Device

Abstract

To improve usability. [Solution] The device is a device on which a controller is detachably attached, the controller having a mounting part that protrudes from the side and is attached to a game device, and a button provided on the mounting part, and the device has a housing part, a flange, an operating part, and a pusher. The controller is housed in the housing part. The housing part is defined by an inner surface that includes at least a downward-facing top surface, an upward-facing bottom surface, and a forward-facing bottom surface, and opens to the front. The flange has an inner flange surface that extends downward from the top surface and faces the bottom surface, and covers at least a portion of the front of the mounting part of the controller housed in the housing part. The operating part is operated by the user. The pusher protrudes downward from the top surface when the operating part is operated and presses the button on the controller housed in the housing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-110680 (Patent Document 1) discloses an accessory device used together with a game controller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem of this disclosure is to improve the operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The apparatus of this disclosure is an apparatus to which a controller including a mounting portion protruding from a side surface and mounted on a game apparatus and a button provided on the mounting portion is detachably mounted, and includes a housing portion, a flange, an operation portion, and a pusher. The housing portion houses the controller. The housing portion is defined by an inner surface including at least an upper surface facing downward, a lower surface facing upward, and a bottom surface facing forward, and opens forward. The flange has a flange inner surface extending downward from the upper surface and facing the bottom surface, and covers at least a part of the front surface of the mounting portion of the controller housed in the housing portion. The operation portion is operated by a user. The pusher protrudes downward from the upper surface when the operation portion is operated, and presses a button of the controller housed in the housing portion.

[0006] The above apparatus may have a magnetic member that attracts a button by magnetic force. In the above-described device, the magnetic member may be provided above the buttons of the controller housed in the housing.

[0007] In the above-described apparatus, the pusher may have a magnetic member. In the above-described apparatus, the magnetic member may be provided at least on one side of the center of the button on the controller mounted on the apparatus, with respect to the left-right direction. The pusher may press on the other side of the center of the button.

[0008] In the above-described apparatus, the pusher may have a magnetic member. The pusher may rotate with respect to an axis located on one side of the magnetic member in the left-right direction.

[0009] In the above-described device, the magnetic member may be provided from one side to the other of the center of the button in the left-right direction.

[0010] In the above-described apparatus, the magnetic member is provided in a manner that prevents movement relative to the housing portion, at least on one side of the center of the controller button attached to the apparatus, with respect to the left-right direction, but may not be provided on the other side.

[0011] In the above-described apparatus, the bottom surface may have a first elastic deformable body. In the above-described apparatus, the first elastic deformable body may be located below the center in the vertical direction on the bottom surface that is exposed when the apparatus is viewed from the front.

[0012] In the above-described apparatus, the lower surface may have a second elastic deformable body. The upper surface does not need to have an elastic deformable body.

[0013] In the above-described device, the length of the flange in the left-right direction may be shorter than the length of the opening facing forward of the housing in the left-right direction.

[0014] In the above-described device, the length of the flange in the left-right direction may be longer than the length of the mounting portion in the left-right direction, and shorter than the length of the controller in the left-right direction.

[0015] The above device may have a rim. The housing may be located on the inner diameter side of the rim. The operating part may be located behind the rim.

[0016] The above-described device may have a steering shape and include a front housing and a rear housing fixed behind the front housing. The front housing and the rear housing may form a rim. The device may also include a rim cover that covers the rim except for the upper end region of the outer edge of the rim.

[0017] In the above-described device, the region of the bottom surface facing the inner surface of the flange may have a curved shape that is convex upward and backward.

[0018] In the above-described apparatus, the distance between the area of ​​the bottom surface facing the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion may increase as it goes downwards.

[0019] In the above-described apparatus, the distance between the lower end of the region of the bottom surface facing the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion may be greater than the distance between the lower end of the inner surface of the flange and the mounting portion.

[0020] In the above-described device, the flange may have an inlet provided on the inner surface of the flange through which light irradiated from the mounting portion enters, and an outlet provided on the outer surface of the flange through which light that entered from the inlet exits. The outlet may be located above the inlet.

[0021] The device of the present disclosure is a device grasped by a user, and includes a mounting portion, a first movable portion, and a second movable portion. A controller having a first button is detachably mounted on the mounting portion. The first movable portion has a first surface extending in the left-right direction and pushed by the user from above, and a first pushing portion, and rotates around a first axis extending in a first direction including a left-right direction component when the first surface is pushed. The second movable portion has a second surface pushed by the first pushing portion when the first movable portion rotates, and a second pushing portion, and rotates around a second axis extending in a second direction closer to the front-rear direction than the first direction when the second surface is pushed. The second pushing portion is configured to push the first button of the controller mounted on the mounting portion when the second movable portion rotates.

[0022] In the above device, the first surface may be located behind the first axis. In the above device, the rear end of the second movable portion may be located on the front side of the rear end of the first movable portion.

[0023] In the above device, in the front-rear direction, the first pushing portion may be located between the first axis and the first surface.

[0024] In the above device, the first axis may be located in front of the front-rear direction center of the second movable portion.

[0025] In the above device, a magnet attracting the first button by magnetic force may be provided on the second movable portion.

[0026] The above device may be configured to be held by the user with both hands. The controller may have a second button. The device may include a third movable part and a fourth movable part. The third movable part has a third surface extending in the left-right direction and pressed from above by the user, and a third pressing part, and may rotate around a third axis extending in a third direction including a left-right component when the third surface is pressed. The fourth movable part has a fourth surface pressed by the third pressing part when the third movable part rotates, and a fourth pressing part, and may rotate around a fourth axis extending in a fourth direction closer to the front-back direction than the third direction when the fourth surface is pressed. The fourth pressing part may be configured to press the second button of a controller attached to the attachment part when the fourth movable part rotates. The first surface may be positioned so as to be covered from the right side by the user's right index finger, right middle finger, or right ring finger. The third surface may be positioned so as to be covered from the left side by the user's left index finger, left middle finger, or left ring finger.

[0027] In the above-described apparatus, the right end of the first axis may be located to the left of the right end of the first surface. The left end of the third axis may be located to the right of the left end of the third surface.

[0028] The above device may include a rim that is grasped by the user with both hands. The first and third surfaces may each be located behind the rim.

[0029] In the above-described apparatus, the first and second directions may be orthogonal when viewed in the vertical direction, and the third and fourth directions may be orthogonal.

[0030] The above-described device may include a housing that accommodates the first movable part such that the first surface is exposed, and a cushion provided between the inner surface of the housing and the upper surface of the first movable part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a first schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a second schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of an information equipment device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view showing the first controller and the second controller detached from the game device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of how to hold and operate an information processing device. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of how the controller is held and operated horizontally. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how the controller is held and operated vertically. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective view diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. [Figure 10] This is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first controller. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective diagram showing the configuration of the first controller. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective schematic diagram including the convex part. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the line XIII-XIII in Figure 11. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first button is attracted to the magnetic element on the first game device side. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the controller attached to the game device. [Figure 16] This is a hexagonal schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second controller. [Figure 17] This is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the first controller installed in the device. [Figure 19] This is a schematic perspective view showing the user holding the device. [Figure 20]This is a first exploded perspective schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a second exploded perspective schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a third exploded perspective schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a fourth exploded perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVI-XXVI. [Figure 27] Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVII-XXVII. [Figure 28] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first controller is attached to the device. [Figure 29] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first controller installed in the device. [Figure 30] This is a schematic front view showing the first controller installed in the device. [Figure 31] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first controller mounted on the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 32] This is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram of the first cross-section showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is not pressed. [Figure 34] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device in a state where the first surface is not pressed. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram of the first cross-section showing the configuration of the device when the first surface is pressed. [Figure 36] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device in a state where the first surface is pressed. [Figure 37]This is a schematic front view showing the second controller installed in the device. [Figure 38] This is a partially perspective schematic diagram showing the second controller mounted on the device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a schematic front view showing the second controller mounted on the device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Embodiments of this disclosure (also referred to as these embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0033] <Overview> First, an overview of an example of the apparatus according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a first schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a second schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 500 according to this embodiment includes a first movable part 510, a second movable part 520, a third movable part 530, a fourth movable part 540, and a housing 590. The second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 are examples of pushers that protrude downward when the first movable part 510 and the third movable part 530 are operated. The housing 590 is provided with a housing section 800. A controller is housed in the housing section 800.

[0035] <Information equipment> Next, we will describe the configuration of an example of an information equipment device having a first controller and a second controller. Figure 3 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of an information equipment device.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the information device 1000 includes a first controller 1, a second controller 2, and a game device 3. Hereafter, the first controller 1 or the second controller 2 will be collectively referred to simply as "controllers." Each of the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 is, for example, a game controller. The game device 3 is capable of performing game processing. Game processing is performed based on input to the controllers. The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 are detachable from the game device 3. In the mounting state shown in Figure 3, the first controller 1 is mounted on the right side of the game device 3, and the second controller 2 is mounted on the left side of the game device 3.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 have each been removed from the game device 3.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the controller can be used both when attached to the game device 3 and when detached from the game device 3.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, when the controller is attached to the game device 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction, for example, in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, when the controller is detached from the game device 3, it is used with its longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction (or, from another perspective, parallel to the ground).

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 are operated by different users.

[0041] In the following explanation, when referring to the direction of the controller (up, down, left, or right), the direction will be described based on the usage state in which the controller is detached from the game device 3 and its long side is in the left-right direction. On the other hand, in the following explanation, when referring to the direction of the game device 3 and the direction of the information device 1000 to which the controller is attached to the game device 3, the direction will be described based on the usage state in which the direction connecting the sides to which the controller is attached relative to the game device 3 is in the left-right direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the controller can also be used when detached from the game device 3, with its longitudinal direction oriented, for example, vertically (or perpendicular to the ground) or horizontally. In the example shown in Figure 7, one user operates both the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. However, each controller may be operated by a different user.

[0043] Hereafter, the usage state shown in Figure 5 will also be referred to as the integrated gripping state, the usage state shown in Figure 6 as the horizontal holding state, and the usage state shown in Figure 7 as the vertical holding state.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the first controller 1 has a projection 100 on its upper surface 11 that protrudes from the surface. The upper surface 11 of the first controller 1 is a surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first controller 1. The projection 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The projection 100 is attached to the controller housing 10. Similarly, the second controller 2 has a projection 200 on its upper surface 211 that protrudes from the surface and extends along the longitudinal direction of the surface. The upper surface 211 of the second controller 2 is a surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second controller 2. The projection 200 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 211. The projection 200 is attached to the controller housing 20.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the game device 3 has a game device side recess 310 on the right side 313 of the main body. The game device side recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side 313 of the main body. The game device side recess 310 extends along the vertical direction of the right side 313 of the main body. The left side 314 of the main body of the game device 3 has a game device side recess 320. The game device side recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the left side 314 of the main body. The game device side recess 320 extends along the vertical direction of the left side 314 of the main body of the game device 3. The game device side recesses 310 and 320 are elongated recesses that extend along the longitudinal direction of the right side 313 or the left side 314 of the main body.

[0046] The recesses 310 and 320 on the game device side are game device mounting parts provided on the game device 3 of the information equipment device. As shown in Figure 3, the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3 such that the protrusion 100 fits into the recess 310 on the game device side. The first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3 such that the upper side surface 11 of the first controller 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main body of the game device 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 11 of the first controller 1 aligns with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body of the game device 3. Similarly, the second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 such that the protrusion 200 fits into the recess 320 on the game device side. The second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 such that the upper side surface 211 of the second controller 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the main body of the game device 3, and the longitudinal direction of the upper side surface 211 of the second controller 2 aligns with the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body of the game device 3.

[0047] The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 each have a joystick and a set of four buttons. When attached to the game device 3, the first controller 1 is attached so that the four buttons are on the top and the joystick is on the bottom. On the other hand, the second controller 2 is attached to the game device 3 so that the joystick is on the top and the four buttons are on the bottom.

