Input devices and operation buttons

Abstract

Provided are an input device that facilitates the work of mounting an operating button, and an operating button. A controller (2000) comprises: a first magnetic structure which includes at least two magnetic poles that are provided in at least one of a button receiving portion (2301) and an operating button (2301) and are spaced apart in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic body (2152) or a magnet that is provided in the other of the button receiving portion and the operating button, and that is opposed to the at least two magnetic poles. The operating button comprises an engagement portion (2151) that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and that is engaged with the button receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and an operation button.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an input device used for operating a game device. An input device used in an application such as a game is used for a user to input a control signal to the application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the operation button is detachable, the user can use an operation button having a shape that conforms to the user's preference. In this case, it is required that the attachment work of the operation button is easy.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device and an operation button that can easily perform the attachment work of the operation button.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The input device according to this disclosure comprises a main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch; an operation button attached to the button receiving portion by magnetic force; a first magnetic structure provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, including at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button, including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button has a first engaging portion that is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. This makes it easy to install the operation button.

[0007] Furthermore, regarding this disclosure Operation buttons This is an operating button that is attached to the main body by magnetic force, and comprises a first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, and a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and engaging with the main body. This makes it easy to attach the operating button to the main body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a controller according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the controller. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view showing the controller with multiple secondary control buttons and a control stick removed. [Figure 4A] This is a side view of the second operation button on type A. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button on type A. [Figure 5A] This is a side view of the second operation button on type B. [Figure 5B] This is a perspective view showing the lower part of the second operation button on type B. [Figure 6A]Side view of the second operation button of type C. [Figure 6B] Perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button of type C. [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button of type D. [Figure 8A] Side view of the second operation button of type E. [Figure 8B] Perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button of type E. [Figure 8C] Exploded perspective view of the second operation button of type E. [Figure 9A] Perspective view of the switch unit. [Figure 9B] Exploded perspective view showing the components of the switch unit. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view taken along line A - A of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line B - B of FIG. 2. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line C - C of FIG. 2. [Figure 13A] Perspective view of the identification member. [Figure 13B] Side view of the identification member. [Figure 14] Perspective view showing the second operation button of type A with the identification member attached. [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the second operation button of type E with the identification member attached. [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view showing the lower side of the second operation button and the lower side of the marking member.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an example of the controller 2000 which is an input device will be described. The controller 2000 can be used as a game input device for an information processing device such as a server or a console having an execution function of a game application (game program), for example. The controller 2000 may be used as an input device for an information processing device having a moving image reproduction function, a communication function through the Internet, and the like. The controller 2000 can communicate with the information processing device either wired or wirelessly, and transmits a signal corresponding to an operation performed by the user on the controller 2000 to the information processing device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the controller 2000, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the controller 2000. The controller 2000 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is also the above-described controller 200 0 and can be used to input a control signal to the console 202 or the server 300 as well. Each of the individual components of the controller 2000 to be described later may be made of a resin such as plastic, metal, or a composite material thereof.

[0011] In the following description, the X1 direction and the X2 direction of the X-axis (the direction in which the main body 2100 and the stick unit 2200 to be described later are arranged) shown in FIG. 1 and the like are the right direction and the left direction, respectively. Also, the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction of the Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis are the front direction and the rear direction, respectively. Further, the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction of the Z-axis (the extending direction of the operation stick 2220 to be described later) perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis shown in FIG. 3 and the like are the upward direction and the downward direction, respectively. However, these directions and arrangement positions are defined for explaining the shape and the relative positional relationship of the elements (parts, members, and portions) of the controller 2000, and do not limit the posture of the controller 2000.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the controller 2000 has a main body 2100 (base) on which several operation buttons are arranged, and a stick unit 2200 (analog stick unit) connected thereto. In a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (left-right direction in the example shown in Figure 1), the stick unit 2200 is positioned next to the main body 2100. The main body 2100 and the stick unit 2200 may be placed on a predetermined horizontal surface, such as on the floor, on a desk, or on the user's thighs. The stick unit 2200 has a sliding part 2210 that extends in the left-right direction (perpendicular to the vertical direction) and is connected to the main body 2100. The stick unit 2200 as a whole is dome-shaped, bulging upwards, and has an operation stick 2220 at its apex located in the center.

[0013] The main body 2100 has a storage recess (not shown) at its bottom for housing the sliding part 2210, and the sliding part 2210 can move relative to the storage recess in its extension direction. As a result, the stick unit 2200 can move relative to the main body 2100 in the extension direction of the sliding part 2210. The stick unit 2200 includes a circuit board (not shown) for detecting the movement of the operation stick 2220, and the main body 2100 includes a first circuit board 2190 (see Figure 10) and a plurality of second circuit boards 2380 (see Figures 9B and 10) for detecting press operations on a plurality of operation buttons attached thereto. The first circuit board 2190 and the plurality of second circuit boards 2380 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown).

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body 2100 of the controller 2000 has a first operation button (central control button) 2110, which is an operation section operated by the user, and a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (peripheral control buttons) (second operation buttons of type A to E 2120A to 2120E, which will be described later) which are operation sections operated by the user. The main body 2100 is circular in plan view, and the first operation button 2110 and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are mounted on the main body 2100. The first operation button 2110 is also circular in plan view. The first operation button 2110 is located in the center of the main body 2100. As shown in Figure 2, outside the outer edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, a portion of the outer surface (top surface 2101) of the main body 2100 is exposed. The first operation button 2110 has a wider upper surface than the multiple second operation buttons 2120, and its central part is formed in a dome shape that gently bulges upward. By making the size and shape of the first operation button 2110 in this way, it is easy for the user to place their hand on it. The first operation button 2110 can serve as a button for the user to rest their hand on.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are arranged along the outer edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. In a plan view, when the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100, they are arranged in an arc shape along the outer edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. Each second operation button 2120 has an arc-shaped outer edge 2121 and an inner edge 2122. The outer edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 is located outside the main body 2100, beyond the outer edge C1 of the main body 2100, when the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100. The inner edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120 is located inside the outer edge C1 of the main body 2100, when the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100. Multiple second operation buttons 2120 are formed in a tapered shape, where the length of the outer peripheral edge 2121 is greater than the length of the inner peripheral edge 2122, and the width in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 gradually narrows from the outer peripheral edge 2121 towards the inner peripheral edge 2122. The side edges of the second operation buttons 2120 (side edges connected to the ends of the outer peripheral edge 2121 and the ends of the inner peripheral edge 2122) extend along the radial direction of the main body 2100 toward the center of the main body 2100. By shaping the multiple second operation buttons 2120 in this way, the gap between two adjacent second operation buttons 2120 can be made uniform when the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, each outer edge 2121 of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 is positioned outside the outer edge C1 of the main body 2100, forming an arc-shaped outer edge along the outer edge C1. An opening H1 is formed on the upper surface of the multiple second operation buttons 2120, to which a mark member 2400 (see Figures 13A and 13B), described later, is attached. In each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed closer to the outer edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 than to the center of the second operation button 2120. The opening H1 is formed on the second operation button 2120 It is formed at the central position in the width direction (circumferential direction of the main body 2100). A portion of the opening H1 is formed on the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, among the multiple second operation buttons 2120, the inner peripheral edges 2122 of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D are recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The inner peripheral edges 2122 of the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D are located outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 and form an arc-shaped inner edge along that outer peripheral edge C2.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, each of the multiple second operation buttons 2120A has an outer peripheral portion 2131 including an outer peripheral edge 2121. The outer peripheral portion 2131 extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 when the second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100. By shaping the second operation buttons 2120 in this way, the upper surface portion, which is the operating surface of the second operation buttons 2120A, can be made wider. For example, if the operation buttons are small and have a narrow surface, as in existing input devices, some users may find them difficult to operate. In this respect, by making the upper surface portion of the second operation buttons 2120A wider, the buttons become easier to press, and the operation of the controller 2000, including the second operation buttons 2120A, can be made more comfortable for users who find the operation of existing input devices uncomfortable. Furthermore, since the lower surface of the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120 (for example, the lower surface 2124A in Figure 4A, which will be described later) is exposed, the user can hook their hand, part of their body, or a tool onto the lower surface of the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120 and lift the second operation button 2120 from the main body 2100. Multiple second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100 by lifting them, as will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-type second operation button 2120E extends inward into the main body 2100 beyond the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. As shown in Figure 12, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an overhang 2132E on its upper surface 2123E (second upper surface) that covers a portion of the upper surface (first upper surface) of the first operation button 2110. In a plan view, the A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-2120D do not overlap with the first operation button 2110, while the E-type second operation button 2120E overlaps with the first operation button 2110 at its overhang 2132E. In this way, the upper surface 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120E becomes larger in the direction toward the center of the main body 2100. This reduces the distance from the E-shaped second operation button 2120E to the second operation button 2120 located on the opposite side of the first operation button 2110, making it easier for the user to operate the second operation button 2120E and the second operation button 2120 located on the opposite side while their hand is resting on the first operation button 2110. The position of the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120 relative to the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 (for example, the size of the protruding portion 2132E) can be set appropriately according to the user's ease of use.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 2, some of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 attached to the main body 2100 are E-type second operation buttons 2120E. The A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-D do not have the protruding portion 2132E that overlaps with the first operation button 2110 in a plan view. Therefore, an area can be secured on the upper surface of the first operation button 2110 that is exposed inside the multiple second operation buttons 2120.

