Game controller device with a scroll wheel

Abstract

To provide a game controller device equipped with a scroll wheel. [Solution] The game controller device 3 includes a handle unit 31 including a handle shell 311, a scroll wheel unit including a scroll wheel base 321 installed on the handle shell, a scroll wheel body 322 installed on the scroll wheel base, and a rotation sensing module installed on the scroll wheel base, and the rotation sensing module senses the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body relative to the scroll wheel base.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game controller device, and more particularly to a game controller device with a scroll wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of the video game and e-sports industries, many video game companies are continuously developing next-generation consoles and a variety of new games. As the control methods of newly released games become increasingly complex, game controllers also differ from early controllers in that they gradually increase the number of buttons, not only providing various joysticks and buttons for the thumb, but also adding upper buttons for the index and middle fingers and lower buttons for the ring finger, allowing players to find enjoyment in complex game control modes.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1, Republic of China Patent No. M651028U describes a game controller (1), which includes a first shell part (11), a second shell part (12) mounted on the first shell part (11), and a plurality of magnetic fastening parts (13) mounted between the first shell part (11) and the second shell part (12), and the plurality of magnetic fastening parts (13) are capable of magnetically fastening the first shell part (11) and the second shell part (12) to each other. The first shell part (11) includes a first bottom shell (111) and a first upper shell (112) mounted on the first bottom shell (111). A bottom button switch (113) is mounted on the first bottom shell (111), and the bottom button switch (113) is a push button switch that is designed to be pressed by the little finger. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the prior art already has push buttons on the bottom shell of the game controller, there are still the following drawbacks in actual use:

[0005] First, you can't control the scroll wheel.

[0006] The control switches installed on conventional game controllers are mainly push button switches and rocker switches, and conventional game controllers are not equipped with scroll wheel modules, making it difficult for users to control the scroll wheel on conventional game controllers, and making it difficult for conventional game controllers to implement scroll wheel control modes.

[0007] Second, you can't see the rotation angle of the scroll wheel.

[0008] Generally, scroll wheel modules are equipped with a ratchet mechanism that allows users to grasp the rotation angle of the scroll wheel. However, the ratchet mechanism may generate special sounds or vibrations during operation. If the ratchet mechanism is removed from the scroll wheel module, the scroll wheel module will not be able to simulate the ratchet feeling, making it difficult for users to grasp the rotation angle of the scroll wheel.

[0009] Third, a typical scroll wheel cannot sense touch.

[0010] A typical scroll wheel module does not have technology for sensing human touch and cannot sense when a human touches the scroll wheel module. Therefore, even if a typical scroll wheel module is installed on a game controller, it is difficult to implement a typical scroll wheel, such as freewheel mode operation.

[0011] Therefore, when incorporating a scroll wheel module into a game controller and eliminating the ratchet structure, simulating sound and vibration, allowing the user to determine the rotation angle of the scroll wheel, and adding new touch technology to enable the game controller to achieve special control are goals that related engineers should urgently strive for. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a game controller device with a scroll wheel, which includes a handle unit and a scroll wheel unit.

[0013] The handle unit includes a handle shell.

[0014] The scroll wheel unit includes a scroll wheel base mounted on the handle shell, a scroll wheel body mounted on the scroll wheel base, and a rotation sensing module mounted on the scroll wheel base, and the rotation sensing module senses a rotation angle of the scroll wheel body relative to the scroll wheel base.

[0015] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel further includes a sound unit, the sound unit including a sound simulation module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module, and the sound simulation module generates a sound according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the handle unit further includes a circuit board module installed on the handle shell, and the scroll wheel base and the sound simulation module are installed on the circuit board module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the handle unit includes a shell opening disposed in the handle shell, and the scroll wheel body is exposed to the outside through the shell opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel unit further includes a touch electrode installed at an end of the scroll wheel body, an induction electrode installed at a distance from the touch electrode, and a touch sensing module electrically connected to the induction electrode.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the touch electrode has a gear shape.

[0020] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel further includes a free control unit, the free control unit including a freewheel driving module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module and the touch sensing module, wherein when the rotation sensing module senses a rotation of the scroll wheel body, the freewheel driving module continuously transmits a rotation signal, and when the touch sensing module senses a touch on the touch electrode, the freewheel driving module stops transmitting the rotation signal.