[0048] The information equipment may be capable of performing functions other than games. Furthermore, the information equipment may include a case capable of housing a game-playing device. The first controller 1 and the second controller 2 may be mounted on components of the information equipment other than the game device 3. For example, the first controller 1 and the second controller 2 may be mountable on each other.

[0049] <Game device> As shown in Figure 3, a display 305 is provided on the front 315 of the main body of the game device 3.

[0050] The game device 3 has a lower terminal 303. The game device 3 may output images to the outside via the lower terminal 303. When the game device 3 is placed on the cradle from the lower side of the main unit, the lower terminal 303 may be connected to the terminal of the cradle.

[0051] The game device 3 has an upper terminal 302 on the upper side 316 of the main unit. The game device 3 may also have a power button 307, a storage medium slot 304, and an audio input / output terminal 301 on the upper side 316 of the main unit. The game device 3 may execute game processing by running a game application stored on a storage medium inserted into the storage medium slot 304.

[0052] Figure 8 is an assembled perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device 3. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side of the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a similar configuration on its left side.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, a game device side recess 310 is provided on the right side 313 of the main body of the game device 3. The game device side recess 310 is a recessed portion on the right side 313 of the main body. The game device side recess 310 has a game device side bottom surface 3121 and a game device side inner circumferential surface 3120 surrounding the game device side bottom surface 3121. In this embodiment, the portion of the main body housing 306 that forms the right side of the game device 3 is recessed, forming the game device side inner circumferential surface 3120 and a base surface (a base surface 311 described later) that serves as the base of the bottom surface. A cover member 338 is placed on the base surface, so that the surface of the cover member 338 constitutes the game device side bottom surface 3121 of the game device side recess 310. The cover member 338 is optional; in that case, the bottom surface formed by the main body housing 306 becomes the game device side bottom surface 3121 of the game device side recess 310.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, the game device 3 includes a first plug connector 330, a cover member 338, a pair of stepped screws 334, and two game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 provided along the longitudinal direction of the game device side recess 310. The first game device side magnetic element 410 is positioned on the upper side, and the second game device side magnetic element 420 is positioned on the lower side. The first game device side magnetic element 410 is positioned in a region above the longitudinal center of the right side surface 313 of the main body, and the second game device side magnetic element 420 is positioned in the lower region. The game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 each include a magnet and a yoke that sandwiches the magnet. The game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 do not necessarily include a yoke. The game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 may both be positioned in the upper or lower region.

[0055] The base surface 311 has a first hole 401 and a second hole 402 for accommodating the game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420. The first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. That is, the first hole 401 and the second hole 402 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base surface 311. As will be described in detail later, the first controller 1 also has magnetic elements, and the controller is attached to the game device 3 by the magnetic elements on the first controller 1 side being attracted to the game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420. By allowing all or part of the game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 to enter the holes 401 and 402 from inside the main body housing 306, the distance between the magnetic elements on the first controller 1 side that are attached to the game device 3 and the game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 becomes shorter, and the magnetic force of attraction can be increased.

[0056] The second game device side magnetic element 420 has the same configuration as the first game device side magnetic element 410. Furthermore, like the first game device side magnetic element 410, a portion of the second game device side magnetic element 420 is housed in the second hole 402.

[0057] <Controller> Figure 10 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first controller 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the first controller 1 of this embodiment has, on its front, a joystick 31 which is an example of a directional input unit, a set of four buttons 32 arranged in a cross shape, a + button 33(1), and a home button 33(2). The first controller 1 also has a first button 110 and a second button 120, a sync button 50, a shoulder button (right) 130, and a Z shoulder button (right) 140. As will be described in detail later, the first button 110 and the second button 120 and the sync button 50 are provided on the protrusion 100. These are just examples of input units, and it is not necessary to have all of them. The first controller 1 may also have other input units such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor instead of or in addition to these input units. The first button 110 and the second button 120 are magnetically attracted buttons.

[0059] When the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the operation information from the input unit is transmitted to the first terminal 331 of the game device 3's main unit via the first terminal 160 (described later), and the CPU of the game device 3 processes the information according to the program. In usage modes where the controller is not attached to the game device 3, the operation information from the input unit is transmitted to the CPU of the game device 3 via the wireless chip in the controller and the wireless chip in the game device 3. The game device does not necessarily have to have the first terminal 160 and the first terminal 331 on the main unit; in that case, even when the controller is attached to the game device 3, information is transmitted via the wireless chip.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the first controller 1 has a front surface 15, a back surface 16, an upper side surface 11, a right side surface 12, a lower side surface 13, and a left side surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface facing the user using the first controller 1 in the integrated gripping state, the lateral holding state, and the vertical holding state. The back surface 16 is on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 and the back surface 16 are connected to the upper side surface 11, the right side surface 12, the lower side surface 13, and the left side surface 14, respectively.

[0061] The direction normal to the upper surface 11 is also called the upward direction R1. The upward direction R1 is the direction in which the protrusion 100 protrudes, and is also called upward, upper side, or convex direction. The protrusion 100 is located on the upward direction R1 side of the upper surface 11. The opposite direction of the upward direction R1 is also called the downward direction R3. The downward direction R3 is also called downward or lower side. The upward direction R1 and the downward direction R3 are collectively referred to as the up and down directions.

[0062] The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and toward the right side 12 is also called the right direction R2. The right direction R2 is also called the right or right side. The opposite direction of the right direction R2 is also called the left direction R4. The left direction R4 is also called the left or left side. The right direction R2 and the left direction R4 are collectively called the left-right direction.

[0063] The normal direction of the front 15 is also called the front direction R5. The front direction R5 is also called the front side, front side, or forward direction. The opposite direction of the fifth direction is also called the rear direction R6. The rear direction R6 is also called the rear side, rear side, or rearward direction. The front direction R5 and the rear direction R6 are collectively called the front-rear direction.

[0064] As described above, the upper side surface 11 is on the side above the front surface. The upper side surface 11 is a side surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the left-right direction of the front surface 15. The upper side surface 11 extends in the left-right direction. The lower side surface 13 is located on the opposite side of the upper side surface 11. The lower side surface 13 is on the downward R3 side of the upper side surface 11. The right side surface 12 is connected to the right end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the right side surface furthest from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the right end of the lower side surface 13. The left side surface 14 is connected to the left end of the upper side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the upper side surface 11. The end of the left side surface furthest from the upper side surface 11 is connected to the left end of the lower side surface 13. The right side surface is on the rightward R2 side of the left side surface.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the front surface 15 of the first controller is provided with, from right to left, a + button 33(1), a pair of four buttons 32, a joystick 31, and a home button 33(2). The pair of four buttons 32 and the joystick 31 are adjacent to each other. In the vertical direction, the joystick 31 is positioned between the upper and lower buttons of the pair of four buttons 32. In the horizontal direction, the joystick 31 is positioned approximately on the extension of the straight line connecting the right button and the left button of the pair of four buttons 32.

[0066] The joystick 31 is tiltable in 360 degrees and may be tiltable in any direction, including upward R1 to leftward R4. The joystick 31 may be tiltable in only some directions. The joystick 31 may be pressable. The joystick 31 may slide in each direction instead of tilting. The game device 3 may perform processing in a program executed by the user's operation of the joystick 31 according to the signal indicating the direction of operation. The controller may have other input units as a direction input unit, either in place of or in addition to the joystick 31. For example, it may have a directional pad or a set of buttons.

[0067] The game device 3 may perform a predetermined process in the program being executed based on the pressing of the + button 33(1) and a set of four buttons 32. The game device 3 may also call up the home menu in response to input to the home button 33(2).

[0068] The right shoulder button 130 is a button used, for example, in a one-piece gripping state, and is located on the upper right part of the first controller 1 in the one-piece gripping state. The right shoulder button 130 may also be used in a vertical gripping state. The right shoulder button 130 has a curved operating surface. The right shoulder button 130 extends away from the upper surface 11. The right shoulder button 130 is generally located on the lower right part of the first controller 1 in a horizontal gripping state. At least a portion of the right shoulder button 130 may be located on the right side surface 12. The operating surface of the right shoulder button 130 is generally curved along the lower right part of the first controller 1. The game device 3 performs predetermined processing based on the pressing of the right shoulder button in the program being executed.

[0069] The Z-shoulder button (right) 140 is a button used, for example, in a one-piece gripping state, and is provided on the back side of the shoulder button (right) 130. The Z-shoulder button (right) 140 may also be used in a vertical gripping state. The Z-shoulder button (right) 140 has a curved operating surface. The shoulder button (right) 130 extends away from the upper surface 11. The Z-shoulder button (right) 140 is generally provided in the lower right portion of the first controller 1 in a horizontal gripping state. At least a part of the Z-shoulder button (right) 140 may be provided on the right side 12. At least a part of the Z-shoulder button (right) 140 may be provided on the back 16. The operating surface of the Z-shoulder button (right) 140 is generally curved along the lower right portion of the first controller 1. The entire Z-shoulder button (right) 140 may be provided on the back. The game device 3 performs predetermined processing based on the pressing of the Z-shoulder button (right) 140 in the program being executed.

[0070] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first controller 1. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view including the protrusion 100.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, in addition to the configuration already described, the first controller 1 includes a light-emitting unit 150 that notifies the controller's identification number, a first terminal 160 connected to the first terminal 331 of the main body of the game device 3, a first cushion 191, a second cushion 192, and an operating lever 182 for removing the protrusion 100 from the game device 3. When the operating lever 182 is operated, the push member 181 protrudes. The first terminal 160 is a controller terminal provided on the first controller 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the protrusion 100 projects upward from the upper surface 11. From another perspective, the protrusion 100 projects upward R1 from the upper surface 11. The protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11 (i.e., its length in this longitudinal direction is longer than in other directions). Note that the protrusion 100 does not need to extend exactly in line with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11; it only needs to extend along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 is along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. Note that the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 does not need to exactly coincide with the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The protrusion 100 is an elongated protrusion that extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The protrusion 200 of the second controller 2 has a similar configuration to the protrusion 100. The following explanation will focus on the configuration of the protrusion 100 of the first controller 1.

[0073] The protrusion 100 has a top surface (hereinafter also referred to as the top surface 106) and a circumferential surface (hereinafter also referred to as the circumferential surface 107) extending downward from the top surface. The top surface 106 is spaced apart from the upper surface 11. The circumferential surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the upper surface 11 and extends from the top surface 106 to the upper surface 11. The circumferential surface 107 is connected to the top surface 106 so as to surround its outer edge. The top surface 106 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. When viewed from the direction of the top surface 106, the protrusion 100 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 11. The length of the top surface 106 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the top surface 106 in the front-back direction. The surface of the top surface 106 does not have to be flat due to texturing or the like, or it may be flat.

[0074] In this embodiment, the protrusion 100 has a truncated pyramidal shape, with its cross-section becoming smaller as it approaches the top surface 106. As will be described later, the longitudinal end region may be rounded. From another point of view, when the protrusion 100 is viewed from the top surface 106 side (i.e., from above), the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 surrounding the top surface 106 are visible. The shape of the protrusion 100 is not limited to a truncated pyramidal shape. For example, the protrusion 100 may be a truncated cone or a rectangular parallelepiped. The outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 may not widen outward as it approaches the top surface 106. That is, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 may be inclined inward as it approaches the top surface 106, or it may not be inclined inward or outward, for example, it may extend vertically from the upper surface 11.

[0075] The length of the protrusion 100 in the left-right direction (i.e., the length of the protrusion 100 in the longitudinal direction) may be, for example, more than twice or more than five times the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-back direction. The length of the protrusion 100 in the left-right direction may be, for example, more than 50% or more than 70% of the length of the upper surface 11 in the left-right direction. The length of the protrusion 100 in the left-right direction may be, for example, less than 25 times or less than 15 times the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-back direction.

[0076] By increasing the length of the protrusion 100 in the left-right direction, the length of the top surface (operating surface) of the upper button (right) 110 and the upper button (left) 120 can be increased in the left-right direction, improving operability. Furthermore, it becomes easier to place the first cushion 191, the second cushion 192, etc., on the top surface of the protrusion 100.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that constitute the controller housing 10. The upper surface 11 is provided with a housing opening 17 formed by the end face of the front housing 61 and the end face of the rear housing 62. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the controller housing 10, passing through the housing opening 17.