[0021] Figure 3 shows multiple second operation buttons 2120 and operation stick 22 from the controller 2000. 2This is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled state of unit 0. As shown in Figure 3, all of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100. The operation stick 2220 can also be removed from the stick unit 2200. For example, an operation stick with a hole at the end can be attached to the stick unit 2200. By threading a string through the hole in the operation stick and having the user wear the string or a device to which the string is attached (e.g., a band), it may be possible to make the operation of the operation stick easier and more comfortable for users who find the operation of existing operation sticks difficult.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 2100 has a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 (pads) on the outside of the first operation button 2110. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 all have the same shape, and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be attached to each of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301. In a plan view, the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 surround the first operation button 2110. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are all positioned between the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The upper surface of the main body 2100 and the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are inclined outward from the center of the main body 2100 along the upper surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 (see Figure 10). In a plan view, the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 may be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge C1 of the first operation button 2110.

[0023] As described later, each of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E has a shape at its bottom that corresponds to the button receiving portion 2301. The user of the controller 2000 can select and attach a desired second operation button 2120 from among the multiple types of A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E to the part of the main body 2100 where the button receiving portion 2301 is provided. The user can change the arrangement of the second operation buttons 2120A-2120E on the main body 2100, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, there are eight button receiving portions 2301, but the number of button receiving portions 2301 provided on the main body 2100 is not limited to this. The user of the controller 2000 can attach up to the number of second operation buttons 2120 equal to the number of button receiving portions 2301 provided on the main body 2100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the first operation button 2110 has multiple identification information display sections 2111 formed on its outer periphery, including the outer edge C2, where identification information such as numbers is displayed. The identification information display sections 2111 are formed at positions corresponding to the button receiving section 2301. The identification information display sections 2111 are formed in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 at positions corresponding to the button receiving section 2301. Therefore, the user can understand the identification information assigned to the button receiving section 2301 by checking the identification information on the identification information display sections 2111. In the example shown in Figure 3, different numbers from "1" to "8" are shown as identification information, but the identification information is not limited to Arabic numerals; it may also be Roman numerals, or other types of characters or symbols. Furthermore, the identification information may be formed by braille patterns or embossing so that the user can identify it by touch.

[0025] The button receiver 2301 is provided with switches, as will be described later. In applications (for example, game applications) executed by information processing devices such as consoles and servers with which the controller 2000 communicates, it is possible to set the switches on the button receiver 2301 corresponding to the functions of the application, or to change the assignment of switches corresponding to functions. For example, a user can change the assignment of a predetermined function of an application from the switch on the button receiver 2301 located at the position corresponding to the identification information "1" in Figure 3 (the same position in the circumferential direction of the main unit 2100) to the switch on the button receiver 2301 located at the position corresponding to the identification information "2" next to it.

[0026] Each of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E has a different shape from the others. For example, a user can visually and tactilely identify which of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E they have touched, based on the differences in their shapes. Below, the structure of each of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E and the button receiving section 2301 that receives each of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E will be described based on the drawings.

[0027] Figure 4A is a side view of the Type A second operation button 2120A, and Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the underside of the Type A second operation button 2120A. Figure 5A is a side view of the Type B second operation button 2120B, and Figure 5B is a perspective view showing the underside of the Type B second operation button 2120B. Figure 6A is a side view of the Type C second operation button 2120C, and Figure 6B is a perspective view showing the underside of the Type C second operation button 2120C. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the underside of the Type D second operation button 2120D. Figure 8A is a side view of the Type E second operation button 2120E, and Figure 8B is a perspective view showing the underside of the Type E second operation button 2120E. Figure 8C is an exploded perspective view of the Type E second operation button 2120E, showing the underside of the Type E second operation button 2120E.

[0028] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the switch unit 2300, which is positioned around the first operation button 2110 on the main body 2100 and is provided with a button receiving portion 2301. Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the switch unit 2300. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2. Figures 10 and 11 show the state in which the A-type second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 2, showing the state in which the E-type second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0029] First, let's describe the Type A second operation button 2120A. As shown in Figure 4A, the upper surface portion 2123A of the Type A second operation button 2120A includes the outer peripheral edge 2121A and the inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A, and is oriented upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (from the inner peripheral edge 2122A toward the outer peripheral edge 2121A). The upper surface portion 2123A of the Type A second operation button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Also, the lower surface portion 2124A of the Type A second operation button 2120A includes the outer peripheral edge 2121A and the inner peripheral edge 2122A, similar to the upper surface portion 2023A. The lower surface portion 2124A of the Type A second operation button 2120A is oriented downward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (from the outer peripheral edge 2121A toward the inner peripheral edge 2122A). In the Type A second operation button 2120A, the thickness of the outer peripheral edge 2121A is greater than that of the inner peripheral edge 2122A. Furthermore, the Type A second operation button 2120A has an inclined surface 2127A on its outer peripheral edge 2121A. The inclined surface 2127A is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120A and is inclined downwards and inwards.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4B, the Type A second operation button 2120A has a mating projection 2125A on its lower surface 2124A. The mating projection 2125A has a shape that corresponds to the multiple button receiving portions 2301 (see Figure 3) provided on the upper surface 2101 of the main body 2100. The mating projection 2125A can be attached to any of the multiple button receiving portions 2301. In the second operation button 2120A, the mating projection 2125A protrudes downward from the lower surface 2124A. The multiple button receiving portions 2301 are recessed downward from the upper surface 2101 of the main body 2100 and have a mating recess 2302 (see Figure 9A) that receives the mating projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A. The relationship between the protrusions and recesses of the mating projection 2125A and the button receiving portions 2301 may be reversed.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mating projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has a first mating portion 2126A (see Figure 4B) in its central part, and the button receiving portion 2301 has a second mating portion 2303 (see Figure 9A) in its central part (the central part of the mating recess 2302). 0 With A attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 is the second operation button 212 0It fits inside the first fitting portion 2126A of A. Also, in the B-E type second operation buttons 2120B-E described later, first fitting portions 2126B-E are formed in the center of the fitting protrusions 2125B-E into which the second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 fits. Note that in Figures 4B and 9A, the first fitting portion 2126A is a recess that is recessed away from the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 is a protrusion that is projecting toward the second operation button 2120A. However, the relationship between the recess and protrusion of the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 may be reversed. For example, the first fitting portion 2126A may be a protrusion that is projecting toward the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 may be a recess that is recessed away from the second operation button 2120A. Furthermore, while the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are rectangles with rounded corners in a plan view, the shapes of the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are not limited to this.

[0032] Next, the second operation button 2120B of type B will be described. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the upper surface portion 2123B and lower surface portion 2124B of the second operation button 2120B of type B include the outer peripheral edge 2121B and the inner peripheral edge 2122B. The second operation button 2120B of type B has an inclined surface 2127B on the outer peripheral edge 2121B. The inclined surface 2127B is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120B and is inclined downward and inward. The upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B of type B differs from the upper surface portion 2123A of the second operation button 2120A of type A in that its central portion bulges upward. Because the upper surface portion 2123B of the Type B second operation button 2120B has a bulging shape, some users may find the Type B second operation button 2120B easier to operate than the Type A second operation button 2120A. For example, a user may operate the second operation button 2120B by placing their hand on the upper surface of the first operation button 2110 and sliding their hand along the dome-shaped upper surface of the first operation button 2110. In this process, the user's hand interferes with the upper surface portion 2123B of the second operation button 2120B, making the operation of pressing the Type B second operation button 2120B easier than the operation of the Type A second operation button 2120A.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5B, the lower surface portion 2124B of the type B second operation button 2120B also has a fitting projection 2125B similar to the fitting projection 2125A of the type A second operation button 2120A. This makes it possible to attach the type B second operation button 2120B to all of the button receiving portions 2301 on the fitting projection 2125B. In addition, multiple holes H2 are formed in the lower surface portion 2124B of the type B second operation button 2120B, thereby reducing the weight of the type B second operation button 2120B.

[0034] Next, the C-type second operation button 2120C will be described. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the upper surface 2123C and lower surface 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C include the outer peripheral edge 2121C and the inner peripheral edge 2122C. The C-type second operation button 2120C has an inclined surface 2127C on the outer peripheral edge 2121C. The inclined surface 2127C is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120C and is inclined downward and inward. The upper surface 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C differs from the upper surface 2123A of the A-type second operation button 2120A in that it faces upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C to the inner peripheral edge 2122C). The upper surface 2123C of the C-type second operation button 2120C is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Also, the second operation button 2120 of type C C The lower surface portion 2124C is oriented downward and obliquely toward the inner peripheral edge 2122C, similar to the lower surface portion 2124A of the second operation button 2120A of type A. As shown in Figure 6A, the second operation button 2120 of type C C The thickness in the vertical direction is the inner peripheral edge 2122 C From the outer edge 2121 C It gradually gets bigger as you approach it.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 6A, with multiple second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E attached to the main unit 2100, a second operation button of type C 2120C The outer edge 2121C is at the highest position. In this way, depending on the user, the second operation button 2120 of type C C However, it may be easier to operate compared to other second operation buttons 2120. For example, when a user operates the second operation button 2120C by sliding their hand along the top surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110, the user's hand may be on the outer edge of the second operation button 2120C. edge It interferes with 2121C. This may make pressing the type C second operation button 2120C easier than pressing other second operation buttons 2120 (for example, the type A second operation button 2120A).

