Cushioning and exterior materials for input devices

Abstract

To prevent noise from occurring in voice data acquired by a microphone due to an operation of an input button.SOLUTION: An input device 10 includes an upper cabinet section 41 having an opening, an input button 35 that is positioned inside the opening and is movable upward and downward, an elastic member that biases the input button 35 toward an initial position of the input button, and a buffer member 37. The input button 35 has a stopped portion 35b, 35c for preventing the input button 35 from popping out of the opening. The buffer member 37 is made of a material different from a material of the upper cabinet section 41 and from a material of the input button 35 and has a stopper portion 37a, 37b positioned between an inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section 51 and the stopped portion 35b, 35c of the input button 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device used for game operations and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of input devices used in games are disclosed in WO 2005 / 022951 and WO 2014 / 061322. The input devices disclosed in these documents have input members such as an input stick (joystick), input buttons, and a cross key on the right and left sides. The input device may also have a microphone, as seen in WO 2005 / 022951. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When a user operates an input member, the input member may collide with other parts of the input device, generating a sound, which may become a source of noise in an input device having a microphone.

[0004] An example of an input device proposed in the present disclosure includes an exterior member having an opening, at least one input button located inside the opening and movable in a direction intersecting the exterior member, an elastic member for biasing the at least one input button toward its initial position, and a buffer member. The at least one input button has a stoppered portion for restricting the input button from popping out of the opening. The buffer member is made of a material different from that of the exterior member and that of the input button, and has a stoppered portion located between the inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and the stoppered portion of the input button. This input device can suppress noise generation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an input device proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of the input device shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a front view of the input device. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the input device. [Figure 1E] 1 is a bottom view of the input device and an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. [Figure 4A] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1C. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG. 1D. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the circuit board and the frame. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIa-VIIIa in FIG. 1A. [Figure 8B] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIb-VIIIb in FIG. 1A. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 1D. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11A] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a sound hole, the cross section of which is the same as that of FIG. [Figure 11B] 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] 13 is a perspective view showing a buffer member attached to the upper cabinet portion. FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the buffer member. [Figure 13B] FIG. [Figure 14A] 13C is a cross-sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVa-XIVa shown in FIG. 13B. [Figure 14B] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVb-XIVb shown in FIG. 13B. [Figure 15] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cushioning member. FIG. [Figure 16A] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the input button, the upper cabinet, and the cushioning member. FIG. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 18] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board and the frame taken along the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 21A] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of FIG. 21A. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system including an information processing device and an input device. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In Fig. 1 and the like, an input device 10 is shown as an example of the embodiment. In the following description, X1 and X2 shown in Figs. 1A to 1D are defined as right and left directions, Y1 and Y2 are defined as front and rear directions, and Z1 and Z2 are defined as upward and downward directions. However, these directions are defined to describe the shapes and relative positional relationships of elements (components, members, and parts) of the input device 10, and do not limit the attitude of the input device 10.

[0007] The input device 10 is used as an input device for an information processing device 90 (see FIG. 22A, for example, a game device) having a function of executing a game program, a function of playing moving images, a communication function via the Internet, etc. The input device 10 is capable of wired or wireless communication with the information processing device 90, and transmits a signal corresponding to an operation performed by a user on the input device 10 to the information processing device. The input device 10 incorporates various sensors (such as an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor) used to detect the attitude and movement of the input device 10, a battery, etc.

[0008] The input device 10 also has a first microphone 8A and a second microphone 8B (see FIG. 9) and a speaker 4 (see FIG. 1A) for acquiring the user's spoken voice. Voice data acquired through the microphones 8A and 8B is transmitted to the information processing device 90 and provided for voice recognition processing, or used for voice chat (voice calls) with other users. Voice data of other users is output from a speaker connected to the information processing device 90 or the speaker 4 built into the input device 10.

[0009] [Input member] As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 has a left held portion 10L and a right held portion 10R on its left and right portions, respectively, for a user to hold with his or her hands. The held portions 10L and 10R are separated in the left-right direction, and a device central portion 10M is formed between the front portions of the held portions 10L and 10R. The held portions 10L and 10R may have a grip 12 extending rearward beyond the rear edge of the device central portion 10M. The size of the device central portion 10M in the front-rear direction may be the same as that of the held portions 10L and 10R. In this case, the held portions 10L and 10R may not have a grip 12 extending rearward.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality of input members for users to operate with their fingers are provided on the upper surface of the front of the held parts 10L and 10R. Specifically, a plurality of input buttons 35 are provided on the upper surface of the front of the right held part 10R. For example, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of a cross. Also, a cross-shaped directional key (cross button) 19 is arranged on the upper surface of the front of the left held part 10L. As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 may have input buttons 17 on the right and left sides of the front of the input member 20. Furthermore, the held parts 10R and 10L may have input buttons 15 and 16 (see FIG. 1C) on their front faces. The input buttons 15 and 16 are lined up in the vertical direction. The lower input button 16 is, for example, a trigger button supported so as to be movable back and forth around an axis. An actuator 6 (see FIG. 1B) that applies a reaction force to the movement of the input button 16 may be arranged behind the input button 16.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 may have an input stick 31. The input stick 31 is arranged, for example, on the right and left sides of the rear of the device central portion 10M. The input stick 31 can be tilted in its radial direction, and rotated around the center line of the initial position while tilted. The input stick 31 may be supported so as to be movable up and down, and may function as a button. Instead of tilting in the radial direction, the input stick 31 may be slidable in its radial direction. Furthermore, the input device 10 may have a button 18 located behind the input member 20 and at the center in the left-right direction. The button 18 functions as a power button of the information processing device to which the input device 10 is connected, or a start button that instructs the start of a wireless connection between the information processing device and the input device 10.

[0012] The position of the input stick 31 and the arrangement of the directional key 19 and the input buttons 35 are not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the positions of the input buttons 35 and the input stick 31 may be interchanged. Also, the positions of the directional key 19 and the input stick 31 may be interchanged.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 has a plate-shaped input member 20 on the upper surface of the device central portion 10M. The input member 20 is disposed, for example, in front of the left and right input sticks 31. The input member 20 includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor outputs a signal according to the position of a finger touching the upper surface of the input member 20. The touch sensor is, for example, a capacitance sensor. The input member 20 may be supported so as to be movable up and down in response to a user's pressing operation. The input device 10 has a switch 23 ( FIG. 20 ) that detects that the input member 20 has been pressed, and the input member 20 functions as a button that can be turned on and off.

[0014] 1A, in the example of the input device 10, the width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction gradually increases toward the front. This makes it easy for the user to touch the front part of the input member 20 with their thumb while holding the held parts 10R and 10L in their hands.

[0015] [Exterior materials] 2, the input device 10 has a cabinet 40 which is an exterior member of the input device 10. The cabinet 40 constitutes the outer surface of the input device 10 and houses various components (such as a circuit board 61 and vibration motors 5R and 5L) provided in the input device 10. The cabinet 40 has an upper cabinet portion 41 and a lower cabinet portion 42 which are combined in the vertical direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 10 has a frame 51. Various components of the input device 10 are fixed to the frame 51. For example, the right and left parts of the frame 51 each hold vibration motors 5R and 5L that vibrate the grip 12 in response to the game status executed by the information processing device 90. An actuator 6 that moves the trigger button 16 is disposed in front of the vibration motors 5R and 5L. A circuit board 61 is fixed to the lower side of the center of the frame 51. The upper cabinet part 41 covers the upper side of the frame 51 and constitutes the upper parts of the held parts 10L and 10R and the device center part 10M. The lower cabinet part 42 covers the lower side of the frame 51 and constitutes the lower parts of the held parts 10L and 10R and the device center part 10M.