[0078] As shown in Figure 12, the protrusion 100 has a protrusion flange 19. The protrusion flange 19 extends outward (more specifically in the left-right and front-back directions) from the lower end of the wall portion constituting the outer peripheral surface 107. The portion of the protrusion 100 above the protrusion flange 19 is exposed from the housing opening 17. The portion of the protrusion 100 including the protrusion flange 19 is located inside the controller housing 10. The protrusion flange 19 functions as a retainer for the protrusion 100. In other embodiments, the protrusion 100 may be composed of multiple parts. Also, in other embodiments, the protrusion 100 may be part of the controller housing 10. For example, the protrusion 100 may be formed by at least one of the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62.

[0079] The protrusion 100 is a mounting part that is detachably attached to a game device mounting part provided on the game device. Specifically, the protrusion 100 is configured to fit into the game device side recess 310 from the front direction of the recess (towards the right side of the game device 3). The shape of the protrusion 100 is configured to match the shape of the game device side recess 310. From another point of view, the top surface 106 and outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion are compatible with the shapes of the game device side bottom surface 3121 and game device side inner peripheral surface 3120 of the game device side recess 310. When the first controller 1 is mounted on the game device 3, the top surface 106 is in contact with or close to the game device side bottom surface 3121, and the outer peripheral surface 107 is in contact with or close to the game device side inner peripheral surface 3120. Therefore, for example, when a user mounts the first controller 1 on the game device 3, the first controller 1 is guided to the appropriate mounting position. Furthermore, for example, displacement of the first controller 1 attached to the game device 3 in the vertical and horizontal directions within the game device 3 is suppressed. For instance, even if force is applied to the controller in the horizontal or vertical directions in conjunction with user input while it is being held as a single unit, significant displacement of the controller relative to the game device 3 is suppressed.

[0080] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first button 110 and the second button 120 are provided on the protrusion 100. The first button 110 and the second button 120 are buttons that the user presses down and are components that move downward when pressed down. A ground connection part 51 is connected to the lower side of the first button 110. A tact switch 117 is provided on the lower side of the first button 110. When the first button 110 moves downward due to the user's pressing operation, the tact switch 117 is pressed down by the first button 110. The first button 110 and the tact switch 117 constitute a button switch. Furthermore, the second button 120 and the tact switch 127 constitute a button switch.

[0081] The first button 110 is exposed through a fifth opening 197 provided on the top surface 106. The exposed portions of the first button 110 and the second button 120 (see Figure 10) form operating parts that are pressed by the user. A ground connection 53 is connected to the underside of the second button 120. A tact switch 127 is provided on the underside of the second button 120. The tact switch 127 is pressed by the second button 120. The ON signals from the tact switches 117 and 127 are transmitted to the game device 3, and the program executed by the device performs processing corresponding to the pressing of the first button 110 and the second button 120.

[0082] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the protrusion 100. The synchronization button 50 may be used to instruct setting processes related to wireless communication between the first controller 1 and the game device 3.

[0083] The first controller 1 has a terminal housing 167. The first terminal 160 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the terminal housing 167. The first terminal 160 extends in the vertical direction. A terminal opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 of the first controller 1. The first terminal 160 is provided inside the terminal opening 196. The terminal housing 167 communicates with the terminal opening 196. That is, the terminal housing 167 opens to the top surface 106. Therefore, the first terminal 160 is accessible from outside the top surface 106.

[0084] The terminal opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 between the first button 110 and the second button 120. Therefore, the terminal housing section 167 opens on the top surface 106 between the first button 110 and the second button 120.

[0085] The light-emitting section 150 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 107 of the protrusion 100. More specifically, the light-emitting section 150 is provided on the front side of the outer circumferential surface 107. From another perspective, the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 107 on which the light-emitting section 150 is provided faces forward. The user can see the light from the light-emitting section 150 when looking at the front 15 of the first controller 1. The light-emitting section 150 typically emits light from an LED to the outside.

[0086] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify the user of predetermined information. When the game device 3 communicates with multiple controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may show the user information that identifies each controller. The light-emitting unit 150 may also show the user other information. The number of light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is four. In this embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. For example, of the four light-emitting units 150, a portion or number of light-emitting units 150 corresponding to the identification number assigned to the controller may be lit.

[0087] The light-emitting section 150 is located between the first button 110 and the second button 120 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The light-emitting section 150 is located in a position that overlaps with the first terminal 160 in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. From another point of view, when viewed from the front, the light-emitting section 150 is located below the terminal opening 196.

[0088] A first cushion 191 and a second cushion 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. The height of the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 from the upper surface 11 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 from the upper surface 11. From another point of view, the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 raise the height of the top surface of the protrusion 100. Note that the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 are optional.

[0089] The controller 1 may be placed so that the top surface of the protrusion 100 faces a surface such as a desk. In this case, the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 themselves make contact with the surface, thereby preventing the part of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 that does not have cushions from directly contacting the surface. In addition, when the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 come into contact with the bottom surface 3121 of the recess 310 on the game device side.

[0090] With respect to the height from the upper surface 11, the height of the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 is equal to or greater than the maximum height of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. From another point of view, the top surfaces of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 are located at the uppermost position in the first controller 1. The shape of the first cushion 191 is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as circular, elliptical, or rectangular. The first cushion 191 may have a through hole. The shapes of the first cushion 191 and the second cushion 192 may be the same or different.

[0091] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first cushion 191 is located on the right side 12 side of the first button 110. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first button 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the first cushion 191.

[0092] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second cushion 192 is located on the left side surface 14 side of the second button 120. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second button 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the second cushion 192. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second button 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the second cushion 192.

[0093] The protrusion 100 may be divided. The protrusion 100 may be composed of, for example, multiple protrusion members. The mounting structure of the controller 1 is not limited to the protrusion 100. The controller 1 may have mounting parts other than the protrusion 100. In mounting parts other than the protrusion 100, the first opening 170 for mouse operation may open in the direction facing the upper surface 11.

[0094] As shown in Figure 12, the first controller 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174. The mouse operation sensor 174 is, for example, an optical sensor. The mouse operation sensor 174 has, for example, a light source (not shown) and a light receiving sensor (not shown). Light from the light source is shone from the first aperture 170 onto the tracking surface (not shown). The light receiving sensor detects the reflected light from the tracking surface of the light emitted from the light source, which changes with the relative movement of the first controller 1 with respect to the tracking surface. The first controller 1 can also be used as a mouse because it has the mouse operation sensor 174. The second controller 2, which will be described later, also has a mouse operation sensor 274 with a similar configuration. The first cushion 191, second cushion 192, third cushion 253, and fourth cushion 254, which will be described later, each contact the tracking surface and function as a mouse sole.

[0095] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 11. The structure of the first button 110 and its surrounding area will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the structure of the second button 120 and its surrounding area is substantially symmetrical with that of the first button 110 and its surrounding area in the left-right direction.

[0096] As shown in Figure 13, the portion of the first button 110 that is exposed from the top surface of the protrusion 100 forms an operating surface 115, which is the surface operated by the user. The first button 110 has a main body portion 114 including the operating surface 115, a side wall 118, a flange portion 113, a first projection 111, and a second projection 112. The operating surface 115 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100 on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the operating surface 115 is the left-right direction. From another point of view, the longitudinal direction of the operating surface 115 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first button 110 is a single component made of a material that is not entirely magnetic but is attracted to magnets. The material of the first button 110 is not particularly limited, but may be a soft magnetic material. The material of the first button 110 may be iron, for example, and may be cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC). The material of the first button 110 may also contain iron. For example, the material of the first button 110 may be iron with silicon and / or nickel added. Also, as an example, the first button 110 may be a single component in which resin is molded into a soft magnetic material.

[0098] In other embodiments, the first button 110 may be made of a magnet, or a combination of a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0099] In another embodiment, the first button 110 may be made of a soft magnetic material or magnet in only a portion thereof. In this case, at least the portion exposed from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 may be made of a soft magnetic material or magnet. Also, at least the portion forming the operating surface 115 may be made of a soft magnetic material or magnet.

[0100] The operating surface 115 is the operating surface of the first button 110, which is exposed from the fifth opening 197 and pressed by the user. The operating surface 115 faces upward R1. The operating surface 115 extends in the left-right direction. The left-right length of the operating surface 115 may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the left-right length of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. Also, the left-right length of the operating surface 115 may be 10% or more, or 20% or more, of the left-right length of the upper surface 11 of the protrusion 100.

[0101] As shown in Figure 13, a tact switch 117 is provided below the first projection 111. The tact switch 117 is positioned on a flexible printed circuit 90 (hereinafter also referred to as FPC90). The upper part of the tact switch 117 is a leaf spring.

[0102] When the first button 110 is not pressed by the user, the first projection 111 is supported from below by the tact switch 117. When the first button 110 is pressed by the user, the first button 110 moves downward from its initial position. The first projection 111 of the first button 110, as it moves downward, presses the upper part of the tact switch 117. The upper part of the tact switch 117 deforms downward as it is pressed. This turns on the switch inside the tact switch. When the user releases their hand from the first button 110, the upper part of the tact switch 117 returns to its original shape. As the upper part of the tact switch 117 returns to its shape, the first projection 111 is pushed upward. Therefore, the first button 110 moves to its initial position. In other words, when the first button 110 is pressed, the tact switch 117 is biased in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first button 110 is pressed. Furthermore, the tact switch 117 may be biased in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first button 110 is pressed, even when the first button 110 is not pressed.

[0103] In another embodiment, the first button 110 may be biased upward by a biasing element such as a spring. That is, when the first button 110 is not pressed by the user, it may be biased upward by a biasing element such as a spring, thereby separating it from the tact switch 117. In yet another embodiment, a rubber switch may be used instead of the tact switch 117.

[0104] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first button 110 has a main body portion 114 whose surface constitutes the operating surface, a side wall 118 extending from the lower surface of the main body portion 114, and a flange portion 113 extending outward from the side wall 118. The flange portion 113 has the function of preventing the first button 110 from coming off by directly or indirectly catching on the first inner surface 71.

[0105] The first controller 1 has a first elastic deformable body 52 between the upper surface of the flange portion 113 and the first inner surface 71. The first elastic deformable body 52 elastically deforms when a force is applied and elastically returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The material of the first elastic deformable body 52 is not particularly limited, but may be rubber, for example.

[0106] When the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the first button 110 is attracted to the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first button 110 is attracted to the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side.

[0107] As shown in Figure 14, when the first controller 1 is attached to the game device 3, the first button 110 and the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side face each other. In this embodiment, since the first button 110 is made of a soft magnetic material, when the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side approaches the first button 110, the first button 110 is pulled by the magnetic force of the magnetic element 410. As a result, a force is applied to the first button 110 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. At this time, the first elastic deformable body 52 provided between the flange portion 113 and the first inner surface 71 undergoes elastic deformation, contracting in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, as it is pushed by the flange portion 113 toward the first inner surface 71. As a result, the first button 110 moves in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. That is, the first button 110 moves from its initial position, which is the position when it is not pressed by the user, in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The pressing direction is, for example, the downward direction R3. The opposite direction to the downward direction is, for example, the upward direction R1.

[0108] The second button 120 has the same configuration as the first button 110. As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has regions with different heights from the upper surface 11. The top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has a first region 101, a second region 102, a third region 103, a fourth region 104, and a fifth region 105.

[0109] The first region 101 is the area of ​​the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, where the first button 110 is provided. The first button 110 is provided so as to pass through the fifth opening 197 formed in the first region 101. Similarly, the second region 102 is the area where the second button 120 is provided. The second button 120 is provided so as to pass through the sixth opening 198 formed in the second region 102.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11, the third region 103 is the region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at one end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the third region 103 is connected to the end surface on the rightward R2 side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100. The third region 103 is located upward R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the third region 103 may be shorter than the lengths of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0111] A first cushion 191 is provided in the third region 103. More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the first cushion 191 is positioned in a recess provided in the third region 103. A portion of the first cushion 191 is exposed from the recess. The third region 103 may be flat without a recess. The first cushion 191 may be placed on the flat surface of the third region.