[0036] As shown in Figure 6B, the lower surface portion 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C also has a fitting projection 2125C similar to the fitting projection 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A. As a result, the C-type second operation button 2120C also has a fitting projection 2125 C It is possible to attach it to all of the multiple button receiving parts 2301. In addition, multiple holes H3 are formed in the lower surface part 2124C of the C-type second operation button 2120C. As a result, the C-type second operation button 2120C is lighter, similar to the B-type second operation button 2120B.

[0037] Next, the D-type second operation button 2120D will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the D-type second operation button 2120D, like the A-type second operation button 2120A, has an upper surface that is slightly curved in the vertical direction, facing upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (from the inner peripheral edge 2122D toward the outer peripheral edge 2121D). The D-type second operation button 2120D has an inclined surface 2127D on the outer peripheral edge 2121D. The inclined surface 2127D is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120D and is inclined downward and inward. The D-type second operation button 2120D differs from the A-type second operation button 2120A in that it is wider than the A-type second operation button 2120A in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 to which the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are attached. By widening the second operation button 2120D of type D, it may become easier to press than the second operation button 2120A of type A. It may also become easier to press adjacent buttons simultaneously. In each of the second operation buttons 2120 of types A to D, the circumferential widths of the outer edges 2121A to C are the same or approximately the same, and the width of the outer edge 2121D is the same or approximately the same as twice the width of the outer edge 2121A. Similarly, in each of the second operation buttons 2120 of types A to D, the circumferential widths of the inner edges 2122A to C are the same or approximately the same, and the width of the inner edge 2122D is the same or approximately the same as twice the width of the inner edge 2122A.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the D-type second operation button 2120D has two mating protrusions 2125D formed on its lower surface 2124D, similar to the mating protrusions 2125A of the A-type second operation button 2120A. The D-type second operation button 2120D differs from the A-type second operation button 2120A in that it has two mating protrusions 2125D. The two mating protrusions 2125D are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 on the lower surface 2124D of the D-type second operation button 2120D. The D-type second operation button 2120D is attached to the main body 2100 by the two mating protrusions 2125D being attached to two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 (see Figure 3). When the user presses the D-type second operation button 2120D, the switches provided on each of the two adjacent button receiving portions 2301 are activated. element One or both of the 2381 (see Figure 9B) can be pressed.

[0039] Finally, the E-type second operation button 2120E will be described. As shown in Figure 8A, the E-type second operation button 2120E, like the A-type second operation button 2120A, has an upper surface portion 2123E that is slightly curved in the vertical direction, facing upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (from the inner peripheral edge 2122E toward the outer peripheral edge 2121E). As shown in Figure 2, the inner peripheral edge 2122E included in the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120E protrudes more towards the center of the main body 2100 than the inner peripheral edge 2122 of the other second operation buttons 2120.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-type second operation button 2120E has a protruding portion 2132E including an inner peripheral edge 2122E. As shown in Figure 12, the protruding portion 2132E of the second operation button 2120E covers a portion of the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 when the second operation button 2120E is attached to the main body 2100.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8B, a fitting projection 2125E is also formed on the lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E. As shown in Figures 10 and 12, each fitting projection 2125A,E of the second operation buttons 2120A,E has an engaging portion 2151 (second engaging portion) on its inner peripheral edge 2122A,E side that engages with the button receiving portion 2301. Similarly, the second operation buttons 2120B~ of types B~D D Each fitting projection 2125B~ D An engaging portion 2151 is also formed therein, which engages with the button receiving portion 2301.

[0042] As shown in Figure 12, the fitting projection 2125E of the E-type second operation button 2120E also has an engaging portion 2128E (first engaging portion) on its outer peripheral edge 2121E side that engages with the button receiving portion 2301. In addition, the outer peripheral edge 2121E of the E-type second operation button 2120E is provided with a movable portion 2129E that protrudes outward from the second operation button 2120E and can be pushed in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E. The engaging portion 2128E moves in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E in response to a pushing operation on the movable portion 2129E. The engaging portion 2128E and the movable portion 2129E are provided only on the E-type second operation button 2120E. In the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D, no engaging portion is formed on the outer peripheral edge 2121 side of the fitting projection 2125A to 2125D to catch on the button receiving portion 2301. Furthermore, the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D of types A to D are not provided with a movable portion that can be pushed in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8C, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an upper member 2140E on which the outer peripheral edge 2121E, inner peripheral edge 2122E, upper surface portion 2123E (see Figure 8A), and lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E are formed, and a lower member 2150E on which a fitting projection 2125E is formed. The E-type second operation button 2120E is formed by combining the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E in the vertical direction. Similarly, the A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-D may also be formed by combining an upper member (for example, the upper member 2140A shown in Figure 10) and a lower member (for example, the lower member 2150A shown in Figure 10).

[0044] As shown in Figure 8C, the side surface 2141E of the upper member 2140E of the E-type second operation button 2120E, near the inner peripheral edge 2122E, is recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, similar to the inner peripheral edge 2122 of the A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-2120D. This prevents the lower surface portion 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E from interfering with the first operation button 2110 when attaching the E-type second operation button 2120E to the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 or when pressing it down against the main body 2100.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8C, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engagement member 2160E on which an engagement portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E are formed. The engagement member 2160E is positioned between the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. The upper member 2140E has a housing recess 2142E that is recessed upward relative to the lower surface portion 2124E, and the engagement member 2160E is housed inside this housing recess 2142E. In this embodiment, the A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-2120D do not have a member corresponding to the engagement member 2160E.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8C, the engaging member 2160E has a base portion 2161E on which engaging portions 2128E and movable portions 2129E are formed, a fixed portion 2162E that is separated from the base portion 2161E in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E, a spring portion 2163E that extends from the base portion 2161E in a curved manner and is connected to the fixed portion 2162E, and a stopper portion 2164E that extends from the base portion 2161E in the direction of the inner peripheral edge 2122E. The engaging portion 2128E is a claw portion that extends downward from the base portion 2161E and protrudes at its lower end in the direction of the movable portion 2129E.

[0047] The fixed portion 2162E of the engaging member 2160E is fixed to the receiving recess 2142E of the upper member 2140E. This fixes the relative position of the fixed portion 2162E with respect to the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. When the user pushes the movable portion 2129E toward the inner periphery 2122E, the base portion 2161E and the engaging portion 2128E formed on the base portion 2161E move toward the fixed portion 2162E due to the elastic bending of the spring portion 2163E. Here, the stopper portion 2164E, by contacting the fixed portion 2162E, restricts the movable portion 2129E from being pushed excessively. When the user releases the movable part 2129E from this state, the base part 2161E and the engaging part 2128E move away from the fixed part 2162E as the shape of the spring part 2163E returns to its initial state, and return to the initial position. In this way, by making the movable part 2129E and the engaging part 2128E move relative to the fixed part 2162E, the movable part 2129E and the engaging part 2128E, Upper member 2140E It can also move relative to the lower member 2150E.

[0048] The structure of the button receiving portion 2301 on the main body 2100, to which the second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E can be attached, will now be described. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 2100 is provided with a plurality of button receiving portions 2301. Each button receiving portion 2301 is provided on the switch unit 2300 shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In the main body 2100, the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 and the plurality of switch units 2300 surround the first operation button 2110.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the switch unit 2300 includes a base member 2310, a cover member 2320 that covers a portion of the base member 2310, a first support member 2330 that supports the base member 2310 from below, a shaft member 2340, a flat magnet 2350, a magnetic material 2360 that covers the lower side of the magnet 2350, a second support member 2370 that supports the magnet 2350 and the magnetic material 2360 from below, and a second circuit board 2380 on which a switch element 2381 is mounted on its upper surface. The cover member 2320 is formed in a frame shape and has an opening H4 in its center. The button receiving portion 2301 is exposed at the opening H4 of the cover member 2320. An engaging portion 2321 that hooks onto the first support member 2330 is formed at the lower end of the cover member 2320. By fixing the cover member 2320 to the first support member 2330, the shaft member 2340, magnet 2350, magnetic material 2360, and second support member 2370, which are positioned between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330, are prevented from coming off the first support member 2330.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9B and 10, in the switch unit 2300, a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340 are positioned between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330. On the base member 2310, the side opposite (lower side) of the second fitting portion 2303 on the upper surface, which is a convex portion, is a recess, and the magnet 2350 and magnetic material 2360 are housed inside this recess. Also, a wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 is formed on the upper surface of the base member 2310. On the outside of the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310, a convex portion 2316 is formed that protrudes toward the outer peripheral edge C1 side of the main body 2100. The convex portion 2316 of the base member 2310 is sandwiched between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330 in the vertical direction. This prevents the base member 2310 from detaching from the outer edge C1 side of the main body 2100.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9B and 10, in the switch unit 2300, the shaft member 2340 is provided on the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 is attached to the base member 2310 and can rotate around axis Ax1 relative to the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 has a shaft portion 2341 extending along axis Ax1 and an engaging portion 2342 located above axis Ax1. The engaging portion 2342 is a claw portion that extends upward from the shaft portion 2341 and protrudes at its upper end in the direction of the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. The engaging portion 2342 extends along axis Ax1. As shown in Figure 9A, the engaging portion 2342, together with the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310, surrounds the fitting recess 2302 and the second fitting portion 2303 provided in the fitting recess 2302. The engaging portion 2342 may be a recess into which the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120 catches.

