Control input device including a movable abutment for adjusting the travel distance of a control trigger associated with a lock / unlock mechanism.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control input device (1) including a lock / unlock mechanism (71) including an actuation element (710), wherein at least a portion (710b) of the actuation element (710) is located outside the main body (2), and the actuation element is movable between at least one unlocked configuration and at least one locked configuration, in which case the actuation element (710) can be moved, thereby driving the adjustment abutment (70) to each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment (70), in which case the actuation element (710) blocks the adjustment abutment (70) from the main body (2) of the control input device at least in the first adjustment position, and in the first adjustment position the adjustment abutment (70) blocks the control trigger (6) and reduces the travel distance of the control trigger.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control input device, specifically a game controller, and more specifically a joystick, which includes at least one movable control trigger that can be actuated by a user, preferably by finger pressure. In this field, the present invention relates to an improvement that allows the user to adjust the travel distance of the control trigger. [Background technology]

[0002] In this specification, the term “control input device” is used generally to refer to any device that enables at least one user to manually input commands into an electronic and / or computer system.

[0003] Communication between the "control input device" and the electronic and / or computer system may be wired or wireless.

[0004] A game controller, more specifically a joystick, is a specific control input device used to allow a user to interact with a video game, for example, to control a virtual character within the game or to interact with a virtual environment.

[0005] Control input devices can also be used, for example, for users to select audio and / or video content, or to control various types of electronic devices such as TVs and computers.

[0006] More specifically, some control input devices include one or more movable (usually rotatable) control triggers, which can be activated by the user to input commands and can generally be pressed down more or less by pressure applied by the user. If the control input device is ergonomically designed to be held by the user with one or both hands, these control triggers can preferably be activated with the fingers, that is, by applying pressure with the fingers, most often the user's index fingers. In particular, if the control input device is a joystick ergonomically designed to be held by the user with both hands, the control input device usually includes two control triggers, one on the left and one on the right.

[0007] A control trigger can be used to input two commands: on / off. However, in most cases, a control trigger is used to input a stepwise and sequential command that depends on its position. For example, it can be used to adjust the movement speed of a virtual object or character in a virtual environment such as a game, or to adjust the rate of fire of a weapon in a combat game or similar.

[0008] In particular, it is desirable that users be able to easily adjust the trigger travel distance in order to adapt the responsiveness of the control trigger, for example, so that users can input commands faster or slower.

[0009] Various solutions have been proposed to date.

[0010] The first type of solution, described, for example, in US Patents 10188940, 10596455, and 11185766, is characterized by the inclusion of an abutment fixed inside the joystick body. The joystick body typically takes the form of a two-part shell, more commonly known as the "casing." This fixed abutment reduces the rotational travel distance of the control trigger. The main drawback of this solution is that the user must open the joystick body to adjust the trigger's travel distance.

[0011] A second type of solution, described, for example, in US Patent No. 9504911 or US Patent Application 2012 / 032255, is characterized by the implementation of one or more adjustment screws having the function of an adjustable abutment for blocking the rotation of a rotary control trigger. The adjustment screws penetrate the body of the joystick. Compared to the first type of solution described in US Patents No. 10188940, No. 10596455, and No. 11185766, using these screws makes it easier to adjust the trigger travel distance, but has the main drawback that it requires the use of appropriate tools such as a screwdriver to perform the adjustment, and adjusting the trigger travel distance is impractical and cumbersome, requiring the user to interrupt gameplay for extended periods.

[0012] To make adjustments easier and faster, especially to allow adjustments to be made without interrupting an ongoing game, technical solutions have already been proposed, for example, in US Patent Application 2012 / 0142418 and EP Patent Application EP3302737. These solutions include a finger-operated sliding adjustment knob that is easily accessible and operable by the user.

[0013] In US Patent Application US2012 / 0142418 (Figures 7A, 7B), the joystick features a movable abutment that can be moved translationally between two positions by a sliding adjustment knob to adjust the rotational travel distance of a rotary control trigger.

[0014] In EP Patent Application EP3302737, the joystick features an adjustment mechanism using a rotating cam with an adjustment function, the rotating cam of which can be rotated by an adjustment knob, thereby allowing the user to position the rotating cam in the path of the control trigger and easily and quickly adjust the distance the control trigger is pressed down.

[0015] US Patent Application US2022 / 0347560 already proposes a joystick comprising a joystick body, at least one control trigger rotatable relative to the body, and a mechanism for adjusting the travel distance of the control trigger. This ballpoint pen type adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment abutment associated with a fixed cam, a coil spring, a movable actuating element, and at least a portion located outside the joystick body. The actuating element can be manually pushed in translationally into the joystick body through the fixed cam, allowing the adjustment abutment to be driven in translation. During this translational movement, the adjustment abutment is guided in the rotational direction by the fixed cam. When the manual pressure on the actuating element is released, the coil spring pushes the adjustment abutment and actuating element back to an adjustment position where the adjustment abutment is blocked by the fixed cam.

[0016] US Patent Application US2019 / 0329127 already proposes a joystick comprising a joystick body, at least one control trigger rotatable relative to the body, and a mechanism for adjusting the travel distance of the control trigger. This adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment abutment, an actuating element, and a portion accessible from the outside of the joystick body. The actuating element can be moved from left to right in several of various adjustment positions, and as it moves, it drives the adjustment abutment back and forth to adjust the travel distance of the control trigger.