[0017] The upper cabinet section 41 is attached to the frame 51 by fasteners such as screws and bolts. For example, the upper cabinet section 41 is directly fixed to the frame 51 by screws inserted from the underside of the frame 51. The underside of the frame 51 is covered with the lower cabinet section 42. Therefore, the fasteners (screws) that fix the upper cabinet section 41 to the frame 51 are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10.

[0018] The lower cabinet section 42 (see FIG. 2) is fixed to the upper cabinet section 41, for example. The mounting positions are provided at the front and rear ends of the lower cabinet section 42, for example. In detail, the lower cabinet section 42 has an opening 42b (see FIG. 2) at its front end (the front ends of the left and right held sections 10L and 10R) surrounding the vertically aligned input buttons 15 and 16. A fixed section 42c (see FIG. 4A) is formed at a portion 42a located at the upper part of the edge of the opening 42b and along the upper side of the input button 15. The fixed section 42c is attached to a fixed section 41a (see FIG. 4A) formed at the front edge of the upper cabinet section 41 by, for example, a screw 49a.

[0019] The fixed portions 42c, 41a are formed so that the screw 49a is inserted at an angle to the up-down direction. This prevents interference between the screw 49a and the trigger button 16 when the screw 49a is inserted. The input button 15 covers the fixed portions 42c, 41a and the front side of the screw 49a to prevent them from being exposed. The input button 15 may be attached to the cabinet 40 by an engagement portion (e.g., a claw portion) formed on the input button 15.

[0020] 3 and 4B, the lower cabinet portion 42 has a fixed portion 42e at its rear end (the rear ends of the left and right held portions 10L and 10R). The fixed portion 42e is fixed to a fixed portion 41f formed at the rear end of the upper cabinet portion 41 with screws 49b. The frame 51 has a fixed portion 51a protruding rearward at its rear end. The fixed portion 51a is fixed to the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet portion 41 together with the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet portion 42.

[0021] The mounting structure of the cabinet parts 41 and 42 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 may be fixed to the lower cabinet part 42 with screws, and the upper cabinet part 41 may be fixed to the lower cabinet part 42 with screws. As another example, each of the cabinet parts 41 and 42 may be attached to the frame 51, and the two cabinet parts 41 and 42 may be indirectly fixed to each other via the frame 51. As yet another example, the input device 10 may not have the frame 51. In this case, the upper cabinet part 41 and the lower cabinet part 42 may be directly fixed to each other.

[0022] 1A and 2, the input device 10 has a cover 45 attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 as one of its exterior members. The cover 45 has a right cover side portion 45R constituting a part of the outer surface of the right held portion 10R, a left cover side portion 45L constituting a part of the outer surface of the left held portion 10L, and a cover center portion 45M connecting the left and right cover sides 45R and 45L and constituting a part of the outer surface of the device center portion 10M.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4B, the cover 45 has fasteners (specifically, screws 49b) that fasten the lower cabinet portion 42 and fastener covers 45a that cover the fastener portions 42e, 41f, and 51a. The fastener covers 45a are located behind the screws 49b and the fastener portions 42e, 41f, and 51a and cover them. The fastener covers 45a are provided on the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L, respectively. As shown in Figs. 1D and 4B, the fastener covers 45a are located behind the left and right held portions 10L and are attached to their rear ends (i.e., the rear ends of the left and right grips 12).

[0024] In this manner, the screws 49b are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10, thereby improving the appearance of the input device 10. In addition, the left and right screws 49b are covered with one cover 45, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly work of the input device 10.

[0025] The screw 49b is inserted vertically into the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet portion 42 and the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet portion 41. A part (lower portion) of the fixture cover 45a is located below the fixed portions 42e-41f. That is, the part (lower portion) of the fixture cover 45a is located in the removal direction of the screw 49b relative to the fixed portions 42e-41f. Another part (upper portion) of the fixture cover 45a is located rearward of the fixed portions 42e-41f.

[0026] 1A, the cover sides 45R, 45L are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right grips 12. The right fastener cover 45a is folded at the rear end of the right cover side 45R and is located behind the right grip 12. The left fastener cover 45a is folded at the rear end of the left cover side 45L and is located behind the left grip 12.

[0027] The cover central portion 45M is located at the rear of the device central portion 10M. The cover central portion 45M is located behind the input member 20. The cover central portion 45M has openings 45c formed therein into which the left and right input sticks 31 are disposed.

[0028] In the example of the input device 10, the grip 12 and the cover side portions 45R and 45L have a symmetrical structure. Unlike the example of the input device 10, they do not have to have a symmetrical structure. In this case, the cover 45 may have only one of the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L.

[0029] 6, upper cabinet section 41 has a covered area 41n that is covered by cover 45. A plurality of engagement holes 41e are formed in covered area 41n, and engagement portions (for example, claw portions) of cover 45 are caught in engagement holes 41e.

[0030] The outer surface of the upper cabinet section 41 has, in addition to the covered region 41n, a region (exposed region) adjacent to the covered region 41n that is not covered by the cover 45 (see Figs. 1A and 6). As shown in Figs. 7 and 8A, a step N is formed between the outer surface of the upper cabinet section 41 in the exposed region and the outer surface of the cover 45. Due to this step N, the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the upper cabinet section 41 in the exposed region.

[0031] In the example of the input device 10, a step N is formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45R and 45L and the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 constituting the grip 12. The step N may continue from the front portions of the held portions 10R and 10L to the rear ends (the rear end of the grip 12).

[0032] When a cover is attached to a cabinet, the outer surface of the cover is usually flush with the outer surface of the cabinet, or the position of the cover is higher than the outer surface of the cabinet. In contrast, in the example of the input device 10, the outer surface of the cover 45 is lower (recessed) than the outer surface of the cabinet 40, so that the cover 45 is unlikely to be recognized as a cover by an observer. This can improve the appearance of the input device 10.

[0033] 7 and 8A, a step M may be formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45L and 45R and the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42 constituting the grip 12. This structure makes it even more difficult for an observer to recognize the cover 45, thereby further improving the appearance of the input device 10.

[0034] The left and right cover side parts 45L and 45R are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right grips 12. That is, the cover side parts 45L and 45R are attached to the outer surface of the grip 12 (the outer surface of the cabinet 40) in an area close to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the user is holding the grip 12, for example, the position of the ball of the foot can be guided by the step N. Also, when the user is holding the grip 12, it is possible to prevent the step N from hitting the palm, thereby realizing a comfortable grip. In the example of the input device 10, the boundary (step N) between the cover side parts 45R and 45L and the exposed area of ​​the upper cabinet part 41 is located inside the center line C1 (see FIG. 1A) of the grip 12.

[0035] The height of the step N does not have to be constant in the extension direction. In the example of the input device 10, the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear of the grip 12 (see FIG. 8B) is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front of the grip 12 (see FIG. 8A). The rear of the grip 12 is easily touched by the palm of the user's hand. Therefore, according to a structure in which the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front, the user can hold the grip 12 more comfortably.

[0036] [Microphone placement] 9, the input device 10 may have two microphones 8A and 8B. The two microphones 8A and 8B are arranged at different distances from the mouth of a user holding the input device 10. The first microphone 8A is arranged, for example, below a circuit board 61, and the second microphone 8B is arranged, for example, above the circuit board 61. A connector 67 (for example, a jack for a headset) mounted on the circuit board 61 is located between the first microphone 8A and the second microphone 8B.