[0052] The second circuit board 2380 of the switch unit 2300 shown in Figure 9B is fixed to the first support member 2330 by fasteners 2390 such as screws. An opening H5 is formed in the center of the first support member 2330, and the switch element 2381 is exposed through this opening H5. Above the switch element 2381, the second support member 2370, magnetic material 2360, magnet 2350, base member 2310, and cover member 2320 are arranged in this order from bottom to top. When the second operation button 2120 is pressed downward by the user, the second support member 2370 moves downward via the base member 2310 and magnet 2350. The switch element 2381 detects that the second operation button 2120 has been pressed by the user by detecting the approach of the second support member 2370 or the pressure on the switch by the second support member 2370.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10, the A-type second operation button 2120A is formed by combining an upper member 2140A, which has an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an upper surface portion 2123A formed thereon, and a lower member 2150A, which has a fitting projection 2125A formed thereon, in the vertical direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the upper surface portion 2123A of the type A second operation button 2120A is positioned above the extension line L1 along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. Similarly, the upper surfaces portion 2123B to E of the type B to E second operation buttons 2120B to E are also positioned above the extension line along the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110. This creates a step between the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 and the upper surfaces portion 2123A to E of the second operation buttons 2120A to E. For example, when a user slides their hand from the upper surface portion of the first operation button 2110 to one of the multiple second operation buttons 2120, their hand can easily confirm the boundary between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120 by hitting the step, and they can perceive that their hand has touched the second operation button 2120 by feeling that they have crossed the step. In other words, it becomes easier to recognize the switching of the target button when operating buttons with a larger area than the fingertip, thereby making it more comfortable to operate the controller 2000, including the second operation button 2120, for users who find existing input devices uncomfortable to use.

[0055] The controller 2000 has a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure. The first magnetic structure includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100. The second magnetic structure includes a magnetic material or magnet that faces at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. In this embodiment, "magnetic pole" means an end face through which magnetic flux enters and exits, such as the end of a magnet and the end of a magnetic material. The first magnetic structure is provided on one of the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120 that constitute the button receiving portion 2301, and the second magnetic structure is provided on the other of the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120.

[0056] By providing the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120 with first and second magnetic structures, the second operation button 2120 is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by magnetic force. In the first magnetic structure, at least two magnetic poles are separated in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100, so the orientation of the second operation button 2120 can be corrected by magnetic force. The user only needs to position the second operation button 2120 roughly when attaching it to the button receiving portion 2301, making the attachment of the second operation button 2120 easy. For example, the user can attach the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301 by sliding the second operation button 2120 along the upper surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the base member 2310 has one magnet 2350, and the second operation button 2120 has one magnetic body 2152. As shown in Figure 11, the magnet 2350 has a magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 on the upper side and a magnetic pole (opposite to magnetic pole N1, e.g., south pole) S1 on the lower side. The magnetic poles N1 and S1 of the magnet 2350 are separated in the vertical direction (a third direction intersecting the direction in which the second operation button 2120 is pressed down, the first direction, and the second direction described later).

[0058] The magnetic material 2152 is, for example, sheet metal, fixed to the lower member 2150A, and exposed downwards in the first fitting portion 2126A (Figure 4B), which is a recess or the like. The second operation buttons 2120B to E of types B to E also have a magnetic material 2152 fixed to the lower member. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the magnetic material 2152 faces the magnet 2350 provided on the lower side of the button receiving portion 2301 and is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350. However, the base member 2310 may have a magnetic material and the second operation button 2120 may have a magnet. Alternatively, the second operation button 2120 may have a magnet instead of a magnetic material 2152.

[0059] The first magnetic structure includes a U-shaped magnetic body 2360. As shown in Figures 9B and 11, the magnet 2350 is positioned in a recess of the U-shaped magnetic body 2360. The magnetic body 2360 functions as a so-called magnetizing yoke, which enhances the attractive force of the magnet 2350 on the magnetic body 2152. As shown in Figure 11, at the upper end of the magnetic body 2360, the magnet 2350 generates magnetic forces on the upper magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 of the magnet 2350 and on the opposite magnetic poles (e.g., south poles) S2 and S3. Note that the relationship between the north and south poles of the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 may be reversed.

[0060] As shown in Figure 11, the button receiving portion 2301 has three magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3, including magnetic pole N1 of the magnet 2350, arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 (the direction shown by arrow D3 in Figures 9A and 11). As shown in Figures 3 and 9A, the length of the button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 is greater than the length of the button receiving portion 2301 in the radial direction of the main body 2100. The magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 constituting the first magnetic structure are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0061] By arranging the magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 that constitute the first magnetic structure in the button receiving portion 2301 in this manner, the orientation of the second operation button 2120 relative to the button receiving portion 2301 can be corrected by magnetic force. This makes it easier to attach the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301. In addition, the number of magnets 2350 to be placed in the button receiving portion 2301 can be reduced compared to the case where multiple magnets are arranged in the circumferential direction of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0062] The first magnetic structure may have multiple magnets. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple magnets in the button receiving portion 2301 are separated in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100. Furthermore, it is preferable that the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnets are opposite. For example, if the upper magnetic pole of one magnet is a north pole, it is preferable that the upper magnetic pole of the adjacent magnet be a south pole. When the first magnetic structure has multiple magnets, the first magnetic structure may also have multiple U-shaped magnetic bodies. In this case, the magnets of the multiple magnets may be arranged in the recesses of the multiple U-shaped magnetic bodies.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, the button receiving portion 2301 of the main body 2100 is composed of a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340 attached thereto. The shaft member 2340 has a shaft portion 2341 that extends along and includes the axis Ax1, and an engaging portion 2342 that extends upward from the shaft portion 2341. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is positioned between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120A and is in contact with the second operation button 2120A.

[0064] The fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has an engaging portion 2151 on the inner peripheral edge 2122 side. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is in contact with and engaged with the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340. The claw-shaped engaging portion 2151 catches on the claw-shaped engaging portion 2342. One of the engaging portion 2151 and the engaging portion 2342 may be a claw, and the other may be a recess on which this claw catches. The engagement of the engaging portion 2151 and the engaging portion 2342 with each other prevents the second operation button 2120A from being displaced away from the button receiving portion 2301. Furthermore, each of the fitting protrusions 2125B to D of the second operation buttons 2120B to D of type B to D also has an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is positioned in a direction toward the center of the main body 2100 (a second direction, a direction intersecting the first direction in which at least two magnetic poles are separated) with respect to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (for example, three magnetic poles formed by the magnet 2350 and the U-shaped magnetic material 2360). The second operation button 2120A can be pressed down in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. Since the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is separated from the magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure in a second direction (a direction intersecting the first direction in which at least two magnetic poles are separated and the third direction in which the second operation button 2120A is pressed down), it is possible to prevent the second operation button from detaching from the main body 2100 when the side opposite to the side on which the engaging portion 2151 is provided on the second operation button 2120A is pressed down.

[0066] The second operation button 2120A extends beyond the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the engaging portion 2151 is located relative to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (towards the outer edge C1 of the main body 2100). In the plan view shown in Figure 3, the second operation button 2120A covers the entire area of ​​the button receiving portion 2301. As shown in Figure 10, the second operation button 2120A has a first portion A1 and a second portion A2. The first portion A1 is the side on which the engaging portion 2151 is provided relative to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic mechanism. The second portion A2 is the portion on the opposite side of the first portion A1 relative to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic mechanism. The width of the second portion A2 in the radial direction (second direction) of the main body 2100 is greater than the width of the first portion A1. In the plan view, the second portion A2 is wider than the first portion A1. Therefore, users are more likely to press the second part A2 than the first part A1.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, a gap D1 is formed between the outer circumference C1 of the main body 2100 and the second operation button 2120A. Therefore, when the user presses down on the second operation button 2120A near the outer circumference 2121A (for example, the second portion A2), the portion of the second operation button 2120A near the inner circumference 2122A (for example, the first portion A1) is biased upward. Here, the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A near the inner circumference 2122A is engaged with the engaging portion 2342 of the button receiving portion 2301. This effectively prevents the second operation button 2120A from coming off the button receiving portion 2301. Also, in the B-D type second operation buttons 2120B-D, the first portion on the side where the engaging portion 2151 is provided is located in the radial direction of the main body 2100. A1 The second part, which is on the opposite side, is wider than the width of the first part. A2 The width is large. This effectively prevents the second operation buttons 2120B-D of type B-D from coming off the button receiving part 2301.

