating surface 33a of the ZR button 33. The ZR button 33 is attached to the first frame 51 by inserting the shaft 33b into the hole in the key top portion and then inserting the shaft 33b into a bearing portion provided on the right side of the first frame 51. At this time, the shaft 33b is inserted into the bearing portion of the first frame 51 so as to move from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction (i.e., to the right), and its outer end abuts against the first frame 51 to prevent it from moving outward beyond a certain point. Here, the protrusion 71a extending rearward from the right region of the back surface of the second frame 71 is provided so as to extend to the left of the shaft 33b. Specifically, the protrusion 71a is provided so as to be located to the left of the inner end of the shaft 33b. In other words, by attaching the ZR button 33 to the first frame 51 and then attaching the second frame 71 to the first frame 51, it is possible to prevent the shaft 33b inserted into the hole in the key top portion from moving inward (i.e., leftward) and coming out of the bearing portion. The bearing portion provided on the left side of the first frame 51, the protrusion 71b extending rearward from the left region of the back surface of the second frame 71, and the ZL button 34 are configured symmetrically with the bearing portion, the protrusion 71a, and the ZR button 33 provided on the right side of the first frame 51, respectively. Therefore, the protrusion 71b extending rearward from the left region of the back surface of the second frame 71 is provided so as to extend to the side of the shaft 34b of the ZL button 34 attached to the first frame 51. This makes it possible to prevent the shaft 34b from slipping out of the bearing portion of the first frame 51.

[0211] In this embodiment, the second frame 71 attached to the first frame 51 is also fixed to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the second frame 71 is fixed to the housing 2 using locking parts, which are an example of fixing members. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller before the locking parts are attached. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller after the locking parts are attached.

[0212] 38, the game controller 1 includes a right lock part 95 and a left lock part 96. The right lock part 95 is provided on the front side of the opening 2a, straddling the right edge, and secures the right side of the second frame 71 to the right side of the housing 2. The left lock part 96 is provided on the front side of the opening 2a, straddling the left edge, and secures the left side of the second frame 71 to the left side of the housing 2.

[0213] The right locking part 95 has a second frame facing portion 95a and a housing facing portion 95b. The second frame facing portion 95a is a portion that faces the second frame 71 when the right locking part 95 is attached. The housing facing portion 95b is a portion that faces the housing 2 when the right locking part 95 is attached. The housing facing portion 95b is located rearward of the second frame facing portion 95a. Specifically, the front surface of the second frame facing portion 95a is located closer to the front of the game controller 1 than the front surface of the housing facing portion 95b. The second frame facing portion 95a has holes through which screws pass to fasten the second frame 71 and the right locking part 95. In other words, the second frame facing portion 95a has fastening portions that are fastened to the second frame 71 via fastening members. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned holes are located near both longitudinal ends of the second frame facing portion 95a. The housing facing portion 95b is also provided with holes for engaging with the protrusions 2j of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the housing facing portion 95b has the above-mentioned holes near both ends in the longitudinal direction. The two protrusions 2j are provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 at positions corresponding to the holes in the housing facing portion 95b. Each protrusion 2j is provided near the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2. The left locking part 96 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the right locking part 95, and has a second frame facing portion 96a and a housing facing portion 96b similar to those of the right locking part 95. The inner wall of the housing 2 is also provided with two protrusions 2k at positions that are bilaterally symmetrical to the two protrusions 2j.

[0214] When attaching the right locking part 95 to the housing 2 and the second frame 71, first, the right locking part 95 is inserted into the gap between the housing 2 and the second frame 71 at the edge of the opening 2a (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 38 ), and the hole of the inserted housing facing part 95b engages with the protrusion 2j of the housing 2 (see FIG. 39 ). At this time, as shown in FIG. 39 , the screw hole provided in the second frame 71 and the hole in the second frame facing part 95a are aligned in a front view. In this state, the right locking part 95 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 by threading a screw into the screw hole of the second frame 71 so that the screw passes through the hole in the second frame facing part 95a. This fixes the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to each other by the right locking part 95. Furthermore, because the opening 2a is provided on the front side of the controller, it is easy to screw the holes in the second frame facing part 95a and the second frame 71.