[0017] The technical solutions disclosed in US2012 / 0142418, EP3302737, US2022 / 0347560, and US2019 / 0329127 mentioned above carry a significant risk of accidentally moving the adjustment abutment, particularly when operating the joystick during gameplay.

[0018] Furthermore, the two technical solutions disclosed in US2012 / 0142418 and EP3302737 have the drawback that the adjustment of the travel distance of the control trigger is unstable and not robust, and these solutions are not very mechanically robust. In particular, in the case of the joystick disclosed in EP patent application EP3302737, if the control trigger or adjustment knob is subjected to repeated or excessive impact, for example, if the user drops the joystick, mechanical stress is applied to the rotating cam, creating a high risk that the adjustment system will break, especially at the axis of rotation of the cam. The technical solution disclosed in US patent application US2012 / 0142418 is not very robust from a mechanical standpoint, particularly due to the shear stress that the adjustment knob experiences when the control trigger presses against this movable abutment that forms a lever arm against the adjustment knob. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0019] This invention provides a novel technical solution that allows users to adjust the travel distance of control triggers, particularly those of game controllers and joystick-type control input devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a control input device, particularly a game controller or joystick, comprising a main body, at least one control trigger movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the travel distance of the control trigger, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes at least one adjustment abutment adapted to be movable to at least one first adjustment position and at least one second adjustment position, wherein in the first adjustment position, the adjustment abutment is adapted to block the control trigger and reduce the travel distance of the control trigger, and in the second adjustment position, the travel distance of the control trigger is greater than the travel distance obtained in the first adjustment position.

[0021] The adjustment mechanism includes a lock / unlock mechanism including an actuation element, at least a portion of which is located outside the main body, and the actuation element is movable between at least one unlocked configuration and at least one locked configuration, in which the actuation element can be moved to drive the adjustment abutment to each of the adjustment positions, and in which the actuation element blocks the adjustment abutment from the main body of the control input device at least in the first adjustment position.

[0022] In the control input device of the present invention, when the operating element is in a locked configuration, in order to correct the adjustment position of the adjustment abutment, the operating element must first be brought to the unlocked configuration of the control input device to unlock the adjustment abutment from the main body, and once in the unlocked configuration, the operating element can be moved by driving the adjustment abutment.

[0023] The adjustment mechanism of the present invention enables the user to easily and quickly manually adjust the movement distance of the control trigger without the need to use tools.

[0024] This adjustment mechanism also enables the adjustment of the movement distance of the control trigger without releasing the hand from a control input device adapted to be held with one or both hands, such as a joystick.

[0025] More specifically, the adjustment of the movement distance of the control trigger can be performed without interrupting the use of the control input device if necessary, and without interrupting the play, especially when the control input device is a joystick.

[0026] The lock / unlock mechanism of the present invention provides a stable and firm adjustment of the movement distance of the control trigger, and advantageously reduces the risk of unintended movement of the adjustment abutment when operating the control input device, which is particularly important when the control input device is a joystick.

[0027] More specifically, the control input device of the present invention may include the following additional selectable features, and each of the additional selectable features may be combined with any of the other technical features of the control input device. - The actuating element is adapted to block the adjustment abutment with respect to the body of the device at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment in its locked configuration. - The actuating element is movable with respect to the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. - When the actuating element moves with respect to the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, the actuating element does not drive the adjustment abutment. - The actuating element is connected to an elastic return element and is adapted to be brought into and maintained in an unlocked configuration by manually pressing the actuating element into the body and restraining the elastic return element, and the elastic return element is able to elastically return the actuating element to its locked configuration when the manual pressure applied to the actuating element is removed. - The elastic return element is pre-stressed to apply a return force to the actuating element, holding it in a locked configuration once the manual pressure applied to the actuating element is removed. - The actuating element is movable relative to the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, and the elastic return element is located between the adjustment abutment and the actuating element. - The adjustment abutment includes a housing in which the elastic return element and part of the actuation element are located. - An elastic return element is mounted inside the main body, and the adjustment abutment and actuation element are movable relative to the elastic return element to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions. - The elastic return element includes a spring, preferably a coil spring, or an elastically deformable abutment. - In the locked configuration, the actuating element cooperates with the body to block the adjustment abutment from the body at least in the first adjustment position. - The adjustment abutment is translationally movable to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions, preferably only translationally movable, and in a locked configuration, the actuation element cooperates with the body to translate and block the adjustment abutment relative to the body at least at the first adjustment position. - The adjustment abutment is movable in translation to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions, preferably only in translation, and the actuation element is movable in translation between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration laterally, preferably perpendicular to the direction of translational movement of the adjustment abutment. - The adjustment abutment is rotatable about a pivot axis to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions, preferably movable only by rotation, and in a locked configuration, the actuation element cooperates with the body to block the adjustment abutment from the body in the rotational direction at least at the first adjustment position. - The actuating element is capable of translational movement between a locked configuration and a configuration parallel to the rotation axis of the adjustment abutment. - The actuating element includes a male or female locking element, and the male or female locking element is adapted to cooperate with a complementary locking element of the body in order to block the adjustment abutment from the body when the actuating element is brought into a locked configuration. - Locking elements of the actuating element and complementary locking elements of the body are provided in an indexed manner to block the actuating element from the body at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment when the actuating element is brought into a locked configuration. - The control input device has at least one adjustment position for the adjustment abutment, and in that adjustment position, the control trigger can be moved to contact the main body. - The control input device has at least two adjustment positions for the adjustment abutment, and the adjustment abutment can block the control trigger such that two different travel distances are obtained with respect to the movement of the control trigger at the adjustment positions. - The control trigger can be partially pressed into the main body. - The control trigger rotates relative to the main body. - The adjustment abutment is capable of moving in a particularly linear translational manner to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions. - The adjustment abutment is mounted on a sliding guide rail, which is attached to the inside of the main body and guides the adjustment abutment by translating it. - The control trigger is rotatable relative to the main body, and the translation axis of the adjustment abutment is lateral, preferably perpendicular, to the rotation axis of the control trigger. - Translation axis of the adjustment abutment (A 70 ) is parallel to the direction of the thrust applied to the adjustment abutment by the control trigger. - The actuating element is capable of translational movement, preferably linear translational movement, relative to the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. - The adjustment abutment is movable in translation to position the adjustment abutment in each of the adjustment positions, and the actuation element moves the axis of translation of the adjustment abutment (A) relative to the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. 70 It is capable of moving in translation in the lateral direction, preferably in a perpendicular direction. - The operating element is mounted on an adjustment abutment aligned on the translational movement axis of the adjustment abutment. - The adjustment abutment can be rotated to position it in each of the adjustment positions. - The at least one control trigger is hollow, and a portion of the adjustment abutment is located inside the control trigger when at least the adjustment abutment is in an adjustment position in which it acts as an abutment for movement of the control trigger. - The control trigger is elastically returned to its standby position. - The adjustment abutment is located inside the main body, at least partially, and preferably entirely, regardless of its adjustment position. - The control input device includes at least one additional adjustment abutment, and an actuation element is mechanically connected to the additional adjustment abutment so that it can be driven to each of its adjustment positions simultaneously with the other adjustment abutments. - In the locked configuration, the actuating element blocks each of the adjustment abutments from the device body at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutments. - The additional adjustment abutment, regardless of its adjustment position, is located at least partially, preferably entirely, inside the main body. - An additional adjustment abutment is rotatable. - The control input device comprises a joystick adapted to be held by the user with one or both hands, preferably with one or more control triggers activated by a finger.