[0112] As shown in Figure 11, the fifth region 105 is the region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, including the top surface 106 at the other end region of the protrusion 100. From another perspective, the fifth region 105 is connected to the end surface on the leftward R4 side of the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100. The fifth region 105 is located upward R1 side of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the length of the fifth region 105 may be shorter than the lengths of each of the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0113] A second cushion 192 is provided in the fifth region 105. The second cushion 192 is positioned in a recess provided in the fifth region 105. A portion of the second cushion 192 is exposed from the recess. The fifth region 105 may be flat without a recess. The second cushion 192 may be placed on the flat surface of the fifth region. It can also be said that the first cushions 191 and 192 raise the height from the upper surface 11 of the convex portion 100.

[0114] The fourth region 104 is a region of the housing that forms the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100, located between the first region 101 and the second region 102 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106. The fourth region is provided with a terminal opening 196 and a synchronization button opening 195.

[0115] The third region 103 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located on the convex side of the fourth region 104.

[0116] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first region 101 is located between the third region 103 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second region 102 is located between the fifth region 105 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, each of the first region 101, the second region 102, and the fourth region 104 is located between the third region 103 and the fifth region 105.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13, the height of the first region 101 from the upper surface 11 is the first height T1. From another point of view, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the first region 101 in the vertical direction is the first height T1. Similarly, the height of the second region 102 from the upper surface 11 is the second height T2. From another point of view, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the second region 102 in the vertical direction is the second height T2. In this embodiment, the first height T1 and the second height T2 are the same, but they may be different. Note that the first region 101 and the second region 102 may be provided from one end to the other of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0118] The height of the third region 103 from the upper surface 11 is the third height T3. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the third region 103 in the vertical direction is the third height T3. Similarly, the height of the fifth region 105 from the upper surface 11 is the fifth height T5. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fifth region 105 in the vertical direction is the fifth height T5.

[0119] In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, the third height T3 and the fifth height T5 are higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same or lower. The third region 103 and the fifth region 105 may be provided from one end to the other of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0120] The height of the fourth region 104 from the upper surface 11 is the fourth height T4. From another point of view, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the fourth region 104 in the vertical direction is the fourth height T4. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is higher than the first height T1 and the second height T2, but may be the same or lower. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is lower than the third height T3 and the fifth height T5, but may be the same or higher. The fourth region 104 may be provided from one end to the other of the top surface 106 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100.

[0121] The height of the top surface of the first cushion 191 from the upper surface 11 is the sixth height T6. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the first cushion 191 in the vertical direction is the sixth height T6. Similarly, the height of the top surface of the second cushion 192 from the upper surface 11 is the seventh height T7. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the top surface of the second cushion 192 in the vertical direction is the seventh height T7.

[0122] When the first button 110 is in its initial position, the height of the operating surface 115 from the upper surface 11 is the eighth height T8. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operating surface 115 in the vertical direction is the eighth height T8. Similarly, when the second button 120 is in its initial position, the height of the operating surface 125 from the upper surface 11 is the ninth height T9. From another perspective, the distance from the upper surface 11 to the operating surface 125 in the vertical direction is the ninth height T9.

[0123] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first button 110 is movable upward. As shown in Figure 14, when the first button 110 is attracted to the first game device magnetic element 410 and in contact with the game device bottom surface 3121, the height of the operating surface 115 from the upper surface 11 is the 10th height T10. Similarly, when the second button 120 is attracted to the second game device magnetic element 420 and in contact with the game device bottom surface 3121, the height of the operating surface 125 from the upper surface 11 is the 11th height T11.

[0124] <Connection Structure> Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the controller attached to the game device 3. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in Figure 16 is parallel in both the left-right and up-down directions.

[0125] As shown in Figure 15, the protrusion 100 of the first controller 1 fits into the recess 310 on the game device side of the game device 3. The first button 110 is attracted to the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side by magnetic force. In the left-right direction, the length of the top surface of the first button 110 (third length W3) is longer than the length of the magnetic element 410 on the first game device side (first length W1). The second button 120 is attracted to the magnetic element 420 on the second game device side by magnetic force. In the left-right direction, the length of the top surface of the second button 120 (fourth length W4) is longer than the length of the magnetic element 420 on the second game device side (second length W2). The second button 120 further has a first projection 121 and a second projection 122.

[0126] Figure 16 is a schematic six-view diagram showing the configuration of the second controller 2. As shown in Figure 16, the second controller 2 includes, for example, a joystick 41 which is an example of a directional input section, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. In addition, while the first controller 1 had a + button 33(1) and a home button 33(2), the second controller 2 has a - button 43(1) and a capture button 43(2). The second controller 2 also has a third button 210 and a fourth button 220, a sync button, a left shoulder button 230, and a left Z shoulder button 240. The third button 210 and the fourth button 220 and the sync button are provided on the protrusion 200. Furthermore, the second controller 2 includes a light-emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 connected to the second terminal 341 of the main body of the game device 3, a mouse sensor opening 270 for guiding light to the mouse operation sensor 274, a third cushion 253, a fourth cushion 254, and an operation unit 282 that constitutes a removal mechanism for removing the protrusion 200 from the game device 3. The structure and function of each component are substantially the same as those of the first controller 1. However, some functions may differ. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save the image output to the display 305. The third button 210 and the fourth button 220 are magnetically attached buttons.

[0127] Furthermore, in the horizontal gripping position, the positional relationship between the joystick 31 and the set of four buttons 32 on the first controller 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the joystick 41 and the set of four buttons 42 on the second controller 2. That is, on the first controller 1, the joystick 31 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 32. Similarly, on the second controller 2, the joystick 41 is located to the left of the set of four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the horizontal gripping position, the shoulder button (right) 130 and the Z shoulder button (right) 140 are on the right side on the first controller 1, while the shoulder button (left) 230 and the Z shoulder button (left) 240 are on the left side on the second controller 2. From another perspective, in the integrated gripping position, the joystick 31 on the first controller 1 is located below the set of four buttons 32, while the joystick 41 on the second controller 2 is located above the set of four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the integrated gripping state, the shoulder button (right) 130 and Z shoulder button (right) 140 of the first controller 1 and the shoulder button (left) 230 and Z shoulder button (left) 240 of the second controller 2 are both located on the upper side.

[0128] <Device> (First Embodiment) Next, the details of the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a schematic six-view diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0129] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 17, the device 500 includes at least a front housing 560, a rear housing 570, an internal housing 550, a first movable part 510, a second movable part 520, a third movable part 530, a fourth movable part 540, and a rim cover 580. The device 500 is steering-shaped. A rim 591 is formed by a portion of the front housing 560 and a portion of the rear housing 570. The rim cover 580 covers the rim 591. The housing 800 is provided in the area surrounded by the rim 591.

[0130] Figure 18 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the first controller mounted on the device 500. As shown in Figure 18, the first controller 1 is mounted on the device 500 such that its front surface 15 faces forward and the protrusion 100 faces upward. The protrusion 100 is covered so that at least a portion of it is not exposed. The upper part of the protrusion 100 is covered so that it is not exposed. A pair of four buttons 32 and a joystick 31 of the first controller 1 face forward. A pair of four buttons 32 and a joystick 31 of the first controller 1 are exposed from the housing 800. The user can operate the first controller 1 while it is mounted on the device 500. The device 500 is a peripheral device to which the first controller 1 is mounted. The second controller 2 can also be mounted on the device 500 in the same way. Specifically, the second controller 2 is mounted on the device 500 such that its front surface 215 faces forward and its protrusion 200 faces upward.

[0131] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view showing a user holding the device 500. As shown in Figure 19, the user holds the device 500 as if holding a steering wheel. Specifically, the device 500 is configured so that the user can hold the opposing left and right portions of the rim 591 with both hands. The first surface 511 of the first movable part 510 and the third surface 531 of the third movable part 530 are located behind the rim 591. The first surface 511 and the third surface 531 are examples of operating parts operated by the user. The operating parts of the device 500 are located behind the rim 591.

[0132] The first surface 511 of the first movable part 510 is positioned to be covered from the right by the user's right index finger, right middle finger, or right ring finger. The third surface 531 of the third movable part 530 is positioned to be covered from the left by the user's left index finger, left middle finger, or left ring finger. The first surface 511 and the third surface 531 are pressed down by the user's fingers.

[0133] Next, Figures 20 to 23 will be used to show the assembled state of the device according to the first embodiment and to explain each component. Figure 20 shows the internal housing 550. As shown in Figure 20, the second movable part 520 has a second surface 521, a second pressing part 522, a second shaft 523, and a first magnetic member 610. The second surface 521 is provided with a first magnetic member placement recess 524. The first magnetic member 610 is placed in the first magnetic member placement recess 524. The second pressing part 522 is located opposite the second surface 521. The second shaft 523 has a first shaft member 523a and a second shaft member 523b. The first magnetic member placement recess 524 is located between the first shaft member 523a and the second shaft member 523b with respect to the axial direction of the second shaft 523.

[0134] The fourth movable part 540 has a fourth surface 541, a fourth pressing part 542, a fourth shaft 543, and a second magnetic member 620. The fourth surface 541 is provided with a second magnetic member placement recess 544. The second magnetic member 620 is positioned in the second magnetic member placement recess 544. The fourth pressing part 542 is located opposite the fourth surface 541. The fourth shaft 543 has a third shaft member 543a and a fourth shaft member 543b. The second magnetic member placement recess 544 is located between the third shaft member 543a and the fourth shaft member 543b with respect to the axial direction of the fourth shaft 543.

[0135] Each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 is a component that is attracted to a magnet by magnetic force. Each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 includes a component made of a magnet or a non-magnetic material that is attracted to a magnet, such as a soft magnetic material. As shown in Figure 20, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 has a pair of yokes 611 and a magnet 613. That is, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 includes a magnet 613. The material of the magnet 613 is not particularly limited. The magnet 613 is, for example, a neodymium magnet. The material of the yoke 611 is not particularly limited. For example, a soft magnetic material can be used for the material of the yoke 611, such as iron. The magnet 613 is sandwiched between the yokes 611 in the front-rear direction. In other embodiments, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 may have a magnet 613 without the yoke 611. Alternatively, each of the first magnetic member 610 and the second magnetic member 620 may have a component made of a soft magnetic material without the magnet 613.

[0136] The first magnetic member 610, the second magnetic member 620, and the game device side magnetic elements 410 and 420 may be the same part. For example, they may have the same shape and magnetic properties. Using the same part makes it possible to make the feeling when the user attaches and detaches the controller similar, thereby reducing any sense of discomfort. However, these may also be different parts.

[0137] The internal housing 550 includes an internal housing body 557, a first support plate 551, a second support plate 552, a third support plate 553, and a fourth support plate 554. The internal housing body 557 extends in the longitudinal direction and is generally plate-shaped. The first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552 are attached to the internal housing body 557 on one longitudinal side, facing each other in the short direction. The internal housing body 557 is provided with a second movable part placement hole 601 and a fourth movable part placement hole 602. The second movable part placement hole 601 is provided between the first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552 with respect to the short direction of the internal housing body 557. On the other longitudinal side of the internal housing body 557, a third support plate 553, a fourth support plate 554, and a fourth movable part placement hole 602 are similarly provided.

[0138] On one longitudinal side of the internal housing body 557, the first support plate 551 has a notch at its upper part. The second support plate 552 has a second shaft member placement hole 555. The second movable part 520 is rotatably supported by the first support plate 551 and the second support plate 552, with the first shaft member 523a positioned in the notch of the first support plate 551 and the second shaft member 523b positioned in the second shaft member placement hole 555. A portion of the supported second movable part 520 is positioned in the second movable part placement hole 601. At least a portion of the first magnetic member 610 is positioned in the second movable part placement hole 601. At least a portion of the second movable part 520 is made larger than the second movable part placement hole 601 to prevent it from coming loose. The other longitudinal side of the internal housing body 557 has a similar structure. The structure of each support plate and shaft member is just an example; the shape is not limited as long as the first and second movable parts are rotatably supported.