[0021] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel further includes a vibration unit, the vibration unit including a vibration simulation module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module, the vibration simulation module generating vibrations according to a rotation angle of the scroll wheel body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel unit further includes a receiving portion installed on the scroll wheel base, the vibration simulation module is installed on the receiving portion, and the vibration simulation module is a vibration motor installed on the receiving portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the scroll wheel unit further includes a magnetic rotation shaft installed on a rotation shaft of the scroll wheel body, and the rotation sensing module and the magnetic rotation shaft are installed apart from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The advantageous effects of the present invention are as follows: When a user uses a game controller device equipped with a scroll wheel, the scroll wheel unit allows the user to control the scroll wheel in addition to the conventional joystick and push button switch; the sound simulation module and the vibration simulation module generate sound and vibration according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body, allowing the user to confirm the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body; the touch sensing module can sense the touch action of a human finger; and the freewheel driving module can implement a freewheel control mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of Republic of China Patent No. M651028U. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded view of a scroll wheel unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded view of a circuit functional module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded view of a scroll wheel unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of a touch sensing module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll wheel unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The features and technical contents of the patent application related to the present invention are clearly shown in the detailed description combined with one embodiment of the reference drawings.

[0027] 2, 3, and 4, in one embodiment of the game controller device 3 with a scroll wheel of the present invention, the game controller device 3 with a scroll wheel can be connected to a computer and a game console to control a game. Furthermore, the control of the game controller device 3 with a scroll wheel is the same as most control modes of conventional game controllers, so the same control techniques will not be described here.

[0028] Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, the game controller device (3) with a scroll wheel includes a handle unit (31), a scroll wheel unit (32), a sound unit (33), a vibration unit (34), and a free control unit (35).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the handle unit (31) includes a handle shell (311), a circuit board module (312) installed in the handle shell (311), and a shell opening (313) installed in the handle shell (311).

[0030] 7, 8 and 9, the scroll wheel unit (32) includes a scroll wheel base (321) installed in the handle shell (311), a scroll wheel body (322) installed in the scroll wheel base (321), a rotation sensing module (323) installed in the scroll wheel base (321), touch electrodes (324) installed on the edge of the scroll wheel body (322), induction electrodes (325) installed at intervals from the touch electrodes (324), a touch sensing module (326) electrically connected to the induction electrodes (325), a receiving portion (327) installed in the scroll wheel base (321), and a magnetic rotation axis (328) installed on the rotation axis of the scroll wheel body (322).

[0031] 6, the sound unit 33 includes a sound simulation module 331 electrically connected to the rotation sensing module 323. The vibration unit 34 includes a vibration simulation module 341 electrically connected to the rotation sensing module 323. The freewheel control unit 35 includes a freewheel drive module 351 electrically connected to the rotation sensing module 323 and the touch sensing module 326.

[0032] 3, 4, and 5, in the above embodiment, the scroll wheel base 321 is installed on the circuit board module 312 to fix the position of the scroll wheel unit 32, and the sound simulation module 331 is installed on the circuit board module 312. In actual implementation, the scroll wheel base 321 and the sound simulation module 331 may be fixed using other methods, but are not limited to these. The scroll wheel body 322 and the touch electrodes 324 are exposed to the outside through the shell opening 313. In some embodiments, the shell opening 313 is installed at the bottom of the handle shell 311 and is ultimately positioned where a user presses with their fingers, and the exposed scroll wheel body 322 and the touch electrodes 324 can provide control by the user's fingers. When a user touches the touch electrodes (324), a force is applied, which drives the rotation of the scroll wheel body (322), thereby enabling the game controller device (3) equipped with the scroll wheel to execute a scroll wheel control mode. In actual implementation, the shell opening (313) can also be installed at other positions on the handle shell (311), and the scroll wheel body (322) and the touch electrodes (324) can also be exposed at other positions on the handle shell (311), but are not limited to this.

[0033] 5, 6, and 9, the rotation detection module 323 detects the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body 322 relative to the scroll wheel base 321. The sound simulation module 331 generates a sound according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body 322, and the vibration simulation module 341 generates a vibration according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body 322. For example, when the scroll wheel body 322 rotates 5 degrees relative to the scroll wheel base 321, the sound simulation module 331 generates a clicking sound and the vibration simulation module 341 generates a tapping sound, allowing the user to grasp the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body 322 through the sound and vibration. Even if the scroll wheel unit 32 does not have a ratchet structure, the sound simulation module 331 and the vibration simulation module 341 can simulate the feeling of the ratchet structure operating (sound and vibration).

[0034] The sound simulation module (331) is a speaker that generates sound to the outside, and the sound generated from the sound simulation module (331) is transmitted to the outside through the handle shell (311). The vibration simulation module (341) is a vibration motor installed in the receiving portion (327), and the vibration generated by the vibration simulation module (341) is transmitted to the outside through the scroll wheel body (322).