[0028] The present invention also relates to the following method: A method for adjusting the above-mentioned control input device, particularly a controller or joystick, characterized by comprising the following steps: - In the first step, the lock / unlock mechanism is unlocked by a manual operation on the operating element, and the operating element is moved to the unlocked configuration; - In the second step, the actuating element moves the adjustment abutment to one of the adjustment positions, and the actuating element of the lock / unlock mechanism is manually held in the unlocked position; - In the third step, the lock / unlock mechanism is locked by moving the operating element to a locked configuration, thereby blocking the adjustment abutment in the adjustment position.

[0029] Preferably, the lock / unlock mechanism is locked by releasing the actuarial element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of some specific alternative embodiments of the invention. Specific alternative embodiments of the invention are described by limited and non-exclusive examples of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of a specific embodiment of the joystick according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the joystick shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the joystick shown in Figure 1, with the lower half of the shell removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an isometric projection of the joystick shown in Figure 1, with one of the control triggers partially removed to illustrate the mechanism that rotates the control trigger and elastically returns it to the standby position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded isometric projection view of an example of a lock / unlock mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial view showing the control trigger in the initial standby position of the joystick in Figure 1 (without manual pressure being applied to the control trigger by the user), where the lock / unlock mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the activation button of the lock / unlock mechanism in the adjustment position allows for the maximum rotational movement distance of the control trigger. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial view showing the control trigger of the joystick in Figure 1, fully depressed by manual pressure applied by the user. The lock / unlock mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the activation button for the lock / unlock mechanism at the adjustment position allows for the maximum rotational movement distance of the control trigger. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick control trigger and lock / unlock mechanism shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick control trigger and lock / unlock mechanism from Figure 8, but in a different cross-sectional view than that shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a partial view showing the control trigger in the initial standby position of the joystick in Figure 1 (without manual pressure being applied to the control trigger by the user), where the lock / unlock mechanism is in its locked configuration, and the activation button for the lock / unlock mechanism in the adjustment position allows the rotational travel distance of the control trigger to be reduced to less than that in Figures 9 and 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a partial view showing the control trigger of the joystick in Figure 11 when it is fully pressed down by manual pressure applied by the user. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick control trigger and lock / unlock mechanism shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick control trigger and lock / unlock mechanism from Figure 12, but in a different cross-sectional view than that shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the joystick control trigger and lock / unlock mechanism shown in Figure 1, showing the lock / unlock mechanism in its unlocked configuration and the lock / unlock mechanism's activation button in a translational position midway between two positions for adjusting the rotational movement distance of the control trigger. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an isometric projection view of a second embodiment having a remote actuation element. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a third embodiment having a rotating adjustment abutment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a fourth embodiment in which the elastic return element is mounted inside the joystick shell. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a fifth embodiment having an additional rotary adjustment abutment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows a fifth embodiment having an additional rotary adjustment abutment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a joystick 1, including the assembled shell 2 (commonly known as the "casing") that forms the body of the joystick.

[0032] In this particular example, Shell 2 is ergonomically shaped to make it easier for the user to hold it with both hands.

[0033] In another modification, the joystick can be adapted to be held in one hand or placed on a support such as a table and operated by the user.