[0037] To enable voice recognition processing and voice chat, the input device 10 has a voice input / output circuit that executes beamforming processing to form directivity for the sensitivity of the microphones 8A and 8B. The voice input / output circuit generates directional microphone voice data. In other words, the voice input / output circuit uses the phase difference of the microphone voice data obtained from the microphones 8A and 8B to generate data that emphasizes data (signals) representing the user's speech.

[0038] 9, the second microphone 8B is supported by, for example, the upper cabinet portion 41 and disposed along the inner surface of the cover 45. The second microphone 8B faces, for example, diagonally backward and upward.

[0039] The cover 45 has a second sound hole V2 at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second microphone 8B is held by a microphone holder 9B formed of, for example, an elastic material. The holder 9B has a hole at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second sound hole V2 of the cover 45 is connected to the second microphone 8B through the hole of the microphone holder 9B. The input device 10 does not need to have a cover 45. In this case, the second sound hole V2 may be formed in the upper cabinet part 41, and the second microphone 8B may be supported by the frame 51.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 9, the first microphone 8A is arranged, for example, along the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A is supported, for example, by a microphone support portion 55a formed at the rear end of a holder 55 of a battery 62 (see Fig. 20) arranged below the circuit board 61. The first microphone 8A is held by a microphone holder 9A. The microphone holder 9A is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A faces, for example, diagonally backward and downward.

[0041] [Sound hole] As shown in Fig. 9, the lower cabinet section 42 is formed with a first sound hole V1 penetrating the lower cabinet section 42. The microphone holder 9A has a sealing portion 9b located between the first microphone 8A and the inner surface of the lower cabinet section 42. The sealing portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section 42. The sealing portion 9b has a hole 9a at a position corresponding to the first microphone 8A. The first sound hole V1 of the lower cabinet section 42 is connected to the first microphone 8A through the hole 9a of the microphone holder 9A. The edge of the hole 9a formed in the sealing portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section 42, and the first sound hole V1 is sealed from its entrance to the first microphone 8A.

[0042] Note that "the first sound hole V1 is connected to the first microphone 8A" means that a passage is formed through which sound travels from a hole in the lower cabinet portion 42 to the first microphone 8A. This passage does not necessarily have to be sealed. Also, the first microphone 8A may be separated from the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. For example, the first microphone 8A may be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, a sound hole may be formed that continues from an opening end formed in the lower cabinet portion 42 to the first microphone 8A.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1E and Fig. 10, a recess 42f is formed on the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The recess 42f does not penetrate the lower cabinet portion 42. The first sound hole V1 is formed on a bottom surface 42k of the recess 42f. The lower cabinet portion 42 has a bottom surface 42k extending from the opening end (entrance) of the first sound hole V1 inside the recess 42f. An inner surface 42g of the recess 42f functions as a wall surrounding the first sound hole V1. Hereinafter, the recess 42f will be referred to as a protective recess.

[0044] If a user moves a finger along the outer surface of the input device 10 while performing a voice chat and the finger blocks the first sound hole V1, the air pressure at the first sound hole V1 may suddenly change, causing noise in the voice transmitted to the other user in the voice chat. In the example of the input device 10, the wall that is the inner surface 42g of the protective recess 42f is formed around the first sound hole V1, so that the finger is unlikely to block the entire entrance of the first sound hole V1. As a result, the generation of the above-mentioned noise can be reduced.

[0045] 10, the protective recess 42f is groove-shaped, and the length of the inner region of the protective recess 42f (width W1 in one of two orthogonal directions, see FIG. 1) is greater than the width W2 of the same region in the other direction. (Hereinafter, width W1 will be referred to as the large width, and width W2 will be referred to as the small width.) In the example of the input device 10, width W1 is the size in the left-right direction, and width W2 is the size in the front-back direction.

[0046] The small width W2 is smaller than the width of the contact area of ​​the user's finger when the user's finger touches the outer surface of the input device 10. Meanwhile, the large width W1 is larger than the width of the contact area of ​​the finger. By designing the size of the protective recess 42f in this way, it is possible to prevent the entire protective recess 42f from being blocked by the user's finger, and as a result, it is possible to effectively suppress a sudden change in air pressure in the first sound hole V1. The small width W2 is, for example, smaller than 3 mm. The small width W2 may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W1 is, for example, larger than 7 mm. The large width W1 may be larger than 9 mm.

[0047] 10, the large width W1 is greater than twice the size of the first sound hole V1 (the size in the same direction as the large width W1). The large width W1 may be greater than three times the size of the first sound hole V1. Meanwhile, the small width W2 may be the same as the size of the first sound hole V1 or less than twice the size of the first sound hole V1. The shape of the entrance of the first sound hole V1 is, for example, circular.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 10, the large width W1 is larger than the size of the first microphone 8A (the size in the same direction as the large width W1). On the other hand, the small width W2 is smaller than the size of the first microphone 8A. As shown in Fig. 9, the small width W2 may be the same as the size of the entrance of the first sound hole V1 (a hole formed in the lower cabinet portion 42) or larger than the entrance of the first sound hole V1.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1E, the first sound hole V1 is formed on the lower surface of the device central portion 10M. More specifically, the first sound hole V1 is formed at a position close to the rear edge of the device central portion 10M. The first sound hole V1 is located at the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user holds the input device 10 in his / her hand, his / her finger extends obliquely from the side of the input device 10 toward the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user moves his / her finger along the lower surface of the input device 10, the finger moves obliquely in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. In contrast, the protective recess 42f (in other words, the region inside the protective recess 42f) is elongated in the left-right direction. This shape of the protective recess 42f can effectively prevent the entire protective recess 42f from being covered by a finger moving obliquely on the lower surface side of the input device.

[0050] The shape of the protection recess 42f is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the protection recess 42f may be a groove that is elongated in the front-rear direction. In another example, the protection recess 42f may be elliptical. As yet another example, the protection recess 42f may be cross-shaped, H-shaped, or T-shaped. In this case, the first sound hole V1 may be formed in a groove portion with a narrow width in a part of the protection recess 42f. This can prevent the user's finger from blocking the entire first sound hole V1.

[0051] As described above, the second sound hole V2 connected to the second microphone 8B is formed in the upper cabinet section 41. The large width W1 constituting the opening of the first sound hole V1 in the left-right direction is larger than the width constituting the opening of the second sound hole V2 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the small width W2 of the first sound hole V1 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction may be the same as the width of the second sound hole V2 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0052] Instead of the recess 42f, one or more protrusions may be formed around the first sound hole V1 to surround the first sound hole V1. Figures 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views showing such a modified example. Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along the same cutting plane as Figure 9. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI shown in Figure 11A.

[0053] In the example shown in Figures 11A and 11B, a convex portion 42h is formed around the first sound hole V1. Hereinafter, this convex portion 42h is referred to as a protective convex portion. The first sound hole V1 is located inside the area surrounded by the protective convex portion 42h. The inner surface 42i of the protective convex portion 42h functions as a wall surrounding the first sound hole V1. Such a protective convex portion 42h can prevent a finger from blocking the entire entrance of the first sound hole V1, and can suppress a sudden change in air pressure inside the first sound hole V1.