[0068] The engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is biased to the position shown in Figure 10 (hereinafter referred to as the locked position) by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown). When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2342 is positioned in the locked position and engages with the engaging portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A. In this state, when the user lifts the outer edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120A, causing the entire shaft member 2340 to rotate around the axis Ax1. As a result, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 moves from the initial position shown in Figure 10, the locked position, to the unlocked position (a position closer to the first operation button 2110 than the locked position). This makes it possible to remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiving portion 2301. The user can easily remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiving part 2301 by lifting its outer edge 2121A upwards. The second operation buttons 2120B to D of types B to D can also be easily removed from the button receiving part 2301 by lifting their outer edges 2121.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the outer periphery 2121A of the A-type second operation button 2120A has an inclined surface 2127A that extends downward from its outer edge and toward the center of the main body 2100. When the user lifts the outer periphery 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward, pressing the inclined surface 2127A causes the second operation button 2120A to move upward toward the center of the main body 2100. As the second operation button 2120A moves toward the center of the main body 2100, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pressed by the second operation button 2120A and moves to the unlocked position, making it possible to remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiving portion 2301. In other words, by forming the inclined surface 2127A on the outer periphery 2121A of the second operation button 2120A, it becomes easier to remove the second operation button 2120A. Furthermore, the outer edges 2121B to D of the second operation buttons 2120B to D of the B to D types also have inclined surfaces 2127B to D that extend downward and toward the center of the main body 2100. This makes it easy to remove the second operation buttons 2120B to D of the B to D types.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the button receiving portion 2301, which includes a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340, is biased upward by the switch of the switch element 2381. The outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 abuts against a frame-shaped cover member 2320, which has an opening H4 (see Figure 9B). A protrusion 2316 (see Figure 9B) of the base member 2310 is located on one side of the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 (the end closer to the edge C1 of the main body 2100), and a protrusion 2343 is located on the other side of the outer edge (the end closer to the center of the main body 2100), which protrudes from the shaft portion 2341 of the shaft member 2340 toward the center of the main body 2100 (in the vertical direction and in a direction intersecting the axis Ax1). The protrusion 2316 of the base member 2310 and the protrusion 2343 of the shaft member 2340 are in contact with the cover member 2320 which is fixed to the main body 2100. When one or the other side of the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 is pressed, the button receiving portion 2301 can move downward, using the opposite side as a pivot point. This makes it possible to operate the switch of the switch element 2381 when either one or the other side of the outer edge of the button receiving portion 2301 is pressed.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, the E-type second operation button 2120E is formed by combining an upper member 2140E and a lower member 2150E in the vertical direction, with an engaging member 2160E positioned between the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. As shown in Figure 12, the E-type second operation button 2120E also has a magnetic material 2152, such as sheet metal, on the lower member 2150E. This allows the magnetic material 2152 to be attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350 provided on the button receiving portion 2301, making it easier to attach the E-type second operation button 2120E to the button receiving portion 2301. Furthermore, since multiple magnetic poles are arranged along the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 on the button receiving portion 2301, the orientation of the E-type second operation button 2120E can be corrected when attaching it to the button receiving portion 2301.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the protruding portion 2132E, including the inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-type second operation button 2120E, covers the portion of the upper surface of the first operation button 2110, including the outer peripheral edge C2. A vertical gap D2 is maintained between the protruding portion 2132E and the upper surface of the first operation button 2110. The gap D2 is larger than the range of motion of the second operation button 2120E (i.e., the range of motion of the button receiving portion 2301). This prevents the protruding portion 2132E from interfering with the first operation button 2110 when the E-type second operation button 2120E is pressed down.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, the E-type second operation button 2120E includes an outer peripheral portion 2131E that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. As shown in Figure 2, the A-D type second operation buttons 2120A-D also include an outer peripheral portion 2131 that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge C1 (for example, the outer peripheral portion 2 of the A-type second operation button 2120A shown in Figure 10). 131 It includes A).

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, in the E-type second operation button 2120E, the width of the protruding portion 2132E is narrower than the width of the outer circumference 2131E. This makes it easier to arrange multiple operation buttons, including the E-type second operation button 2120E, on the main body 2100. As shown in Figure 12, the fitting projection 2125E of the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging portion 2151 (second engaging portion) at a position closer to its inner circumference 2122E (closer to the protruding portion 2132E), similar to the A-type second operation button 2120A. When the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2151 engages with the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340. This effectively prevents the E-type second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301, even if, for example, the portion of the second operation button 2120E closer to the outer periphery 2131E is pushed downward by the user, and the protruding portion 2132E on the opposite side is biased upward.

[0075] Furthermore, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engaging portion 2128E (first engaging portion) located near its outer peripheral edge 2121E. The engaging portion 2128E is provided on the second operation button 2120E near the opposite side of the protruding portion 2132E. The base member 2310 constituting the button receiving portion 2301 has an engaging portion 2315. The engaging portion 2315 of the button receiving portion 2301 is formed below the wall portion 2313 (see Figure 9B). When the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the engaging portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E catches on the engaging portion 2315 of the base member 2310. This prevents the E-type second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301. In particular, with the E-type second operation button 2120E, the engaging portion 2128E catches on the button receiving portion 2301 near the outer circumference 2131E. Therefore, even if the protruding portion 2132E of the first operation button 2110 is pushed downward by the user, and the outer circumference 2131E on the opposite side is biased upward, the E-type second operation button 2120E can be effectively prevented from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, a movable part 2129E is provided on the outer circumference 2131E of the second operation button 2120E. When the user pushes the movable part 2129E toward the inner circumference 2122, the engaging part 2128E of the second operation button 2120E moves from the initial locked position shown in Figure 12 to the unlocked position (a position closer to the inner circumference 2122 than the locked position). By pushing the movable part 2129E, the user can release the engagement between the engaging part 2128E of the second operation button 2120E and the engaging part 2315 of the base member 2310. In this state, by the user lifting the outer circumference 2121E of the second operation button 2120E upward, the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120E and moves to the unlocked position, making it possible to remove the second operation button 2120E from the button receiving part 2301.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the E-type second operation button 2120 E outer edge 2121E A slanted surface 2135E is formed on the outer surface of the movable part 2129E provided therein, extending downward from its outer edge and toward the center of the main body 2100. When the user presses the slanted surface 2135E, the second operation button 2120E moves diagonally upward toward the center of the main body 2100. As the second operation button 2120E moves toward the center of the main body 2100, it can press the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340, making it possible to remove the second operation button 2120E from the button receiving part 2301. In other words, by forming the slanted surface 2135E on the movable part 2129E of the second operation button 2120E, the engagement between the two engaging parts 2128E, 2342 and the second operation button 2120E can be released in a series of actions by pressing the movable part 2129E, making it easy to remove the second operation button 2120E.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, the Type A second operation button 2120A does not have an engagement portion that engages with the engagement portion 2315 of the base member 2310. In the second operation button 2120A, a guided slope 2133A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection 2125, which is guided by the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310 (see Figures 9A and 9B). The guided slope 2133A is inclined downward and toward the inner circumferential edge 2122A from the outer edge (outer edge closer to the outer circumferential edge 2121A) of the fitting projection 2125A.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9A, on the upper surface of the base member 2310, a guide slope 2314 is formed on the inside of the wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303, extending downward and in the direction of the second fitting portion 2303. The guided slope 2133A formed on the fitting projection 2125A of the second operation button 2120A contacts the guide slope 2314 and slides along the guide slope 2314, thereby guiding the fitting projection 2125A to the inside of the wall portion 2313. This makes it easier to attach the A-type second operation button 2120A to the button receiving portion 2301. Guided slopes 2133B to E are also formed on the fitting projections 2125B to E of the B to E type second operation buttons 2120B to E. B~E This also makes it easier to attach to the button receiving part 2301.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4B, a first fitting portion 2126A is formed in the center of the fitting projection 2125A. A wall surface 2134A is formed on the first fitting portion 2126A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the fitting projection 2125A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A may be a surface closer to a perpendicular surface to the bottom surface of the fitting projection 2125A than the guided slope surface 2133A. As shown in Figure 9A, a second fitting portion 2303 (second fitting portion) that protrudes upward is formed in the center of the button receiving portion 2301. A wall surface 2304 is also formed on this second fitting portion 2303. The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 may be a surface that is closer to a vertical plane with respect to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 than the guide slope 2314.