[0139] Figure 21 is a second exploded perspective schematic view of the front housing 560 as seen from the rear. As shown in Figure 21, the device 500 includes a first rubber member 621, a second rubber member 622, and an optical guide member 630. The front housing 560 has a first annular portion 560a and a first bridging portion 560b. At least a portion of the front of the first bridging portion 560b forms part of the housing portion 800. The first bridging portion 560b extends to bridge the space enclosed by the first annular portion 560a. The internal housing 550 is attached to the front housing 560 using three first fastening screws 701. The optical guide member 630 is positioned between the first bridging portion 560b and the internal housing 550. The first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622 are attached to holes formed in the first bridging portion 560b. At least a portion of the first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622 is exposed within the housing portion 800.

[0140] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing how the front housing 560, with the components shown in Figure 21 assembled, is assembled with the other components. As shown in Figure 22, the device 500 has a third rubber member 623 and a fourth rubber member 624 within the housing 800. The rear housing 570 has a second annular portion 570a and a second bridging portion 570b. The second bridging portion 570b extends to bridge the space surrounded by the second annular portion 570a. The second bridging portion 570b is provided with a first movable part placement hole 603 and a third movable part placement hole 604. A part of the first movable part 510 is placed in the first movable part placement hole 603. A part of the third movable part 530 is placed in the third movable part placement hole 604.

[0141] The first movable part 510 has a first surface 511, a first pressing part 512, and a first shaft 513. The first surface 511 extends in the left-right direction (see Figure 17). The first surface 511 is pressed from above by the user. The first pressing part 512 faces in the opposite direction to the first surface 511. Similarly, the third movable part 530 has a third surface 531, a third pressing part 532, and a third shaft 533. The third surface 531 extends in the left-right direction (see Figure 17). The third surface 531 is pressed from above by the user. The third pressing part 532 faces in the opposite direction to the third surface 531. The first pressing part 512 presses the second movable part 520, and the third pressing part 532 presses the fourth movable part 540.

[0142] The front housing 560 is attached to the rear housing 570 using two second fastening screws 702. The rear housing 570 is fixed behind the front housing 560. The second fastening screws 702 pass through holes provided in the first bridging portion 560b, which forms the housing portion 800, from the front. The third rubber member 623 covers one of the two second fastening screws 702. The third rubber member 623 is attached to the first bridging portion 560b. The fourth rubber member 624 covers the other of the two second fastening screws 702. The fourth rubber member 624 is attached to the first bridging portion 560b. The front housing 560 and the rear housing 570 may be fastened together by rim fastening screws (not shown) in addition to or instead of the first and second fastening screws. Multiple annular fastening screws may be used. The annular fastening screw fastens the first annular portion 560a and the second annular portion 570a. The annular fastening screw may also penetrate forward from the rear of the second annular portion 570a toward the first annular portion 560a.

[0143] As shown in Figure 23, the rim 591 is formed by assembling the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570. The rim 591 is formed by the first annular portion 560a of the front housing 560 and the second annular portion 570a of the rear housing 570. The rim cover 580 is attached to the rim 591. The rim cover 580 is generally annular, but not perfectly annular. Specifically, the rim cover 580 is cut off at the top. The rim cover 580 covers the outer periphery of the rim 591, except for the upper end region. The rim cover 580 is, for example, a molded resin product.

[0144] The rim cover 580 covers the rim 591 formed by the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570, thus preventing the user from touching the joint between them. Furthermore, because the rim cover 580 has a cut-out upper end, it can be easily attached to the rim 591. For example, the rim cover 580 may have an engaging element that engages with a hole provided in the rim 591, or it may be bonded to the rim 591 with an adhesive. The cut-out in the rim cover 580 is fixed to the rim 591 so that it is located in the upper end region of the rim 591. In this embodiment, the cut-outs of the rim cover 580 are spaced apart. Therefore, the upper end region of the rim 591 is not covered by the rim cover 580. Consequently, the user can visually and tactilely identify the upper end of the rim 591. Therefore, the user can instantly determine which side is up during steering. Furthermore, the rim 591, that is, at least one of the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570, may have a protrusion that projects outward in order to fill the gap in the rim cover 580.

[0145] Furthermore, if annular fastening screws are provided, the annular fastening screws may be exposed on the outer periphery of the rim 591, excluding the upper end region. That is, the annular fastening screws may be inserted through screw holes provided on the outer periphery of the rim 591, excluding the upper end region. Annular fastening screws provided in such positions are covered by the rim cover 591. Therefore, it is prevented for the user from touching the annular fastening screws or screw holes. Furthermore, since the first and second fastening screws are covered by the third and fourth rubber members, respectively, in this embodiment, including the case where the annular fastening screws described above are also present, all screws fastening the front housing 560 and the rear housing 570 are not exposed.

[0146] Next, the configuration of the housing section 800 will be explained using Figures 24 to 27. In the following explanation, the case where the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500 will be described in principle. When the second controller 2 is attached to and detached from the device 500, and when it is attached, the device 500 will perform substantially the same functions as when the first controller 1 is attached and detached. In the following explanation, the structure of one side in the left-right direction will be described, and the description of the other side, which would be substantially repetitive, may be omitted.

[0147] Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the device 500 according to the first embodiment. The device 500 has a housing section 800. The housing section 800 opens to the front. The housing section 800 is defined by an inner surface including, for example, an upper surface 801, a lower surface 802, a bottom surface 805, a right surface 803, and a left surface 804. The upper surface 801 faces downward. The lower surface 802 faces upward. The bottom surface 805 faces forward. The right surface 803 faces left. The left surface 804 faces right. Note that "facing a certain direction" means that it is substantially facing that direction, and is not limited to strictly facing that direction. The housing section 800 has a convex housing section 850. The convex housing section 850 will be described later.

[0148] The upper surface 801 has a first upper surface region 801a and a second upper surface region 801b. The first upper surface region 801a is composed of the internal housing 550. The second upper surface region 801b is composed of the front housing 560. In the vertical direction, the second upper surface region 801b is located below the first upper surface region 801a. The lower surface 802 faces the upper surface 801. The lower surface 802 is composed of the front housing 560. The bottom surface 805 has a first bottom surface region 805a and a second bottom surface region 805b. The first bottom surface region 805a is composed of the internal housing 550. The second bottom surface region 805b is composed of the front housing 560. In the vertical direction, the second bottom surface region 805b is located below the first bottom surface region 805a.

[0149] Figure 25 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the apparatus 500 according to the first embodiment. Figure 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 25. The cross-section shown in Figure 26 is parallel to the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, respectively.

[0150] As shown in Figure 26, the right side 803 has a first right side region 803a and a second right side region 803b. The first right side region 803a is composed of the internal housing 550. The second right side region 803b is composed of the front housing 560. In the left-right direction, the second right side region 803b is located to the right of the first right side region 803a. Similarly, the left side 804 has a first left side region 804a and a second left side region 804b. The first left side region 804a is composed of the internal housing 550. The second left side region 804 is composed of the front housing 560. In the left-right direction, the second left side region 804b is located to the left of the first left side region 804a.

[0151] The right side 803 faces the left side 804. Specifically, the first right side region 803a faces the first left side region 804a. The second right side region 803b faces the second left side region 804b. In the left-right direction, the second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542 are located between the first right side region 803a and the first left side region 804a. The second pressing portion 522 and the fourth pressing portion 542 are exposed to the first upper side region 801a.

[0152] Figure 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVII-XXVII in Figure 25. The cross-section shown in Figure 27 is parallel to both the front-to-back and up-to-down directions.

[0153] As shown in Figure 27, the device 500 has a flange 900. The flange 900 has an inner flange surface 902, an outer flange surface 901, and a lower flange surface 903. The inner flange surface 902 is connected to the first upper surface region 801a. The inner flange surface 902 extends downward from the first upper surface region 801a. The inner flange surface 902 faces rearward. The inner flange surface 902 is substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface region 801a. The inner flange surface 902 is composed of an internal housing 550. The inner flange surface 902 faces the first bottom surface region 805a. The first bottom surface region 805a has a curved shape that is convex upward and rearward. The distance between the inner flange surface 902 and the first bottom surface region 805a in the front-rear direction increases as it goes downward.

[0154] The outer flange surface 901 is on the opposite side of the inner flange surface 902. The outer flange surface 901 faces forward. The outer flange surface 901 is substantially parallel to the inner flange surface 902. The outer flange surface 901 is formed by the front housing 560. The first bridging portion 560b has a front surface 710 that extends left and right above the controller housing 10 of the mounted first game controller 1 so as to cover at least the protrusion 100. The outer flange surface 901 is part of the front surface 710. The outer flange surface 901 is part of the first bridging portion 560b. In the front-rear direction, the outer flange surface 901 is the portion that overlaps with the inner flange surface 902.

[0155] As shown in Figure 27, the lower flange surface 903 is connected to the outer flange surface 901. The lower flange surface 903 extends rearward from the outer flange surface 901. The lower flange surface 903 faces downward. The lower flange surface 903 is connected to the inner flange surface 902. The lower flange surface 903 extends forward from the inner flange surface 902. The inner flange surface 902 is composed of an inner housing 550 and a front housing 560.

[0156] Thus, the housing section 800 has a convex housing section 850 above it, the front of which is defined by a flange 900. The convex housing section 850 opens downward and communicates with the rest of the housing section 800. The convex housing section 850 is at least partially defined by a first upper surface area 801a, a first bottom surface area 805a, a first right surface area 803a, a first left surface area 804a, and the inner surface of the flange 902. As shown in Figure 18, the convex housing section 850 accommodates at least a portion of the convex portion of the game controller housed in the housing section 800. At least a portion of the front surface of the convex portion of the game controller housed in the housing section 800 is covered by the flange 900. The front surface of the convex portion may be covered by the flange 900 except for the base portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the convex portion of the game controller mounted on the device 500 from being unnecessarily touched by the user.

[0157] As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, the game controller is attached to the device 500 using magnetism. For example, the first button 110 is magnetically attached to the second press portion 522, which is part of the second movable portion 520 and exposed from the first upper surface region 801a. Similarly, the second button 120 is magnetically attached to the fourth press portion 542, which is part of the fourth movable portion 540 and exposed from the first upper surface region 801a. In this way, the second press portion 522 and the fourth press portion 542 are attracted to other objects by magnetism, but by covering a part of the front of the housing portion 800, particularly the front of the second press portion 522 and the fourth press portion 542, the flange 900 can prevent unintended objects from being attracted to the second press portion 522 and the fourth press portion 542.

[0158] Next, a method for attaching the first controller 1 to the device 500 will be described. Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500. Figure 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first controller 1 is attached to the device 500.

[0159] Since the device 500 has a flange 900, the first controller 1 cannot be inserted parallel to the housing 800 from the front side toward the rear. Therefore, as shown in Figure 28, the first controller 1 is first tilted so that the upper part including the protrusion 100 is toward the rear relative to the lower part, and is inserted into the housing 800 from the protrusion 100 side toward the rear side along the direction of the first arrow A1. The protrusion 100 is then inserted into the protrusion housing 850, which is opposite the inner surface 902 of the flange. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 29, the first controller 1 rotates along the direction of the second arrow A2 so that the lower part of the first controller 1 approaches the housing 800, with the protrusion 100 as the center of rotation. As a result, the first controller 1 is housed in the housing 800. In this embodiment, the first button 110 and the second button 120 of the first controller 1 are attracted to the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 of the device 500, respectively.

[0160] As described above, since the device 500 according to this embodiment has a flange 900, when attaching the first controller 1 to the device 500, it is necessary to first insert the attachment portion of the first controller 1 between the flange 900 and the bottom surface 805 of the housing portion 800, while simultaneously pushing in the side opposite the attachment portion so that it rotates toward the inside of the housing portion 800. Therefore, compared to simply having the user push the controller 1 parallel to the housing portion 800 from the front, it is easier to guide the user so that the front-to-back position of the first controller 1 after attachment is in the appropriate position. As a result, as will be described later, it is possible to suppress the decrease in operability caused by misalignment in the front-to-back direction between the second movable portion 520 and the button 110 of the first controller 1.