[0215] The left locking part 96 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 in the same manner as the right locking part 95. That is, the left locking part 96 is fixed to the housing 2 and the second frame 71 by threading a screw into a screw hole of the second frame 71 that passes through the hole of the second frame facing part 96a, with the hole of the housing facing part 96b engaging with the protrusion 2k of the housing 2.

[0216] As described above, in this embodiment, the locking parts 95 and 96 are provided across the edge of the front side of the opening 2a of the housing 2 and secure the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to each other. This allows the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to be secured together at the edge of the opening 2a. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 2 has the opening 2a extending from the front to the top. Therefore, when force is applied to the housing 2, the housing 2 may be deformed near the opening 2a. In this regard, securing the housing 2 and the second frame 71 to the edge of the opening 2a with the locking parts 95 and 96 as described above can prevent deformation of the housing 2. Note that in other embodiments, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 may be secured together directly without using locking parts. For example, the housing 2 and the second frame 71 may be directly fastened together with screws.

[0217] Each of the locking parts 95 and 96 has a portion (i.e., the housing-facing portions 95b and 96b) with holes into which the protrusions 2j and 2k protruding from the inner wall of the housing 2 are inserted, and a portion (i.e., the second-frame-facing portions 95a and 96a) that is fastened to the second frame 71 via a fastening member. This eliminates the need for protrusions or holes on the surface of the housing 2 to fasten the housing 2 to the second frame 71 with the locking parts 95 and 96, thereby preventing the housing 2 from becoming uncomfortable to hold due to the protrusions or holes. Furthermore, fastening the locking parts 95 and 96 to the housing 2 by engagement facilitates the assembly of the game controller 1. Fastening the locking parts 95 and 96 to the second frame 71 by fastening them together securely secures them together. The method for fastening the locking parts 95 and 96 to the housing 2 and the method for fastening the locking parts 95 and 96 to the second frame 71 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the lock parts 95 and 96 and the housing 2 may be fixed by fastening, or the lock parts 95 and 96 and the second frame 71 may be fixed by engagement.

[0218] In other embodiments, the number of holes provided in the second frame facing portions 95a and 96a and the housing facing portions 95b and 96b of each locking part 95 and 96 is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

[0219] In this embodiment, the locking parts 95 and 96 are provided across the front right edge 2c and the front left edge 2d, which extend upward from the end of the lower edge 2b, which extends in the left-right direction on the front side, of the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 (see FIG. 39). From another perspective, the locking parts 95 and 96 are provided above the grips 5 and 6, respectively. Here, the above-mentioned parts 2c and 2d (or positions above the grips 5 and 6) are parts of the housing 2 that are likely to deform when force is applied to the grips 5 and 6. In this embodiment, providing the locking parts 95 and 96 at the above-mentioned parts 2c and 2d, respectively, makes it possible to effectively prevent the above-mentioned deformation from occurring.

[0220] The locking parts may be provided at any position. For example, in this embodiment, the locking parts 95 and 96 are provided below the vertical center of the front right edge 2c and the front left edge 2d, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the locking parts may be provided above the vertical center of the front right edge 2c and the front left edge 2d. Also, for example, the locking parts may be provided at the lower edge 2b of the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 39 , in this embodiment, the right lock part 95 is provided at a position overlapping with buttons 11 and 12 in the left-right direction. The right lock part 95 is provided at a position overlapping with button 12 in the up-down direction. The right lock part 95 is provided at a position overlapping with button 19 in the up-down direction. The left lock part 96 is provided below the lower end of the left analog stick 23. The left lock part 96 is provided below the lower end of the hole through which the left analog stick 23 passes. The left lock part 96 is provided to the left of the lower key portion of the cross key 21. The left lock part 96 is provided at a position overlapping with the cross key 21 (more specifically, the left key portion of the cross key 21) in the left-right direction. By arranging the lock parts 95 and 96 as described above, the lock parts 95 and 96 can be arranged in the limited space in the second frame 71, and the second frame 71 and the housing 2 can be fixed together.