[0035] 5, 7 and 9, the vibration simulation module (341) is installed in the receiving part (327), the vibration simulation module (341) is a vibration motor installed in the receiving part (327), the receiving part (327) is a recessed structure installed in the scroll wheel base (321), the vibration simulation module (341) installed in the receiving part (327) is fixed, and the vibration generated by the vibration simulation module (341) is transmitted to the scroll wheel body (322) and the touch electrode (324) via the scroll wheel base (321), and the human finger (21) touching the touch electrode (324) can feel the vibration.

[0036] 7, the magnetic rotation shaft 328 is installed at the rotation axis of the scroll wheel body 322, the scroll wheel body 322 is configured so that the magnetic rotation shaft 328 rotates, the magnetic rotation shaft 328 and the scroll wheel body 322 rotate synchronously, the magnetic rotation shaft 328 is a bipolar magnet with diametric magnetization, the rotation sensing module 323 and the magnetic rotation shaft 328 are installed at a distance from each other, and the south and north poles of the magnetic rotation shaft 328 all face the rotation sensing module 323. The rotation sensing module 323 senses magnetic changes as the magnetic rotation shaft 328 rotates, and senses the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body 322 relative to the scroll wheel base 321. In some embodiments, the rotation sensing module (323) uses Hall effect magnetic induction sensing technology, but in actual implementation, the rotation sensing module (323) can use other rotation sensing technologies, including but not limited to non-contact rotation sensing technology as well as contact rotation sensing technology.

[0037] 7 and 8, the touch electrode 324 is a circular metal plate attached to the end surface of the scroll wheel body 322. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the touch electrode 324 has a toothed structure, but is not limited to this. A plastic sleeve may also be attached to the outer surface of the touch electrode 324, but is not limited to this. The induction electrode 325 is spaced apart from the bottom of the touch electrode 324, and may be spaced apart from the left or right side of the touch electrode 324.

[0038] In the above embodiment, when a human finger 21 touches the top end of the touch electrode 324, an electric charge may be generated at the top end of the touch electrode 324, and an opposite electric charge may be generated at the bottom of the touch electrode 324. The induction electrode 325, which is spaced apart from the touch electrode 324, is adjacent to the bottom of the touch electrode 324, and an opposite electric charge may be generated at the induction electrode 325 compared to the bottom of the touch electrode 324. The touch sensing module 326 can sense the change in the electric charge of the induction electrode 325, thereby detecting the touch of the human finger 21 on the touch electrode 324. In actual implementation, the scroll wheel unit 32 may use other touch sensing technologies, and is not limited thereto.

[0039] The freewheel driving module 351 and the touch sensing module 326 can be combined to provide a freewheel control mode and control a computer. For example, when the computer displays a web browser screen, the freewheel driving module 351 is set to an active state. When the rotation sensing module 323 detects the rotation of the scroll wheel body 322, the freewheel driving module 351 continuously transmits a rotation signal, allowing the computer to continue scrolling the web browser. Even if the scroll wheel body 322 stops rotating, the freewheel driving module 351 can still continuously transmit a rotation signal, allowing the computer to continue scrolling the web browser. When the touch sensing module 326 detects a touch on the touch electrode 324, the freewheel driving module 351 can transmit a rotation stop signal, allowing the computer to stop scrolling the web browser. In actual embodiments, the freewheel driving module 351 can also perform other computer controls, but is not limited to these. When the freewheel drive module (351) is set to off, the game controller device (3) equipped with the scroll wheel can control a computer using the general scroll wheel method.

[0040] It should be noted that although a conventional game controller is equipped with a touch panel, the touch panel is mainly used to sense touch control coordinates, such as touch click selection, touch sliding, etc., and to perform actions related to touching the panel. Meanwhile, the touch technology used in the touch electrodes 324, induction electrodes 325, and touch sensing module 326 of the present invention is only applicable to the rotatable scroll wheel body 322, and the structure of the scroll wheel body 322 and the structure of the touch panel are completely different. Therefore, the touch control input technology installed in the scroll wheel unit 32 cannot be directly used on a conventional game controller.

[0041] As is clear from the above description, the game controller device (3) with scroll wheel of the present invention certainly has the following effects:

[0042] First, the joystick allows for scroll wheel control.

[0043] The game controller device (3) equipped with the scroll wheel is provided with a scroll wheel unit (32), and the scroll wheel body (322) is exposed to the outside through the shell opening (313). The exposed scroll wheel body (322) is provided so that it can be touched by the human finger (21), and drives the rotation of the scroll wheel body (322) relative to the scroll wheel base (321), thereby executing the scroll wheel control mode and allowing the joystick to have the function of scroll wheel control.