[0161] Furthermore, the device 500 has a magnetic member 610 that is attracted to the first button 110 by magnetic force. The first button 110 adheres to the second push portion 522 by magnetic force. Therefore, the first controller 1 can be easily attached to the device 500. Also, because the buttons 110 and 120 are attracted by magnetic force, it is easy to align the first controller 1 within the housing portion 800. In particular, the protrusion housing portion 850 into which the protrusion 100 is inserted is difficult to see from the front side due to the flange 900, and since the push portions 522 and 542 are exposed within this protrusion housing portion, it is easy to insert the protrusion 100 into the appropriate position.

[0162] Furthermore, the first bottom surface region 805a of the bottom surface 805 that faces the inner surface 902 of the flange has a curved shape that is convex upward and backward. Therefore, when mounting the first controller 1 into the housing 800, interference between the convex portion 100 and the first bottom surface region 805a can be suppressed when inserting the convex portion housing 850 from the convex portion 100 towards the rear and upward. Note that when mounting the first controller 1 into the housing 800, the convex portion 100 may come into contact with the first bottom surface region 805a. Note that the shape of the first bottom surface region 805a in this embodiment is just an example. For example, the first bottom surface region 805a may have a shape in which the distance from the convex portion 100 of the mounted first controller 1 increases as it goes downward. Furthermore, the first bottom region 805a may have a shape in which the distance between the lower end of the first bottom region 805a and the protrusion 100 of the mounted first controller 1 is greater than the distance between the lower end of the flange inner surface 902 and the protrusion 100.

[0163] Here, Figure 30 is a schematic front view showing the left-right lengths of each part when the first controller 1 is mounted on the device 500. As shown in Figure 30, the left-right length of the flange 900 (seventh length W7) is shorter than the left-right length of the opening facing forward of the housing 800 (fifth length W5). That is, the left-right length of the protrusion housing 850 is shorter than the left-right length of the opening facing forward of the housing 800. The seventh length W7 may be, for example, 0.7 times or more and 0.95 times or less of the fifth length W5. The left-right length of the flange 900 (seventh length W7) is longer than the left-right length of the protrusion 100, which is the mounting part of the first controller 1 (eighth length W8), and shorter than the left-right length of the first controller 1 (sixth length W6). This makes it easier to align the protrusion 100 in the protrusion housing 850 when attaching the first controller 1 to the housing 800.

[0164] When removing the first controller 1 from the device 500, the user hooks their fingers onto the lower side surface 13 of the controller housing 10 through a notch 561 (see Figure 24) located below the housing 800. The notch 561 is formed by cutting out the central part in the left-right direction of the lower wall forming the housing. Therefore, a portion of the lower side surface 13 of the first controller 1 housed in the housing 800 is exposed downwards through the notch 561. Then, contrary to when it is installed, the first controller 1 rotates along the opposite direction of the second arrow A2, with the convex portion 100 as the center of rotation, so that the lower part of the first controller 1 moves away from the housing 800. In this embodiment, the lower side surface 13 of the first controller 1 acts as the point of force application, and the vicinity of the lower end of the inner surface 902 of the flange acts as the fulcrum, with a force acting on the buttons 110 and 120 in a direction away from the pressing portions 522 and 542. Subsequently, the first controller 1 moves out of the housing 800 along the opposite direction of the first arrow A1. This removes the first controller 1 from the device 500. In this way, since the first controller 1 is removed by rotating with the convex portion 100 as the pivot point, it is easier to separate the buttons 110 and 120 from the pressing portions 522 and 542 than if it were removed by pulling it vertically downward, for example. Therefore, the first controller 1 can be easily removed according to the user's intention. In addition, in this embodiment, the distance from the lower end of the inner surface 902 of the flange to the notch 561 (or the notched portion of the lower surface 802) is longer than the distance from the lower end of the inner surface 902 of the flange to the pressing portions 522 and 542 (or the vertical length of the inner surface 902 of the flange). Therefore, the user can easily remove the first controller 1 by lever action. Note that the notch 561 may have a different shape or may not be present at all.

[0165] Next, other components of the housing 800 will be described. As shown in Figure 25, the bottom surface 805 has a first elastic deformable body 651. The first elastic deformable body 651 is provided in the second bottom surface region 805b. The first elastic deformable body 651 has a third rubber member 623 and a fourth rubber member 624.

[0166] When a user places the first controller 1 into the housing 800, the magnetic member 610 may pull the lower part of the first controller 1 toward the bottom surface 805 of the housing 800, with the upper part of the first controller 1 as the pivot point. At this time, the first elastic deformable body 651 can suppress the impact when the back surface of the first controller 1 collides with the bottom surface 805.

[0167] The first elastic deformable body 651 is located below the center in the vertical direction on the bottom surface 805 that is exposed when the device 500 is viewed from the front. Since the first controller 1 rotates around its upper side, impact can be suppressed by positioning the first elastic deformable body 651 further outward from the center. The first elastic deformable body 651 may be located in the center in the vertical direction on the bottom surface 805, or it may be located above the center.

[0168] Furthermore, the lower surface 802 has a second elastic deformable body 652. The second elastic deformable body 652 has a first rubber member 621 and a second rubber member 622.

[0169] The second elastic deformable body 652 supports the first controller 1 when, for example, the stick of the first controller 1 attached to the device 500 is tilted. For example, if the first controller 1 is not supported when the stick of the first controller 1 is tilted downward, the first controller 1 may move downward within the housing 800, potentially creating a gap between the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540 and the first button 110 and the second button 120. If such a gap exists and the user presses the first movable part 510 or the third movable part 530, the first button 110 and the second button 120 may not be sufficiently pressed by the second movable part 520 and the fourth movable part 540. The second elastic deformable body 652 supports the first controller 1 when it is operated, for example, when the stick is tilted downward, thereby preventing the first button 110 and the second button 120 from being sufficiently pressed. Furthermore, since the second elastic deformable body 652 is elastically deformable, it can suppress resistance when attaching or detaching the first controller 1 to the housing.

[0170] On the other hand, the upper surface 801 does not need to have an elastic deformable body. Therefore, the feeling of attachment when attaching the controller 1 to the device 500 while attracting the button 110 by magnetic force can be improved.

[0171] In this embodiment, in the left-right direction, the third rubber member 623 and the fourth rubber member 624 are each located between the first rubber member 621 and the second rubber member 622. On the other hand, since there is no elastic deformation body on the upper surface 801, the feeling of attachment when attaching the controller 1 to the device 500 while attracting the button 110 by magnetic force can be improved.

[0172] Figure 26 shows a cross-section of the second bottom region 805b. The second bottom region 805b has a first bottom portion 811, a second bottom portion 812, and a third bottom portion 813. The third bottom portion 813 is connected to both the first bottom portion 811 and the second bottom portion 812. In the left-right direction, the third bottom portion 813 is located between the first bottom portion 811 and the second bottom portion 812. Both the first bottom portion 811 and the second bottom portion 812 have a shape that curves backward. At least a portion of the operating lever 182 formed on the back surface 16 of the first controller 1 is located in the space formed by the first bottom portion 811. At least a portion of the operating lever 282 formed on the back surface 20 of the second controller 2 is located in the space formed by the second bottom portion 812. In the front-to-back direction, the third bottom portion 813 is located in front of the first bottom portion 811 and the second bottom portion 812, respectively.

[0173] Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first controller mounted on the device according to the first embodiment. The cross-section shown in Figure 31 is parallel to both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0174] The flange 900 has a first light guide hole 731 and a second light guide hole 732 that communicate with each other. The first light guide hole 731 is provided in the inner housing 550. The first light guide hole 731 opens to the inner surface 902 of the flange and forms an entrance port 730a. The second light guide hole 732 is provided in the front housing 560. The second light guide hole 732 opens to the outer surface 901 of the flange and forms an exit port 730b.

[0175] The entrance port 730a faces the light-emitting section 150 of the first controller 1. Light irradiated from the protrusion 100 enters the entrance port 730a. Light that entered from the entrance port 730a exits from the exit port 730b. The first light guide hole 731 has an upper end 731a and a lower end 731b. The second light guide hole 732 has an upper end 732a and a lower end 732b.

[0176] The second light guide hole 732 is located above the first light guide hole 731. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the lower end 732b of the second light guide hole is located above the lower end 731b of the first light guide hole. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the upper end 732a of the second light guide hole is located above the upper end 731a of the first light guide hole. This ensures that the overall vertical thickness at the lower end of the flange 900 is maintained while allowing light from the protrusion 100 of the controller 1 to radiate outward. Therefore, the strength of the flange 900 is maintained while the user can see the light.

[0177] The device 500 also includes an optical guide member 630. The optical guide member 630 is attached to the internal housing 550. In the left-right direction, the optical guide member 630 is positioned in the center of the internal housing 550. The optical guide member 630 has a guide body portion 632 and a guide projection portion 631. The guide projection portion 631 protrudes from the guide body portion 632. The guide projection portion 631 is inserted into the second light guide hole 732. The guide body portion 632 is located between the front housing 560 and the internal housing 550. The optical guide member 630 is not inserted into the first light guide hole 731, but it may be inserted. Although the first light guide hole 731 and the second light guide hole 732 are offset in the vertical direction, the optical guide member 630 effectively directs the light emitted from the light-emitting element 152 of the first controller 1 to exit the device 500 through the exit port 730b.

[0178] Next, we will describe the configuration for pressing buttons 110 and 120 on the first game controller 1 attached to the device 500 through user operation.

[0179] Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the device 500 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 32, the device 500 has a first pressing part 810 and a second pressing part 820. The first pressing part 810 includes a first movable part 510 and a second movable part 520. The second pressing part 820 includes a third movable part 530 and a fourth movable part 540. In the left-right direction, the first pressing part 810 is located to the right of the center of the internal housing 550. In the left-right direction, the second pressing part 820 is located to the left of the center of the internal housing 550. In the left-right direction, the optical guide member 630 is located between the first pressing part 810 and the second pressing part 820.

[0180] The first axis 513 of the first movable part 510 extends in a first direction D1 that includes a left-right component. The first axis 513 may extend in a direction parallel to the left-right direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the left-right direction. The right end of the first axis 513 is located to the left of the right end of the first surface 511 (see Figure 22). Similarly, the third axis 533 of the third movable part 530 extends in a third direction D3 that includes a left-right component. The third axis 533 may extend in a direction parallel to the left-right direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the left-right direction. The left end of the third axis 533 is located to the right of the left end of the third surface 531 (see Figure 22).

[0181] The second axis 523 of the second movable part 520 extends in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is closer to the front-rear direction than the first direction D1. The second direction D2 includes a front-rear component. The second axis 523 may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. Similarly, the fourth axis 543 of the fourth movable part 540 extends in a fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is closer to the front-rear direction than the third direction D3. The fourth direction D4 includes a front-rear component. The fourth axis 543 may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction, or in a direction inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0182] In this embodiment, the third direction D3 is the same as the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4 is the same as the second direction D2. Looking in the vertical direction, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are orthogonal. In other embodiments, the third direction D3 may be different from the first direction D1. The fourth direction D4 may be different from the second direction D2. Looking in the vertical direction, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 do not have to be orthogonal.

[0183] Figure 33 is a schematic first cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device 500 when the first surface 511 is not pressed. The cross-section shown in Figure 33 is parallel to the front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction, respectively.

[0184] As shown in Figure 33, the protrusion 100 of the first controller 1 is positioned behind the flange 900 of the device 500. In the front-rear direction, the protrusion 100 is positioned between the inner surface 902 of the flange and the first bottom surface region 805a. In the up-down direction, the controller housing 10 of the first controller 1 is positioned below the lower surface 903 of the flange.

[0185] As shown in Figure 33, the first button 110 of the first controller 1 is positioned opposite the second movable part 520 of the device 500. Similarly, the second button 120 of the first controller 1 is positioned opposite the fourth movable part 540 of the device 500.