[0222] In this embodiment, each of the locking parts 95 and 96 has a shape including a second frame-facing portion and a housing-facing portion (i.e., the portion facing the second frame 71 is located on the front side, and the portion facing the housing 2 is located on the rear side). The front surface of the second frame 71 has a recessed shape in the area where the second frame-facing portion is provided (see FIG. 38 ). This shortens the distance in the front-to-rear direction from the front surface of the second frame 71 (excluding the area where the second frame-facing portion is provided) to the front surface of the housing 2, thereby reducing the thickness of the game controller 1. Furthermore, the formation of the above-described area at the end of the second frame 71 creates a gap between the second frame 71 and the housing 2. The housing-facing portion of the locking part can be inserted into the housing 2 through this gap (see the arrow in FIG. 38 ), making it easy to attach the locking part. In other embodiments, the shape of the locking part is arbitrary, and it may be flat, for example.

[0223] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the method of fixing the housing 2 to the second frame 71 using locking parts, a method of fixing the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2 to the first frame 51 (see FIGS. 30 and 31) is used. This makes it possible to effectively suppress deformation of the housing 2. That is, in this embodiment, by using the above two types of fixing methods, it is possible to effectively suppress deformation of the housing 2 without increasing the area on the edge of the opening 2a of the housing 2 where locking parts are provided. Therefore, it is possible to suppress restrictions on the arrangement of each input unit, screw holes, and the like in the second frame 71 due to the arrangement of the locking parts.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position where the inner wall of the side surface of the housing 2 and the first frame 51 are fixed (i.e., the position of the screw 91 shown in FIGS. 30 and 31) is above the lock part 95 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress deformation of the housing 2. Note that in other embodiments, only one of the above two methods may be used. Deformation of the housing 2 can be suppressed by only one of the above two methods.

[0225] After the second frame 71 is attached inside the housing 2, the front cover 3 is attached to the housing 2. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of how the front cover 3 is attached to the housing 2. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71 inside the housing 2. For example, the front of the second frame 71 and the back of the front cover 3 are fixed by adhesive. The front cover 3 has holes formed in positions corresponding to the input units (i.e., buttons 11-19, cross key 21, and analog sticks 22 and 23) arranged on the front of the game controller 1. The front cover 3 is attached to the housing 2 so that the input units pass through the corresponding holes. As a result, the input units are provided in a state where they protrude from the front of the front cover 3.

[0226] As described above, in this embodiment, the front cover 3 is provided to cover the front of the second frame 71, which is provided on the front side of the first frame 51. By covering the front of the second frame with the cover, the second frame can be protected. Note that in other embodiments, the game controller 1 does not need to be provided with the second frame 71 and the front cover 3 separately, and may be configured to include only the second frame 71. In this case, the second frame 71 may have the function of closing at least a portion of the opening 2a (that is, the second frame 71 may have the function of the front cover 3).

[0227] When the front cover 3 is not attached, the fixing members (specifically, screws) for fixing the second frame 71 to the first frame 51 are exposed on the front of the second frame 71. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is arranged to cover the fixing members. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user's hands holding the game controller 1 do not come into contact with the fixing members, which improves the usability and comfort of the game controller 1.

[0228] Furthermore, the front cover 3 is provided to cover the above-mentioned lock parts 95 and 96. Therefore, the user's hands holding the game controller 1 do not come into contact with the lock parts 95 and 96, improving the usability and comfort of holding the game controller 1. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the housing 2 through gaps between the lock parts 95 and 96 and the housing 2 or the second frame 71.

[0229] It should be noted that the front cover 3 does not need to cover the entire second frame 71. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 may be shaped so as not to cover the positions of the fixing members for fixing the second frame 71 to the first frame 51, or so as not to cover the positions of the locking parts 95 and 96.