[0034] This shell 2 includes, for example, an upper half shell 2a (commonly referred to as the "front casing"), which is assembled together with the lower half shell 2b (commonly referred to as the "back casing") by any means such as screws and similar fasteners, and / or adhesives and / or welds.

[0035] In the specific modification shown in Figure 2, the lower half of the shell 2b consists of two separate parts. The lower half of the shell 2b can also be made as a single piece.

[0036] In the usual manner, the joystick 1 has several control elements on its upper surface that can be manually operated by the user. These control elements include two "thumbstick" type swivel joysticks 3, a directional pad 4, and control buttons 5 (Figure 1).

[0037] The joystick 1 also includes two control triggers 6 (generally referred to as "triggers") that are operated by fingers, and the two control triggers 6 are preferably positioned symmetrically on the front side of the joystick 1 at the left and right positions (Figure 2).

[0038] These two control triggers 6 are movable relative to the shell 2, and preferably rotatable.

[0039] These two control triggers 6 can be operated individually by the user by pressing them with the fingers of each hand when the user holds the joystick 1 with both hands.

[0040] In this embodiment, each of the two control triggers 6 can be pressed down more or less into the shell 2 by pressure applied by the user, particularly by one of the user's fingers, usually the index finger.

[0041] More specifically, referring to Figure 4, a portion 60 of the trigger 6 is typically mounted inside the upper half of the shell 2a on the shaft 61 so that it can rotate around the axis of rotation 61a relative to the shell 2.

[0042] The trigger 6 is elastically returned to a standby position by, for example, one or more return springs 62 mounted on the shaft 61. This standby position is shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7 and corresponds to the position where it is not pushed down the deepest into the shell 2.

[0043] In another variation, the joystick may include a single control trigger or multiple control triggers.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, each of the two control triggers 6 is connected to an adjustment mechanism 7, which in this particular example is easily accessible from the underside of the joystick 1.

[0045] A control trigger 6 and an adjustment mechanism 7 connected thereto in a specific modified embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 3-14.

[0046] In this modified example, the adjustment mechanism 7 includes an adjustment abutment 70, a lock / unlock mechanism 71, and a support 72 for mounting the adjustment abutment 70 and the lock / unlock mechanism 71.

[0047] The support 72 (Figure 5) is, for example, a plastic insert and is adapted to be attached to the inside of the upper half of the shell 2a by, for example, at least one mounting screw V (Figure 3).

[0048] In another variation, the support 72 can be assembled from multiple parts.

[0049] In another modification, the support 72 can be replaced with a support that is integrated with the upper half of the shell 2a.

[0050] In this particular modification, the support 72 includes a portion 720 adapted to receive the adjustment abutment 70 and to form a guide rail for linearly translating the adjustment abutment 70.

[0051] More specifically, the guide rail 720 has two walls at its front end that function as a front fixing abutment 720a, and two walls at its rear end that function as a rear fixing abutment 720b (Figure 5). The front fixing abutment 720a is adapted to translate and block the adjustment abutment 70 when the adjustment abutment is brought to the first adjustment position described below. The rear fixing abutment 720b is adapted to translate and block the adjustment abutment 70 when the adjustment abutment is brought to the second adjustment position described below.

[0052] The adjustment abutment 70 is a linear component having a longitudinal axis 70a and is a plastic component including, for example, a front portion 70b having the function of an abutment for locking the control trigger 6, a rear portion 70c, and a central portion 70d adapted to receive the lock / unlock mechanism 71 (Figure 5).

[0053] The adjustment abutment 70 is, for example, a plastic part. In another modification, the adjustment abutment 70 can be assembled from multiple parts.

[0054] The adjustment abutment 70 is adapted to be mounted in a sliding manner inside the shell 2 of the guide rail portion 720 of the support 72, and therefore the adjustment abutment 70 can be guided in translation with respect to the guide rail, while also sliding linearly with respect to the guide rail in the direction of the longitudinal axis 70a (translational movement axis T / Figures 9, 13). Thus, the adjustment abutment 70 can slide linearly in either direction between the following two extreme adjustment positions. - In particular, in the first adjustment position shown in Figure 13, the front portion 70b acting as an abutment can block the rotation of the control trigger 6 when the control trigger 6 has been rotated by a predetermined maximum angle A1 relative to the initial standby position, thereby reducing the rotational distance of the control trigger 6. - In particular, at the second adjustment position shown in Figure 9, the rotational movement distance of the control trigger 6 is generally greater than the rotational movement distance obtained at the first adjustment position, and the control trigger 6 can rotate by a predetermined maximum angle A2 that is greater than the aforementioned angle A1 relative to the initial standby position.

[0055] In another variation, the translational movement of the adjustment abutment 70 does not have to be linear. Furthermore, the movement of the adjustment abutment 70 does not necessarily have to be a translational movement.

[0056] In this specific embodiment, at the first adjustment position described above, the central portion 70d of the adjustment abutment 70 abuts against the front fixed abutment 720a, and at the second adjustment position described above, the central portion 70d of the adjustment abutment 70 abuts against the rear fixed abutment 720b. These abutments 720a and 720b facilitate adjustment of the position of the movable adjustment abutment 70.

[0057] In the specific example shown, without limiting the present invention, angle A2 corresponds to the maximum downward pressure of the control trigger 6, and angle A1 is equal to 50% of angle A2.