[0081] When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A contacts the wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303. This prevents the second operation button 2120A from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). In addition, wall surfaces 2134B to E are also formed on the recesses 2126B to E of the fitting protrusions 2125B to E of the second operation buttons 2120B to E of the B to E types. This prevents the second operation buttons 2120B to E of the B to E types from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0082] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a marking member 2400 attached to a second operation button 2120. Figure 13B is a side view of the marking member 2400. The marking member 2400 may be manufactured from a material such as resin or rubber. As shown in Figure 1, the marking member is attached to the upper surface of a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (for example, a type A second operation An opening H1 is formed in the upper surface (2123A) of button 2120A. The marking member 2400 can be attached to and detached from the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13A, the mark member 2400 has a top portion 2401 on which a mark is displayed, which is a character, number, symbol, or a string of characters combining these. Also, as shown in Figure 13B, the mark member 2400 has a fitting projection 2403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 2401 and engages with the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120. In the example shown in Figure 13A, the top portion 2401 is circular, but the shape of the top portion 2401 may be a rectangle such as a square, or it may be another shape. In the example shown in Figure 13A, the symbol "circle" is attached to the top portion 2401 as identification information. The identification information is not limited to a symbol, but may also be a number (Arabic numeral or Roman numeral), or any other type of character. The top portion 2401 of the mark member 2400 may be attached to a different type of identification information than the identification information display portion 2111 formed on the first operation button 2110. Furthermore, the identification information attached to the top portion 2401 may be formed by a braille pattern or embossing so that it can be identified by touch by the user.

[0084] The marking member 2400 can be attached to the inside of the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120 or removed from the opening H1. The fitting projection 2403 of the marking member 2400 has a first extension portion 2403a and a second extension portion 2403b that extend downward by the same length and have flange-shaped lower ends, and there is a gap in the width direction of the marking member 2400 between the first extension portion 2403a and the second extension portion 2403b. The gap Formed. The first extended portion 2403a and the second extended portion 2403b have a gap. between By bending in that direction, the overall width of the fitting projection 2403 becomes narrower. This allows the user to insert the fitting projection 2403 into the opening H1 formed on the upper surface of the second operation button 2120, or to remove the fitting projection 2403 from the opening H1.

[0085] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the Type A second operation button 2120A with the mark member 2400 attached. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the Type E second operation button 2120E with the mark member 2400 attached. As shown in Figure 2, in each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed closer to the edge of the upper surface of the second operation button 2120 than to the center of the upper surface of the second operation button 2120. Therefore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the mark member 2400 can be attached and detached closer to the edge of the upper surface of the second operation button 2120 than to the center of the upper surface of the second operation button 2120. This makes it easier to press the center of the upper surface of the second operation button 2120.

[0086] The second operation button 2120 has an outer peripheral portion 2121 that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, at least a portion of the top portion 2401 of the mark member 2400 overlaps with a portion of the outer peripheral portion 2121 of the second operation button 2120. The user can activate the second operation button 2120 by touching the mark member 2400 while operating the second operation button 2120. 2120 Outer edge 212 1It can detect when the user is touching the vicinity of the button, or when they are touching the central part of the second control button 2120 in the width direction. This makes it easier for the user to confirm that their fingers or other objects are placed in the desired home position.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 is circular, and a portion of its outer edge overlaps with a portion of the outer edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120. This makes it easier for the user to insert their fingertip (or toenail) between the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 and the second operation button 2120, thereby making it easier to remove the marking member 2400 from the second operation button 2120. The top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 may have a portion that extends beyond the outer edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 and outward from the second operation button 2120. Also, the outer edge of the top portion 2401 of the marking member 2400 may have a portion that overlaps with the inner edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120. This also makes it easier to remove the marking member 2400.

[0088] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the top portion 2401 of the mark member 2400 has a bottom portion 2402 that faces the upper portion of the second operation button 2120 when the mark member 2400 is attached to the second operation button 2120. The second A-type shown in Figure 14 operation The upper surface portion 2123A of button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. Also, the second E-type shown in Figure 15 operation The upper surface portion 2123E of button 2120E is also slightly curved in the vertical direction. In contrast, the lower surface portion 2402 of the marking member 2400 is flat in the vertical direction. As a result, the upper surface portion of the second operation button 2120 and the lower surface portion 2402 of the marking member 2400 (See Figure 13B) A small gap exists between them. The user can insert their fingertip or other object into this gap. This makes it easier to remove the marking member 2400 from the second operation button 2120.

[0089] The mark member 2400 shown in Figure 15 differs from the mark member 2400 shown in Figure 14, which has a "circle" symbol on its top 2401, in that it has a "square" symbol on its top 2401. Users can attach multiple mark members 2400 bearing desired identification information to multiple second operation buttons 2120. Users can attach mark members 2400 bearing marks corresponding to functions set in applications (e.g., game applications) executed by information processing devices such as consoles and servers to the second operation buttons 2120. By checking the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120, users can recognize the function of the second operation button 2120 in the application. Users may also change the arrangement of multiple second operation buttons 2120 or change the assignment of switches on the button receiver 2301 corresponding to functions in the application. Even in such cases, by changing the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120, it is possible to suppress discrepancies between the function set in the application and the function indicated by the mark on the mark member 2400.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, variations of the above embodiments may also be included in the essential configuration of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower side of a second operation button 3200, which is a modified version of the second operation button 2120 (for example, the second operation button 2120A of type A) described in the embodiment, and the lower side of a mark member 3400, which is a modified version of the mark member 2400 described in the embodiment. The second operation button 3200 shown in Figure 16 can be mounted on the main body 2100 described in the embodiment. The mark member 3400 shown in Figure 16 can be mounted on the second operation button 3200 shown in the same figure. As shown in Figure 16, an opening H2 is formed on the outer peripheral edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200. In the example of Figure 16, the opening H2 is in the vertical direction. 2nd operationThis is a hole that goes through the button 3200. The marking member 3400 can be attached to and detached from the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200.

[0092] The marking member 3400 may be manufactured from a material such as resin or rubber. As shown in Figure 16, the marking member 3400 has a plate-shaped top portion 3401 and a fitting projection 3403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 3401 and fits into the opening H2 of the second operation button 3200. 3 The top surface of 401 is marked with identification information (a mark), such as letters, symbols, numbers, or strings of characters or combinations thereof. The identification information on the top 3401 may be formed by a braille pattern or embossing so that it can be identified by touch. In the example in Figure 16, the top 3401 is circular (disc-shaped), but the shape of the top 3401 may be a rectangle such as a square, or any other shape.

[0093] As shown in Figure 16, the top of the mark member 3400 3 401 has a flat lower surface portion 3402. When the marking member 3400 is attached to the second operation button 3200, the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400 faces the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200. While the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400 is flat, the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 may be curved. This allows a small gap to be formed between the upper surface portion of the second operation button 3200 and the lower surface portion 3402 of the marking member 3400. The user can remove the marking member 3400 from the second operation button 3200 by inserting their fingertip or the like into this gap.

[0094] As shown in Figure 16, the fitting projection 3403 of the mark member 3400 extends downward (towards the top of the plane of the paper in Figure 16) from the lower surface portion 3402 of the mark member 3400. The fitting projection 3403 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The fitting projection 3403 has a first projection 3403a and a second projection 3403b that protrude from its outer circumferential surface along the lower surface portion 3402. The first projection 3403a protrudes in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the second projection 3403b protrudes in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first projection 3403a and the second projection 3403b are located in opposite directions to each other, straddling the axis Ax2 of the fitting projection 3403 which extends in the vertical direction. The width V of the first protrusion 3403a and the width V of the second protrusion 3403b in the circumferential direction of the fitting protrusion 3403 may be the same. The shape and size of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b may be the same. The number of protrusions formed on the fitting protrusion 3403 may be three or more, or it may be just one.

[0095] As shown in Figure 16, the opening H2 is circular, and there are multiple recesses 320 on the lower outer edge of the opening H2. 3 a~320 3 h is formed. Multiple recesses 320 3 a~320 3 Each of the h's is concave in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. Concave 320 3 a~320 3 Each of h is recessed on the outside of the edge of the opening H2. In the example shown in Figure 16, there are eight recesses. However, the number of recesses formed on the edge of the opening H2 may be more or less than eight. For example, there may be four recesses formed on the edge of the opening H2.

[0096] As shown in Figure 16, a plurality of recesses 320 are formed on the outer edge of the opening H2. 3 a~320 3 Each of h may have a width W in the direction along the edge of the opening H2. Multiple recesses 320 3 a~320 3 Each width W of h may be the same. Multiple recesses 320 3 a~3203 h may be consistent in shape and size. In the example shown in Figure 16, there are eight recesses, and the angle between two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 is 45 degrees. If there are four recesses formed on the outer edge of the opening H2, the angle between two adjacent recesses and the center of the opening H2 may be 90 degrees.

[0097] Multiple recesses 320 3 a~320 3 The size of h corresponds to the size of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b. More specifically, the multiple recesses 320 3 a~320 3 The width W of h is slightly wider than the width V of the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b. As a result, the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b of the fitting protrusion 3403 have multiple recesses 320 3 a~320 3 It can be fitted into any of h.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, multiple recesses may be formed on the outer periphery of the fitting projection 3403. In this case, at least one projection may be formed on the outer periphery of the opening H2, projecting toward the center of the opening H2 and fitting into one of the multiple recesses of the fitting projection 3403.