[0044] Second, you can check the rotation angle of the scroll wheel.

[0045] The sound simulation module (331) generates sound according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body (322), and the vibration simulation module (341) generates vibration according to the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body (322). Even if the scroll wheel unit (32) does not have a ratchet structure, the sound simulation module (331) and the vibration simulation module (341) can simulate the feel of a ratchet structure operating. The user can grasp the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body (322) through the generated sound and vibration, enabling more precise computer control.

[0046] Third, it provides touch motion sensing.

[0047] The touch electrode 324, the induction electrode 325, and the touch sensing module 326 are combined with each other to sense the change in charge on the rotating scroll wheel body 322, thereby obtaining the touch action of the human finger 21. Furthermore, the freewheel driving module 351 is further operated to provide a freewheel control mode and control the computer.

[0048] To sum up, the game controller device (3) with scroll wheel not only provides the basic joystick operation, but also the sound simulation module (331) and the vibration simulation module (341) simulate the sound and vibration generated when the ratchet mechanism is operating, allowing the user to confirm the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body (322). The touch sensing module (326) senses the charge change of the touch electrode (324) through the induction electrode (325), thereby obtaining the action of the human finger (21) touching the touch electrode (324). The freewheel driving module (351) can realize a freewheel control mode during operation, thereby reliably achieving the objective of the present invention.

[0049] The above content is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Simple equivalent modifications and formulas according to the scope of the claims and the content of the utility model of the present invention still fall within the patent scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Game controller 11: First shell part 111: First bottom shell 112: First upper shell 113: Bottom button switch 12: Second shell part 13: Magnetic fixing parts 21: Human finger 3: Game controller device with scroll wheel 31: Handle unit 311: Handle shell 312: Circuit board module 313: Shell opening 32:Scroll wheel unit 321:Scroll wheel base 322:Scroll wheel body 323: Rotation sensing module 324: Touch electrode 325: Induction electrode 326: Touch sensing module 327: Receptor 328: Magnetic rotating shaft 33: Sound Unit 331: Sound Simulation Module 34: Vibration unit 341: Vibration Simulation Module 35: Free control unit 351: Freewheel drive module

Claims

1. a handle unit including a handle shell; and a scroll wheel unit including a scroll wheel base installed on the handle shell, a scroll wheel body installed on the scroll wheel base, and a rotation sensing module installed on the scroll wheel base; The rotation sensing module senses the rotation angle of the scroll wheel body relative to the scroll wheel base.

2. 2. The game controller device with a scroll wheel of claim 1, further comprising a sound unit, the sound unit including a sound simulation module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module, the sound simulation module emitting a sound according to a rotation angle of the scroll wheel body.

3. 3. The game controller device with a scroll wheel according to claim 2, wherein the handle unit further includes a circuit board module mounted on the handle shell, and the scroll wheel base and the sound simulation module are mounted on the circuit board module.

4. The game controller device with a scroll wheel according to claim 1 , wherein the handle unit includes a shell opening installed in the handle shell, and the scroll wheel body is exposed to the outside through the shell opening.

5. 2. The game controller device with a scroll wheel according to claim 1, wherein the scroll wheel unit further includes: a touch electrode installed at an end of the scroll wheel body; an induction electrode installed at a distance from the touch electrode; and a touch sensing module electrically connected to the induction electrode.

6. The game controller device with a scroll wheel according to claim 5 , wherein the outer surface of the touch electrode has a gear shape.

7. 6. The game controller device with a scroll wheel of claim 5, further comprising: a free control unit, the free control unit comprising a freewheel driving module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module and the touch sensing module, wherein the freewheel driving module continuously transmits a rotation signal when the rotation sensing module senses a rotation of the scroll wheel body, and stops transmitting the rotation signal when the touch sensing module senses a touch on the touch electrode.

8. 2. The game controller device with a scroll wheel of claim 1, further comprising a vibration unit, the vibration unit including a vibration simulation module electrically connected to the rotation sensing module, the vibration simulation module generating vibrations according to a rotation angle of the scroll wheel body.

9. 9. A game controller device with a scroll wheel as described in claim 8, wherein the scroll wheel unit further includes a receiving portion mounted on the scroll wheel base, the vibration simulation module is mounted on the receiving portion, and the vibration simulation module is a vibration motor mounted on the receiving portion.

10. 2. The game controller device with a scroll wheel according to claim 1, wherein the scroll wheel unit further includes a magnetic rotation shaft installed on a rotation shaft of the scroll wheel body, and the rotation sensing module and the magnetic rotation shaft are installed at a distance from each other.

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