[0054] The size of the area formed inside the protective protrusion 42h may be the same as the size of the area formed inside the protective recess 42f described above. Specifically, the width in one of the two orthogonal directions may be smaller than the width in the other direction. Specifically, the width W5 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 11B) is larger than the width W6 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11A). The small width W6 is, for example, smaller than 3 mm. The small width W6 may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W5 is, for example, larger than 7 mm. The large width W5 may be larger than 9 mm.

[0055] As yet another example, multiple protrusions may be formed around the first sound hole V1. Such multiple protrusions may surround the first sound hole V1 as a whole. In this case, the length (width in the left-right direction) of the area surrounded by the multiple protrusions may be greater than the width in the front-back direction. Even with this structure, a finger will not block the entire entrance of the first sound hole V1, and sudden changes in air pressure inside the first sound hole V1 can be suppressed.

[0056] [Reducing the input stick operation sound] The input device 10 has the above-mentioned upper cabinet section 41 and cover 45 as exterior members. An opening 43a (see FIG. 6) is formed in the upper cabinet section 41, and an opening 45c (see FIG. 7) is formed in the cover 45. The input stick 31 can be tilted radially inside the openings 43a-45c, and rotated around the center line of the initial position while tilted. As shown in FIG. 14A, the input stick 31 has a pillar section 31a and a contact section 31b located at the upper part of the pillar section 31a. The lower part of the pillar section 31a is supported by a support mechanism (not shown).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 14A, a buffer member 46 is provided on the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. The buffer member 46 is made of a material different from that of the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c (i.e., the material of the upper cabinet part 41 and the material of the cover 45) and also different from that of the input stick 31 (more specifically, the material of the outer circumferential surface of the pillar part 31a). The buffer member 46 protrudes inward from the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted, the pillar part 31a collides with the buffer member 46, not with the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. Such a buffer member 46 prevents sound from being generated by the collision between the pillar part 31a of the input stick 31 and the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c, and suppresses noise from being generated in the audio data obtained from the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0058] The material of the buffer member 46 is a material having a lower rigidity than the material of the inner edges of the openings 43a-45c, and may also be a material having a lower rigidity than the material of the input stick 31. The material of the inner edges of the openings 43a-45c, i.e., the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, the material of the cover 45, and the material of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31, is, for example, a resin such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or polycarbonate. The material of the buffer member 46 is, for example, a material in which an additive (for example, a sliding material) is mixed into a resin.

[0059] 13A and 13B, the cushioning member 46 is annular. The cushioning member 46 has a contact surface 46a that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. This contact surface 46a is connected over the entire circumference of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted and in contact with the contact surface 46a, the input stick 31 can be smoothly rotated.

[0060] In the example of the input device 10, the buffer member 46 is a member molded separately from the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cover 45. That is, a molding process for molding the buffer member 46, a molding process for molding the upper cabinet portion 41, and a molding process for molding the cover 45 are performed separately. The buffer member 46 is attached to the inner edges of the openings 43a-45c. In this manner, by molding the buffer member 46 separately from the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cover 45, the molding process for the buffer member 46 and the upper cabinet portion 41 can be simplified.

[0061] In the example of the input device 10, the buffer member 46 is attached to the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. As shown in Figs. 13A and 13B, the buffer member 46 has an upper engagement portion 46b and a lower engagement portion 46c that sandwich the inner edge of the opening 43a in the vertical direction. The upper engagement portion 46b and the lower engagement portion 46c are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The upper engagement portion 46b is located above the inner edge of the opening 43a, and the lower engagement portion 46c is located below the inner edge of the opening 43a.

[0062] The upper engagement portion 46b protrudes radially outward from the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46. A plurality of engagement portions 43b (see FIG. 12) protruding upward are formed on the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. The engagement portions 43b are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the opening 43a. The upper engagement portion 46b is fitted between two adjacent engagement portions 43b. This engagement structure between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a restricts the rotation of the buffer member 46. For example, when the input stick 31 is moved in the circumferential direction while being in contact with the buffer member 46, the upper engagement portion 46b of the buffer member 46 collides with the engagement portion 43b of the opening 43a, so that the position of the buffer member 46 can be prevented from being shifted. It is preferable that the interval between two adjacent engagement portions 43b coincides with the width of the upper engagement portion 46b of the buffer member 46.

[0063] The engagement structure between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, a plurality of engagement portions that protrude inward may be formed on the inner edge of the opening 43a. These engagement portions may be fitted into the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46. This structure also makes it possible to prevent the position of the buffer member 46 from shifting when the input stick 31 is rotated while tilted in the radial direction.

[0064] An opening 45c in which the input stick 31 is disposed is formed in the cover 45. With this structure, the engagement structure (upper engagement portion 46b and engagement portion 43b) between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41 can be covered by the cover 45. As a result, the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0065] 14A and 14B, the edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45 is located above the upper engagement portion 46b of the buffer member 46 and the engagement portion 43b of the upper cabinet portion 41. Meanwhile, the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46 is located inside the inner edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45. With this structure, the cover 45 can prevent the engagement structure between the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the buffer member 46 from being exposed.

[0066] Unlike the example of the input device 10, the cushioning member 46 may be attached to the inner edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45. In this case, it is preferable that the contact surface 46a, which is the inner surface of the annular portion 46e of the cushioning member 46, protrudes inward from the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0067] In still another example, the buffer member may be provided on the input stick 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the buffer member 33 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. The buffer member 33 may be formed of a material different from the material of the column portion 31a, the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, and the material of the cover 45. For example, the material of the buffer member 33 may be a material having a lower rigidity than these materials. The buffer member 33 may be formed by two-color molding together with the column portion 31a. Two-color molding is a method of obtaining one molded product by sequentially injecting two resins of different materials into a mold. Unlike this, the buffer member 33 may be molded separately from the column portion 31a. The buffer member 33 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31a.

[0068] [Reduced button operation noise] A plurality of openings 44a (see FIG. 6) are formed in the upper cabinet portion 41. An input button 35 is disposed inside each opening 44a. The input button 35 can move in a direction intersecting the upper cabinet portion 41, i.e., in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 17, a switch 36a is disposed below the input button 35. The switch 36a is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber), and biases the input button 35 upward toward the initial position.

[0069] The input button 35 has, at its base, stoppered portions 35b and 35c (see FIG. 16B) that restrict the input button 35 from jumping out of the opening 44a. The stoppered portions 35b and 35c are, for example, convex portions that protrude from the lower edge of the input button 35 in the radial direction of the input button 35.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 16A, the input device 10 has a buffer member 37. The material of the buffer member 37 is different from the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and also different from the material of the input buttons 35. The material of the buffer member 37 is preferably a material having a lower rigidity than the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input buttons 35. The material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input buttons 35 may be, for example, an engineering plastic such as polycarbonate, and the material of the buffer member 37 may be rubber, elastomer, or the like. The buffer member 37 has stopper portions 37a and 37b (see FIG. 16B) located between the edge of the opening 44a and the stopped portions 35b and 35c of the input buttons 35.

[0071] When input button 35 is pressed, switch 36a is lowered and turned on. When the force pressing input button 35 is released, the elastic force of switch 36a pushes input button 35 up, causing stopped portions 35b and 35c to collide with stopper portions 37a and 37b, respectively. Such buffer member 37 can prevent sound from being generated by collision between stopped portions 35b and 35c and the edge of opening 44a. As a result, noise can be prevented from being generated in the audio data acquired by microphones 8A and 8B.