[0099] The first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b are located in a plurality of recesses 320 3 a~320 3 By fitting into one of h, the rotation of the mark member 3400 in the circumferential direction of the axis Ax2 can be suppressed. In addition, the first protrusion 3403a and the second protrusion 3403b of the mark member 3400 are in multiple directions (multiple recesses 320 from the center of the opening H2) 3 a~320 3The mark member 3400 can be attached to the second operation button 3200 so that it faces one of the directions (towards h). This allows the identification information, such as letters or symbols, attached to the top 3401 of the mark member 3400 to face in multiple directions relative to the second operation button 3200. For example, the bottom of the identification information, such as letters, can face forward or backward, to the left or right, or diagonally relative to the front / back and left / right directions relative to the second operation button 3200.

[0100] As shown in Figure 3, the multiple button receiving portions 2301 formed on the main body 2100 are arranged along the outer edge of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110. Therefore, the multiple second operation buttons 3200 attached to the multiple button receiving portions 2301 face in different directions. For example, when a second operation button 3200 is attached to a button receiving portion 2301 located on the front side of the main body 2100, the outer edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces forward. Also, when a second operation button 3200 is attached to a button receiving portion 2301 located on the rear side of the main body 2100, the outer edge 3201 of the second operation button 3200 faces backward. In the example shown in Figure 3, the main body 2100 has eight button receiving portions 2301. Therefore, when eight second operation buttons 3200 are attached to the eight button receiving portions 2301, the outer edge 3201 of each second operation button 3200 faces in eight directions: forward, backward, left, right, left front, left rear, right front, and right rear.

[0101] The number of directions in which the outer edges 3201 of the multiple second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main unit 2100 face, and the number of recesses 320 from the center of the opening H2 formed in the second operation button 3200 3 a~320 3 The number of directions toward h may be the same. This allows the identification information of the multiple mark members 3400 attached to the multiple second operation buttons 3200 to all face the same direction. Also, the direction in which the outer edges 3201 of the multiple second operation buttons 3200 face and the direction from the center of the opening H2 toward the multiple recesses 320 3 a~3203 The direction towards h may coincide with this direction.

[0102] The user can attach multiple mark members 3400 to multiple second operation buttons 3200 attached to the main unit 2100, such that all of the identification information faces the same direction. For example, multiple mark members 3400 can be attached so that the bottom of each identification information faces towards the user. In this way, the user can easily recognize multiple identification information. That is, the function of the second operation button 2120, which is set in an application (for example, a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or server, can be easily recognized.

[0103] (1-1) As described above, the input device described in this embodiment comprises a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body and having a top surface for resting the hand, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. The plurality of second operation buttons have an outer periphery that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the main body. This makes it possible to make the operation of the input device comfortable for users who find existing input devices uncomfortable to operate.

[0104] (1-2) The input device described in this embodiment comprises a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body for resting the hand, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. The upper surface of each of the plurality of second operation buttons is positioned above the extension line along the upper surface of the first operation button. This makes it possible to make the operation of the input device more comfortable for users who find existing input devices uncomfortable to operate.

[0105] (1-3) In the input device described in (1-1) or (1-2) above, the plurality of second operation buttons may be detachable from the main body. For example, a user can select a desired second operation button from among several types of second operation buttons and attach it to the main body. Furthermore, since the outer periphery of the second operation button extends beyond the outer edge of the main body, a user can remove the second operation button by hooking their fingertips or the back of their hand onto the outer periphery.

[0106] (1-4) In the input device described in (1-3) above, the main body may have an engaging portion that engages with each of the plurality of second operation buttons. With the second operation button attached to the main body, the engaging portion may be positioned between the first operation button and the second operation button and in contact with the second operation button. The engaging portion can move between a locked position in which it engages with the second operation button and an unlocked position in which it is located closer to the first operation button than the locked position. The user can easily remove the second operation button from the main body by lifting its outer edge.

[0107] (1-5) In the input device described in (1-4) above, the main body may have a shaft member that is rotatable about an axis that intersects the vertical direction and the direction toward the center of the main body. The engaging portion may be formed on the shaft member.

[0108] (1-6) In the input device described in (1-4) or (1-5) above, the plurality of second operation buttons may have an inclined surface that extends downward from the outer circumference of the second operation button and toward the center of the main body. When the inclined surface of the second operation button is pressed by the user, the second operation button moves toward the center of the main body, and the engaging portion is pressed by the second operation button and moves to the unlocked position. This makes it possible to remove the second operation button from the button receiving portion.

[0109] (2-1) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch; an operation button attached to the button receiving portion by magnetic force; a first magnetic structure provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, including at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button, including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button has a first engaging portion that is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. This allows the second operation button to be attracted to the button receiving portion by magnetic force, and the orientation of the second operation button can be corrected, making it easier to attach the second operation button to the button receiving portion. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the second operation button from detaching from the main body when the side opposite to the side on which the engaging portion is provided on the second operation button is pressed down.

[0110] (2-2) In the input device described in (2-1) above, the operation button may be pressable in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

[0111] (2-3) In the input device described in (2-2) above, the first magnetic mechanism may include a magnet. The third direction may be the direction in which the magnetic poles of the magnet included in the first magnetic mechanism are separated.

[0112] (2-4) In any one of the input devices described in (2-1) to (2-3) above, the operation button may extend beyond the outer edge of the button receiving portion in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engagement portion is located relative to the at least two magnetic poles. Even if the user presses down on the portion of the second operation button that extends beyond the outer edge of the button receiving portion, the engagement portion is engaged with the button receiving portion on the opposite side, thus preventing the second operation button from disengaging from the button receiving portion.

[0113] (2-5) In the input device described in (2-1) or (2-4) above, the operation button may have a first portion on which the first engagement portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and a second portion on which the first portion is on the opposite side of the at least two magnetic poles from the first portion. The width of the second portion in the second direction may be greater than the width of the first portion. Since the second operation button engages with the button receiver at the first portion on which the engagement portion is provided, when the user presses the second portion, it is possible to prevent the first portion from separating from the button receiver and to prevent the second operation button from coming off the button receiver.

[0114] (2-6) Any one of the first magnetic structures described in (2-1) to (2-5) above may further include at least one U-shaped magnetic material. The at least one magnet may be placed in a recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic material. This enhances the magnetic attraction force of the magnet to the magnetic material. It also reduces the number of magnets that need to be placed in the button receiving portion.

[0115] (2-7) In any one of the input devices described in (2-1) to (2-6) above, the operation button may have a mating projection including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure. The button receiving portion may have a mating recess that receives the mating projection. A guided slope may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mating projection. This allows the mating projection of the second operation button to be guided into the mating recess of the button receiving portion, making it easier to attach the second operation button to the button receiving portion.

[0116] (2-8) In any one of the input devices described in (2-1) to (2-7) above, the operation button may have a first mating portion on the mating projection, which is a projection that protrudes toward the button receiving portion, or a recess that is recessed away from the button receiving portion. The button receiving portion may have a second mating portion into which the first mating portion fits, which is a projection that protrudes toward the operation button, or a recess that is recessed away from the operation button. The outer circumferential surface of the first mating portion may be a vertical surface, or a surface that is closer to a vertical surface than the guided slope. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the second operation button along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion when the second operation button is attached.

[0117] (2-9) In any one of the input devices described in (2-1) to (2-8) above, the main body may have a cover member that includes an opening exposing the button receiving portion upward. The button receiving portion may be biased upward by the switch at its central portion. The outer edge of the button receiving portion may abut against the cover member. This makes it possible to operate the switch when one end of the button receiving portion is pressed and when the other end of the button receiving portion is pressed.

[0118] (2-10) The operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button that is attached to the main body by magnetic force and comprises a first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, and a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the main body. With this, the second operation button is attracted to the main body by magnetic force, making it easier to attach the second operation button to the main body.

[0119] (3-1) The input device described in this embodiment comprises a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a second operation button attached to the main body at a different position from the first operation button. The first operation button has a first upper surface portion which serves as an operation area for the user. The second operation button has a second upper surface portion which serves as an operation area for the user, and a portion of the second upper surface portion has a protruding portion that covers a portion of the first upper surface portion. This makes it possible for users who find existing input devices difficult to operate to operate the input device comfortably.

[0120] (3-2) In the input device described in (3-1) above, the second operation button may be a push button. Between the lower surface of the protruding portion and the first upper portion, there is a greater amount than the amount the second operation button is pressed. Kina A gap may be provided. This prevents the second operation button from interfering with the first operation button when the second operation button is pressed down.

[0121] (3-3) The above (3-1) or (3-2) One of our The input device may have a plurality of buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. Some of the plurality of buttons may be the second operation buttons. This allows for the securing of an area on the upper surface of the first operation button that is exposed inside the plurality of second operation buttons.

[0122] (3-4) In the input devices described in (3-1) to (3-3) above, the main body may have a button receiving portion to which the second button is attached. The second operation button may have an outer periphery that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the main body. The width of the protruding portion may be narrower than the width of the outer periphery. This makes it easier to arrange the operation buttons on the main body.