[0230] In this embodiment, the front cover 3 is fixed to the housing 2 in addition to being fixed to the second frame 71. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 39, in this embodiment, the front cover 3 has first engagement portions 3a and 3b on the outer edge of its rear surface. In this embodiment, the front cover 3 has the first engagement portion 3a in its upper right portion and the first engagement portion 3b in its upper left portion. The first engagement portions 3a and 3b are, for example, claw-shaped members that protrude toward the rear surface. The housing 2 also has second engagement portions that engage with the first engagement portion 3a or 3b at positions that engage with the first engagement portion 3a or 3b when the front cover 3 is fixed to the second frame 71. The second engagement portions are, for example, portions of the housing 2 that have recesses formed therein that engage with the claw-shaped first engagement portions 3a and 3b of the front cover 3. As described above, the front cover 3 is fixed to the housing 2 by the first engagement portions 3a and 3b engaging with the second engagement portions of the housing 2. As described above, the front cover 3 can be attached without using fastening members such as screws, eliminating the need to provide unevenness on the surface of the game controller 1 due to screws or screw holes for fastening the front cover 3 to the housing 2. Therefore, these unevennesses do not come into contact with the user's hands when holding the game controller 1, improving the usability and comfort of the game controller 1. In this manner, the front cover 3 is attached directly or indirectly to the housing 2. In other words, the front cover 3 is not detachable from the housing 2. Note that "detachable" means that the front cover 3 is designed to be attached and detached multiple times by the user. For example, "detachable" means that the front cover 3 can be attached and detached without using tools or applying a significant amount of force. Note that the front cover 3 may be detachable.

[0231] In this embodiment, the first engagement portions 3a and 3b are provided at positions different from the locking parts 95 and 96. Specifically, the locking parts 95 and 96 are provided below the vertical center of the front right edge 2c or the front left edge 2d of the housing 2, and the first engagement portions 3a and 3b are provided above the vertical center of the front right edge 2c or the front left edge 2d. This allows the edge of the opening 2a to be fixed at multiple points, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the housing 2.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 40 , in this embodiment, the housing 2 has a protrusion 2m near the edge of the opening 2a that extends inward of the opening 2a when the housing 2 is viewed from the front. The protrusion 2m protrudes from a position on the edge of the opening 2a that is closer to the rear side of the housing 2 than the front side of the housing 2, extending inward of the opening 2a. The front cover 3 may be fixed to the housing 2 by being fixed to the protrusion 2m. For example, the rear side of the front cover 3 may be bonded to the front side of the protrusion 2m. This allows the front cover 3 and the housing 2 to be firmly fixed together and reduces the risk of a gap occurring between the housing 2 and the front cover 3. Note that the distance in the front-to-rear direction from the front side of the housing 2 at the edge of the opening 2a to the front side of the protrusion 2m may be set to the same as the thickness of the front cover 3. This allows the front sides of the housing 2 and the front cover 3 to be flush with each other, improving the comfort of holding the game controller 1.

[0233] The positions and number of protrusions 2m are arbitrary, and they may be provided on at least a portion of the lower edge 2b, the front right edge 2c, and the front left edge 2d of the opening 2a, or on all of the above portions 2b-2d. Also, the housing 2 does not necessarily have to have protrusions 2m.

[0234] In other embodiments, the front cover 3 may be fixed to only one of the second frame 71 and the housing 2. The method for fixing the front cover 3 to the second frame 71 and the method for fixing the front cover 3 to the housing 2 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the front cover 3 and the second frame 71 may be fastened together with screws. Furthermore, for example, the front cover 3 and the housing 2 may be fastened together with screws.