[0072] 16B, the stoppered portions 35b and 35c are disposed in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction of the input button 35. This makes it possible to prevent the input button 35 from tilting when the stoppered portions 35b and 35c come into contact with the stopper portions 37a and 37b. For example, the multiple stoppered portions 35b, 35c are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0073] A plurality of input buttons 35 are arranged on the upper surface of the held portion 10R. Specifically, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of a cross. The input device 10 has a common cushioning member 37 for these four input buttons 35. That is, stopper portions 37a and 37b corresponding to the four input buttons 35, respectively, are formed on one cushioning member 37. This structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly work of the input device 10. Also, the space required for arranging the cushioning member 37 can be reduced.

[0074] The upper cabinet section 41 may have a guide tube 44b extending downward from the edge of the opening 44a. The input button 35 can move up and down inside this guide tube 44b. The guide tube 44b is formed with a groove 44c (see FIG. 16A) into which the stoppered parts 35b and 35c protruding radially from the input button 35 fit. The stoppered parts 35b and 35c can move up and down along the groove 44c. This structure restricts the rotation of the input button 35 inside the guide tube 44b. Therefore, the stoppered parts 35b and 35c have a function of preventing the input button 35 from rotating and a function of suppressing noise by colliding with the buffer member 37.

[0075] The buffer member 37 has a central portion 37g (see FIG. 16B) located at the center of the four input buttons 35 (the center of the four guide tubes 44b). The stopped portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 protrude toward the center of the four input buttons 35. Four stopper portions 37a corresponding to the four input buttons 35 respectively are formed in the central portion 37g of the buffer member 37. The stopped portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 collide with the four stopper portions 37a respectively.

[0076] 16B, the buffer member 37 has annular portions 37i-37j surrounding the outside of the guide tube 44b. As shown in Fig. 16B, the stopper portion 37b is formed on the annular portions 37i-37j. The stopper portion 37b is formed at a position away from the stopper portion 37a of the central portion 37g.

[0077] The arrangement of the input buttons 35 on which the buffer member 37 is provided is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the number of input buttons 35 may be two or three. When the number of input buttons 35 is two, the buffer member 37 may have a center portion between the two input buttons 35, and a stopper portion 37a may be formed in the center portion.

[0078] [Circuit board damper] The input device 10 has vibration motors 5R and 5L arranged on the left and right held portions 10L and 10R (more specifically, the grips 12). The vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven in response to, for example, an instruction from an information processing device (game device) to vibrate the grip 12. The vibration motors 5R and 5L may be linear motors (for example, voice coil motors) or rotary motors (for example, direct current (DC) motors). As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are held by a frame 51. The frame 51 has motor holding portions 51c in the portions accommodated in the left and right grips 12.

[0079] 2, the circuit board 61 is located below the frame 51 (first support member) and is attached to the frame 51 in the up-down direction. The circuit board 61 is attached to the frame 51 by, for example, a fastener (specifically, a screw 69 (see FIG. 5)). In the example of the input device 10, the screw 69 is covered by a battery 62 arranged below the circuit board 61.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 18, a damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. The damper 68 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The damper 68 is disposed at a position (damper position) away from a position (fixed position) where the screw 69 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 5, the damper 68 is defined at a plurality of positions surrounding the screw 69. In the example of the input device 10, the dampers 68 are disposed at the four corners of the circuit board 61.

[0081] As described above, the input device 10 has the vibration motors 5R and 5L and the microphones 8A and 8B. When the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, the circuit board 61 vibrates, and contact sounds are generated between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. These contact sounds are picked up by the microphones 8A and 8B and become noise in the audio data. Even if the circuit board 61 is fixed to the frame 51 with screws at multiple positions, a small gap may be generated between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 because the thermal expansion coefficients of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 are different. In a situation where such a gap exists, when the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, contact sounds are generated between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, which becomes noise.

[0082] In the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, so that the generation of such noise can be suppressed. In particular, in the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 is disposed so as to surround the fixing position (the position of the screw 69), so that the generation of contact noise caused by the circuit board 61 coming into contact with the frame 51 due to the vibration of the vibration motors 5R and 5L can be effectively suppressed. For example, the generation of contact noise between the frame 51 and the circuit board 61 caused by the vibration of the corners of the circuit board 61 can be effectively suppressed.

[0083] The number of screws 69 provided on the circuit board 61 may be one. This makes it possible to prevent the screws 69 from loosening due to thermal expansion even if thermal expansion occurs between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. The damper 68 does not need to be provided at the position where the screws 69 are provided, i.e., the fixed position. The circuit board 61 may be in direct contact with the frame 51 at the fixed position. The circuit board 61 may also be formed with a hole into which the positioning protrusion 51d formed on the frame 51 fits.

[0084] A hole 61b (see FIG. 3) is formed in the circuit board 61. The hole 61b may be formed, for example, on the outer edge of the circuit board 61. That is, a part of the edge of the hole 61b may be open. As shown in FIG. 18, the damper 68 has a cylindrical body 68a that fits inside the hole 61b of the circuit board 61. The damper 68 also has an upper flange 68b formed at an end (upper end) of the body 68a, and a lower flange 68c formed at the other end (lower end) of the body 68a.

[0085] 18, the frame 51 has a protrusion 51e that fits inside the cylindrical body 68a. When the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 vibrate relatively in the direction along the circuit board 61 due to the driving of the vibration motors 5R and 5L, the protrusion 51e of the frame 51 collides with the damper 68 in the direction along the circuit board 61.

[0086] 18, upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between circuit board 61 and frame 51 in the up-down direction. In other words, upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between circuit board 61 and frame 51 in the mounting direction of circuit board 61 and frame 51. This makes it possible to prevent a part of circuit board 61, specifically a corner of circuit board 61, from colliding with frame 51 in the mounting direction of circuit board 61 and frame 51, thereby preventing noise from being generated.

[0087] Thus, in the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 has a portion (upper flange portion 68b) that is sandwiched in the mounting direction of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, and a portion (body portion 68a) that is sandwiched in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (direction along the circuit board 61). This makes it possible to effectively prevent collision between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0088] The shape of the damper 68 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 does not have to have the protruding portion 51e. In this case, the body portion 68a of the damper 68 does not have to be cylindrical. For example, the body portion 68a may be columnar. The flange portions 68b and 68c may be formed at the end of the columnar body portion 68a.

[0089] The input device 10 has a lower cabinet portion 42 (second support member) on the opposite side to the frame 51 with the circuit board 61 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 18, the damper 68 has a portion sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61. Specifically, the above-mentioned lower flange portion 68c is sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contact noise between the circuit board 61 and the lower cabinet portion 42 due to vibration of the circuit board 61.

[0090] 18, the frame 51 has a contact portion 51f that contacts the upper flange portion 68b of the damper 68. The lower cabinet portion 42 has a contact portion 42j that contacts the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68. The contact portion 51f of the frame 51 and the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 face each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently secure both the contact pressure between the frame 51 and the damper 68 and the contact pressure between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the damper 68. In the example of the input device 10, the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 is a cylinder that protrudes upward, and its upper end contacts the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68.

[0091] In the input device 10, each of the multiple dampers 68 provided on the circuit board 61 may have the structure described with reference to FIG. 18, that is, the body portion 68a, the flange portions 68b and 68c, and the contact portions 42j and 51f.