[0186] The first button 110 is attracted to the second movable part 520. The second movable part 520 has a first magnetic member 610. The first magnetic member 610 is attracted to the first button 110 by magnetic force. The first button 110 contacts the second pressing portion 522 of the second movable part 520. In this embodiment, the second pressing portion 522 is flat, but it may be convex or have other shapes. The second pressing portion 522 is made of, for example, resin. The first magnetic member 610 faces the first button 110 while being separated from it. The second pressing portion 522 may be made of, for example, a magnetic material, or the entire second movable part 520 may be made of a magnetic material. In the vertical direction, the direction in which the second surface 521 of the second movable part 520 faces and the direction in which the second pressing portion 522 faces are opposite. In the vertical direction, the second pressing portion 522 is located below the second surface 521.

[0187] The first movable part 510 has a movable body 515, a first surface 511, a first pressing portion 512, a first shaft 513, and a first lower end portion 514. The first surface 511 is the surface that is pressed by the user. The first surface 511 is exposed to the outside from the housing 590. The housing 590 houses the first movable part 510 such that the first surface 511 is exposed (see Figure 18). The first surface 511 is exposed to the outside from the first movable part placement hole 603 formed in the rear housing 570.

[0188] In the vertical direction, the direction in which the first pressing portion 512 faces is opposite to the direction in which the first surface 511 faces. The first surface 511 is part of the upper surface of the movable body portion 515, and the first pressing portion 512 is part of the lower surface of the movable body portion 515. The first pressing portion 512 has, for example, a curved shape that is convex downwards. The first pressing portion 512 is in contact with the second surface 521 of the second movable portion 520. The first lower end portion 514 is the end of the portion that protrudes downwards from the surface opposite to the first surface 511.

[0189] As shown in Figure 33, in the front-rear direction, the first surface 511 is located behind the first shaft 513. In the front-rear direction, the first push portion 512 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first surface 511. In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the second movable portion 520 is located in front of the rear end of the first movable portion 510. In the front-rear direction, the first shaft 513 is located in front of the front-rear center of the second movable portion 520. In the front-rear direction, the first magnetic member 610 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first push portion 512. The device 500 has a cushion 595. The cushion 595 is provided between the inner surface of the housing 590 and the upper surface of the movable body portion 515 of the first movable portion 510. The cushion 595 and the first push portion 512 are located on the same straight line parallel to the vertical direction. The cushion 595 can suppress the generation of noise caused by interference between the first movable part 510 and the housing 590, for example, when the first movable part 510 is biased upward by the reaction force of the button 110 of the controller 1, or when the controller 1 is equipped with a vibrator.

[0190] Figure 34 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device 500 when the first surface 511 is not pressed. The cross-section shown in Figure 34 is parallel to both the left-right and up-down directions. Figure 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device 500 as seen from the front, and therefore shows a portion of the right side of the device 500 in the left-right direction. The left side of Figure 34 can also be said to be the inside of the device 500 in the left-right direction, and the right side of Figure 34 can also be said to be the outside of the device 500 in the left-right direction. Hereafter, when referring to left and right, we will also refer to them as inside and outside.

[0191] As shown in Figure 34, in the vertical direction, the second pressing portion 522 of the second movable portion 520 is located below the upper surface 801 of the housing portion 800. Similarly, in the vertical direction, the operating surface 115 of the first button 110 is located below the first upper surface region 801a of the housing portion 800. The protrusion 100 of the first controller 1 is spaced apart from the first upper surface region 801a of the housing portion 800.

[0192] The magnetic member 610 is located above the first button 110 of the first controller 1, which is housed in the housing section 800. In the left-right direction, the center of the magnetic member 610 is located inward from the center of the first button 110. In this embodiment, the magnetic member 610 is located from one side to the other of the center of the button in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the width of the operating surface 115 of the first button 110 is greater than the width of the magnetic member 610. In the left-right direction, the width of the operating surface 115 of the first button 110 is greater than the width of the second press section 522.

[0193] As shown in Figure 34, in the left-right direction, the second shaft 523 is located inward from the center of the magnetic member 610. In the up-down direction, the second shaft 523 is located above the second pressing portion 522.

[0194] Figure 35 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device 500 when the first surface 511 is pressed. The region shown in Figure 35 corresponds to the region shown in Figure 33.

[0195] As shown in Figure 35, the first surface 511 is pushed downward by the user. The first movable part 510 rotates around the first axis 513 as the first surface 511 is pushed. The first movable part 510 rotates in the direction of the third arrow A3. The first push portion 512 of the first movable part 510 pushes down the second surface 521 of the second movable part 520. The rotation of the first movable part 510 stops as the first lower end portion 514 of the first movable part 510 comes into contact with the housing 590. The angle of rotation of the first movable part 510 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 45° or less, 30° or less, or 20° or less.

[0196] Figure 36 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device 500 when the first surface 511 is pressed. The region shown in Figure 36 corresponds to the region shown in Figure 34.

[0197] As shown in Figure 36, the second movable part 520 rotates around the second shaft 523 when the second surface 521 is pressed by the first pressing part 512. As the second movable part 520 rotates, the second pressing part 522 tilts with respect to the left and right directions. In the vertical direction, the height of the right end of the second pressing part 522 is lower than the height of the left end of the second pressing part 522. As the second pressing part 522 tilts while in contact with the operating surface 115 of the first button 110, the operating surface 115 of the first button 110 also tilts. In the vertical direction, the height of the right end of the operating surface 115 is lower than the height of the left end of the operating surface 115. The first button 110 is pressed down as a whole by the second pressing part 522. That is, the second pressing part 522 presses the first button 110 of the first controller 1 as the second movable part 520 rotates. The second movable part 520 presses down one side of the first button 110 more than the other side. The first projection 111 of the pressed-down first button 110 presses the tact switch 117.

[0198] When the user releases their hand from the first surface 511, the top of the tact switch 117 returns to its original shape. This pushes the first projection 111 upward. Thus, the first button 110 moves to its initial position. This causes the second movable part 520 to rotate and move back to its original position. The second surface 521 of the second movable part 520 pushes up the first push portion 512. This causes the first movable part 510 to rotate and move back to its original position.

[0199] Similarly, the third movable part 530 rotates around the third axis 533 when the third surface 531 is pressed by the user. The fourth movable part 540 rotates around the fourth axis 543 when the fourth surface 541 is pressed by the third push part 532. The fourth push part 542 presses the second button 120 of the first controller 1 as the fourth movable part 540 rotates.

[0200] Thus, in this embodiment, the first movable part 510, which rotates around the first axis 513 extending in the left-right direction, is pressed by the user, and the second movable part 520, which rotates around the second axis 523 extending in the front-back direction, is pressed by the first movable part 510, thereby pressing the button 110 by the second movable part 520.

[0201] In devices that are grasped by a user, a movable part having an operating surface extending to the left and right has sometimes been provided to rotate around an axis that extends in a direction including a front-to-back component. However, depending on the size of the user's hand and how they grasp the device, the part of the operating surface that extends to the left and right may be pressed, which may result in variations in the force required for operation or the feel of operation. With the above configuration, the first movable part 510 operated by the user rotates around the first axis 513 that extends in the left-to-right direction, so even if the position pressed by the user varies in the left-to-right direction, variations in the force required for operation and the feel of operation can be suppressed. In addition, the second movable part 520 pressed by the first movable part 510 rotates around the second axis 523 that extends in the front-to-back direction, so the position of the part pressed by the second axis 523 and the first pressing part 512 of the first movable part 510 can be adjusted while suppressing the thickness of the device 500 in the front-to-back direction, and the force required by the user to press the button 110 can be adjusted. Furthermore, since the portion of the second movable part 520 that is pressed by the first pressing portion 512 of the first movable part 510 is fixed, variations in the force required to press the button 110 and the feel of operation caused by variations in the position where the user presses the first surface 511 of the first movable part can be suppressed.

[0202] In this embodiment, the first pressing portion 512 is located between the first shaft 513 and the first pressing surface 511 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second movable portion, including the second pressing surface 521 that is pressed by the first pressing portion, is located in a position that overlaps with the first movable portion in the vertical direction. Therefore, the thickness of the device 500 in the front-rear direction can be reduced.

[0203] Furthermore, the second movable part 520 has a magnetic member 610. As a result, the second movable part 520 and the button 110 attract each other even while the button 110 is being pressed or released by the user operating the first movable part 510, thus improving operability.

[0204] Furthermore, since the second movable part 520 presses the button 110 on the side other than the center, the tilting of the entire controller 1 is suppressed, while the button 110 can be pressed by the second movable part 520.

[0205] Up to this point, we have described an example of how the first controller 1 is mounted on the device 500. The device 500 can also be fitted with a second controller 2. Figure 37 is a schematic front view showing the second controller mounted on the device 500. As shown in Figure 37, the second controller 2 is mounted on the device 500 so that its front faces forward. The pair of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2 face forward. The pair of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2 are exposed from the housing 800. The user can operate the pair of four buttons 42 and joystick 41 of the second controller 2. The positional relationship of each part with respect to the device 500 when the second controller 2 is mounted on the device 500 is substantially the same as the embodiment described using the first controller 1, although there are differences such as the left and right being reversed, so we will not repeat the explanation. For example, the third button 210 and the fourth button 220 of the second controller 2 housed in the housing section 800 are pressed by the second movable section 520 and the fourth movable section 540, similar to the first button 110 and the second button 120 of the first controller. Note that when held horizontally, the positions of the operating lever on the back and the surrounding bulge on the back are reversed between the first controller 1 and the second controller 2. In this regard, as explained with reference to Figure 26, at least a portion of the operating lever and the surrounding bulge of one controller is located in one of the spaces formed by the first bottom section 811 and the second bottom section 812, while the corresponding portion of the other controller is located in the other space.

[0206] (Second Embodiment) Next, the configuration of the device 1500 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 38 is a partially perspective schematic diagram showing the state in which the controller is attached to the device 1500 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 38, the second controller 2 is attached to the device 1500, but the first controller 1 may also be attached. As shown in Figure 38, the device 1500 according to this embodiment has a first movable part 1510, a second movable part 1520, and a magnetic member 1610. The first movable part 1510 has a first shaft 1513 and a movable body part 1515. The first shaft 1513 extends in the left-right direction. The second movable part 1520 has a second shaft 1523, a second surface 1521, and a second pressing part 1522. The second pressing part is not attracted to the third button 210 by magnetic force. For example, the second movable part 1520 does not have a magnetic member. The second shaft 1523 extends in the front-rear direction. In the left-right direction, the second axis 1523 is located to the right of the second surface 1521.

[0207] The third button 210 of the second controller 2 is attracted to the magnetic member 1610 by magnetic force. The third button 210 is attracted to the magnetic member 1610. The magnetic member 1610 is positioned so as not to move relative to the housing of the device 1500 in which the second controller 2 is housed. The magnetic member 1610 is fixed to, for example, the housing 1590. In the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is located to the left of the first movable part 1510. With respect to the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is located to one side of the center of the third button 210 and not to the other side of the center of the third button 210. In the left-right direction, the magnetic member 1610 is located to the left of the second movable part 1520. In the left-right direction, the second surface 1521 is located between the magnetic member 1610 and the second axis 1523.

[0208] In this embodiment, when the second movable part 1520 is rotated by user operation on the first movable part 1510, the second pressing part 1522 presses down on one side of the third button 210 from the center. At this time, the third button 210 is pulled towards the magnetic member 1610 on the side other than the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the third button 210 is pressed so that one side sinks in, with the other side of the center as the axis. Note that the magnetic member 1610 is fixed and does not follow the movement of the third button 210.

[0209] (Third embodiment) Next, the configuration of the device 2500 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 39 is a schematic front view showing the controller mounted on the device 2500 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 39, the second controller 2 is mounted on the device 2500, but the first controller 1 may also be mounted.