[0235] In one aspect, the above embodiment discloses a game controller having the following configuration. At least one user-operable control accessible from the front of the game controller. ·body. · Primary and secondary grip buttons. The body has a seamless rear portion, a first grip portion extending from the left side of the body and surrounding the interior space, and a second grip portion extending from the right side of the body and surrounding the interior space. The first grip button is provided on the first grip portion, and the second grip button is provided on the second grip portion. A first groove is formed at the transition from the rear of the body to the rear of the first grip portion, and the first groove has a bottom that follows a curved path from the underside of the rear of the body near the central axis of the game controller toward the left side of the game controller. A second groove is formed at the transition from the rear of the body to the rear of the second grip portion, and the second groove has a bottom that follows a curved path from the underside of the rear of the body near the central axis of the game controller toward the right side of the game controller. The first grip button is located closer to the bottom of the first groove than the end of the first grip portion. The second grip button is located closer to the bottom of the second groove than the end of the second grip portion. The side of the first grip button on the bottom side of the first groove is curved in the same way as the bottom of the first groove. The side of the second grip button on the bottom side of the second groove is curved in the same manner as the bottom of the second groove.

[0236] In one aspect, the above embodiment discloses a game controller having the following configuration. Faceplate. ·Top lid. ·body. The body includes a rear portion, a first grip portion formed to surround the interior space, and a second grip portion formed to surround the interior space. The first grip portion and the second grip portion extend from opposite sides of the rear portion, and the rear portion, the first grip portion, and the second grip portion are seamlessly formed. A first valley is formed at the transition from the rear of the body to the rear of the first grip portion. The first valley has a first valley bottom that extends at least partially upward in the up-down direction and at least partially leftward in the left-right direction. A second valley is formed at the transition from the rear of the body to the rear of the second grip portion. The second valley has a second valley bottom that extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction and at least partially rightward in the left-right direction. The game controller is provided with an operation unit located on the front side thereof and including at least one of a button and a direction input unit operable by a user.

[0237] [Configuration of modified example] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and individual components may be omitted or replaced as appropriate. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a housing, a grip button, and a holder in the grip are disclosed as one component, but the controller does not need to include all of these components, and individual structures may be changed.

[0238] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a housing included in a game controller according to a modified example of the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 41, in another embodiment, instead of a configuration in which an opening is provided from the front to the top, housing 110 may be configured so that opening 110a is provided on the front and opening 110b is provided on the top, separately. In other words, housing 110 may be configured with edge 110c separating upper opening 110b from lower opening 110a, so that opening 110a is provided on the front and opening 110b is provided on the top, separately. Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent a boundary from appearing on the side of the controller.

[0239] The controller may include a cover for covering the opening on the back, side, or grip. Alternatively, the controller may not include a cover.

[0240] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller according to a modified example of the above embodiment. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the game controller as viewed from the back. As shown in FIG. 42, the game controller includes additional grip buttons 111 and 112 on each of the grips 5 and 6 in addition to the above-described grip buttons 41 and 42. In this manner, the game controller 1 may be configured to include multiple grip buttons on one grip. In this case, at least one grip button may be provided along the bottom of the grip (the dotted line shown in FIG. 42), but not all grip buttons may be provided along the bottom. For example, each of the grip buttons 41, 42, 111, and 112 may be provided such that the edge of the operation surface closest to the bottom of the grip is aligned with the bottom of the grip. Note that the operation surface of the grip button 41 or 42 located on the upper side of each of the grips 5 or 6 is wider than the operation surface of the grip button 111 or 112 located on the lower side, but the area of ​​each operation surface is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the operating surface of grip button 111 or 112 may be larger than the operating surface of grip button 41 or 42.

[0241] In the configuration shown in Fig. 42, one grip may have one grip unit holder. That is, two detectors corresponding to two grip buttons provided on one grip may be held by one holder. The two detectors may be provided on one substrate, or may be provided on different substrates, with each substrate held by one holder. In another embodiment, one grip holder may be provided for one grip button.

[0242] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of a game controller in a modified example of the above embodiment. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the game controller as viewed from the back. The game controller may be provided with a right grip button 121 and a left grip button 122 shown in FIG. 43 instead of the above-described grip buttons 41 and 42. Each of the grip buttons 121 and 122 has a shape in which the length in the direction in which the grip 5 or 6 extends is longer than that of the above-described grip buttons 41 and 42. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 43, as in the above-described embodiment, each of the grip buttons 121 and 122 is provided along the bottom (dotted line shown in FIG. 43). As shown in FIG. 43, by providing grip buttons that extend long in the direction in which the grip extends, the number of locations where the grip buttons can be operated can be increased.