[0058] Advantageously, the adjustment abutment 70 is located entirely inside the shell 2, regardless of its adjustment position. In another modification, the adjustment abutment 70 may be located only partially inside the shell 2, with the central portion 70b being located outside the shell 2, particularly when in the aforementioned first adjustment position.

[0059] More specifically, in this embodiment and non-imitative embodiments of the present invention, at the second adjustment position, the front portion 70b of the adjustment abutment 70 is sufficiently far from the control trigger 6 so as not to block the control trigger 6 during rotation. Blocking at the end of the movement path of the control trigger 6 corresponding to the maximum depression of the control trigger 6 is achieved by bringing the control trigger 6 into contact with an abutment 20 fixed inside the lower half of the shell 2b.

[0060] The fixed abutment 20 is preferably a portion integrated with the lower half of the shell 2b. The fixed abutment 20 may also consist of an insert mounted inside the lower half of the shell 2b. The surface of the abutment 20 intended to contact the control trigger may be protected by a protective material, which may preferably be a deformable foam pad or the like, which generally reduces wear on the abutment 20 and the control trigger 6, and in particular dampens the impact between the abutment 20 and the control trigger 6.

[0061] Preferably, to make it more compact, the control trigger 6 is hollow, and as shown in Figure 13, at least in the first adjustment position, the front portion 70b of the adjustment abutment 70 is located inside the control trigger 6 and is adapted to cooperate with the counter abutment 63 which is also located inside the control trigger 6.

[0062] The specific examples shown do not limit the present invention, but the translational movement axis A of the adjustment abutment 70 70The axis of rotation of the adjustment abutment 70 is lateral to the rotation axis 61a of the control trigger 6, preferably perpendicular in this case (Figures 9 and 13), and when the user applies pressure to the control trigger 6 to bring it into contact with the adjustment abutment 70, the translation axis of movement of the adjustment abutment 70 A 70 It is parallel to the direction of the thrust P applied to the adjustment abutment 70 by the control trigger 6 (Figure 13).

[0063] In another modified embodiment, the translation axis A 70 The direction can be different, for example, lateral to the direction of thrust applied to the adjustment abutment by the control trigger, and especially perpendicular to that direction.

[0064] The lock / unlock mechanism 71 allows the user to manually lock the adjustment abutment 70 in each of the two adjustment positions described above. The lock / unlock mechanism 71 also allows the user to manually unlock the adjustment abutment 70 in each of the two adjustment positions and to manually drive the unlocked adjustment abutment 70 to the desired adjustment position.

[0065] In a particular modified embodiment shown in the figure, the lock / unlock mechanism 71 includes an actuation element 710 (Figure 4), which is mounted on an adjustment abutment 70 and is movable relative to the adjustment abutment 70 between the following two configurations: - At least one locked configuration. In this configuration, the actuating element 710 blocks the adjustment abutment 70 from the shell 2 of the joystick 1 at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment 70 (Figures 9 and 10 show the lock at the second adjustment position, and Figures 13 and 14 show the lock at the first adjustment position). - At least one unlocked configuration as shown in Figure 15. In this configuration, the actuating element 710 can be moved, allowing the adjustment abutment 70 to move linearly and translationally to each of the adjustment positions.

[0066] In particular, in the embodiment of this specific modification, the actuating element 710 is arranged along the translational axis A of the adjustment abutment between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration 70 in a direction transverse to, preferably orthogonal to, the translational axis A 71 (Figs. 9, 13) and is linearly translatable relative to the adjustment abutment 70

[0067] In particular, in the example shown, without limiting the invention, the translational axis A 71 is also transverse to, in this case also orthogonal to, the rotational axis 61a of the control trigger 6. In another modification, the translational axis A 71 can also have a different direction, for example be parallel to the rotational axis 61a of the control trigger 6

[0068] The actuating element 710 is made, for example, of plastic. In another modification, the actuating element 710 can be assembled from a plurality of parts

[0069] More specifically, the actuating element 710 is mounted on the adjustment abutment 70 and is preferably aligned along the translational axis A of the adjustment abutment 70 70 (Fig. 3). This results in a more compact and robust configuration

[0070] The locking / unlocking mechanism 71 also includes an elastic return element 711 (Fig. 4), which is generally used to elastically return the actuating element 710 to its locked configuration

[0071] When assembled with the adjustment abutment 70, the actuating element 710 can be brought into and held in the unlocked configuration by manually pressing down on the actuating element 710 to constrain, in particular in this specific case compress, the elastic return element 711

[0072] When manual pressure on the actuating element 710 is removed, the elastic return element 711 elastically returns the actuating element 710 to its locked configuration, thus avoiding any further operation by the user. The user only needs to release the manual pressure on the actuating element 710 for the actuating element 710 to automatically return to its locked configuration.

[0073] This elastic return element 711 facilitates indexed adjustment of the position of the movable adjustment abutment 70, making it easier for the user to adjust the travel distance of the control trigger 6 by touch without looking at the actuation button 710b.

[0074] Preferably, the elastic return element 711 is pre-stressed to apply a return force to the actuating element 710, and when the manual pressure applied to the actuating element 710 is removed, it maintains the actuating element 710 in a locked configuration, advantageously reinforcing the lock and further reducing the risk of accidental unlocking.

[0075] In this particular modified embodiment and non-limiting embodiments, the elastic return element 711 includes a coil spring 711a.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the use of a coil spring, and the coil spring can be replaced by any similar elastic return means that elastically returns the actuating element 710 to a locked configuration when manual pressure on the actuating element 710 is removed.