[0092] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are disposed on the grip 12 and are located at the rear ends of the left and right held parts 10R and 10R. The circuit board 61 is accommodated in the device center part 10M located between the left and right held parts 10R and 10L. The circuit board 61 is located forward of the vibration motors 5R and 5L in a bottom view of the input device 10 (see FIG. 5). The damper 68 is located at a corner of the circuit board 61. The damper 68 located at the rear corner is located between the fixing position where the screw 69 is provided and the vibration motors 5R and 5L in a bottom view of the input device 10. In other words, the straight line connecting the screw 69 and the damper 68 intersects with the vibration motor 5R or the vibration motor 5L. This arrangement of the damper 68 and the vibration motors 5R and 5L can suppress the generation of contact noise near the vibration motors 5R and 5L.

[0093] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are, for example, voice coil motors. In this case, the vibration direction of the vibrator (i.e., the movable part) of the vibration motors 5R and 5L may intersect with the mounting direction (vertical direction) of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. In the example of the input device 10, the vibrator is arranged to vibrate in the extension direction of the grip 12, and vibrates in the diagonal front-rear direction. Therefore, when the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, it is possible to prevent the corners of the circuit board 61 from vibrating significantly in the mounting direction (vertical direction) of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0094] The input device 10 has microphones 8A and 8B arranged in a central portion 10M of the device. The microphones 8A and 8B are arranged above or below the circuit board 61 and are supported by members different from the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the second microphone 8B is supported by the upper cabinet portion 41, not the frame 51, and is in contact with the inner surface of the cover 45 via a microphone holder 9B. The first microphone 8A is supported by a microphone support portion 55a formed at the rear end of a battery holder 55 that supports a battery 62, and is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42 via a microphone holder 9A.

[0095] The support structure of the circuit board 61 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input device 10 does not need to have the frame 51. In this case, the circuit board 61 may be attached to the lower cabinet portion 42. In addition, one flange portion of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61, and the other flange portion of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the upper cabinet portion 41 and the circuit board 61.

[0096] [Lighting system] The top surface of the input device 10 has a right region (top surface of the right held portion 10R) where the input button 35 is arranged, a left region (top surface of the left held portion 10L) where the directional key 19 is arranged, and a central region between the right and left regions. In the example of the input device 10, the central region is formed by the top surface of the input member 20. The input member 20 is located in front of the device central portion 10M, and its front edge forms the front edge of the input device 10. The frontmost part of the input member 20 is bent downward and forms the front surface of the input device 10. An opening 41h (see FIG. 6) is formed in the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is arranged inside the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0097] 20, the input member 20 has a surface panel 21 that constitutes the upper surface of the input device 10, and a circuit board 22 attached to the lower surface of the surface panel 21. A touch sensor is disposed between the circuit board 22 and the surface panel 21. The input member 20 may have a frame 24 that covers the lower side of the circuit board 22 and is attached to the surface panel 21.

[0098] The input member 20 is supported so as to be movable up and down, and functions as a button. In the example of the input device 10, a switch 23 is mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 22. Meanwhile, a frame 51 disposed below the input member 20 has a pressing portion 51g that protrudes upward at a position corresponding to the switch 23. When the input member 20 is pressed, the pressing portion 51g presses the switch 23. The switch 23 may be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, the pressing portion may be formed on the input member 20.

[0099] The structure of the input member 20 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input member 20 may have a touch sensor but may not be configured to function as a button. Conversely, the input member 20 may be configured to function as a button but may not have a touch sensor.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 19, the input device 10 has a light-emitting area Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting area Es has a plurality of first light-emitting units E1 and a second light-emitting unit E2. The first light-emitting units E1 are light-emitting units that indicate identification information assigned to a plurality of input devices connected to an information processing device. The second light-emitting unit E2 is a light-emitting unit that emits light based on information different from the identification information. The light-emitting area Es is formed by a light-emitting surface of a light diffusion member 71 (see FIG. 2) described later that surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20.

[0101] In the example shown in Fig. 22A, a plurality of input devices 10 are connected to an information processing device 90, which is a game device. The information processing device 90 has a control device 91 and a communication device 92. The communication device 92 is an interface that enables wireless or wired communication with the input devices 10. The control device 91 includes a microprocessor, and as shown in Fig. 22B, has an identification information assignment unit 91a as one of its functions.

[0102] The identification information assignment unit 91a assigns identification numbers to the multiple input devices 10 as identification information for identifying them according to a predefined rule. The identification information may be assigned by the system software of the information processing device 90 based on information linked to a user who uses the input device 10, or may be assigned based on information for identifying the input device 10 itself. The identification information may be a number, color information, a character string, or a combination of two or more of them, and may be in any format as long as it is unique information that can identify the input device 10 or the user. The input device 10 receives the assigned identification number from the information processing device 90 and lights up the first light-emitting unit E1 according to the identification number. For example, when the input device 10 is assigned the identification number 1, the input device 10 lights up one of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (for example, the first light-emitting unit E1 located at the center). When the input device 10 is assigned the identification number 2, the input device 10 lights up two of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (for example, the two first light-emitting units E1 located on opposite sides of the center). The input device 10 selectively drives a plurality of first light sources S1 (see FIG. 19) corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting units E1, respectively.

[0103] On the other hand, the second light-emitting unit E2 is a light-emitting unit that emits light based on information different from the identification information (identification number) as described above. The information different from the identification information is, for example, a command generated according to the execution status of the game, and is transmitted from the information processing device 90 that is executing the game program. As shown in FIG. 22B, the control device 91 of the information processing device 90 includes a game processing unit 91b as one of its functions. The game processing unit 91b executes the game program, generates a moving image as the execution result, displays it on a display device (not shown), and transmits a light emission command for the second light-emitting unit E2 to the input device 10. When the input device 10 receives the light emission command, it causes the second light-emitting unit E2 to emit light. The input device 10 drives a second light source S2 (see FIG. 20) corresponding to the second light-emitting unit E2. The second light source S2 may include, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) with different light emission colors, and may be capable of emitting light in any color. That is, the light emission state of the second light-emitting unit E2 is controlled based on control information for the input device 10 generated by the application program according to the state of the application program being executed on the information processing device 90, and the second light-emitting unit E2 of the input device 10 at the user's hand can be made to emit light in a color and at a timing suitable for the presentation of the application in synchronization with the state of the image displayed by the application being executed and the sound output. Another example of information different from the identification information is information regarding the state of the input device 10. For example, the input device 10 may monitor the connection state between the input device 10 and the information processing device 90 and the charging state of the battery, and may make the second light-emitting unit E2 emit light based on control information generated by the input device itself according to the state. The information regarding the state of the input device 10 may be information generated by the system software of the information processing device 90 monitoring the state of the input device 10, generating light-emission control information for the second light-emitting unit E2 according to the state, and transmitting the information to the input device 10.

[0104] 19, the first light-emitting unit E1 and the second light-emitting unit E2 are provided in a light-emitting region Es along the outer edge of the input member 20 (central region). This improves the visibility of both the first light-emitting unit E1 that displays the identification information and the second light-emitting unit E2 that displays information different from the identification information.

[0105] The light-emitting region Es surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. As shown in FIG. 19, in the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es is along the left edge, the rear edge, and the right edge of the input member 20. This ensures a degree of freedom in the positions of the light-emitting units E1 and E2. Unlike the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es may be formed so as to be along the left edge, the front edge, and the right edge of the input member 20, or so as to be along the four edges (the left edge, the rear edge, the right edge, and the front edge) of the input member 20.