[0210] As shown in Figure 39, the housing 2590 of the device 2500 is provided with a housing section 2800. The housing 2590 has a horizontal shape. The maximum width of the housing 2590 in the left-right direction is longer than the maximum width of the housing 2590 in the up-down direction. The housing 2590 has a flange that covers at least a portion of the front surface of the protrusion of the second controller 2. The first movable part 2510 is located behind the mounted second controller 2 and rotates around an axis that extends in the left-right direction. A third movable part (not shown), pushed by the first movable part 2510, rotates around an axis that extends in the front-rear direction, pressing the third button 210 of the second controller 2.

[0211] <Variation> The above describes the case where the controller mounting part is a protruding part, but the controller mounting part is not limited to a protruding part. For example, the controller mounting part may be a slider mounting part. The slider mounting part is attached by sliding it onto a rail on the game device. The mounting part may have a structure that protrudes from the side, or it may have other structures.

[0212] In the above example, a game controller was used as an example of a controller, but the controller may be any other controller that has buttons.

[0213] In the above description, the controller is mounted to the device by being housed in the housing; however, the mounting structure may be other structures.

[0214] In the above description, the device was described in the case where a controller is attached, but the device may also have a configuration in which a controller is not attached, while having two movable parts that rotate around axes facing different directions. For example, the device may be a standalone controller having a fifth movable part that is operated by the user and rotates around a first axis extending in a first direction, a sixth movable part that is pushed by the fifth movable part and rotates around a second axis extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a contact that is pushed by the sixth movable part.

[0215] In the above description, the device was described as having a flange, but the device may not have a flange and may have a structure in which, for example, the controller can be inserted into the housing parallel to the front side. In this case, the device may or may not have a magnetic member that is attracted to the controller's buttons by magnetic force.

[0216] The device may have a first movable part and a second movable part, but may not have a third movable part and a fourth movable part.

[0217] In the above, the case in which the controller buttons are pressed using the first to fourth movable parts has been described, but the configuration for pressing the buttons may be other. For example, a single component pressed by the user may directly press the buttons on the controller mounted on the device. Such a single component is an example of a pusher. Alternatively, at least a portion of the upper surface defining the housing may be exposed, and the user may directly press the buttons on the controller mounted on the device.

[0218] The device does not need to have a magnetic element that is attracted to the controller's buttons by magnetic force. For example, the second movable part does not need to have a magnet.

[0219] The device does not necessarily have to include the second elastic deformable body 652. For example, the device may have protrusions that do not undergo elastic deformation, such as rubber. For example, a part of the lower surface 802 may protrude upward. Also, a part of the lower end of the bottom surface 805 may protrude forward. Such protrusions may support the controller when it is operated.

[0220] The device may have terminals. The terminals of the device are electrically connected, for example, to the first terminal of controller 1. In that case, the device may have circuits. For example, the device may have a processor. However, the device may have a processor without having terminals. For example, devices 500, 1500, and 2500 may have processors and communicate with a controller or game device wirelessly.

[0221] In the above description, the outer shape of the rim 591 was circular, but the rim does not have to be circular. For example, the rim may be rhombus-shaped or ribbon-shaped. Also, part of the outer shape of the rim may be interrupted. For example, the rim may have a shape in which the top of the circle is interrupted. Note that the shape of the rim cover is not limited to the shape shown in the embodiment. The device does not have to have a rim cover.

[0222] In the above description, the device 500 was described as having an internal housing 550, a front housing 560, and a rear housing 570, but the configuration of the housings and the shape of each housing are not limited. For example, the device does not have to have an internal housing 550.

[0223] The light emitted from the light-emitting part of the controller attached to the device may be obscured by the device. For example, the flange 900 does not need to have an inlet and an outlet.

[0224] In the above description, the housing section is defined by at least a bottom surface, a right surface, a left surface, and a lower surface, but it may not have at least some of these surfaces. Furthermore, the device may have a front surface that defines the front of the housing section and faces the entire front of the controller.

[0225] The apparatus may not include some of the components described in the embodiments, may include additional components, or may be replaced by other components. For example, it may not include at least some of the first elastic deformable body 651, the second elastic deformable body 652, and the cushion 595.

[0226] With the controller attached to the device, input from the mouse control sensor may be used. The light reception state of the mouse control sensor may change as a result of operating the device.

[0227] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0228] 1. First controller, controller 2. Second Controller 3 Game Devices 10,20 Controller Housing 11,211 Top side 12 Right side 13 Lower side 14 Left side 15 Front 16 Back 17 Housing opening 19. Convex flange 31,41 Joystick 32,42 A set of four buttons 33(1) + Button 33(2) Home button 43(1) - Button 43(2) Capture button 50 Sync button 51, 53 Ground connection 52,651 First elastic deformed body 54,652 Second Elastic Deformation Body 61 Front side housing 62 Rear side housing 71,73 First Inner Surface 72,74 Second inner surface 90 Flexible Printed Circuits 100,200 convex parts 101 First area 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 4th area 105 5th area 106 Top surface 107 Outer surface 110 First button, button 111,121 1st protrusion 112,122 2nd protrusion 113,123 Flange section 114,124 Main body 115,125 Operation surface 117,127 Tact switches 118,128 side wall 120 Second button 130 Shoulder button (right) 140 Z Shoulder Button (Right) 150,250 Light emitting part 152 Light-emitting element 160 1st terminal 167 Terminal housing section 170 First opening 174 Mouse operation sensor 181 Pressing member 182 Operating lever 191 First Cushion 192 Second cushion 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 195 Opening for sync button 196 Terminal opening 197 Fifth opening 198 Sixth opening 210 Third button 220 Fourth button 230 Shoulder button (left) 240 Z Shoulder Button (Left) 253 Third Cushion 254 4th cushion 260 2nd terminal 270 Aperture for mouse sensor 274 Mouse operation sensor 282 Operation section 301 Audio Input / Output Terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 storage media slots 305 displays 306 Main Housing 307 Power button 310,320 Game device side indentation 311 Base 313 Right side of the main unit 314 Left side of the main unit 315 Front view of the main unit 316 Top and side of the main unit 317 Lower side of main body 330 First plug connector 331 Main unit terminal 1 332 tongue body 333 Connector support section 334 Stepped Screw 338 Cover component 341 Main unit terminal 2 401 Hole 1, Hole 402 Hole 2 410 Magnetic element on the game device side, magnetic element on the first game device side 420 Second game device side magnetic element 500,1500,2500 equipment 510,1510,2510 1st moving part 511,1511 1st page 512,1512 First pressing section 513, 1513 First Axis 514 First Lower End 515, 1515 Movable Body Part 520, 1520 Second Movable Part 521, 1521 Second Surface 522, 1522 Second Pressing Part 523, 1523 Second Axis 523a First Axis Member 523b Second Axis Member 524 First Magnetic Member Placement Recess 530, 2530 Third Movable Part 531 Third Surface 532 Third Pressing Part 533 Third Axis 540 Fourth Movable Part 541 Fourth Surface 542 Fourth Pressing Part 543 Fourth Axis 543a Third Axis Member 543b Fourth Axis Member 544 Second Magnetic Member Placement Recess 550 Inner Housing<000092I>551 First Support Plate 552 Second Support Plate 553 Third Support Plate 554 Fourth Support Plate 555 Second Axis Member Placement Hole 556 Fourth Axis Member Placement Hole 557 Inner Housing Body Part 560 Front Housing 560a First Annular Part 560b First Bridging Part 561 Finger Insertion Port 570 Rear Housing 570a Second Annular Part 570b Second Bridging Part 580 Rim Cover 590, 1590, 2590 Housing 591 Rim 595 Cushion 601 Second Movable Part Placement Hole 602 Fourth Movable Part Placement Hole 603 First movable part placement hole 604 Third movable part placement hole 610, 1610 Magnetic member, First magnetic member 611 Yoke 613 Magnet 620 Second magnetic member 621, 2621 First rubber member 622, 2622 Second rubber member 623 Third rubber member 624 Fourth rubber member 630, 2630 Optical guide member 631 Guide protrusion 632 Guide main body part 701 First fastening screw 702 Second fastening screw 710 Third bridging part 730a Inlet 730b Outlet 731 First light guide hole 731a Upper end of the first light guide hole 731b Lower end of the first light guide hole 732 Second light guide hole 732a Upper end of the second light guide hole 732b Lower end of the third light guide hole 800, 2800 Accommodation part 801 Upper surface 801a First upper surface area 801b Second upper surface area 802 Lower surface 803 Right surface 803a First right surface area [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​820 Second pressing part 850 Convex section housing 900 flange 901 Flange outer surface 902 Flange inner surface 903 Flange bottom 1000 Information equipment 3120 Inner surface of the game device 3121 Bottom side of the game device A1 First arrow A2 Second arrow A3 Third arrow D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction D4 4th direction R1 upward direction R2 Right direction R3 downward direction R4 left direction R5 Front direction R6 Rear direction T1 First Height T2 Second height T3, 3rd height T4 4th height T5 5th height T6, 6th height T7, 7th height T8, 8th height T9, 9th height T10 10th height T11, 11th height W1 First length W2 Second length W3 3rd length W4 4th length W5 5th length W6 6th length W7, 7th length W8 8th length

Claims

1. A housing comprising a controller, defined by an inner surface including at least a downward-facing top surface, an upward-facing bottom surface, and a forward-facing bottom surface, and opening to the front, A control unit operated by the user, The apparatus comprises a pusher having a magnetic member that is attracted to the button of the controller by magnetic force, which protrudes downward from the upper surface when the operating part is operated and presses the button of the controller housed in the housing through the opening.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pusher rotates with respect to an axis that extends in a direction including a front-to-back component and is provided on one side in the left-to-right direction.

3. With respect to the left-right direction, the magnetic member is positioned from one side to the other side of the center of the button of the controller housed in the housing, according to claim 2.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the length of the magnetic member in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the operating surface of the button of the controller housed in the housing.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, with respect to the left-right direction, the center of the magnetic member is located on one side of the center of the operating surface of the button of the controller housed in the housing.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface has a first elastic deformable body.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first elastic deformable body is located below the center in the vertical direction in the region of the bottom surface that is exposed when the apparatus is viewed from the front side.

8. The lower surface has a second elastic deformation body, The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper surface does not have an elastically deformable body.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is a magnet.

10. The upper surface and the lower surface further comprise a flange extending only from the upper surface, The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flange has an inner surface extending downward from the upper surface and facing the bottom surface.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the flange covers the front of the pressing surface of the pusher that presses the button.

12. A system comprising a controller having a mounting portion that protrudes from the side and is attached to a game device, and a button provided on the mounting portion, and a device to which the controller is detachably attached, The aforementioned device is The aforementioned controller is housed in a housing that is defined by an inner surface including at least a downward-facing upper surface, an upward-facing lower surface, and a forward-facing bottom surface, and has an opening to the front. A control unit operated by the user, A system comprising: a pusher having a magnetic member that is attracted to the button of the controller by magnetic force, which protrudes downward from the upper surface when the operating part is operated and presses the button of the controller housed in the housing through the opening.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the pusher rotates with respect to an axis extending in a direction including a front-to-back component, which is provided on one side in the left-to-right direction.

14. With respect to the left-right direction, the magnetic member is positioned from one side to the other side of the center of the button of the controller housed in the housing, according to claim 13.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the length of the magnetic member in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the operating surface of the button of the controller housed in the housing.

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein, with respect to the left-right direction, the center of the magnetic member is located on one side of the center of the operating surface of the button of the controller housed in the housing.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein the bottom surface has a first elastic deformable body.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the first elastic deformable body is located below the center in the vertical direction in the region of the bottom surface that is exposed when the device is viewed from the front side.

19. The lower surface has a second elastic deformation body, The system according to claim 17, wherein the upper surface does not have an elastic deformable body.

20. The system according to claim 12, wherein the magnetic member is a magnet.

21. The device further comprises a flange extending only from the upper surface of the upper surface and the lower surface, The system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the flange has an inner surface extending downward from the upper surface and facing the bottom surface, and covers the front surface of the mounting portion of the controller.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the flange covers the front of the pressing surface of the pusher that presses the button.

Images