[0077] For example, in another modified embodiment, the elastic return element 711 may include an elastically deformable leaf spring.

[0078] Furthermore, in the specific example shown, the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a) is designed to act by compression. In another modification, the elastic return element 711 can be designed to act by extension.

[0079] In particular, in this specific modified embodiment, the actuation element 710 includes a bottom 710a and a top surface on which an actuation button 710b is mounted (Figure 5). This actuation button 710b is designed to be at least partially located outside the shell 2 so that it can be operated by the user of the joystick 1 (Figures 2, 6, 8, 11, 12).

[0080] The actuation element 710 includes a male locking element 710c above one side of the actuation button 710b, the male locking element 710c protruding from the upper surface of the bottom 710a. These male locking elements 710c are designed to engage with a complementary locking housing 21 (Figures 6, 8, 10). This locking housing 21 is provided in an indexed manner to the lower half of the shell 2b to lock the actuation element 710 to the shell 2 at each of the adjustment positions of the movable adjustment abutment 70 (locked configuration of the lock / unlock mechanism 71).

[0081] In another modified embodiment, the locking element 710c of the actuating element 710 may be female, and the locking housing 21 of the shell 2 may be replaced by a male locking element complementary to the female locking element of the actuating element 710.

[0082] To be mounted on the adjustment abutment 70, the actuating element 710 also has a central guide cylinder 710d located below the bottom 710a into which a spring 711a can be screwed, and two elastic lugs 710e located above each side of the guide cylinder 710d.

[0083] In this particular modification, the central portion 70d of the adjustment abutment 70 includes a cylindrical housing 701 (Figure 5), the housing 701 opening toward the top surface of the adjustment abutment 70 and adapted to receive a guide cylinder 710d of the actuation element 710 and a spring 711a screwed into the guide cylinder 710d.

[0084] The central portion 70d of the adjustment abutment 70 also has two through holes 702 (Figure 5), the two through holes 702 located on each side of the cylindrical housing 701, through which the elastic lock lugs 710e can be inserted to secure the actuation element 710 to the adjustment abutment 70.

[0085] When the actuation element 710, the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a), and the adjustment abutment 70 are assembled and the two half shells 2a and 2b are assembled, the actuation button 710b of the actuation element 710 protrudes outward from the shell 2 by being positioned through the rectangular through-hole 22 of the lower half shell 2b (Figures 2, 6, 8, 11 and 12), so that the actuation button 710b of the actuation element 710 is accessible and can be easily operated by the user of the joystick 1.

[0086] When the pressure applied to the actuation button 710b by the user is released, the male locking element 710c of the actuation element 710 engages with the locking housing 21 provided within the shell 2 so that the adjustment abutment 70 is locked in a predetermined position (locked configuration) relative to the joystick shell 2 in one of the aforementioned adjustment positions (Figures 10, 14).

[0087] Preferably, in the locked configuration, the return spring 711a is pre-stressed and, in this particular example, slightly compressed. This applies pressure to the actuating element 710. This pressure allows the male locking element 710c to be held within the locking housing 21, and thus maintains the lock by preventing unintended unlocking when the user operates the joystick 1.

[0088] To move the adjustment abutment to a different adjustment position, the joystick user only needs to, in the first step, unlock the adjustment abutment 70 and move it to the unlocked configuration. This is done by applying sufficient pressure to the actuation button 710b of the actuation element 710, compressing the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a) to fully push down the actuation element 710, and completely disengaging the male locking element 710c from the locking housing 21.

[0089] Next, in the second step (Figure 15), by keeping the actuating element 710 pressed down, the user moves the actuating element 710, which is integrated with the adjustment abutment 70, in a direction parallel to the axis 70a of the adjustment abutment 70. This makes it possible to move the adjustment abutment 70 linearly in the direction of the axis 70a to the desired adjustment position.

[0090] During this translational movement, the adjustment abutment 70 slides relative to the guide rail 720 of the support 72, while being held and translated and guided by the guide rail 720.

[0091] In the third step, when the adjustment abutment 70 is in the desired adjustment position, the user releases the pressure on the actuating element 710. This causes the actuating element 710 to be pushed back by the elastic return element 711 (spring 711a), and the locking element 710c of the actuating element 710 is positioned in the lock housing 21 within the shell 2. Thus, the adjustment abutment 70 is securely and stably locked in this adjustment position (Figure 14: First adjustment position, Figure 10: Second adjustment position).

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15, but also extends to the following additional embodiments.

[0093] The control input device of the present invention is not limited to one in which the adjustment abutment has two adjustment positions, but the adjustment abutment can be adapted to have three or more different adjustment positions, each of which determines a different travel distance of the control trigger.

[0094] The operating element 710 is not necessarily the translational movement axis A of the adjustment abutment 70. 70 It does not need to be aligned and mounted on the adjustment abutment 70. In another modified embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, for example, the actuating element 710' is on the translational movement axis A of the translationally movable adjustment abutment 70'. 70 It can be offset relative to and mechanically connected to the adjustment abutment 70'. In this embodiment of Figure 16, as with the modifications in Figures 1-15, the actuating element 710' is connected to a helical return spring 711a and includes a locking element suitable for cooperating with a lock housing (not shown) within the joystick shell. The operation of the actuating element 710', connected to the helical return spring 711a for locking and unlocking the adjustment abutment 70' relative to the joystick shell, is similar to the modifications shown in Figures 1-15.