[0106] 19, the multiple first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged in a row along the rear edge of the input member 20. This allows the user to easily understand the identification number indicated by the first light-emitting units E1. The width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction may be greater than its width in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the length of the rear edge of the input member 20 is longer than the right edge or the left edge of the input member 20. This makes it easier to ensure a sufficient distance between two adjacent first light-emitting units E1.

[0107] 19, the second light-emitting portion E2 may be provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20. This allows the outer edge of the input member 20 to be surrounded by the light-emitting portions E1 and E2, improving the visibility of the light-emitting portions E1 and E2 and improving the appearance of the input device 10.

[0108] The arrangement of the light-emitting units E1 and E2 is not limited to that of the input device 10. For example, a plurality of first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged along each of the right and left edges of the input member 20, and a second light-emitting unit E2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the input member 20.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 20, the first light source S1 that illuminates the first light-emitting unit E1 is provided in the input member 20. More specifically, the first light source S1 is mounted on the circuit board 22 that constitutes the input member 20. A plurality of first light sources S1 are arranged along the rear edge of the circuit board 22 (see FIG. 19). The first light source S1 is composed of an LED. The first light source S1 may be a single-color LED, or may include a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors and be capable of emitting light of any color. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has a through hole 24a at a position corresponding to the first light source S1. The light of the first light source S1 passes through the through hole 24a and enters the light diffusion member 71, causing the light diffusion member 71 to illuminate. This illuminated portion is the first light-emitting unit E1.

[0110] On the other hand, the second light source S2 that illuminates the second light-emitting unit E2 is mounted on the circuit board 61 that is separated downward from the input member 20, as shown in FIG. 20. The light of the second light source S2 is guided to the left and right side portions 71b of the light diffusion member 71 through the light guide member 72. The second light source S2 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction of the circuit board 61. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 20, the light guide member 72 has an incident surface 72a located in front of the second light source S2 at its rear end. The light guide member 72 has a right light guide portion 72b extending forward and to the right from the incident surface 72a, and a left light guide portion 72c extending forward and to the left from the incident surface 72a. As shown in FIG. 21A, the front portions of the left and right light guide portions 72b and 72c are located below the left and right side portions 71b of the light diffusion member 71. The light emitted from the left and right light guide portions 72b and 72c enters the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71, causing the side portion 71b to illuminate. Therefore, the side portion 71b functions as the second light emitting portion E2.

[0111] By using the light-guiding member 72, the second light-emitting portions E2 provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20 can be illuminated by a single second light source S2, and the number of components of the input device 10 can be reduced.

[0112] 2 and 21A, the front portions of the left and right light guiding portions 72c and 72b are supported by reflecting member 73. Reflecting member 73 is disposed below light guiding portions 72c and 72b, and reflects light that exits downward from light guiding portions 72c and 72b and directs it upward. A plurality of recesses 21e (see FIG. 21A) may be formed on the lower surfaces of light guiding portions 72c and 72b to reflect light traveling inside light guiding portions 72c and 72b upward.

[0113] 21A, frame 51 is disposed above light guiding portions 72c and 72b. Through hole 51i is formed in frame 51. Light emitted upward from light guiding portions 72c and 72b passes through through hole 51i and is incident on side portion 71b of light diffusing member 71 disposed above frame 51.

[0114] As described above, in the input device 10, the board on which the light sources S1 and S2 are attached is divided into the circuit board 22 of the input member 20 and the circuit board 61. This increases the degree of freedom in terms of the positions of the light sources S1 and S2, thereby ensuring the degree of freedom in terms of the positions of the light-emitting units E1 and E2.

[0115] The arrangement of the light sources S1 and S2 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, when the first light-emitting unit E1 is provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20, the first light source S1 may be mounted on the right and left edges of the circuit board 22 of the input member 20. In this case, the second light source S2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the circuit board 22.

[0116] [Light diffusion material] 2, the light diffusion member 71 has a rectangular frame shape and surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. The light diffusion member 71 has a rear portion 71a arranged along the rear edge of the input member 20, side portions 71b arranged along the right and left edges of the input member 20, and a front portion 71c arranged along the front edge of the input member 20. The light diffusion member 71 is integrally formed from, for example, resin. The light diffusion member 71 is a member that diffuses incident light inside and emits the light from a wide range of the light diffusion member 71.

[0117] The shape of the light diffusion member 71 is not limited to this. For example, the light diffusion member 71 does not have to have the front portion 71c. Furthermore, the light diffusion member 71 does not have to be formed as a single unit. For example, the right side portion 71b and the left side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 may be formed separately.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 21B, the side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 has a light-emitting surface 71e that emits light. The light-emitting surface 71e is formed on the left and right side portions 71b. The light-emitting surface 71e has a first region 71g that is exposed in a gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h formed in the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h that is located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and is located below the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20. With this structure, the area (width) of the light-emitting surface 71e can be increased without expanding the gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20. As a result, the light-emitting surface 71e can be made to stand out, and the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 21B, it is preferable that a gap G1 is formed in the vertical direction between the light-emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20. This makes it easier for the user to see up to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e. In addition, this gap G1 allows the input member 20 to move up and down. Therefore, the input member 20 can function as a push button.

[0120] 21B, the upper portion 71k of the light diffusing member 71 has a slope 71j facing the inner edge of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. A gap G1 between the light emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20 is larger than the gap between the slope 71j and the inner edge of the opening 41h.

[0121] 21B, the top of the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 (the upper edge of the light emitting surface 71e) is lower than the upper surface of the input member 20 (the upper surface of the front panel 21). The top of the side portion 71b is also lower than the upper surface of the upper cabinet portion 41. For this reason, a groove is formed between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is surrounded by this groove.

[0122] 21B, the light-emitting surface 71e is inclined in the first region 71g and the second region 71h, and is lowered toward the inside of the outer edge of the input member 20. Therefore, when the user tilts the input device 10, the user can see up to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e.

[0123] 21B, the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20 may have a sloped surface 21b facing the inclined light-emitting surface 71e, which makes it easier for the user to see up to the bottom edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e.

[0124] The light diffusion member 71 has an upper portion 71k on which a light emitting surface 71e is formed, and a wall portion 71m extending downward from the upper portion 71k. The wall portion 71m extends further downward beyond the height of the lower surface of the frame 24 of the input member 20, and reaches the frame 51 to which the circuit board 61 and the like are attached. Light passing through the through hole 51i of the frame 51 is incident on the wall portion 71m, and this causes the light emitting surface 71e of the light diffusion member 71 to shine. A light shielding member 74 may be provided on the outer surface of the wall portion 71m. The light shielding member 74 can prevent light from leaking from an unintended position. A reflecting member may be provided on the wall portion 71m instead of the light shielding member 74 or together with the light shielding member 74.

[0125] As described above, the input member 20 can move up and down and functions as a button. On the other hand, the light diffusion member 71 is fixed to the upper cabinet part 41. Therefore, when the input member 20 is pressed, the light emitting surface 71e does not move. This makes it possible to present, for example, the input member 20 moving up and down in the light.

[0126] 2, the light diffusion member 71 has, for example, an attachment portion 71n extending laterally from the side portion 71b. The attachment portion 71n is attached to the lower surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 by a fastener such as a screw. The attachment structure of the light diffusion member 71 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. The light diffusion member 71 may be attached to the frame 51.