[0243] In the configuration shown in FIG. 43, the game controller may have multiple (e.g., two) detection units per grip button. Specifically, the game controller may have a first key rubber and a first detection unit on the back side of the upper portion of the operation surface of the grip button, and a second key rubber and a second detection unit on the back side of the lower portion of the operation surface. In this case, the first key rubber elastically deforms in response to a user pressing the upper portion of the operation surface and contacts the first detection unit on the back side. The first detection unit detects the operation performed on the upper portion of the operation surface by detecting the contact of the first key rubber. In addition, the second key rubber elastically deforms in response to a user pressing the lower portion of the operation surface and contacts the second detection unit on the back side. The second detection unit detects the operation performed on the lower portion of the operation surface by detecting the contact of the second key rubber. As described above, each of the grip buttons 121 and 122 may have an operation surface corresponding to two types of operation input.

[0244] The controller may also include an optional detector (specifically, a component within the housing) for detecting operations on the grip buttons. For example, the controller may not include a grip board, and detectors corresponding to the grip buttons may be provided on the main body board.

[0245] The controller may have a housing of any shape having a grip. For example, the controller may have a single-piece housing with steps or grooves on the grip and / or the side of the controller that the user can feel. The controller may also have a housing formed by combining multiple housings. For example, the controller may have a housing formed by combining a front housing and a rear housing. The controller may also have a grip cover that covers the grip portion of the combined housing. The controller may also have a housing formed by combining a housing that forms the main body and a housing that forms the grip. The controller may also have a housing formed by combining a housing that forms the main body and part of the grip with a housing that forms the remaining part of the grip.

[0246] The controller may have a button at any position on the back surface of the controller. For example, the operating surface of the grip button may not be aligned with the valley bottom. For example, the operating surface of the grip button may have a convex corner facing the valley bottom. For example, the button may be provided on the back surface of the main body. For example, the button may be provided from the back surface of the main body to the back surface of the grip.

[0247] The controller may have any number of grips, and the holder in the above embodiment may be provided inside at least one of the grips.

[0248] The controller may be shaped so that it can be held and operated with one hand. For example, the controller may be a left controller as shown in FIG. 1, with the left side of the center being the overall shape and held in the left hand, or a right controller with the right side of the center being the overall shape and held in the right hand, or a set of the left and right controllers. At least one of the right side of the left controller or the left side of the right controller may be provided with an attachment structure, which allows the left controller or the right controller to be attached to or detached from a game device or peripheral device, or from each other, using the attachment structure. The attachment structure is not limited and may be at least one of an engagement structure, a locking structure, a press-fit structure, and a magnetic attraction structure. At least one of the left controller or the right controller may have a grip button. For example, at least one of the position or shape of the grip button on the left controller may conform to the position or shape of the left grip button on the controller in this embodiment. At least one of the position or shape of the grip button on the right controller may conform to the position or shape of the right grip button on the controller in this embodiment. As an example of the position of the grip button on the left controller, the left controller may have a grip on its back surface that protrudes at least partially downward and at least partially toward the back so as to at least partially form a valley with the main body, the valley bottom extending upward toward the left side, and the grip button may be located on the grip along and spaced apart from the valley bottom. The same applies to the right controller. Note that the shapes of the left controller and right controller are not limited. Furthermore, the shapes and number of housings for the left controller and right controller are not limited.

[0249] The methods for fixing the various members are merely examples. The fastening members in the above embodiments are also merely examples. The fastening members may be, for example, screws, rivets, bolts, clips, pins, hooks, or the like.

[0250] The game controller in the above embodiment may be one that can be used for a game application executed on any information processing device, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet device, etc. In other words, the game controller in the above embodiment may be one that allows a user to give instructions to any information processing device that executes a game application.