[0095] In the context of the present invention, the adjustment abutment does not necessarily need to be movable in translation; it can be movable in the rotational direction to position it at each of the adjustment positions.

[0096] Figure 17 shows an example of an adjustment abutment 70'' rotating around a rotation axis R. In this modification, the actuating element 710'' is translatably movable between the locked configuration and a configuration parallel to the rotation axis R of the adjustment abutment. Once the actuating element 710'' is unlocked by the pressure compressing the spring connected to it, the actuating element 710'' moves along a translation axis A perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the adjustment abutment 70''. 70The adjustment abutment 70'' can be moved linearly in either direction along the axis, and the adjustment abutment 70'' is rotated between at least two different adjustment positions by a rack and pinion gear E that mechanically connects the rotatable adjustment abutment 70'' to the actuation element 710''. - The first adjustment position as shown in Figure 17. In this position, the adjustment abutment 70'' is rotatably positioned relative to the control trigger 6 and forms an abutment in the path of the control trigger 6, thereby reducing the rotational travel distance of the control trigger 6. - Second adjustment position. In this position, the adjustment abutment 70'' is rotated relative to the control trigger 6 outside the path of the control trigger 6, so as not to obstruct the rotational movement of the control trigger 6.

[0097] Rotational movement of a control trigger is most simply and most frequently performed with a game controller or joystick, but in the context of this invention, the control trigger does not need to be rotary, and the invention can generally be applied to other methods of movement of the control trigger. For example, the control trigger may also be designed to be manually actuated by being moved and guided in a translational manner, particularly so as to be pressed more or less in shell 2.

[0098] The elastic return element 711 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the adjustment abutment 70. In another modification, the elastic return element may be mounted inside the body 2 of the joystick 1, and the adjustment abutment 70 and the actuation element may be movable relative to the elastic return element to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions.

[0099] The adjustment positions of the movable adjustment abutment 70 do not necessarily need to be spaced apart, and the movable adjustment abutment 70 can also be designed to allow for continuous, non-indexed position adjustments.

[0100] In another embodiment, the actuating element 710 and the adjustment abutment can be rigidly connected to each other such that the actuating element 710 is fixed to the adjustment abutment. In this case, locking and unlocking of the adjustment abutment is achieved by moving the assembly consisting of the actuating element and the adjustment abutment relative to the body (shell 2) of the control input device. However, this modification is mechanically more complex.

[0101] Figure 18 shows another modification in which the elastic return element 711 is a leaf spring type elastically deformable abutment 711b, and the elastically deformable abutment 711b is mounted inside the body 2 of the joystick. The adjustment abutment 70′′′ and the actuation element 710′′′ are movable relative to the elastically deformable abutment 711b to position the adjustment abutment to each of the adjustment positions.

[0102] In Figure 18, the elastically deformable abutment 711b is in a standby position, and the actuating element 710'''' is in its locked configuration. When manual pressure is applied to the actuating element 710'''', pushing it down to its unlocked configuration (displaced to the left in Figure 18), the actuating element 710'''' slides through the adjustment abutment 70'''', applying pressure to the elastically deformable abutment 711b and causing it to deform elastically. When the manual pressure applied to the actuating element 710'''' is released, the elastically deformable abutment 711b returns to its standby position, pushing the actuating element 710'''' back to its locked configuration, thus avoiding any further operation by the user. For the actuating element 710'''' to automatically return to its locked configuration, the user only needs to release the pressure applied to the actuating element 710''''.

[0103] Figure 19 shows a further modification. This modification differs from the modifications shown in Figures 1-15 in that an additional adjustment abutment 70A is used.

[0104] This additional adjustment abutment 70A is mounted inside the shell 2 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis R. The actuation element 710 is mechanically connected to the adjustment abutment 70A so as to be able to rotate the additional adjustment abutment 70A to each of its adjustment positions simultaneously with the other adjustment abutments 70. That is, in this particular example, the control trigger 6 cannot be blocked by the rotation by the adjustment abutment 70A and can rotate between the adjustment position in Figure 19, which has the maximum rotational travel distance (angle A2 above), and the adjustment position in Figure 20, in which the adjustment abutment 70A can reduce the rotational travel distance of the control trigger 6 by blocking a portion 64 of the control trigger 6 (angle A1 above).

[0105] In particular, in the cases of Figures 19 and 20, the mechanical connection between the actuation element 710 and the adjustment abutment 70A includes an arm 710A, which is attached to or forms part of an integrated portion of the actuation element 710, and the arm 710A has a rectangular slot 710B, in which a drive pin 710C is located. The drive pin 710C is attached to or forms part of an integrated portion with the adjustment abutment 70A.

[0106] In its locked configuration, the actuation element 710 blocks the adjustment abutments 70 and 70A from the joystick body 2 at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutments 70 and 70A.

[0107] When the two adjustment abutments 70 and 70A are simultaneously brought to the adjustment position shown in Figure 20 by the actuation element 710, the two adjustment abutments 70 and 70A allow the rotational travel distance of the trigger 6 (angle A1 above) to be reduced by blocking the trigger 6 at two spaced-apart and different abutment points, thereby improving the mechanical stability of the trigger 6.