[0123] (3-5) In the input device described in (3-3) above, the plurality of buttons may be detachable from the main unit. The user can, for example, change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons, including the second operation button, on the main unit.

[0124] (3-6) In any of the input devices described in (3-1) to (3-5) above, the main body may have a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch. The second operation button may have a first engaging portion that engages with the button receiving portion. The first engaging portion may be provided on the second operation button near the opposite side of the protruding portion. This prevents the opposite side of the protruding portion of the second operation button from disengaging from the button receiving portion when the user presses down on the protruding portion.

[0125] (3-7) In the input device described in (3-6) above, the second operation button may have an outer peripheral portion that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the main body. The second operation button may have a second engaging portion that engages with the button receiving portion at a position closer to the protruding portion of the second operation button. This prevents the portion closer to the protruding portion from disengaging from the button receiving portion when the user presses down on the portion of the second operation button closer to the outer peripheral portion.

[0126] (3-8) In the input device described in (3-6) or (3-7) above, the second operation button may have a movable part on its outer circumference for releasing the engagement of the first engagement part. By moving the movable part, the user can release the engagement of the engagement part with the button receiver and remove the second operation button.

[0127] (3-9) In any of the input devices described in (3-1) to (3-8) above, the first operation button may be located in the center of the main body. The protruding portion may extend toward the center of the main body. The second operation button may have an outer periphery that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the main body. This makes the second operation button larger in a plan view, making it easier for the user to press the second operation button.

[0128] (3-10) The second operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button attached to the main body and having a top surface for pressing by hand, and a portion of the top surface has a protruding portion that covers a portion of the top surface for resting the hand, which is attached to the main body and formed on other operation buttons. This makes it possible for users who find existing input devices difficult to operate to operate the input device comfortably.

[0129] (4-1) The input device described in this embodiment comprises a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface that can be pressed downwards, and a marking member that is detachable from the plurality of operation buttons and has a top portion on which a mark is displayed for the user to recognize the function assigned to the plurality of operation buttons. Each of the plurality of operation buttons has an opening formed in the upper surface. The marking member has a fitting projection that protrudes downward from the top portion and fits into the opening. With this, the user can understand the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the mark displayed on the marking member. Furthermore, even if the function of the second operation button is changed in the application, the user can understand the correct function assigned to the second operation button by replacing the marking member of the second operation button.

[0130] (4-2) The input device described in this embodiment comprises a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface that can be pressed downwards, and a marking member that has a top portion on which a mark is displayed for the user to recognize the function assigned to the plurality of operation buttons, and is detachable from the plurality of operation buttons. The marking member is detachable from the upper surface at a position closer to the edge of the upper surface than to the center of the upper surface. As a result, the user can understand the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the mark displayed on the marking member. Furthermore, since the marking member is attached closer to the edge of the upper surface of the second operation button than to the center of the upper surface of the second operation button, it becomes easier for the user to press down on the center of the upper surface of the second operation button.

[0131] (4-3) In the input device described in (4-1) or (4-2) above, the plurality of operation buttons may be detachable from the main unit. Even if the user changes the arrangement of the second operation buttons on the main unit, the correct function assigned to the second operation button can be determined by replacing the marking member of the second operation button.

[0132] (4-4) In any of the input devices described in (4-1) to (4-3) above, a portion of the outer edge of the top portion may overlap with a portion of the outer edge of the operation button. This makes it easier to insert a fingertip or the like between the top portion of the marking member and the second operation button, and to remove the marking member from the second operation button.

[0133] (4-5) In any of the input devices described in (4-1) to (4-4) above, the top portion may have a bottom portion facing the top portion when the marking member is attached to the operation button. The top portion may be curved in the vertical direction. The bottom portion may be flat in the vertical direction. This allows a gap to be formed between the top portion of the marking member and the second operation button, making it easier to remove the marking member from the second operation button.

[0134] (4-6) In any of the input devices described in (4-1) to (4-5) above, the plurality of operation buttons may have an outer periphery that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the main body. At least a portion of the top may overlap with a portion of the outer periphery. In this case, the user can perform the second operation button By touching the marking element during operation, it is possible to detect that the area near the outer edge of the second operation button is being touched.

[0135] (4-7) In any of the input devices described in (4-1) to (4-6) above, the marking member may have a fitting projection that protrudes below the top and fits into the opening. The opening may have a plurality of recesses formed along the edge of the opening. The fitting projection may have at least one projection that fits into any of the plurality of recesses. This prevents the marking member from rotating in the circumferential direction of the axis of the fitting projection. Furthermore, the mark on the top of the marking member can be oriented in multiple directions relative to the second operation button. For example, by attaching multiple marking members to multiple second operation buttons such that the bottom of each mark on multiple marking members faces towards the user, the user can easily recognize multiple marks.

[0136] (4-8) In any of the input devices described in (4-1) to (4-6) above, the marking member may have a fitting projection that protrudes below the top and fits into the opening. The fitting projection may have a plurality of recesses. The opening may be formed along the edge of the opening and have at least one projection that fits into any of the plurality of recesses. This also prevents the marking member from rotating in the circumferential direction of the axis of the fitting projection. Furthermore, the mark attached to the top of the marking member can be oriented in multiple directions relative to the second operation button. For example, by attaching multiple marking members to multiple second operation buttons such that the bottom of each mark on multiple marking members faces towards the user, the user can easily recognize multiple marks.

[0137] While specific embodiments are shown and described in detail herein, it will be understood that the subject matter covered by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch, An operation button that is attached to the aforementioned button receiving part by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in a first direction, The button receiving portion and the other of the operation buttons are provided with a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, The operation button has a first engaging portion that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. The aforementioned operation button can be pressed down in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. Input device.

2. A main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch, An operation button that is attached to the aforementioned button receiving part by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in a first direction, The button receiving portion and the other of the operation buttons are provided with a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, The operation button has a first engaging portion that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. The aforementioned operating button extends beyond the outer edge of the button receiving portion in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engaging portion is located relative to the at least two magnetic poles. Input device.

3. A main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch, An operation button that is attached to the aforementioned button receiving part by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in a first direction, The button receiving portion and the other of the operation buttons are provided with a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, The operation button has a first engaging portion that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. The operation button has a first portion which is the side on which the first engagement portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and a second portion which is the portion opposite to the first portion with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. The width of the second portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the first portion. Input device.

4. A main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch, An operation button that is attached to the aforementioned button receiving part by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in a first direction, The button receiving portion and the other of the operation buttons are provided with a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, The operation button has a first engaging portion that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. The aforementioned operating button has a fitting projection including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure, The button receiving portion has a fitting recess for receiving the fitting projection, A guided slope is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection. Input device.

5. A main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch, An operation button that is attached to the aforementioned button receiving part by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure is provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, and includes at least two magnetic poles that are separated in a first direction, The button receiving portion and the other of the operation buttons are provided with a second magnetic structure which includes a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, The operation button has a first engaging portion that is positioned in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the button receiving portion. The main body has a cover member that includes an opening that exposes the button receiving portion upwards, The button receiving portion is biased upward by the switch at its central part. The outer edge of the button receiving portion is in contact with the cover member. Input device.

6. In the input device described in claim 1, The first magnetic structure includes a magnet, The third direction is the direction in which the magnetic poles of the magnet included in the first magnetic structure are separated. Input device.

7. In the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The first magnetic structure further includes at least one magnet and at least one U-shaped magnetic material, The at least one magnet is positioned in the recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic material. Input device.

8. In the input device described in claim 4, The aforementioned operating button has a first fitting portion which is a protrusion that protrudes toward the button receiving portion, or a recess that is recessed away from the button receiving portion, on the fitting projection portion. The button receiving portion has a second fitting portion which is a convex portion that protrudes toward the operation button, or a concave portion that is recessed away from the operation button, into which the first fitting portion fits. The outer circumferential surface of the first fitting portion has a vertical surface, or a surface that is closer to a vertical surface than the guided slope. Input device.

9. These are control buttons that are attached to the main unit by magnetism. A first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, It has a first engaging portion that is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to at least two of the magnetic poles and engages with the main body, It can be pushed down in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. Operation buttons.

10. An operating button that is attached to the main body by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, With respect to at least two of the magnetic poles, a first engaging portion is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction and engaging with the main body, When the operation button is attached to the main body, it has a portion that extends beyond the outer edge of the button receiving portion in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engagement portion is positioned with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. Operation buttons.

11. An operation button that is attached to the main body by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, With respect to at least two of the magnetic poles, a first engaging portion is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction and engaging with the main body, It has a first portion which is the side on which the first engagement portion is provided with respect to at least two magnetic poles, and a second portion which is the portion on the opposite side from the first portion with respect to at least two magnetic poles. The width of the second portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the first portion. Operation buttons.

12. An operating button that is attached to the main body by magnetic force, A first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles separated in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure including a magnetic material or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles, With respect to at least two of the magnetic poles, a first engaging portion is located in a second direction intersecting the first direction and engaging with the main body, It has a fitting projection including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure, A guided slope is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection. Operation buttons.

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