[0251] In the above embodiment, a game controller for issuing instructions to a game application has been described, but the game controller of the above embodiment can also be applied as a controller for issuing instructions to an application other than a game, for example.

[0252] The information processing system may not have some of the configurations in the above embodiments, or may not execute some of the processes executed in the above embodiments. For example, in order to achieve some of the specific effects in the above embodiments, the information processing system may have the configurations for achieving those effects and execute the processes for achieving those effects, but may not have other configurations or may not execute other processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0253] 1 game controller 2. Housing 3 Front lid 4 Top lid 5 Right Grip 6 Left Grip 8 Rear of the main unit 9 Main body 11-19 Button 21 Cross key 22 Right Analog Stick 23 Left Analog Stick 31 R button 32 L button 33 ZR button 34 ZL button 35 Connector 36 Sync button 37 First light-emitting part 38 Second light-emitting part 39 Audio terminal 41 Right Grip Button 42 Left Grip Button 51 First Frame 52 Membrane sheet 66 Main board 82 Part holder part 84 Grip PCB 86 Vibration motor holder part 87 Vibration Motor 95 Right lock part 96 Left lock part

Claims

1. a main body having an input unit disposed on the front; a first grip and a second grip that protrude downward from the left and right sides of the main body and are gripped by a user; a first button provided on the first grip; a second button provided on the second grip; provided in the first grip, a first holder; a first substrate fixed to the first holder and having a first detection unit that detects an input operation on the first button; a first vibration component fixed to the first holder; provided in the second grip, A second holder; a second substrate fixed to the second holder and having a second detection unit that detects an input operation on the second button; a second vibration component fixed to the second holder, Game controller.

2. a third substrate disposed within the main body and processing a signal from the first detection unit; a first connector provided with wiring connected to the first substrate and wiring connected to the first vibrating component; a second connector provided on the third substrate and electrically connected to the first connector; The game controller of claim 1 .

3. a cushion member is provided between the first substrate and the first vibration component; The game controller of claim 1 .

4. The game controller a key rubber provided between the first holder and the first detection unit, urging the first button toward the outside of the game controller, and deforming to come into contact with the first detection unit in response to pressing of the first button; The game controller of claim 1 .

5. the first holder is provided with a receiving surface on the first button side that comes into contact with an inside of the first button in response to the first button being pressed; The game controller of claim 1 .

6. the first button has an operation surface and a protrusion protruding from an opposite side of the operation surface, the first holder is located between the key rubber and the operation surface and has a portion provided with a hole; the protruding portion has a first protruding portion that is sized so as not to pass through the hole, and a second protruding portion that is provided at a tip end of the first protruding portion and passes through the hole, the key rubber is pressed by the second protruding portion in response to pressing of the operation surface, and is deformed; the first protruding portion comes into contact with the receiving surface after the key rubber is deformed by the second protruding portion in response to the operation surface being pressed; The game controller of claim 5 .

7. a hole is provided in the first holder between an operation surface of the first button provided on one side of the first holder and the first substrate provided on the other side of the first holder; the first button has a protrusion extending from the rear side of the operation surface and passing through the hole; the game controller has an elastic member that is deformed by being pressed by the protrusion in response to pressing of the first button and that comes into contact with the first detection unit; The game controller of claim 1 .

8. The first holder includes: a first holder portion to which the first substrate is fixed and which is fixed to an inner wall of the first grip; The first vibration component is fixed and has a second holder portion fixed to the first holder portion. The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first holder portion has a guide portion that guides the second holder portion toward a fixed position with the first holder portion. The game controller of claim 8.

10. the game controller includes a single housing having the first grip and the second grip and an opening on at least a top surface of the game controller; The guide portion is configured to guide the second holder portion toward a tip end of the first grip relative to the first holder portion fixed to the inside of the first grip.

10. The game controller of claim 9.

11. the game controller includes a single housing having the first grip and the second grip and an opening on at least a top surface of the game controller; The first holder portion fixed to the inside of the first grip and the second holder portion are fixed by a fastening member facing toward the tip of the first grip. The game controller of claim 8.

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