Claims

1. A control input device, particularly a game controller or joystick (1), comprising a main body (2), at least one control trigger (6) movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment mechanism (7) for adjusting the travel distance of the control trigger (6), wherein the adjustment mechanism (7) includes at least one adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′; 70′′′) adapted to be movable to at least one first adjustment position and at least one second adjustment position, wherein in the first adjustment position, the adjustment abutment is adapted to block the control trigger (6) and reduce the travel distance of the control trigger, and in the second adjustment position, the travel distance of the control trigger (6) is greater than the travel distance obtained in the first adjustment position, and the adjustment mechanism (7) is adapted to actuate an actuating element (7 A control input device comprising a lock / unlock mechanism (71) including 10; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′), wherein at least a portion of the actuating element (710b) is located outside the body (2), the actuating element is movable between at least one unlocked configuration and at least one locked configuration, in which the actuating element can be moved to drive the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′; 70′′′) to each of the adjustment positions, and in which the actuating element blocks the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′; 70′′′) from the body (2) of the control input device at least in the first adjustment position.

2. The control input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710'') are adapted in their locked configuration to block the adjustment abutment (70; 70'; 70'') with respect to the device body (2) at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment (70).

3. The control input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) are movable relative to the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′; 70′′′) between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

4. A control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuation elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) are connected to an elastic return element (711), and are adapted to be brought into and maintained in an unlocked configuration by manually pressing the actuation elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) into the main body (2) and restraining the elastic return element (711), and the elastic return element (711) is capable of elastically returning the actuation elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) to its locked configuration when the manual pressure applied to the actuation elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) is removed.

5. The control input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return element (711) is pre-stressed such that when the manual pressure applied to the actuating elements (710; 710'; 710'') is removed, it applies a return force to the actuating elements (710; 710'; 710'') that holds the actuating elements (710; 710'; 710'') in a locked configuration.

6. The control input device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the actuating elements (710; 710′; 710′′) are movable relative to the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′) between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, and the elastic return element (711) is positioned between the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′) and the actuating elements (710; 710′; 710′′).

7. The control input device according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′) includes a housing (701) in which a portion of the elastic return element (711) and the actuation element (710; 710′; 710′′) are located.

8. The control input device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that an elastic return element (711b) is mounted inside the main body (2), and the adjustment abutment (70′′′) and the operating element (710′′′) are movable relative to the elastic return element (711b) to position the adjustment abutment at each of the adjustment positions.

9. The control input device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the elastic return element (711) includes a spring (711a), preferably a coil spring, or an elastically deformable abutment (711b).

10. A control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, in a locked configuration, the operating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710'''') cooperate with the main body (2) to block the adjustment abutment (70; 70'; 70''''; 70'''') from the main body (2) at least in the first adjustment position.

11. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the adjustment abutment (70) is movable in translation to position the adjustment abutment (70) at each of the adjustment positions, and in a locked configuration, the actuating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710'''') cooperate with the main body (2) to translate and block the adjustment abutment (70; 70'; 70'''; 70'''') relative to the main body (2) at least at the first adjustment position.

12. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the adjustment abutment (70) is movable in translation to position the adjustment abutment (70) at each of the adjustment positions, and the actuation element (710) is movable in translation between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration in a direction laterally, preferably perpendicular to, the direction of translational movement of the adjustment abutment (70).

13. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the adjustment abutment (70'') is rotatable about a rotation axis (R) to position the adjustment abutment (70'') at each of the adjustment positions, and in a locked configuration, the actuation element cooperates with the main body (2) to block the adjustment abutment from the main body (2) in the rotational direction at least at the first adjustment position.

14. The control input device according to claim 13, characterized in that the operating element (710'') is capable of translational movement between a locked configuration and a configuration parallel to the rotation axis (R) of the adjustment abutment (70'').

15. A control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the actuation elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710'''') include a male or female locking element (710c), and the male or female locking element (710c) is adapted to cooperate with a complementary locking element (21) of the body (2) to block the adjustment abutment from the body (2) when the actuation elements are brought into a locked configuration.

16. The control input device according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking element (710c) of the operating element and the complementary locking element (21) of the main body (2) are provided in an indexed manner to block the operating element from the main body (2) at each of the adjustment positions of the adjustment abutment when the operating element is brought into a locked configuration.

17. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one control trigger (6) is hollow, and a portion of the adjustment abutment (70b) is located inside the control trigger (6) when at least the adjustment abutment is in an adjustment position in which it acts as an abutment for the movement of the control trigger.

18. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the control input device includes at least one additional adjustment abutment (70A), and an actuation element (710) is mechanically connected to the additional adjustment abutment (70A) so that the additional adjustment abutment (70A) can be driven to each of its adjustment positions simultaneously with the other adjustment abutments (70).

19. The control input device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control input device comprises a joystick adapted to be held by the user with one hand or both hands, and preferably one or more control triggers (6) are operated by a finger.

20. A method for adjusting a control input device, particularly a controller or joystick (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by comprising the following steps: - In the first step, the lock / unlock mechanism is unlocked by manual operation on the operating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710''') and the operating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710''') are moved to the unlocked configuration; - In the second step, the operating elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) move the adjustment abutment (70; 70′; 70′′; 70′′′) to one of the adjustment positions, and the operating elements (710; 710′; 710′′; 710′′′) of the lock / unlock mechanism (71) are manually held in the unlocked position; - In the third step, the lock / unlock mechanism is locked by moving the operating element to a locked configuration, thereby blocking the adjustment abutment (70; 70'; 70''; 70'''') in the adjustment position.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the lock / unlock mechanism is locked by releasing the operating elements (710; 710'; 710''; 710'''').

Images