[0127] 21A, an upper portion 71k of a side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 has an inner wall portion 71p having a light emitting surface 71e and extending obliquely downward from the top of the upper portion 71k. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has a stoppered portion 24b protruding laterally. The lower edge of the inner wall portion 71p is located above the stoppered portion 24b and functions as a stopper portion that prevents the input member 20 from slipping out upward. In this way, by using the light diffusion member 71 as a stopper portion, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0128] 20, the rear portion 71a of the light diffusing member 71 may also have a protrusion 71r that functions as a stopper portion. The protrusion 71r engages with the rear edge of the frame 24 to restrict the upward movement of the input member 20.

[0129] 20, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 is located in front of the input member 20. In detail, the front portion 71c is located in front of the frame 24 of the input member 20. As a result, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 functions as a stopper that prevents the input member 20 from slipping out forward.

[0130] In the example of the input device 10, the front part 71c of the light diffusion member 71 is exposed forward from a gap between the front edge 21f of the input member 20 and the edge (the upper edge 42d of the lower cabinet portion 42) of the cabinet 40. Light that has entered the side part 71b of the light diffusion member 71 may be diffused inside the light diffusion member 71, causing the front part 71c to shine.

[0131] [summary] As described above, the input device 10 includes the cabinet 40 having the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42 that are combined in the vertical direction, the screws 49b that fix the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42, and the cover 45 that is attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covers the screws 49b. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 has an exposed area that is adjacent to the cover side portions 45R and 45L and is not covered by the cover 45. A step N is formed between the outer surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed area and the outer surface of the cover side portions 45R and 45L, and the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed area. According to this input device, the screws 49b are covered by the cover 45, so that the appearance of the input device 10 can be improved. In addition, since the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the cabinet 40, the cover 45 is unlikely to be recognized as a cover when viewed by an observer. Therefore, the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0132] The input device 10 also includes a left held portion 10L, which is the left part of the input device 10, a right held portion 10R, which is the right part of the input device 10, a cabinet 40 having an upper cabinet portion 41 and a lower cabinet portion 42 assembled in the vertical direction, screws 49b fixing the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42, and a cover 45 attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covering the screws (fixing device) 49b. The screws 49b are provided on each of the left and right held portions 10R and 10L, and the cover 45 includes a fixing device cover 45a covering the screws 49b of the right held portion 10R, a fixing device cover 45a covering the screws 49b of the left held portion 10L, and a center portion 45M connecting the left and right fixing device covers 45a. According to this input device 10, the screws 49b are covered by the cover 45, so that the appearance of the input device 10 can be improved. Furthermore, the input device 10 can reduce the number of parts.

[0133] The input device 10 includes a first microphone 8A, a cabinet 40 housing the first microphone 8A, a first sound hole V1 formed in the cabinet 40 and connected to the first microphone 8A, and an input member operated by a user's finger, such as an input button 35 and a direction key 19. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 (the outer surface of the lower cabinet section 42) has one or more wall sections (the inner surface of the protective recess 42f and the side surface of the protective protrusion 42h) surrounding the first sound hole V1. With this input device 10, a finger rarely closes the entire opening end of the first sound hole V1, so that noise caused by a finger touching the first sound hole V1 can be reduced.

[0134] The input device 10 also has a cabinet 40 in which an opening 43a is formed, an input stick 31 that can move inside the opening 43a, and a buffer member 46 that is provided on one of the inner edge of the opening 43a and the outer circumferential surface of the input stick 31 and is made of a material different from the material of the inner edge of the opening 43a and the material of the outer circumferential surface of the input stick 31. This input device 10 can suppress the generation of noise in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0135] The input device 10 also includes an upper cabinet section 41 having an opening, an input button 35 located inside the opening and movable in the up and down direction, a switch 36a formed of an elastic material for biasing the input button 35 toward its initial position, and a buffer member 37. The input button 35 has stoppered portions 35b and 35c for preventing the input button 35 from jumping out of the opening. The buffer member 37 is formed of a material different from that of the upper cabinet section 41 and that of the input button 35, and has stoppered portions 37a and 37b located between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section 41 and the stoppered portions 35b and 35c of the input button 35. The input device 10 can effectively prevent noise from being generated in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B due to the operation sound of the input button 35.

[0136] Furthermore, in the input device 10, a damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. According to this input device 10, it is possible to prevent noise from occurring in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0137] The input device 10 has an input member 20 disposed in a central region on its upper surface. The input device 10 has a light-emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting region includes a first light-emitting unit E1 indicating identification information assigned to a plurality of input devices 10 connected to the information processing device, and a second light-emitting unit E2 that emits light based on information different from the identification information. This can improve the visibility of the first light-emitting unit E1 and the second light-emitting unit E2.

[0138] The input device 10 includes an upper cabinet section 41 having an opening, an input member 20 having an upper surface touched by a user's finger and disposed inside the opening, and a light diffusing member 71 having a light emitting surface 71e disposed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light emitting surface 71e includes a first region 71g exposed in a gap between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and below the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20. This can improve the conspicuousness of the light emitting surface 71e without changing the gap between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge of the opening 41h, thereby further improving the appearance of the input device 10.

Claims

1. A cushioning member for mounting on an input device, comprising: The input device is an exterior member having a plurality of openings; a plurality of input buttons respectively positioned inside the plurality of openings and movable in a direction intersecting the exterior member; an elastic member that biases the plurality of input buttons toward their initial positions; each of the plurality of input buttons has a stopper portion that prevents the input button from popping out of the opening; The buffer member is the exterior member and the input buttons are made of different materials, a plurality of stopper portions positioned between an inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and the stopper portions of the input buttons and adapted to come into contact with the stopper portions of the input buttons, Noise caused by the operation of the plurality of input buttons can be reduced in the voice data acquired by the microphone. Cushioning material.

2. A cushioning member for mounting on an input device, comprising: The input device is an exterior member having an opening; At least one input button located inside the opening and movable in a direction intersecting the exterior member; an elastic member that biases the at least one input button toward its initial position; the at least one input button has a stopper portion that prevents the input button from popping out of the opening, the exterior member has a cylindrical guide portion on an edge of the opening for guiding the at least one input button, The buffer member is The exterior member and the input button are made of different materials, The guide portion is formed so as to fit along the outer side of the guide portion. a stopper portion located between an inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and the stopped portion of the input button, Noise caused by the operation of the at least one input button can be reduced in the voice data acquired by the microphone. Cushioning material.

3. the buffer member has a central portion located between the plurality of input buttons; The plurality of stopper portions are formed in the central portion. The cushioning member according to claim 1 .

4. The buffer member is made of a material having a lower rigidity than the material of the exterior member and the material of the input buttons. The cushioning member according to claim 1 .

5. the buffer member has an annular portion surrounding the outside of the guide portion, The stopper portion is formed on the annular portion. The cushioning member according to claim 2 .

6. An exterior member of an input device, The input device is A plurality of input buttons each having a stopper portion; a plurality of elastic members for biasing the plurality of input buttons to initial positions; a buffer member for reducing noise in voice data acquired by a microphone, the noise being caused by operation of the plurality of input buttons; The exterior member is The cushioning member is made of a different material, a plurality of openings in which the plurality of input buttons are respectively arranged; a plurality of cylindrical guide portions each having the plurality of openings and guiding the input button so that the input button moves in a direction intersecting the exterior member; a groove formed in each of the plurality of guide portions along a direction in which the input button moves, for arranging the stopped portion of the input button and a stopper portion formed on the buffer member inside the groove; Exterior parts.

7. The material of the cushioning member is formed of a material having a lower rigidity than the material of the exterior member and the material of the at least one input button. The cushioning member according to claim 2 .

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